Need Help from MOMS-DADS of 5 yr olds

[SnwflkCts]

Promised a coworker I'd help plan her LONG week-end in WDW (January 2007). Her son will be turning 5 by then. I have no kids ... so PLEASE HELP me with selecting appropriate rides. Yes I know it will depend on the child's temperament - think he is on the timid side - doesn't like water much either. I will be asking help about Animal Kingdom too - but didn't want to make this one TOO long. Will ask that later! THANKS MOMS/DADS!

Fantasyland:
YES: IASW, Peter Pan, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh (both ride and playful spot)

NO – what do you think? Snow White (little scarey), Mad Tea Party – too spinny, PhilharMargic (little long?)

Also what are your feelings about the story spots?
Fairytale Garden
Ariel’s Grotto (she does read a story right?)

Toontown:
YES to all the houses and Judges Tent
I think NO?? Barnstormer
Railroad to get to Frontierland: YES

Frontierland:
YES: Country Bear Jamoboree – a bit long – maybe sit near exits?
NO to rest – child doesn’t like water so no Tom Sawyer Island.

Adventureland:
YES: Magic Carpets.
MAYBE Swiss Family – depends how tired child is right?
All others seem TOO dark, scarey (POTC, Jungle Cruise, TIKI)

Tomorrowland: No to ALL – maybe INDY Cars with dad or mom if not too long a line (HA HA!)

Liberty Square - NO to ALL - unless sleeping then maybe Hall of Presidents.

Please let me know your feelings. There is so much fun stuff like the Barber, etc... and I LOVE to plan! I haven't decided about Parades either ... so let me know what your young kids thought about them. THANKS!!!

 

[casper_jj11]

We're taking DS3 (almost 4) in August. He also doesnt like water much. At 2.5 yrs, he cried while on a kids train ride on his own. I've been a bit wary of the rides at WDW to be honest but we're going to give it a shot and feel him out. We won't be pushing him on anything he doesnt feel like doing. As for your list, I agree with all said about FL except Philharmagic... I think he'll like the 3D aspect. We're going to try Barnstormer and see if he likes it. We're also going to try POTC, Jungle Cruise (I hear its quite calm) and Tiki. My only concern is the end of POTC but its a very fast dip and then the ride is over so we'll see how he handles it. We're also going to give Splash a shot but if for any reason he doesnt want to do it, we won't. If the boy likes Toy Story, I'd definitely try Buzz in Tomorrowland (to see if he likes it) as well as the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland (not a ride but Woody and Jessie are there).

Not sure if this is much help or not since we really don't know if ds will want to do any of this stuff but he seems very intrested in all the rides right now (from the planning video). I think it makes a huge difference that he's not going on the rides alone but will be with one of us....

Joanne

 

[AUDramaQueen]

I'm sure you'll get lots of different answers to this one! I have 3 small kids now. The first time we went, they were 4 and 2 and -2 months (I was still pregnant). They've been 4 more times since. I personally think you've cut too much out. My kids rode basically anything without a height restriction at MK and loved it all. POTC and Haunted Mansion are two of their favorite rides, but I do see why you might caution them. I don't think you should cut Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear or Philharmagic though.

That being said, the parents are going to be the best judge. Like you said, it is all based on temperament. Just tell them what the rides are like or have them get the planning video. If I were you, I wouldn't "cut" anything, just objectively tell them what you know. Let them decide and then make your plans.

Also, you'll get a lot of replies if you post this on the family board too.

Oh and about parades, my kids like the one at MGM much better b/c it didn't seem as crowded and you get more interaction with the characters. They didn't get the snow globe thing at MK(but that may be gone by their trip)

Hope this helps!

 

[Mariaºoº]

Rita Aero's Disney World Guidebook was the best in determining what rides would be appropriate for children. She went into descriptions of each ride and tolerance levels for children. The only thing I would say a 5 year old (I have 3 children) would not be able to handle would be the obvious. Now of course, you have children which will scream bloody murder over certain rides (anxiety), but once the ride is complete they want to go again because it wasn't as bad as they were picturing and actually liked it and once they're off they want to go again and this time they're smiling, clapping and really enjoying the ride. So, the parents need to determine whether their child would be like this. I see that you don't have Buzz Lightyear mentioned above....a 5 year old...especially boy would love the ride!

The only attraction in Fantasyland I would say probably not would be Snow White.

