Disney with "Young Folks" - ride advice needed

[queenmum2]

I'll be in Disney the 3rd week of October with my DH and two kids (plus the "old folks" part of the time).

The guide books I've seen aren't really specific for the audience for some of the rides...

Which ones can I take my 6 & 9 year olds on? The last time we went, they were 3 & 6. We skipped all of the coasters & mountains & rapids because my DD was too little. I KNOW they can both do TT because DS went when he was 6 and loved it. What about Splash Mtn? I've heard BTMRR was OK for the 6 year old; What about Kali River Rapids...that's OK right?

The big question - what about EE? I'm DYING to try it and I know DH would like it too. Is it too scary for the kids?

Thanks for any advice you can dish out.

Tracie

 

[paintnolish]

I'll be in Disney the 3rd week of October with my DH and two kids (plus the "old folks" part of the time).

The guide books I've seen aren't really specific for the audience for some of the rides...

Which ones can I take my 6 & 9 year olds on? The last time we went, they were 3 & 6. We skipped all of the coasters & mountains & rapids because my DD was too little. I KNOW they can both do TT because DS went when he was 6 and loved it. What about Splash Mtn? I've heard BTMRR was OK for the 6 year old; What about Kali River Rapids...that's OK right?

The big question - what about EE? I'm DYING to try it and I know DH would like it too. Is it too scary for the kids?

Thanks for any advice you can dish out.

Tracie

It all depends on the kids. DS loves ToT. He went on 8 times in one day when he was 5. DD loves thrill rides, but not the scary parts. She went on ToT when she was 4! She did not cry or anything, but did not want to go again. They both loved SM and TMR. This was last Nov. Last week we were back in WDW. She tried ToT again, but still did not like the spooky parts. They both loved EE! There are 2 parts where the Yeti appears. Once is just a shadow. Right before the very end, you pass under the animatronic yeti. I just told dd not to look. She was fine with it and we got right back on again.

 

[utilidor]

You know your kids best. If they enjoy ToT and SM, they will probably like EE. It's not as intense ride wise as the RnR coaster or Mission Space, so unless they have a propensity for Yeti fear, they will probably love it. It doesn't go upside down, but does go backwards. I describe it as a really cool, well done ride moreso than a extreme thrill ride.

IMHO - of course. Don't forget to factor in your kids moods. My 4 year old was all jazzed up to go on Space in DisneyLand earlier this year, but I haven't been able to get her on anything since except ToT in May....

btw - BTM and the Rapids are fine.

As far as thrills, I'd rank the following (from most to least intense)

RnR Coaster
ToT / Mission Space
EE
Splash
Dinosaur
Space
Test Track
BTM
Kali

 

[dbenlee]

With our son (7) we have always used just basic common sense, meaning, if he felt he could ride it we would let him try it hwile at Disney. He has always been tall for his age and he has no fear of anything. There have been a few things at other parks we didn't feel comfortable letting him ride, but at Disney there aren't any rides that we were worried about as long as he wanted to ride it. So I would let your kids be your first indicator, if they don't want to try it, let that be the end of the issue. If they do, then look at the ride and using what you know about your children decide if you think it might be to intense.

As for the specific rides. Splash Mountain has only one intense moment and that is the final 50 foot plunge at the end, other than that, I think its a very easy and fun ride. If they like most roller coasters, I think they will like Splash Mountain.

Kali River Rapids I think is tamer that Spalsh Mountain. What makes it intense is the anticipation of getting SOAKED, not just wet, but completely SOAKED. Once again, if they like most mild roller coasters, I think they will like Kali River Rapids. Just make sure they are prepared to get soaked.

Expedition Everest might be another story. For the most part EE isn't very bad, but it does have a few intense moments when it goes backwards, other than that I think its less intense than Rockin' Rollercoaster. I enjoy EE and I'm not always a big fan of rollercoasters, but not knowing your children it would be hard to say if they would enjoy it or not.

 

[mmmears]

Our DD has loved all these rides since she was around 7 years old.

The Unofficial Guide has a neat feature -- it shows ratings for each ride by age category -- this really helped us plan for our 3-generation trips. If you dont want to buy the book, try checking it out of the library -- I did.

 

[queenmum2]

We aren't near any major parks - minor either, for that matter (we're near Charleston, SC). I really think the "scary" factor will be the biggest obstacle for her rather than the "thrill" factor. She'd probably be really frightened by the yeti.

Last time we went (2003), DS went on TT and loved it so much. DD wanted to go on it so bad, but didn't measure up. I think she'll be really looking forward to that.

Our plan, at least for MK, is to start easy with the Barnstormer. She loved it last time (heck, we all did...even if it didn't last but 30 seconds ) I really don't think she'll be up for Space Mtn. because of the dark-factor. But we'll proceed with BTM. If she's up to THAT, we'll do Splash Mtn.

Thanks for the info on EE -- sounds do-able.

Tracie