I finally found a way to get DH excited about Disney! - ADDED LINK TO TRIP REPORT

[afwdwfan]

His Sensai called me today & thinks he can continue to do better with focusing. So, we will see how he does tomorrow night.

Well, isn't focus and discipline a part of karate? I would think karate class should be good for him.

1. He will get completely terrified in line & scream & cry & I'll have to take him out. Admittedly, not the worst case scenario.

No, I think this just comes with the territory of the introduction to some new scary rides.

2. He will muster enough courage to ride & then scream holy terror the entire time.

I've seen adults do that.

Reid does not even like it when Ed throws him in the air & catches him. So....um....yeah.

Hmmm... not looking too good.

Ok, y'all tell me: Would you let him try it or try to talk him out of it? Be honest!

Well, I'd say show him the video on youtube. Tell him exactly what the ride does, and if he still really wants to go, let him. I'd just make sure you let him try it after he's tried some other "easier" new rides if you're afraid he really won't like it. That way he won't be scared to try anything else new if he does get scared. If he's nervous at the end of the line, I think you've got to make the judgement call about going for it or heading to the exit, but if he willingly and eagerly gets in the elevator.. why not? If he does get absolutely scared and scream the whole time, he will not be any worse than a lady who was in my elevator last year. She was a middle aged woman who seemed very sweet and polite, but started screaming her head off and shouting obscenities and then apologized to everyone as we exited. I assure you Reid can't be any worse than that.

It's funny - he can watch all sorts of superhero shows & not be scared by the bad guys. But Disney villains scare the daylights out of him.

Loves Darth Vader, but afraid of Disney villains. Go figure.

 

[pas130]

I think that's what I'm going to do. Who knows, by the time we get there, he may be insistent that he DOESN'T want to ride it. He does have a tendency to change his mind...a lot.

Like his Momma

I would totally play it by ear (Mickey ears....sorry) ...who knows wht Reid will decide. And if he goes on andhates it...fine, you just don't go on again. My oldest (now 20) HATED IT, he went on when he was 10ish, and he LOVES roller coasters. Just hated ToT, so you never know!

 

[KatMark]

Oh my...Reid is just too darn cute for his own good in his karate outfit.
And what fun to go bowling for the first time.

Only you know your child and how he'll end up reacting. Have you tried showing him the ride on youtube to see the drops? I'd show it to him a few times before you go and see how he reacts.

Your plans sound great.

 

[TinksThree]

For lunch, we will check out the food court at POFQ. We still won't be on the DDP yet, so this will be another OOP meal. I am quite interested to try out the food courts at POR & POFQ since they have some "cajun" selections. I'll let y'all know how close they come to the real thing!

I am skimming through and made it to page 20! I had to comment on this though...the food at POFQ is good, don't get me wrong, but I was so disappointed in some of their versions of cajun food!! One of my favorite things is getting a muffaleta at Central Grocery oh that was a major disappointment when I ordere done at POFQ! Also the beingets are not anythign like Cafe du Monde! As a matter of fact my kids did not even want to go back this trip because of the "fake" beingets! The shrimp po-boys were great though! And really the food is good...it just isn't necessarily the food I am used to as someone that grew up within an hour of NOLA!

No worries! I am really bad about missing those kinds of things. But, I appreciate you subbing now!

And don't worry....I know it can sometimes be too hard to catch up on threads. I'll give you the cliff notes version of what I've posted already:

Thurs, 9/27: We'll leave when my DH gets off of work & drive half way to WDW

Fri, 9/28: Go to Wide World of Sports, get race packets, check into POFQ, DTD that night & EoS for dinner

Sat, 9/29: I run the ToT 5K that morning, hang out @ the resort, Ed runs the ToT 10 miler than night & we're doing the Villains Bash party

Sun, 9/30: Move to OKW; MNSSHP that night. We will be dressing up as Wendy Darling (me), Mr. Smee (Ed) and Cpt. Hook (Reid).

Mon, 10/1: spend most of the day @ Islands of Adventure; that night Reid will go to the Neverland Club while Ed & I have a date night at Citricos

Tues, 10/2: 730am ADR @ 'Ohana; entire day spent @ MK

Wed, 10/3: 8am ADR @ Hollywood & Vine; lunch @ Starring Rolls

And my next update will be the rest of our day @ DHS.

