Illuminations too intense for 4 y/o?

[sheepie mom]

I would love to include Illuminations but I'm afraid my very sensitive DD(4) would be terrified. She's very afraid of fire and loud sounds. Should we avoid it altogether or take her just outside the entrance to the bridge by the YC? It's been many years since I've seen it (long before I even considered having kids) and I don't recall if a preschooler would be frightened.

 

[wfloyd]

There are alot of explosions by fireworks and the center ball erupts in fire. So if your daughter is afraid of any fireworks it probably would not be a good idea to see Illuminations from up close. While the sounds will be attenuated a little as you get farther away, they may still be too loud right outside the gate as well.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

Sounds like it might scare her. Also be aware of the fear factor in some other things if fire and noise are issues. Indiana Jones, Fantasmic, Wishes, The back lot tour all have fire works or fire. The 3-d movies tend to scare small children as does the little mermaid show.I have also seem kids become scared on the Priates of the Caribeian, and The great movie ride. It really surprises me how many things at WDW have high fear factors. Do your research and prepare yor child for what she might see.

Good luck.

Jordans' mom

 

[lovesdumbo]

On my DD's first trip at 3 1/2 I thought she would be scared of Illuminations so we started to leave before they started. We were in Mouse Gears when they started and she wanted to see them so I brought her outside. She was OK with the first blast but then totally freaked out. It took a long time to calm her down inside the store.

She did however LOVE the MK fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian. That might be a good option for you.

 

[CEDmom]

The last time we were in Epcot at night DD was 3 1/2. We lost track of time and found ourselves there when Illuminations started. DD doesn't like anything loud or dark so needless to say she was beyond terrified. I felt so badly for her and it took so long to get through the crowds. I'd avoid it if I were you. We were staying at WL and she did enjoy seeing the MK fireworks from the beach and the electric water parade.

 

[Magic2000]

My youngest DD was always afraid of loud noises (she still is!). She did not care for any fireworks! She would always cry and I'd leave with her, or we would do our souvenir shopping at that time. Anyway, on one of our Dec trips, it was a kind of cold outside and she had some earmuffs on, and while we were at MVMCP and the fireworks started, she didn't cry!! I was amazed!! So we tried the earmuffs the next night at Illuminations and she did OK.

The next summer, she brought her earmuffs again for the Illuminations fireworks! She did look a little silly with earmuffs on in July, but hey - it worked!

I think the earmuffs just muffle the "loud" noises! You may want to try it! Good luck!!!

 

[blueeyez]

My youngest DD was always afraid of loud noises (she still is!). She did not care for any fireworks! She would always cry and I'd leave with her, or we would do our souvenir shopping at that time. Anyway, on one of our Dec trips, it was a kind of cold outside and she had some earmuffs on, and while we were at MVMCP and the fireworks started, she didn't cry!! I was amazed!! So we tried the earmuffs the next night at Illuminations and she did OK.

The next summer, she brought her earmuffs again for the Illuminations fireworks! She did look a little silly with earmuffs on in July, but hey - it worked!

I think the earmuffs just muffle the "loud" noises! You may want to try it! Good luck!!!

That's a great idea! I know my oldest DD wants to see it so bad so of course my youngest DD4 wants to also. Not knowing what's in store for her. I'm using your advice. DH is going to laugh when he sees me packing her earmuffs.

 

[blueeyez]

My youngest DD was always afraid of loud noises (she still is!). She did not care for any fireworks! She would always cry and I'd leave with her, or we would do our souvenir shopping at that time. Anyway, on one of our Dec trips, it was a kind of cold outside and she had some earmuffs on, and while we were at MVMCP and the fireworks started, she didn't cry!! I was amazed!! So we tried the earmuffs the next night at Illuminations and she did OK.

The next summer, she brought her earmuffs again for the Illuminations fireworks! She did look a little silly with earmuffs on in July, but hey - it worked!

I think the earmuffs just muffle the "loud" noises! You may want to try it! Good luck!!!

That's a great idea! I know my oldest DD wants to see it so bad so of course my youngest DD4 wants to also. Not knowing what's in store for her. I'm using your advice. DH is going to laugh when he sees me packing her earmuffs. Did I mention we're going in September!

 

[Trinity721]

DD was afraid of 4th of July fireworks last year (she was just shy of 2). So I thought that Illuminations or Wishes might have been too much for her on our trip last month (she will be 3 in July). But we decided to give it a try, we talked to her about it and she said 'oh i like fireworks!'. So we got a great seat for Illuminations, and she was a little startled at first. I put my hands over her ears, and she just sat there and enjoyed the show with us without any problems. Kind of goes along with the earmuffs i dea It really depends on the child.

 

[elgerber]

We always used ear plugs, instead of ear muffs. My dd still used them on some of our last trip when she was 8, but she will not use them this year. They came in very handy for many many things. Fireworks, Illuminations, Tarzan rocks, Fantasmic, etc etc. My dd was terrified of loud noises when we first took her, at almost 5, but with her earplugs, after the initial shock of the noises, she begged to see both Fantasmic and Illuminations again.

 

[alloyd1170]

They didnt bother my 3 yr old, but then again hes used to fireworks. We were right up against the fence and you could feel the heat coming off of them. Our son did shy away for the really bright ones. He loves Fantasmic too. I do like the earplug idea though!

alison

 

[crisi]

Its pretty loud yet over at the Y&BC. We were at the BW a few years ago and could hear them clearly from our room with the doors shut. (But then MK fireworks woke us up while staying at the WL).