Is Maelstrom really scary for 7 and 12 y.o. kids?

[jasper]

I know my DD12 will probably have no problem, but I wouldn't mind getting some details on this ride so I know whether or not my DD7 is going to freak or not. I read something about trolls that chase you and she saw a picture of the boat falling half way out of the building that the ride is in. Can you give any details on what this ride experience is like and how your kids made out?

 

[mcgrawfan]

I do not have any kids, so I can't give my thoughts on that. I thought the ride was cheesy. I HATE things jumping out at me and sudden surprises, but was never scared or startled during this ride. Now Dinosaur at AK may be a ride that would scare them. It did me!

 

[MzEeyore]

My 6 year old loved this ride this past May. She didn't find it scary at all but then again she also loves the Tower of Terror!

 

[Twigs]

When DS's were 4, they got traumatized in the Haunted Mansions strecthing room, something about it just freaked them out, so I didn't consider taking them on Malestrom then, when they were 8 we rode it and they were fine, and I don't remember it as being scary at all. It was a very short ride form what I remember.

 

[pixiemomma]

My little ones were ok on it as well. Your children should be fine.

 

[Zipitydooda]

We found Maelstrom to be a great "clean up" ride for our 4 yr old. Since the "Worlds" are open late, we hit Maelstrom in the evening prior to the fireworks. There never seems to be a line. Our 4 year old loves the trolls.
Zip

 

[Crichton]

"You are not the first to come this way!"

This ride is great for kids of all ages, nothing too scary at all.

Just remember, It's always an adventure, in NORWAY!

 

[scrump]

i think this ride is great as well. it's not a drastic drop at all, and i've always seen lots of kids on this ride.

 

[LadyAurora]

It's not very scary at all. There is a tiny little hill that the boats go down. The trolls don't actually chase you. My best advice is to stand outside in front of the ride and watch as the boats "peek" out of the opening, so they know what will happen. The boats go backwards to that point. Better to ruin the "suspense" of the ride than to have a scared child!

 

[Terry S]

My 6 and 7 year old love this ride. Yours should have no problem. My daughter did jump at one point when she turned around and the troll with the big eyes was right there, nothing traumatic though and she laughed about it afterwards.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

In my Disney PassPorter it rates as Ages 5 & up

Maelstrom

Tricky trolls are out to befuddle you as you explore the heritage of Norway in this adventure-packed boat ride. Watch for polar bears and pirates and hold on tight as you plummet backwards into the stormy North Sea! The spirit of adventure is always alive on Maelstrom.

Small drops and dark.

Kid tip: "Don't be scared of the life-size polar bears."

My youngest nephew age 4 loves the ride.

 

[SuBeat]

My 10 year old DS is a self proclaimed ride wimp and found this one to be a breeze, not scary in the least. My slightly more courageous DD, who was 5 when she rode it, thought there wasn't much too it compared to Splash Mountain. What surprised me was how short the ride seemed, I kept thinking something else was going to happen, but we just got dropped off for the movie.

 

[joshsmom]

My son loved it when he was 5 and loved it more when he was 7. He got his picture taken in front of the big Troll out front and cherishes that!

 

[KathyFP]

DD (5) likes the ride. The first time she rode it was when she was 3 1/2 and is not afraid.

But each child is different. If your child is easily scared, then they may not like it.

 

[skiwee1]

My DD has been riding this since she was 1 1/2. She likes it as it isn't scary at all. A little drop and nothing jumps out at you or anything.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

My 2 and 4 year olds love it! It's not scary at all... more of an informational ride similar to El Rio de Tempo (sp?).

 

[Badger Brent]

No, not at all!! enjoy it....

 

[dmonroe]

This has been a favorite with my ds since he was 2 1/2. Not scary at all to him. Your kids should be fine!