I believe I have made it to 9.30! Thanks for the recap!! Good for you taking on the 5K! I had thoughts of trying to begin this goal but my knees just can't take the pounding! The Villains party sounds so fun and I love your costume ideas!

Oh and I read the last update.....I would definitely walk him through the parts leading up to actually getting on the elevator-like the lights going out after the video. I think I would talk a lot about it since he is so determined and then play it by ear with an escape plan if he freaks out...unless of course the freaking out occurs on the elevator and then there really isn't a good escape plan that would end in a good way! Bribery always worked good for my kids even if they were scared to death!!

 

[megan511]

Reid is so adorable! I can almost guarantee Anthony would ave been doing those same things!

Anthony rode TOT last year when he was 4. He rode with Chad so I don't know for sure how it went but Chad said he did fine on the ride but was very quiet. Anthony refused to ride it again and refused to ride it on our last trip even when all his cousins rode. I would let Reid try it and if he gets scared I would just take him through the exit. I would let him ride some other rides first & if he's fine then I would go for it!

Both my kids liked Beauty and the Beast last year. There is a long story with Anthony and Belle but in short he enjoyed the show. I think you will be fine skipping Fantasmic this year. We saw it last year & the only part Anthony really liked was Belle!

Sounds like a super fun day at DHS!

 

[amandaw]

In 2010 my then 6 year old insisted on riding ToT, I thought she was to young for such a scary ride but she did it. We were back at Christmas and she absolutely refused and says no to riding in October. The que and pre show stuff is to spooky for her. If she could skip all that and just hop on the ride she probably would. That being said take Reid and if he freaks early on take the chicken exit if he handles the pre show then the ride will probably be ok too. Plan to buy the picture at the end.

Noelle.

I think y'all are all right - that I should let him try if he wants. I don't know why I'm so worried about him trying this ride. Maybe because I really don't think he'll like it. That's good that at least your daughter did try it. The queue & pre show are pretty spooky. I won't lie - I got spooked by the pre show the 1st time I ever rode it. And I was an adult.

When Faith was 4, she insisted on trying ToT. I was hesitant because Stephen did it when he was 6 and didn't like it at all. We let her try and now it's her favorite ride. Maybe you can show Reid some YouTube videos and see if he is still interested. If he is...I say go for it. He's 4, right? And I'll bet he'll sit through Beauty and the Beast. It's a GREAT show and not that long.

Another little girl who loves ToT! I'm starting to think boys scare more easily. I've tried to show him some YouTube videos but it's so hard to get any that really show the ride. I'll have to look again.

Yeah, he's 4 now. I think he'll sit through the show now. We're definitely going to try because I do love that show.[/QUOTE]

Well, isn't focus and discipline a part of karate? I would think karate class should be good for him.

I thought it was supposed to be taught during the course of the 6 month program. But, evidently, they want them to start with some focus & concentration already under the belt. I do hope he can do better & stick with it because I think it will do him a lot of good.

No, I think this just comes with the territory of the introduction to some new scary rides.

You're right. And he could chicken out of Haunted Mansion & BTMRR, too.

I've seen adults do that.

So true!!! Don't know why that never crossed my mind!

Hmmm... not looking too good.

Right?!? I think this is why I know he won't like ToT.

Well, I'd say show him the video on youtube. Tell him exactly what the ride does, and if he still really wants to go, let him. I'd just make sure you let him try it after he's tried some other "easier" new rides if you're afraid he really won't like it. That way he won't be scared to try anything else new if he does get scared. If he's nervous at the end of the line, I think you've got to make the judgement call about going for it or heading to the exit, but if he willingly and eagerly gets in the elevator.. why not? If he does get absolutely scared and scream the whole time, he will not be any worse than a lady who was in my elevator last year. She was a middle aged woman who seemed very sweet and polite, but started screaming her head off and shouting obscenities and then apologized to everyone as we exited. I assure you Reid can't be any worse than that.

OMG! That's so crazy that the woman was screaming obscenities. At least he wouldn't be that bad. And if he is, I have a bigger problem on my hand. I think I'll see how he handles BTMRR & Haunted Mansion. If he does okay on those, I might tell him he's ready for ToT.

Loves Darth Vader, but afraid of Disney villains. Go figure.

I know....something's wrong with my child.

Like his Momma

Indeed!

