Haunted Mansion Question

[JBMC]

My son will be not quite 4 when we visit next at the end of this month. I think he would really enjoy this ride except for the elevator portion in the beginning. The close quarters and loud scream at the end would be too scary for him. Is there any way to bypass that part and then continue on to the rest of the ride?

 

[Midnightred]

I'm not sure, but I always cover my youngest son's ears. That part goes by really quickly, and it's over before you know it.

Midnightred

 

[TigersLions]

I'd have to agree with you on that. Our young 4 year old had to tough it out because we had no idea what the ride was all about. I don't remember his reaction being too bad though. I would think there is a way to get around that part though esp. for someone that might have a disability. I would contact Disney directly about how to go about that..

 

[JKalai]

I did this with my nephew not too long ago as the beginning is a bit scary. I picked him up, held him, and covered his eyes with my shoulder. As long as he's prepared and his eyes and ears are shut, he should be fine.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Maybe you could show him the youtube video of it before several times so he'll know what to expect? You could even have him scream with you while you're watching at the end to make it funny. Make a joke out of it and do it every now and then before you leave.

 

[surfmontana]

Maybe you could show him the youtube video of it before several times so he'll know what to expect? You could even have him scream with you while you're watching at the end to make it funny. Make a joke out of it and do it every now and then before you leave.

This is EXACTLY what did/are doing. My DD is 8, but still gets a little frightened about things.

She now knows what to expect and she can scream too and be part of the 'fun'

I didn't get to ride HM our last trip as we were saving it for the Halloween party and then the ride was down.

It is going down on 8/25 so we arranged our trip specifically so we would get there the weekend before it goes down again.

 

[dina444444]

I don't believe that you can skip it, at Disneyland it is an actual moving elevator as it takes you down below ground to get into the ride building that's outside of the train tracks perimeter. Also, as the previous poster noted the ride will close on August 25 for the holiday layover.

 

[mikana876]

I think as long as you talk to him about it ahead of time, hold him during that part and talk him through it, he'll be fine.

I remember the first trip to Disneyland when I was 5, my dad held me during that part and even "tapped" me on the shoulder. I loved it!

I took DS for the first time when he was 3, and he loved it as well. I talked to him about it ahead of time, held him and made sure he had a good time.

 

[superlarz]

How late in the month are you visiting? It is scheduled to close 8/25 for the installation of the Holiday overlay

 

[JBMC]

Thanks for the suggestions! I think I'll start with youtube videos and go from there. I forgot that we sink below the "house" so that probably makes sense that you can't really bypass that particular part. I'm sure there are stairs somewhere but I can't imagine they let just anybody on them. lol

We arrive on the 24th and are going to take advantage of the Orbitz deal of buy 3 day hoppers and get a 4th free. We'll check in, lay around like zombies for a bit (we are driving down from Sacramento) then hit then hit DL. We were also going to squeeze in Matterhorn that night because I thought it was closing for refurb but I guess that isn't necessary anymore.

 

[SweetAlex]

My dd was 3 the first time we went and we just explained to her what happens and she understood that it wasn't real. She still chose to cover her eyes and ears until the elevator ride was over. She's a bit of a scaredy cat but surprisingly, this was and still is one of her favorite rides.

 

[BayGirl22]

We took my kids last trip when they were 2 and 4. I didn't think they'd be ok with it, but they totally were. We made the whole thing seem fun. They asked to go in again, especially the 4yo, so it wasn't an issue for them. I'm not sure they even saw the stuff going on with the pictures.