It's Tough to be a Bug - just how scary?

[gumbo1009]

I am coming up with a list of "must do", "must NOT do" and "do if time" attractions. My parents think this show is just great, but I am nervous about taking my 4 yr old daughter (based on some discussion I have read in some travel books).

Can someone list some of the "scenes" that might be unsettling? Perhaps if I prepare her in advance we can put this under the "do if time" category.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Pakey]

I am coming up with a list of "must do", "must NOT do" and "do if time" attractions. My parents think this show is just great, but I am nervous about taking my 4 yr old daughter (based on some discussion I have read in some travel books).

Can someone list some of the "scenes" that might be unsettling? Perhaps if I prepare her in advance we can put this under the "do if time" category.

Thanks in advance!

We went a few months ago with our adult children and 4 year old grandson and he had to be taken out of the movie; way too scary for him. It's very dark and noisy; that made him tense from the beginning but when the big bug comes out with the bug spray and sprays the audience and it gets all foggy with ominous music and then spiders drop down from the ceiling right above your head; that was the end for him.

 

[ChevyNat]

I remember my first time at this attraction with my DD, she was 3... so I sat her down on my knees... One scene is the fog from the bug spray, it only last a few seconds, but I talked her through it, with some jokes and coughing and laughing... and I wanted her on my knees because a one point when the bees sting you, a little piece comes out of the back of the seat and pokes you in the back, that part might be startling for young ones.
But this show is a lot of fun and one of our favorite.

Yes I do have to say, that it depends on the child... mine is very adventurous and out going
Good luck and have fun!

 

[kaleighmariesmom]

We took out DD who was 2 almost 3 when we went last and she was so scared that she covered her eyes the whole time and REFUSES to go back!!! she did not like it and then things poke you on your seat that was it for her!

 

[perkinsrose]

SPOILER ALERT:

Preparing young kids for what to expect can go a long way. If you 're not concerned about spoiling the surprise nature of scenes. Let them know there's a scene where spiders drop from the ceiling, the huge evil grasshopper comes out on stage, and "bug spray" is used to exterminate the audience and it gets very loud. Some parts are very dark.

At the end, some seats have a "stinger" that get a few guests and you may feel some things moving under your seat. I always remind the kids, its all pretend, i'm right there with them, and if you're really scared--close your eyes and cover your ears.

My Dkids have been a bit spooked but done fine as young as age 4. The seating is rows of benches so its easy to sit nearby and put an arm around a little one or on lap if need be.

You know your kids best if they can handle such things. Some posts have said their kids were afraid to go into any shows/rides after experiencing Tough to Be a Bug. Many have to leave mid-show with screaming kids.

 

[aidtrismommy]

I am not a fan of this attraction. The only reason is because I don't like being touched by things and it scares me (and I'm 28!!!) I think it is a great show, but not for me. My son would be terrified so I will not let him see it until he is older. I would explain the show to your daughter and let her make the decision. If you need to leave, then leave. No biggie. It might be on youtube, a lot of attractions are.

 

[Stargazer]

I know every child is different, but last year it was still too scary for my DD (who was almost 7). She's a complete daredevil (rides every major roller coaster as many times as she can), but she completely freaked during the bug spray scene.

Now, keep in mind, she'd already been the year before and she knew it was coming up, but that didn't seem to help. After we left, she said that she probably wouldn't want to see this one until she was my age!

 

[Dolphan]

My 3 kids (2, 4 and 6) are very afraid of any and all bugs. I was strongly urging DH and in-laws to avoid this attraction, because I figured my kids would be terrified. I was outnumbered, and we all went in. Honestly, only the youngest one got scared. But I think in the end, all 3 enjoyed the show.

 

[carmiedog]

We skipped it last trip after reading it was scary, but we went this year with 4yo dd who LOVED it. I always remind her that the scary stuff at Disney is just pretend and "fun scary." I did have her sit away from the seat back so she wouldn't get poked. But it varies so much from child to child, no one knows how your child will react.

