Disney Address & HUGE Stitch Complaint

[Darwineffect]

The worst thing is that with the money they put into this ride and the way they have been hyping it, I'm sure we are stuck with it for years.

Just a thought, if you don't like an attraction, just avoid it. I agree it is not for small kids. I rode with a few that were barely walking and talking and they were fine, others cried. I am sorry but there are signs and if you use the boards you have probably heard how the ride is and should know your own child well enough to avoid things that will scare him/her. I think it is a cop out to remove attractions, television shows, etc. just because you don't like it and/or can't keep your child from viewing it. O.k. now I will step off of my soap box.

 

[puffkin]

Not to play the Devil's advocate here, but there are so many publications and websites that review all these rides. I realize Stitch is a new ride, but I have seen many posts on here about it. My thought is that if you are not sure about bringing your child on a ride, you should preview it first before taking them on. Then you will know if the ride is too scary for them. I don't think complaining to Disney is the right thing to do - it's not their fault that your DD was scared! Every child is different - my own children were TERRIFIED the first time I took them in the Haunted Mansion - but I don't blame Disney for that. I'm so sorry your DD was scared - I know how it is to try to convince scared kiddos to try different rides!

I totally agree. Everything I have read says that Stitch is pretty much exactly like Alien Encounter, except that it is Stitch escaping instead of the alien. I think a parent who is unsure if their child can handle the ride should preview it first. Also, just because Stitch is associated with this ride doesn't mean it is entirely kid friendly. I mean, I don't really think the movie was that appropriate for young (2 or 3 year old) children, so I don't know why the ride should be. Just my opinion, sorry it put a damper on your vacation though, but hopefully a lesson was learned.

 

[TXMommy]

When you go into the Stitch attraction, can't you see that there is a harness on the seat? If you had a problem with being harnessed in, couldn't you just walk on out (i.e. the "chicken exit")? I find it hard to believe that people didn't know they were going to be harnessed in! Maybe they didn't know in line, but surely they knew when they saw the seat!

I have never been on AE or Stitch, but I pretty much know exactly how it is just from reading posts on this board. And I know in other attractions such as ITTBAB, there are ample warnings about the scariness of the ride before you get on it - I would think Stitch would be the same way.

You can't please all the people all the time!

 

[lllovell]

Seems like this ride is really bombing with most. I am not really sure what age group it is for to be honest. The older children I asked about it found it boring. My 2 and 4 year old liked it, but the real test will be when we go back and see if they want to ride it next time (that tells me if they REALLY like it). Some people's small children don't do well apparently and that was a horrible experience for that little girl and I hate to hear it. I try to check things first. We have done Haunted Mansion - 2 year old didnt have a clue so he was fine...4 year old said that was fun but we dont ever have to do it again lol - sooooo obviously even if he doesnt like things, he takes it in stride. My niece would no more have ridden Stitch than the cow can jump over the moon, but I would have known that going in when it said it was loud.

I think Disney created a ride that didnt cost much to upgrade instead of figuring out if it was going to actually fit a certain group and entertain the masses. i.e. - cheap won over marketing research this time.

I thought it was cute. I suspect we will ride it again. No one in the ride was upset during our first ride (at least no one was screaming), so I don't know how the CM's respond, but I would hope they would go over and help people with scared children. I simply reached out and held my children's hands. They were fine with it and giggled at Stitch being bad.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

I was disapointed in this ride as well. There is however a sign out front stating the effects used on the ride (strobes, lasers, long periods of darkness, loud noise, sudden this and that, etc). Of course I think SW might have a somewhat similar warning. It's so hard to tell wether or not rides will affect children but this one is a defiant, IMO. All the little ones in our "ride" were screaming or crying and the ride once started can not be stopped or so it seemed since the CM's let the kids cry and the parents go frantic trying to get the little ones out of the harnesses. Yikes!

 

[Peter_noPan]

Just a thought, if you don't like an attraction, just avoid it. I agree it is not for small kids. I rode with a few that were barely walking and talking and they were fine, others cried. I am sorry but there are signs and if you use the boards you have probably heard how the ride is and should know your own child well enough to avoid things that will scare him/her. I think it is a cop out to remove attractions, television shows, etc. just because you don't like it and/or can't keep your child from viewing it. O.k. now I will step off of my soap box.