I would totally play it by ear (Mickey ears....sorry) ...who knows wht Reid will decide. And if he goes on andhates it...fine, you just don't go on again. My oldest (now 20) HATED IT, he went on when he was 10ish, and he LOVES roller coasters. Just hated ToT, so you never know!

Play it by Mickey ears.....love it!! Something tells me he'll chicken out before we even get in line. But, you never know! I'm glad to hear that about your 20 year old. Reid doesn't have to like ToT. But, he needs to love roller coasters.

Oh my...Reid is just too darn cute for his own good in his karate outfit.
And what fun to go bowling for the first time.

Thank you!
He had so much fun bowling!

Only you know your child and how he'll end up reacting. Have you tried showing him the ride on youtube to see the drops? I'd show it to him a few times before you go and see how he reacts.

I'm going to try & find some better YouTube videos to show him. Hopefully, I can find one that maybe even has the pre show on the video.

Your plans sound great.

Thank you!

I am skimming through and made it to page 20! I had to comment on this though...the food at POFQ is good, don't get me wrong, but I was so disappointed in some of their versions of cajun food!! One of my favorite things is getting a muffaleta at Central Grocery oh that was a major disappointment when I ordere done at POFQ! Also the beingets are not anythign like Cafe du Monde! As a matter of fact my kids did not even want to go back this trip because of the "fake" beingets! The shrimp po-boys were great though! And really the food is good...it just isn't necessarily the food I am used to as someone that grew up within an hour of NOLA!

See.....I had a feeling there would be some disappointing versions of our food there. So, I will definitely stay away from the muffaleta (which I love those!) and the beignets. That shrimp po-boy might be a good option for me. I love shrimp....I could seriously eat it every day. In fact, I had it for lunch today. YUM!

I believe I have made it to 9.30! Thanks for the recap!! Good for you taking on the 5K! I had thoughts of trying to begin this goal but my knees just can't take the pounding! The Villains party sounds so fun and I love your costume ideas!

You're making it through! You're welcome for the recap....thought it may come in handy.

Thank you....I'm exciting to be doing the 5K. I still find it kind of hard to believe that I'm almost done with C25K program. Running is definitely hard on the knees so I can understand if you're knees can't take it....it's rough. I'm so excited for the Villains party & MNSSHP. They should both be fun!

Oh and I read the last update.....I would definitely walk him through the parts leading up to actually getting on the elevator-like the lights going out after the video. I think I would talk a lot about it since he is so determined and then play it by ear with an escape plan if he freaks out...unless of course the freaking out occurs on the elevator and then there really isn't a good escape plan that would end in a good way! Bribery always worked good for my kids even if they were scared to death!!

So true....once you're on that elevator, there's only one way to get off. I think I will just play it by ear. if he freaks out in line, I'll probably leave with him & let Ed ride. If we're on the elevator & he freaks, then I will definitely resort to bribery. "Just get through the ride & I'll buy you a treat!"

 

[amandaw]

Reid is so adorable! I can almost guarantee Anthony would ave been doing those same things!

Thank you! I'm so glad to know my child isn't the only one who does these silly things.

Anthony rode TOT last year when he was 4. He rode with Chad so I don't know for sure how it went but Chad said he did fine on the ride but was very quiet. Anthony refused to ride it again and refused to ride it on our last trip even when all his cousins rode. I would let Reid try it and if he gets scared I would just take him through the exit. I would let him ride some other rides first & if he's fine then I would go for it!

I think that's pretty much what I'll do. Anthony is definitely brave - he seems like he's very good about trying things at least once. That is not always Reid's strong suit.

Both my kids liked Beauty and the Beast last year. There is a long story with Anthony and Belle but in short he enjoyed the show. I think you will be fine skipping Fantasmic this year. We saw it last year & the only part Anthony really liked was Belle!

Yeah, as much as it pains me to skip Fantasmic, I think it's the best thing to do for now. I hope Reid likes Beauty & the Beast.

Sounds like a super fun day at DHS!

Thank you!

 

[megan511]

Thank you! I'm so glad to know my child isn't the only one who does these silly things.



I think that's pretty much what I'll do. Anthony is definitely brave - he seems like he's very good about trying things at least once. That is not always Reid's strong suit.



Yeah, as much as it pains me to skip Fantasmic, I think it's the best thing to do for now. I hope Reid likes Beauty & the Beast.



Thank you!