You can also tell the parents to tell their child that if they're scared all they have to do is cover their eyes with their hands. Let the child take the lead and determine if he wants to try something or not. He might not be so timid after all.

 

[dustysky]

Sorry I cant help my 5 year old is a brave little thing, she will try anything at anytime and gets upset that she is not able to ride R-N-R ......

 

[SnwflkCts]

Thanks for the great suggestions so far. I like the idea of just telling the mom and dad what each ride entails - I've been on them all. We already discussed a few!

I can't believe I forgot BUZZ!!! Yes, I really think he will enjoy that!!!

 

[tink98]

For our first trip with our children (4&7 at the time) we read lots of books before we went so we would be prepared. The one we found most helpful was Walt Disney World with Kids /author: Kim Wright Wiley. It really broke the attractions down and gave a "scare factor" for each one. I think it was definitely worth the investment.

I also suggest having a small pen light for her child to use while waiting in queue for some of the "darker" rides - POTC if he tends to be afraid of the dark. We all rode The Haunted Mansion, but DH and I were the only one's with open eyes!

 

[jenjersnap]

Fantasyland:
YES: IASW, Peter Pan, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh (both ride and playful spot)

NO – what do you think? Snow White (little scarey), Mad Tea Party – too spinny, PhilharMargic (little long?)

Also what are your feelings about the story spots?
Fairytale Garden
Ariel’s Grotto (she does read a story right?)

Toontown:
YES to all the houses and Judges Tent
I think NO?? Barnstormer
Railroad to get to Frontierland: YES

Frontierland:
YES: Country Bear Jamoboree – a bit long – maybe sit near exits?
NO to rest – child doesn’t like water so no Tom Sawyer Island.

Adventureland:
YES: Magic Carpets.
MAYBE Swiss Family – depends how tired child is right?
All others seem TOO dark, scarey (POTC, Jungle Cruise, TIKI)

Tomorrowland: No to ALL – maybe INDY Cars with dad or mom if not too long a line (HA HA!)

Liberty Square - NO to ALL - unless sleeping then maybe Hall of Presidents.

Please let me know your feelings. There is so much fun stuff like the Barber, etc... and I LOVE to plan! I haven't decided about Parades either ... so let me know what your young kids thought about them. THANKS!!!

My oldest just turned 6 and he is pretty timid. He has tried and didn't like: Splash, HM, Barnstormer, Stitch ... nearly everything else you mention he is fine with. Teacups are ok, as long as we spin slowly. He loves shows like Philharmagic, CB Jamboree, Tiki ... heck he LOVES COP. Jungle Cruise is a favorite. POTC would be iffy at that age, I guess, but my DS hasn't had much exposure to the scary elements of pirates, IYKWIM, so he thinks POTC is pretty funny (the dog, other animals, the women chasing the pirates, etc).

We never stay at parks for parades. IMO, most 5-year-olds should be napping during afternoon parade time. Following that rule has been a good one for my family. We have taken them to Spectro and the MVMCP parades and they loved them.

 

[familydisney]

Promised a coworker I'd help plan her LONG week-end in WDW (January 2007). Her son will be turning 5 by then. I have no kids ... so PLEASE HELP me with selecting appropriate rides. Yes I know it will depend on the child's temperament - think he is on the timid side - doesn't like water much either. I will be asking help about Animal Kingdom too - but didn't want to make this one TOO long. Will ask that later! THANKS MOMS/DADS!

Fantasyland:
YES: IASW, Peter Pan, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh (both ride and playful spot)

NO – what do you think? Snow White (little scarey), Mad Tea Party – too spinny, PhilharMargic (little long?)

Also what are your feelings about the story spots?
Fairytale Garden
Ariel’s Grotto (she does read a story right?)

Toontown:
YES to all the houses and Judges Tent
I think NO?? Barnstormer
Railroad to get to Frontierland: YES

Frontierland:
YES: Country Bear Jamoboree – a bit long – maybe sit near exits?
NO to rest – child doesn’t like water so no Tom Sawyer Island.

Adventureland:
YES: Magic Carpets.
MAYBE Swiss Family – depends how tired child is right?
All others seem TOO dark, scarey (POTC, Jungle Cruise, TIKI)

Tomorrowland: No to ALL – maybe INDY Cars with dad or mom if not too long a line (HA HA!)

Liberty Square - NO to ALL - unless sleeping then maybe Hall of Presidents.

