Give it to me straight!

[Disnee]

Big Thunder Mountain, and Splash - how scary are they REALLY??

I ask because, even though I've been to DL a few times, I've never been on either ride - partly because my DS has been too small, and partly because (especially in the case of BTMRR) I'm a roller coaster chicken. However, this time around, my DS meets all the height requirements, and I'm feeling like I might be missing out. Splash I think will be fine - I love the drops on POTC, and think I can deal with the bigger one since it's over so fast anyway. With regards to BTMRR, though, I'm not at all sure what to expect - I don't know the first thing about it, and I'm not kidding when I say I'm really not a roller coaster fan. The guide books haven't been much help - I'd love to know some "real world" answers....so, let's have it!! or ????

I should also mention that DS is 4, but has done POTC, Haunted Mansion, Snow White, etc. and loves them all - any experience with kids this age on BTMRR or Splash?

Thanks!!

 

[dizzyami]

In June my 3 year old son absolutely loved BTMRR - we probably rode the ride ten times. I would define it as mild for a roller coaster, there are no loops or anything, just a mild coaster with climbs, falls and twists. I did have an arm around my kids the whole time (it is a lap bar, so it did not come down far enough on them, with me). The only problem that my DD ever had on this ride was the tiny bit of dark and bats, but she got over it quickly.

As for splash, again the drops are the key to the ride - there are a couple of minor ones, and then the obvious one at the end. Both of my kids also loved this ride, and we rode it many times.

 

[Master Mason]

To my mind, they are both very tame.

Personally, I also think that BTMR is a much much better ride at night, when the lights really make it a much different experience.

 

[disneylandfreak]

Hi, Splash isn't scary at all just really fun, I'm not a huge coaster fan either but I do like BTMRR. My son is 4 also and honestly he doesn't care for this ride but I think he is just going thru a faze. At 3 he loved MH and now he thinks it's scary. I would definately hold on to him, they tend to slide around at that age. Have fun.
Jen

 

[MBIJ]

Just returned and my 4 y.o. daughter loved both rides - as well as space mountain. I would definitely do Splash Mountain. BTMRR is tame as far as roller coasters, but it is still a roller coaster and if you are really afraid of them, it may cause you some angst. I agree with your thought on Splash - the little drops are nothing, and then there is one big drop - and then its over. BTMRR is faster, with turns and smaller drops but definitely, defintely fun. I say go for it. Since my 7 y.o. went on California Screamin', I decided I had to as well and loved it. So, I say just do it - you'll be glad you did. But please remember to use Fast Pass!

 

[Master Mason]

On the subject of screaming, I am always amazed at how smooth that ride is everytime I am on it, yes it is a big coaster with flips and stuff, but I have never ridden a smother one anywhere either.

 

[mattmommy]

My ds6 has been riding coasters since he met the height requirement (pretty much around 4). He's a coaster nut and I'm pretty much afraid of coasters and heights (although I love TOT -- go figure).

The flume at DL has a seat in the back where you can sit side by side with your ds. I didn't do BTMRR, but dh (coaster nut) said it was really bumpy and possibly lost his spleen on it. I've done BTMRR at WDW and while I did it once I won't do it again.

I would go on Splash first and see how it goes. Worst case scenario he hates it, but you're cooled off.

 

[bumbershoot]

I didn't do BTMRR, but dh (coaster nut) said it was really bumpy and possibly lost his spleen on it.

Bwa ha ha.... But wait...he only *possibly* lost his spleen? Is it rolling around inside still?


I personally didn't find BTMRR to be bad at all. DS is too short for those still (who knows where he'll be in September, though) so I don't know how he will like them!

 

[CalGal]

I think BTMRR is a good starter non-kiddie coaster. I'd take your DS on Gadget's Go-Coaster first, just to warm up. He'll probably love it. Most young kids I know love BTMRR.

Splash can be a bit intimidating. The ride itself is tame until you get to the big drop. My DS was much more frightened of Splash than any of the coasters at 4. He did go on it, and was hesitant to try it again when we came when he was 5. But by 5 1/2 or 6, it was his favorite ride.