 

[djp0630]

I'm planning on avoiding it with DD & DS. DD will be 3 1/2 and isn't scared of much. But the stinger in the back at the end freaked me out last time, and I can only imagine what a kid would think. I guess she could sit on our lap, but I just don't want to risk it. Next time.

 

[lessit]

DD7 had to be taken out. It takes kids time to develop their brains to the point where they can effectively seperate reality from fantasy. Disney are experts at blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. I'm not going to give it away but the fantasy on the screen combined with the 3D and in-seat "experience" are pretty convincing - even for an adult. While all done humorously and in good fun the experiences are more intense than the Muppet 3D stuff.

I would recommend you go yourself first and take the kids later if you feel comfortable.

 

[gumbo1009]

Thanks everybody!!! I will tentatively "pencil it" into the "do if time" list and in the meantime I will check out Youtube so I can figure out where all the "iffy" parts are (so I can walk her thru them in advance). I also like the idea of having her on my lap (or sitting forward). And then it's up to her - she can choose to try it or not (and her Grandparents, who love the show, can always go in without us). Thanks!

 

[Bluetickmom]

Are the spiders that drop animated ones or are they life like? If you don't wear the 3D glasses during that part will you miss them?

Both of my DD's want to do this attraction on our next trip and I easily get freaked out by spiders so I would like to avoid reacting to this part. I'm trying to avoid passing on my phobia to them.

 

[Miss Monorail 1971]

My DD is 7 now but when we went for the first time she was 2. We did the attraction on the first day of our vacation and for the rest of the trip she would not go into any theaters. Screamed when we took her to Fantasmic, Hall of Presidents, and American Adventure, and Philharmagic. She has done the attraction since but still doesn't like it. It started with thunder and lightning and at one point spiders come down from the ceiling. She hid under a blanket the whole time and screamed. It was horrible and ruined it for the rest of the trip. We talked about it ahead of time and tried to prepare her but it still didn't matter. The thing is... is it worth ruining everything else. NO.....If I could do it over again..I would skip it. It was awful having my DD screaming and so tramitized. We were stuck in the middle and couldn't get out. I always follow the motto better safe than sorry.

 

[grimley1968]

The 3-D effects are often the worst scares of the show. Our oldest DD9 (who is fine with the whole show now) used to take her glasses off and she was able to tolerate the show much better then, even though she was missing many effects.

 

[Robo]

1-Are the spiders that drop animated ones or are they life like?
2-If you don't wear the 3D glasses during that part will you miss them?

1- In-the-theater animatronics.
Many HUGE (18-24") spiders with wiggling legs that drop down from the ceiling to very near guests.

2- They are not "movie" effects, they are actually in the theater with you.

I love this creative attraction,
but if you or your child can't separate "real" from "simulated"
bugs (of all kinds,) some near you, and some touching you,
then you likely will be freaked out.

 

[diskids2]

You know your child the best...but I would not bring my four year old into this attraction....and every time I have been on it....some one is taking there child out!

 

[Letsbgoofy]

Speaking as someone who has seen TTBAB 30 plus times...I have never been to a show where at least one child did not have to leave crying.

Speaking as a pre school teacher...all children are different. There will be some 4 year olds who think the show is great, but most will not. We are doing a "bug" theme right now - most kids are scared of bugs. Add that to the dark, loud show and the general over excitement of being at Disney, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Is it worth not only scaring your child, but having to fight your child to go on rides/shows the rest of the vacation?

 

[disnee4mygirls]

My parents took my girls ages 5 and 8 to this after the safari ride and they both came out crying (and the 8 year old had sat through it just fine before) and we ended up having to leave the park they were so upset! Like I said, the oldest one had sat through it before just fine so not sure what was up but I as an adult liked it.......

 

[Surr]

My guess is, if you have to ask how scary it is, it will probably be too scary. I am sure they are some children that would be fine at 4 or 5 years old, but expect that most would not like it. For older children and adults it can be fun, altough a little creepy. The younger the child, or anyone with fear of bugs risk ruining their day.