Going with another fam and their oldest is leery about certain rides. How do I put her mind at ease?

[LeahWDWPen]

We leave in 26 days and the other family we are going with has 2 girls. The 12 year old (the older one) is being rather cautious about what she wants to go on and what she will try. Now, she's been there before, about 3 to 4 years ago, and went on pretty much everything. This being scared/cautious just came up recently...she seems to think rides are not safe. (For example, at our local fair in summer-which I kind of agree with!) How do I not only put her mind at ease, but help her understand that the rides are safe, and she'll more than likely enjoy them immensely? I don't want her to stress out about heading to the parks and going on rides, but I don't want her to miss out, either, as she's been on them before and enjoyed them, but just does not really remember. I won't force her, of course, but I'd like her to enjoy the experience. If she's dead set against it, I totally understand... of course nobody will make anyone do anything they don't want to... I'm just looking for some soothing words to share, and to help her relax so she can have fun on this long-awaited trip, whether she goes on the rides or not. Thanks!!

 

[mom2rtk]

I think by age 12 they should be able to make their own decisions on what they are comfortable riding. I would make your case, assure her that it's safe, but then not push the issue. She's old enough to wait at the ride exit for everyone else. I hope everyone can respect her feelings on it.

 

[CarolynFH]

Maybe viewing ride videos on YouTube would help? The DIS has quite a few that are good quality. She would see not only the rides themselves but also the restraints and other safety features Disney incorporates into the rides. As you alluded to, WDW is very different from your local fair!

 

[tlmadden73]

Just tell her they are VERY safe, but they are supposed to "feel" not very safe. That is where the thrill comes in.

In my experience, the best bet is to NOT press the issue because some people will get stubborn and not even reconsider it because it is being pushed on them so hard.
Also tell her EVERYONE is scared the first times (and even second, third) on a lot of these rides. She isn't alone.

Just ask again when they are there, just once, and move on.
Waiting there, looking at a ride and just seeing everyone going on and off safely may give her enough courage she needs.

My son (4 1/2) doesn't want to do Jedi Training here in March. He's had a fear of characters (Disney . .or clowns .. etc.) since he was 3. Facing a very real looking Darth Vader scares the heck out of him.
I have dropped it (despite being a big Star Wars fan who would cry tears of joy seeing his son fighting with a lightsaber). But, I plan on marching him to the sign up with his friends who will be doing it that day and asking him one more time if he wants to do it.

He is pretty sure of himself, so I doubt he will change his mind, but I don't want him to NOT give him an opportunity if he does change his mind once the excitement of being there (and seeing his friends sign up) hits him.

 

[luvsJack]

I rode anything and everything at any fair or amusement/theme park up until about 18. I don't know why but for some reason, I developed a fear of certain rides. I have tried but just do not like roller coasters or any thrill rides. Do not like even the hint of being up high. And do not like to spin. I still have a great time at any park I go to. Let her go through the line and take the chicken exit if she wants. That way she can experience the theming of the line area and it won't be but a few minutes until the rest of the family catches up and it may give her the chance to change her mind and ride too.

 

[Kerriowl]

Maybe explain a little about the permitting and reviews that Disney rides go through that is very different from fair rides? You can also point out that there are safety checks run each night and morning along with scheduled refurbishment time for rides to ensure safety. Some cast members will also be willing to explain the safety of rides to her. I had a cast member tell my 3 year old the entire plot of Mickey's Philharmagic as he was terrified of 3d glasses after Its Tough to be a Bug. He ended up okay after her quire thorough explanation. Beyond that, I would let her make her own decisions.

 

[Jade K.]

Is she leery of all rides or just the bigger rides? Honestly, I'm 22 years old and I still hate rides haha I don't even like kiddy coasters. Or Test Track! I was even weary of Dinosaur but I rode it for my nephew and fell in love with it. I say just play it by ear (Mickey ears, that is, *badum tiss*) and see how she feels when you get there. She could just be feeling pre-trip jitters and the magic of finally being there could turn her feelings around. If she's still feeling uncomfortable, start her with something small, I really love Winnie the Pooh or Small World, they're cute and calm and they don't feel like they're going to clunk apart with you in them. Even if she chooses not to ride the big rides I think she'll have a blast, I know I do! I hope this helps and that you all enjoy your trip!

 

[JenLT]

Since this fear is new,and she's been on rides before, find out where it is coming from. It could be that she has read news about ride accidents at fairs (every few years there seems to be a big incident), a friend may have remarked about it, or she saw a scary video. Knowing the source can help you (or her mom) discuss the issue with her.

 

[LeahWDWPen]

There is some great advice here, thank you! We spoke a little bit this weekend, and it seems like she's just nervous-maybe pre-trip jitters. I explained the maintenance each ride must go through, and I also told her about the exits available after the line, which she seemed to like, if it's needed. I also reminded her about how much she loved Space Mountain on our last trip, which she actually forgot about. It was a good talk, not too overwhelming, helped her think a bit, and she seemed a bit more at ease. Thank you!

 

[Suprize2017]

You've gotten some good suggestions, and I appreciate how patient and understanding you are with her about it. I wanted to add that I have a 12 year old daughter as well. When she was younger she was more willing to try some of the bigger rides. However, at the ripe old age of 12, she has a very active imagination combined with being pretty smart. Those two things allow her to look at the rides with a more analytical mind. Instead of seeing the safety features, all she sees is all of the extreme "what if's" of the rides. When we went to DW two years ago, she went on very few thrill rides, but she never complained about missing anything, or having to wait while we went on those rides. I hope your girl gives them a try, but if she doesn't, she'll more than likely still have a great time and won't feel like she's missed anything!