 

[imjen]

When my dd was 4 she got scared on both BTMRR and Splash. Although Splash not as much. BTMRR is pretty jerky and fast. She didn't like the big drop on Splash very well and didn't want to go on it again. But the next year when she was 5.5 yrs she was fine and enjoyed both. One nice thing with BTMRR is that you can stand there and watch it for awhile before deciding if it looks too scary.

 

[Albort]

They are both SOOOO SCARY!!!! I freaked out!!!

Then again, i went on Snow White and thats even more scary than both Thunder Mt and Splash Mt.

 

[yipee]

The whole experience of travelling through Splash Mountain is SOOOOOO worth the drop at the end! Our family feels like this is one of the BEST attractions in terms of storytelling. You'll love the story of Brer Rabbit et al. Each time you go, you'll see new things inside. Splash Mountain is so much more than that scary looking drop at the end. And you're right - it's over fast. I would definitely try to talk yourself into doing Splash.

As for BTMRR, I agree with the previous poster that's it's a good intro to coasters with no flips or rolls, but yes - it IS a coaster and you will absolutely wing around the track alot! So, it's a great suggestion to watch it for a bit to see what you think. (Or just go on it without thinking about it too much! )

Hope this helps!

 

[dizneyfreakz]

If you want to "see" for yourself what you experience, watch the videos of both rides here http://disneylandpix.com/videos .

It should give you a good idea of what the rides are like and if you can "handle" them. You should honestly be fine tho.

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

Both my kids 5&6 loved BTMRR and both have repeatedly proclaimed it as possibly their favorite ride at DL.

DS6 also loved Splash and demanded we ride it 3 times.... DD5 did not like Splash.

So there you have 2 kids opinions.

 

[kuusimo]

BTMRR is much tamer the closer you sit to the engine. The further back, the less jerky the ride is too. My DH took our 5 year old on it last time and he loved it, but was a little scared in the caves. He came out telling our 4 year old- YOU WOULD NOT LIKE IT. It goes in the dark. That is a huge deal for my boys- the dark.

Have to admit I have not been on Splash for a while. It was down when we went last time.

 

[4bugzinarug]

BTMR is very bumpy, but a LOT of fun! I am pretty sure that Splash has the biggest drop at DL ... and my body has decided that it is too steep (can't breathe during the drop). YouTube definitely helps with preparing for rides ... my kids have both agreed to go on Space Mtn and Matterhorn after watching YouTube. Those are both rides that they had all out refused to even consider until watching the video

 

[Disnee]

Thanks for all the advice!! I'm pretty sure Splash will be on our "must do" list this time around, and I think I'll take your advice on BTMRR and check out YouTube and watch the ride for a bit before making a decision!! I swear, I feel like such a chicken!!! But, you've gotta' live a little sometimes, right? Millions of ride-goers can't all be wrong!

 

[mariezp]

I have to admit I am a ride whim! Lucky for me I get to ride all the kiddie rides with my DD who is 7. This year she is thinking about riding BTM. I suggested she try Gadget Go Coaster first since it is over with so fast but my husband said he thought even it would be scarier than BTM. (we never agree)

BTM used to be my favorite ride but as I get older I like the bumps and speed less. However, I must say for a roller coaster it is nice and mild. You do bump and slide quite a bit but my DS and I put that to use by squashing each other on the turns. There is only one big hill but you are climbing up. When you get to the top you actually bank around a curve instead of going down a big drop so I bet your kids will do just fine.

Splash on the other hand... I can't resist this one because I have fond memories of going to see Song of the South in the theater when I was a kid. I love every part of it except the big drop. I think I still hold my breath all the way down. Be sure to prepare them for major wetness! You do get wet the closer you sit up front.

I am not sure we will ever get my DD on Splash. She thinks the "drops" in Pirates are scary! You're probably thinking what drops, right? Maybe it's the combo of darkness, I'm not sure but it freaks her out. You can never tell about kids. She loves HM and to me it would be just as scarie as Pirates.

You know your kids better than anyone so just feel them out. And have a great time!