I never said anything about the television show and I CAN KEEP MY CHILD FROM SEEING IT. But, I can not go back into time and stop my 5 yo from seeing it. So stay off your soap box. (If this were not a family sight I would have added a few words in the last line.)

And they should make better use of their money and space and put in rides that will draw priase on sights like this rather than near total condemnation.

 

[absame]

I think people are missing the point. We went on stitch this past weekend with our 5 and 7 year olds. They love all the thrill rides but dont love the Bug attraction. DW and I liked the bug, but we all hated the stitch ride. Disney can make rides for different folks, but the design a ride around a kids cartoon that is not very kid friendly probably wasnt the best market judgement -- the ride is more appropriate for Alien than Stitch. They need a big sign out front that says this ride may not be suitable for children.

That being said, DW and i hated it as well and not because we were scared. The Stitch movie was about finding redeeming qualities in people, I dont see the redeeming qualities in this attraction. The imagineer sitting in his cubicle who decided that it would be fun for people to have stitch spit on them and then burp onions at them, need to stop watching Fear Factor and get out more.

 

[mickeyfanmom]

I hope that it is a "true rumor" that Disney is thinking about making changes to this ride.

I have heard from others, not just on this board, that the ride is kind of a "letdown." It is tough to tell who they are marketing it to with all of the darkness, the harnesses etc. Older kids probably think Stitch is lame anyway, so the main target audience for the character should be considered when coming up with ride elements.

I thought that the old AE was cheesy and didn't even remember the harness- that's how unconcerned with it I was. But now taking my five year old on it, I can see where that might be an issue.

I guess those concerned should preview it first and decide. I did that with "Dinosaur" and dragged my screaming 7 year old on it, much like someone posted on this thread earlier. The difference is though, that I did preview it and knew that he would be fine. Once he got over his pre-ride fear, he went on it and loved it so much we got right back into the line to ride again. Same thing with "California Screaming" so some of us do know what we're doing when we drag that scared kid on it.

Sorry about your daughter, though k k 100. We took our then 2 1/2 year old on "Honey I Shrunk......." on day one and then spent the entire rest of the trip trying to drag him in and out of movies because he was terrified. So I definitely know how that is!

 

[2002Disneybride]

Just a thought, if you don't like an attraction, just avoid it. I agree it is not for small kids. I rode with a few that were barely walking and talking and they were fine, others cried. I am sorry but there are signs and if you use the boards you have probably heard how the ride is and should know your own child well enough to avoid things that will scare him/her. I think it is a cop out to remove attractions, television shows, etc. just because you don't like it and/or can't keep your child from viewing it. O.k. now I will step off of my soap box.

I have to agree with you. I would hate to have them change something just because people with young kids can't go on it...there are so many things for the younger age group to do. I have an 5 month old son who has already been to disney once and all it takes is a little common sense that some rides are not appropriate for children of certain ages. As they get older, then parents can increase the amount of 'thrill rides' their children go on...you just need to use your common sense. It bothers me that people have to complain about things that just require a little sense.

 

[cookie2001]

Thanks for the warning. My kids love Stitch and I've already told them there is a new Stitch ride open for our next trip. Now I know we won't be going on it and we won't have to make a decision on the spot.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I guess those concerned should preview it first and decide. I did that with "Dinosaur" and dragged my screaming 7 year old on it, much like someone posted on this thread earlier. The difference is though, that I did preview it and knew that he would be fine. Once he got over his pre-ride fear, he went on it and loved it so much we got right back into the line to ride again. Same thing with "California Screaming" so some of us do know what we're doing when we drag that scared kid on it.

I am sorry if you took offense to what I said about the woman who dragged her horrified daughter on Dinosaur. This woman did not strike me as someone who "tested" the ride first and her daughter was visibly shaken and frightened, so much so that the CM working the ride did not seem like they wanted to allow her on.

Yes, some parents know their kids are able to handle a scary ride, but sadly there are some who are just selfish and not willing to forgo a ride that THEY want to ride, or do child swap for the sake of their child.

This woman SEEMED like she was one of them.

 

[perfectmatch300]

We tried Stitch & didn't like it either. We talked to A CM afterwards & she said Disney is planning to keep it open through the holidays & then shut to down. She didn't know what they planned to do with it, but she said Michael Eisner didn't like it either & is planning to do something about it.

As far as taking young children on Stitch, I guess a lot of that decision comes from knowing your child. I agree with the poster who suggested previewing the ride first. Personally, I found it boring, but I can easily see how many people & especially small children might find the darkness, loud noises & restraints frightening & claustrophobic.