Oh he's definitely not. During Anthony's pre-school graduation he was performing with his class and decided to act like a zombie. And one time during soccer he just laid down in the field and refused to move. And there were too many moments during Tball to even count! So no, Reid is not alone!

Anthony does pretty well with trying rides. He has his moments though

I think Reid will like Beauty & the Beast. Chad was mad we couldn't fit it in this last trip!

 

[amandaw]

Oh he's definitely not. During Anthony's pre-school graduation he was performing with his class and decided to act like a zombie. And one time during soccer he just laid down in the field and refused to move. And there were too many moments during Tball to even count! So no, Reid is not alone!

OMG! This made me

My favorite is him deciding to act like a zombie!

Anthony does pretty well with trying rides. He has his moments though

I haven't had any rides yet where I've had to coax Reid on to them. Well, when we went to Islands of Adventure in Dec 2010 (Reid was 2 1/2), Ed & I both wanted to ride the Harry Potter ride. Obviously, Reid was too small & still is. But, they have a child swap. So, all 3 of us got in line. Reid was enjoying walking through the castle grounds. Until we got into the castle. Then, he wasn't so sure. So, I bribed him with chocolate - "If you'll stay & let Mommy & Daddy take turns riding, I'll buy you chocolate after lunch." And he did! I went first & then Ed. Now, he likes to tell everyone that he was brave & "rode Harry Potter."

I think Reid will like Beauty & the Beast. Chad was mad we couldn't fit it in this last trip!

That's funny that Chad missed it. Ed will tolerate it for me.

 

[amandaw]

I just had to come & say that Reid did a lot better at karate tonight. There are still some things we need to work on, he's by no means perfect at being still yet.

But, he really did so much better. He didn't act crazy at all! He listened & did what he was told. He even waited in line patiently.

Hopefully, he's getting the hang of how's he's supposed to act & what he's supposed to do in the classes. He says he likes them & that it's fun. I'm sure the Sensai will call me tomorrow, so we'll see what she has to say about how he was.

I really try not to talk about my child too much because I know no one cares as much as I do. But, I just felt like sharing because I was really proud of my little guy for really improving his behavior for the 2nd class.

Hope everyone had a good day!!

 

[KatMark]

I just had to come & say that Reid did a lot better at karate tonight. There are still some things we need to work on, he's by no means perfect at being still yet.

But, he really did so much better. He didn't act crazy at all! He listened & did what he was told. He even waited in line patiently.

Hopefully, he's getting the hang of how's he's supposed to act & what he's supposed to do in the classes. He says he likes them & that it's fun. I'm sure the Sensai will call me tomorrow, so we'll see what she has to say about how he was.

I really try not to talk about my child too much because I know no one cares as much as I do. But, I just felt like sharing because I was really proud of my little guy for really improving his behavior for the 2nd class.

Hope everyone had a good day!!

Great job, Reid (it always takes a time or two when starting in something new in a group). And you talk about your child any time you want.

 

[amandaw]

Great job, Reid (it always takes a time or two when starting in something new in a group).

I was really proud of him for making such an improvement on just the 2nd night. Now, I just hope he doesn't forget how to act when he returns on Monday.

And you talk about your child any time you want.

Thank you!

 

[shan23877]

Yay Reid!!!

It took Maddie a couple of weeks to adjust to her really regimented ballet classes. In the end I think it's been really good for her. Especially since she's an only and mom's around most of the time. She's so used to getting her way that it was hard on her adjusting to the strict rules. I'm grateful that we did it. She needs the discipline from someone other than me.

Please share any time. I was just telling Bryan (and Roni) tonight how thankful I am to have such great "mom friends" here. I don't have any in real life, so you guys are invaluable to me.

 

[amandaw]

Yay Reid!!!

Thanks! I was definitely relieved that he was better tonight.

It took Maddie a couple of weeks to adjust to her really regimented ballet classes. In the end I think it's been really good for her. Especially since she's an only and mom's around most of the time. She's so used to getting her way that it was hard on her adjusting to the strict rules. I'm grateful that we did it. She needs the discipline from someone other than me.

I think Reid will definitely still have his moments of trying to adjust to the strict karate class. I'm glad to hear that Maddie was able to adjust to a very regimented class. Hopefully, Reid will also continue to improve on his behavior in the class.

It's the same way with Reid - he is very used to getting his way. And I'm about the only person who disciplines him. Ed does sometimes but, like you mentioned, he's mostly around me.

