TOT is my 4 yr old's favorite ride. The first trip that he was able to ride it, we were worried about it--neither my wife nor I had ridden it before. My wife said the whole time he had this terrible look on his face. She kept thinking "what have I done!" Once it was over he looked at her and said "I get to ride again with daddy, right?"
When we went back 6 months later, he was a little scared about riding it, but as soon as he rode it, it was once again his favorite ride! It is pretty funny to see adults fretting about riding then here comes my 4 yr old!
As for the chicken exit, during this last trip, there was a girl probably about 12 years old that decided she did not want to ride after being seated. She was in tears while her family was trying to convince her it was ok. The CM put his character role aside, went up to her in a very courteous tone and said "I will not start this ride if you do not want to ride. Would you like to get off?" The family tried to coax her into staying and even answered for her, but he focused on the girl. When said she wanted to get off, he kindly helped her off and then started the ride.
I was absolutely impressed by the manner in which the CM handled this.
So, I would say until they close the door, you can use the chicken exit.
Michael72