It's really too bad Disney didn't focus on all the cute but slightly naughty things Stitch sometimes does that the kids really can relate to instead of keeping it so much like Alien Encounter. I'd have loved to see Stitch doing Elvis songs!

 

[always quiet]

You know, if WDW only built attractions that every person, who would ever enter the park would like, there would not be ONE ride in the place. Some people like something as simple as the Tea Cups, others it will make them sick. Some like 3D movie type attractions, people like my DD HATE them. There is such a wide variety of things to do....if you don't like an attraction or think it's too much for your kids, skip it!! Contacting Disney is just ridiculous in my opinion. When my oldest DD was 5, we took her on Honey I Shrunk the Audience. She was totally freaked out and to this day (she is now 13) she will NOT put the glasses on inside the theater and will sit there with her eyes shut. Should I contact Disney and tell them that this attraction, which is geared towards kids, has ruined her vacations each and every year since?? Disney has warnings up on Stitch and you can even download a video from inside the ride and watch it on your computer. A safe rule of thumb is if you are in doubt, either don't do it or have one parent check it out first.

We took the kids on AE back in 2000. They were 10, 8 and 5 at the time. My 8 yr old hated it more than the 5 yr old. Since I wasn't sure how they would react to it, we did it early in the day, that way, if it scared them, we would have the rest of the day to make 'good' memories. "Monsters" never appeared in any dreams that night. In 2002, right before we went to WDW again, the Travel Channel had one of their specials on and they showed HOW AE worked. When we got to the parks, we again did the ride (much to my DD despair!). As we entered the ride, we sat in the very last row. I was sure to remind her of the things we had seen on tv before we left. Once she realized WHAT was happening, she actually enjoyed listening to other audience members getting scared and being able to know what was happening and how.

 

[Darwineffect]

I never said anything about the television show and I CAN KEEP MY CHILD FROM SEEING IT. But, I can not go back into time and stop my 5 yo from seeing it. So stay off your soap box. (If this were not a family sight I would have added a few words in the last line.)

And they should make better use of their money and space and put in rides that will draw priase on sights like this rather than near total condemnation.

Perhaps you could try reading a sign or two first before entering a new attraction. Most people leave their brains in their cars when they go to Disney and feel everything is fine. Just use common sense even if it hurts. Feel free to add all of the words you would like, it would just prove what type of person you are. All I am saying is just becuase you don't like something doesn't mean that those that may like should have to suffer without it. I personally hate IASW, but I think it has its place and I will go on it with the kids when they want to. I CHOOSE not to go on it on my own because I have that right.

 

[DizBelle]

If you don't like something on tv, don't watch it.
If you don't want your child to see it, don't let them.
If you don't like an attraction at WDW, don't see it.
If you don't know if your child will be ok with an attraction because you don't know anything about the attraction, DON'T TAKE YOUR CHILD ON IT UNTIL YOU LEARN MORE.

Don't blame WDW because you did something you shouldn't have. It doesn't matter if the central character is perceived as a "kiddie" character. Anything can be spun in any direction. Kiddie character does not necessarily mean kiddie ride. Just because the height requirement is 35 inches does not mean that your 40 inch child should go on it. It's your job as a parent to know what your child is being exposed to.

Only an irresponsible parent would subject their child to an unknown environment. You look both ways before leading your child across the street don't you? Similar rules apply to attractions at WDW. It's all part and parcel to being a good parent.

If you wish to provide feedback to WDW about a particular attraction, then I'm sure they would welcome it. But it should be constructive feedback. It should not be flaming them because it scared your child. The WDW execs didn't take your child on the attraction. You did.

 

[DisneyMim]

I have never been a big fan of AE so I'm guessing I won't like the "new improved" version either. It certainly sounds like Disney missed the mark with this ride, but let me tell you as a loooong time WDW guest I never believed what posted signs said, what CMS said, what pictures etc. yada yada yada. I leaned a long time ago when my children were young to preview any new rides. My husband usually would go on alone and then come out and tell us what it was all about. We would then decide if either of our kids should go on the ride. We knew our kids best and always knew exactly what would scare either of them. Now our kids (20 and 16) go on the ride first and preview it for us!! LOL!! I believe the OP really believed that because it was stich it would be ok for her young child. I feel bad that her little girl was so scared, that's not fun for child or parent. On the other hand, I also believe thatas parentswe have to really research ourselves and go on alone (yes even if it means a longer time). I'm betting this thread will cause a lot of people to rethink rides. I think it was nice of the OP to warn others.