Please share any time.

Thank you! I appreciate that!

I was just telling Bryan (and Roni) tonight how thankful I am to have such great "mom friends" here. I don't have any in real life, so you guys are invaluable to me.

I truly feel the same way! I can't tell y'all how much I've enjoyed getting to know y'all.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Hi! I know how you feel about talking about Reid...but it is true us moms can relate and love to hear about it! I like knowing I can come here and talk about my days with my DD's too. I tried explaining this to DH, it's like there are friends close at hand, all the time!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I'm back and all caught up!

First I think your DHS morning plan is going to work great! We did the same thing on our Feb trip (8am H&V breakfast, followed by TSMM FP and standby) and it worked out well. We probably left the restaurant about 10 mins after 9, and still were able to get our FPs and get into the standby line with minimal wait. It takes a long time for 8 people to go anywhere, so I'm sure the three of you will have a much easier time getting out of the restaurant and over to TSMM.

Also I didn't think the food was bad at all. I honestly see no difference between any of the buffet breakfasts at Disney. They all have the same offerings (pretty much) and basically the same quality. Everything was warm (or cold as appropriate) and fresh, and I had no trouble eating my fill

I also agree that DHS is a tough park to tour efficiently, and doubly worse with FP enforcement. It looks like you have the best plan possible.

Are you guys not going to try to get Reid into Jedi training?

I'm also really interested to see how Reid does with Karate! I've been thinking that it would be a good thing for Everett when he gets older, because he also has trouble with listening, concentrating, taking turns, and just generally not acting like a crazy-pants.

Oh and keep talking away about Reid and your family, we're all here because we enjoying reading about your adventures! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you guys with kids around Everett's age, its wonderful to know that I'm not alone with my trials and tribulations, and I've gotten so many great ideas from you all!

 

[RGirl]

Hey there!

Ack - Reid is sooooooo cute!!!!

I know you know what I'm going to say about ToT, but I'll say it anyway. I would let him ride. Here is what I did with Willow: months before the trip we started talking about how awesome it was that she would be tall enough for some big rides. She was really excited. I had never done ToT, and to be honest, I really wanted to try it. I knew she would like BTMRR, so I focused on ToT. I described it to her a lot - it's pretend scary, it's so silly, it will be dark, but it's just pretend scary; we get in a pretend elevator and it goes up and up and ip and then down really fast and then does it again! Soon, she was describing it all the time and excited about how fun it sounded. On the plane, she pronounced it would be her favorite ride. Then, I got nervous - what of she is terrified, etc.

So once at DHS, she kept asking to go on ToT from the moment we arrived. Only then did I start asking her if she was sure, if she was worried she would be scared, etc. By that point, it was going to be her favorite ride and she had no fear and was very insistent. And, as you know, it is still her favorite rode.

Don't know if Reid will love it, but if he is well-prepared he should do fine. And if he freaks out, he won't be the first kid and, I promise, he won't be scarred for life or even the duration of the trip.

 

[amandaw]

Hi! I know how you feel about talking about Reid...but it is true us moms can relate and love to hear about it! I like knowing I can come here and talk about my days with my DD's too. I tried explaining this to DH, it's like there are friends close at hand, all the time!

I really appreciate y'all being so sweet about me talking about my son. You know, before joining the DIS, I had never belonged to an online forum. So, I never understand people making friends through this type of medium. I've belonged to the DIS only since Jan 2011 but I get it now. I have met some wonderful people here, especially all the people who post on my TRs & PTRs. It's been such a joy getting to know all of y'all.

I'm back and all caught up!

Hi there! It's so nice to have you back on the boards!

First I think your DHS morning plan is going to work great! We did the same thing on our Feb trip (8am H&V breakfast, followed by TSMM FP and standby) and it worked out well. We probably left the restaurant about 10 mins after 9, and still were able to get our FPs and get into the standby line with minimal wait. It takes a long time for 8 people to go anywhere, so I'm sure the three of you will have a much easier time getting out of the restaurant and over to TSMM.

I am so excited to hear that you have done this & that it worked! We love TSMM so riding stand by & getting FPs really is a must for us. I think I'll have Ed leave while I'm getting Reid situated in his stroller. Hopefully, by the time we get to TSMM, he'll have our FP's & we'll be ready to hop into the standby line.