Please let me know your feelings. There is so much fun stuff like the Barber, etc... and I LOVE to plan! I haven't decided about Parades either ... so let me know what your young kids thought about them. THANKS!!!

My DS (4) will be 5 on Aug 30th and we leave for WDW on SEP 29. We were at WDW last Jan and he rode Splash mountain (twice), BTM (3 times), HM, everything in toontown (he loved barnstormer), everything in Fantasyland. The only ride in MK he didn't ride was space mountain.

At AK he rode Kali River (3 times) and at Epcot did Test Track, Soarin', and Maelstrom.

We let him decide what he wanted to ride. He was tall enough for TOT at MGM, but didn't want to go (no pressure). After riding Splash he said he didn't want to ride it again, but he decided to go again a few days later.

I would recommend checking his height against posted limits and use the parents best judgement. Our son is very adventurous, fun-loving and is not shy. The important thing is to DO NOT pressure to go on anything, but also do not describe rides as "scary" or "frightening" unless they really are scary. Exciting doesn't necessarily mean scary. Above all, be a parent!

 

[SnwflkCts]

Any thoughts on those story spots???? I did not see those -- I tried but always was there at the wrong time. (I am a 5 year old in my heart!) -

Fairytale Garden
Ariel’s Grotto (she does read a story right?)



Wow - I am so glad for all the suggestions. I ordered a planning dvd for my friend just now (WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT!). I can't give up MINE!!!! and will be looking up the book recommendations too! Keep the suggestions coming - I am reading them all and loving it!

 

[english rose 47]

Will be going with a 5 year old boy nextyear. He hates roler coaster rides, things that spin, loud fireworks etc Although loves a Western Shootout Go figure! He loves water swear he's part fishand is totally cool with heights. Took him on a sky lift, he was hanging out trying to stand you name it! Made Mom a wreak!!! I know he"ll love Soarin. So I guess each 5 year old is different.Have 11 year old DGD who adores rollercoasters and totally freaked on mme in a walk thru Spooky house!!

 

[familydisney]

Also-- in deference to the earlier post about giving kids pen lights so they won't be scared on dark rides-- PLEASE DO NOT!

You will ruin the ride experience for everyone around you! I went on POTC last Jan and a boat ahead of us had a kid with a flashing light necklace that they sell at the electric parade and it ruined the whole ride. First off, they blind you when they flash and they light up areas that are supposed to be dark. The area on the ride where the ship fires cannons at the fort was completely lit up.

I also went on HM with a kid with a pen light in the car next to me and he had it on the whole ride!!

Please if your kids are scared of the dark, don't take them!!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Don't forget the people mover! It is always a favorite of the little ones. And definitely the cars and the train. Also don't be too sure that they won't be riding some of the "bigger" things like the Barnstormer by the end of the vacation! They would probably enjoy a character meal too. Maybe Chrystal Palace with Pooh Bear.

 

[poppins06]

My then 5 year old was afraid of Snow White ride. Loved the spinning tea cups. Liked Philharmagic (fast pass to limit wait in line)

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

My son will be turning 5 about 3 weeks before our trip in October. He had just turned 3 on our last trip & he rode a lot! He isn't timid, but isn't a dare devil either. These are the things he rode:

FANTASYLAND:
- Peter Pan (Loved it!), Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, PhilHarmagic (LOVED IT!!), Snow White (He was IN LOVE with SW - thought she was beautiful!). We didn't ride IASW because it was under refurb.

TOMORROWLAND:
- His fave was Buzz & he talks about riding it on this trip.
- TTA, Indy Speedway, COP, Astro Orbiters

TOON TOWN:
- Both houses & Barnstormer (he thought it was fast, but fun)

ADVENTURELAND:
- Tiki Birds, Jungle Cruise, POC (He liked this more than his 6 yr old sister!). Magic Carpets were under refurb, so didn't ride those. We didn't do the treehouse then either; we plan to rent the movie before we go so they can appreciate the treehouse this trip.

FRONTIERLAND:
- Country Bears. We wasn't big enough then for Splash or BTMR, but he is planning to ride those this time!

LIBERTY SQUARE:
- Haunted Mansion (we did cover his eyes during the graveyard scene. It was the only one that bothered him)
- Hall of Presidents - this is where he fell asleep!

Really, there is very little that a 5 year old can't do. Just leave it up to parents' discrestion regarding the rides with height restrictions.