 

[Darwineffect]

If you don't like something on tv, don't watch it.
If you don't want your child to see it, don't let them.
If you don't like an attraction at WDW, don't see it.
If you don't know if your child will be ok with an attraction because you don't know anything about the attraction, DON'T TAKE YOUR CHILD ON IT UNTIL YOU LEARN MORE.

Don't blame WDW because you did something you shouldn't have. It doesn't matter if the central character is perceived as a "kiddie" character. Anything can be spun in any direction. Kiddie character does not necessarily mean kiddie ride. Just because the height requirement is 35 inches does not mean that your 40 inch child should go on it. It's your job as a parent to know what your child is being exposed to.

Only an irresponsible parent would subject their child to an unknown environment. You look both ways before leading your child across the street don't you? Similar rules apply to attractions at WDW. It's all part and parcel to being a good parent.

If you wish to provide feedback to WDW about a particular attraction, then I'm sure they would welcome it. But it should be constructive feedback. It should not be flaming them because it scared your child. The WDW execs didn't take your child on the attraction. You did.

AMEN!

 

[meandtheguys2]

If you don't like something on tv, don't watch it.
If you don't want your child to see it, don't let them.
If you don't like an attraction at WDW, don't see it.
If you don't know if your child will be ok with an attraction because you don't know anything about the attraction, DON'T TAKE YOUR CHILD ON IT UNTIL YOU LEARN MORE.

Don't blame WDW because you did something you shouldn't have. It doesn't matter if the central character is perceived as a "kiddie" character. Anything can be spun in any direction. Kiddie character does not necessarily mean kiddie ride. Just because the height requirement is 35 inches does not mean that your 40 inch child should go on it. It's your job as a parent to know what your child is being exposed to.

Only an irresponsible parent would subject their child to an unknown environment. You look both ways before leading your child across the street don't you? Similar rules apply to attractions at WDW. It's all part and parcel to being a good parent.

I don't think I agree entirely with you. I don't know many people who preview every ride before taking children on it. It isn't practical. Making Stitch scary is like making Pooh scary IMO. I would never expect Pooh to be scary. They market their own show (Stitch) to youngsters, and are thus responsible to that audience, IMO.

 

[Hippychickali]

I don't think I agree entirely with you. I don't know many people who preview every ride before taking children on it. It isn't practical. Making Stitch scary is like making Pooh scary IMO. I would never expect Pooh to be scary. They market their own show (Stitch) to youngsters, and are thus responsible to that audience, IMO.

Start rant . . .

But isn't that why we plan so much for our trips? I don't know about you but I've probably virtually previewed every attraction in MK just out of interest . . . I don't have any kids to look out for. I mean, Stitch was a brand new ride. If you did not know anything about it, either skip it or preview it. So, it's not impratical at all to come on sites like this and ask questions before taking a little one on different attractions. Ultimately, it is the parents responsibility. It's not like Disney should compensate you for not enjoying one of its attractions. C'mon.

I'm getting really tired of hearing that Stitch is a kid-friendly character and therefore the ride should be kid-friendly. First of all, Stitch is an alien so it wasn't hard to forsee the ride staying pretty much the same replacing Stitch with the aliens that were already there. Second of all, there are other rides with kid-friendly characters that may be considered scary. Look at Dinosaur. That was a kid-friendly movie but that doesn't mean that the ride will be. Or Snow White. Or the bugs from It's A Bugs Life.

I agree with the poster who said that the harnesses would have been obvious the minute you stepped into the room. Why would you let your little one be harnessed if you knew he/she was going to freak out? Why not just leave before it starts?

End rant . . .

Ali

 

[DizBelle]

I don't think I agree entirely with you. I don't know many people who preview every ride before taking children on it. It isn't practical. Making Stitch scary is like making Pooh scary IMO. I would never expect Pooh to be scary. They market their own show (Stitch) to youngsters, and are thus responsible to that audience, IMO.

You SHOULD abandon practicality in favor of being a good parent. If you aren't willing to do this then maybe you shouldn't be a parent or should wait to go to WDW until your child is a older and the previewing and research isn't as necessary.

IMHO, if the choice is between a good parent and anything, being a good parent should prevail. Don't sacrifice your child's health and happiness to save time.