Also I didn't think the food was bad at all. I honestly see no difference between any of the buffet breakfasts at Disney. They all have the same offerings (pretty much) and basically the same quality. Everything was warm (or cold as appropriate) and fresh, and I had no trouble eating my fill

You are truly making me feel MUCH better about this ADR. I have been really worried about the food & the whole TSMM thing. But, I'm feeling a lot better that it will all work out ok. And sounds like we may even end up enjoying the food!

I also agree that DHS is a tough park to tour efficiently, and doubly worse with FP enforcement. It looks like you have the best plan possible.

Thankfully, it's not the worst park to have to zig zag in, at least in my opinion. But, it is hard to put together a good touring plan. To me the FP enforcement & the show times really make it hard.

Are you guys not going to try to get Reid into Jedi training?

Funny you ask about that. I really had not planned on it. Then, we watched a video of Tina's (tinacaplan) son on FB with her son doing it this week. Well, he was all excited about it. So, now I'm wondering if I can work that in somehow. I wonder if we can do our morning ADR, get him signed up & still do TSMM stand by & FPs.

I'm also really interested to see how Reid does with Karate! I've been thinking that it would be a good thing for Everett when he gets older, because he also has trouble with listening, concentrating, taking turns, and just generally not acting like a crazy-pants.

I had an old co-worker of mine tell me to enroll him in karate as soon as he was old enough. She told me how much it had helped with her sons when they were little. I will keep you posted on his progress. I'm really hoping he continues to like it & perform well in the class.

Oh and keep talking away about Reid and your family, we're all here because we enjoying reading about your adventures! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you guys with kids around Everett's age, its wonderful to know that I'm not alone with my trials and tribulations, and I've gotten so many great ideas from you all!

Thank you! I have truly enjoyed getting to know everyone here! It is so fun watching everyone's kids grow through our TRs. And it's nice to have y'all to talk to about all of this parenting stuff.

Hey there!

Ack - Reid is sooooooo cute!!!!

Thank you!!

I know you know what I'm going to say about ToT, but I'll say it anyway. I would let him ride. Here is what I did with Willow: months before the trip we started talking about how awesome it was that she would be tall enough for some big rides. She was really excited. I had never done ToT, and to be honest, I really wanted to try it. I knew she would like BTMRR, so I focused on ToT. I described it to her a lot - it's pretend scary, it's so silly, it will be dark, but it's just pretend scary; we get in a pretend elevator and it goes up and up and ip and then down really fast and then does it again! Soon, she was describing it all the time and excited about how fun it sounded. On the plane, she pronounced it would be her favorite ride. Then, I got nervous - what of she is terrified, etc.

So once at DHS, she kept asking to go on ToT from the moment we arrived. Only then did I start asking her if she was sure, if she was worried she would be scared, etc. By that point, it was going to be her favorite ride and she had no fear and was very insistent. And, as you know, it is still her favorite rode.

Don't know if Reid will love it, but if he is well-prepared he should do fine. And if he freaks out, he won't be the first kid and, I promise, he won't be scarred for life or even the duration of the trip.

Oh yes, I knew you would be all for him trying it out! Maybe I should have Willow call him that morning to give him a ToT pep talk. I'm definitely going to take your suggestions & see if that helps him out. Yesterday, he told me he no longer wants to try it. But, the next minute, he was playing ToT with his superhero action figures. So, we'll see what happens.

 

[marDgreen88]

Reid is too precious! I love the picture of him at the bowling alley! I hope he gets his karate skills under control, hahaha.

I obviously don't have kids, nor do I ever travel to Disney with them. All I know is, when I was younger I would have absolutely hated Tower of Terror!

 

[amandaw]

Reid is too precious! I love the picture of him at the bowling alley! I hope he gets his karate skills under control, hahaha.

Thank you!! He had so much fun bowling. I hope he gets his karate skills under control, too. He was so proud of himself last night because he did a karate chop & split a piece of paper in half.

I obviously don't have kids, nor do I ever travel to Disney with them. All I know is, when I was younger I would have absolutely hated Tower of Terror!

Just because you don't have kids doesn't mean you don't have a valid opinion. I know I would have hated it at his age also. I was 9 when I 1st went to Disney & it took all my dad had to get me on BTMRR. Of course, once he did, I loved it. I don't know what to do. Guess all I can do is prepare him for it in case he decides he does want to try it & then hope for the best.