Pteranodon Flyers Question

[OKWMom]

We are planning the children's first trip to US/IOA this year. DH and I went to HHN last year (we told ourselves it was a scouting trip, to see if the kids would like it). Anyway, our oldest and youngest are thrill ride junkies and we know they will love both parks. However, our middle child, who will be age 10 at travel date, is autistic and doesn't really like the coasters or other thrill rides. She will ride Splash Mountain at MK, but it doesn't jerk or jar her and we think that is why she likes that ride and not Thunder Mountain or Test Track.

Anyway, DH and were trying to decide what rides she would like at UO/IOA and we remember seeing Pteranodon Flyers at IOA. I think she would like this, but I'm not sure. If she dislikes a ride, she will try to get off right then, whether or not the ride has stopped. We always ride new things sitting next to her so we can make her sit down if necessary. I know I can ride behind her, but I have two very important questions: 1) what is the restraint system like - can she get out by herself? and 2) am I close enough sitting behind her to reach forward and put my hands on her shoulders if necessary?

As DH said, we are not willing to take unnecessary chances with her safety, but I would like her to experience everything she might enjoy. I'm sure someone here will know.

Thank you in advance for the help and for your patience at the first of what I am sure are going to be many stupid questions.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I think she would be able to remove the restaints (a lap belt and a metal bar that slides down in front of you. You would not be able to reach her from the back seat if she was trying to remove the restraint.

PS--what did you think of HHN? My husband and I are considering going this year.

 

[newsliner1]

i rode this ride last year with my 3 year old and was terrified the whole time that she would try to get out. you can not reach your child from behind you are sitting too far back. this was the most terrifying ride in the whole park for me. (and i rode hulk, the mummy, and dueling dragons. ) it seems like it would be real easy to get out of but must not be because i have nevr heard of anyone falling out. (but i sure wont ride it again.)
kim

 

[kristinw]

There is a part in the middle were the track were it jars a little, I haven't taken my little one on it because of this.

 

[OKWMom]

Thank you all for your responses. I think we will skip this one, my heart couldn't take the stress.

PS--what did you think of HHN? My husband and I are considering going this year.

We thought the theming was fabulous and loved the Bill and Ted show. The costumes were just amazing and the scareactors by and large did a great job. We enjoyed the street areas, watching the scareactors interact with the other park guests, particularly the chain saw group. They were excellent.

We went the first weekend and wow, it was really crowded. If you want to see the houses, you can either stand in very, very long lines or invest in the express pass. We had a pass for Friday and Saturday night, but I began to not feel well on Saturday, and we had to leave early. We made a young couple's night when we gave them our unused express pass that night.

We aren't big drinkers, but aren't offended by those around us drinking. Having said that, it is more like a concert atmosphere, very loud and lots of partying. We had a good time, but both DH and I agree we won't go again. Just isn't our thing. Probably because we are morning people and weren't really in the mood to park tour after 9 or 10 pm. But I'm glad we tried it and if you think you would like it, you probably will.

 

[bjakmom]

OKWMom - Damo posted a great pic of the Pteranodon Flyers in another thread (post #23) http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1322011&page=2 - might give you a better idea of exactly what they are like.

 

[OKWMom]

OKWMom - Damo posted a great pic of the Pteranodon Flyers in another thread (post #23) http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1322011&page=2 - might give you a better idea of exactly what they are like.

Thank you. I can now see very clearly what you were all saying about the seating. I think we will definitely have to pass.

 

[yaytezIOA]

Its not THAT bad. I can usually reach the person in front of me as I am a little larger.....but the thing is, if your child is over 54 inches...they wont let you ride after the line hits 30 min. anyway. The best way to judge is to go on with your smaller child and judge it that way. The whole camp jurassic area is great and has a lot more than just the flyers to explore. I definately recommend while you and your younger ride it, let the other two explore. Try it, and judge...thats the best bet. Dont skip it just because. It is fun ride that lasts 90 seconds. My daughter has loved this thing since she was 3, and she is TERRIFIED of heights....but she sits and giggles the whole time.

 

[nymomof3]

i can't remember, is this ride just like dumbo at wdw.

 

[phamton]

i can't remember, is this ride just like dumbo at wdw.

No, One Fish, Two Fish is like Dumbo with water.

It's similar to the old SkyRide at Disney.

 

[maggiew]

i can't remember, is this ride just like dumbo at wdw.

No. You are hanging from swing (think those baby swings that have a plastic seat and a bar comes down). There are 2 per "car". One swing in front, one in back. See the picture above. It really shows clearly what its like.

Maggie

 

[damo]

Here is a bit of a different view. I'm looking for one that shows the restraints more clearly.

 

[robvia]

There's a seat belt that goes across the lap. It won't unlock until the ride is in the station. For smaller kids, there is a center strap attached to the grab bar.

That's why you've never heard of anyone falling out. If you want to see a POV video of the ride, you can scroll down my page here.
http://www.nogodforme.com/ioapovs2005.htm

 

[OKWMom]

You guys are the greatest! Damo, thank you so much for the up-close photos. I can see the restraint system clearly in the first picture. Robvia, your videos are amazing.

I appreciate the efforts you both went to in answering my question. I can’t wait to get home and let DH take a look. We are both really trying to maximize her enjoyment of both the parks (we know the other two children will love them, especially IOA) as we want her to have a good vacation as well.

I have learned so many things on this forum and have found the members very knowledgeable and helpful. I hope I don’t test your patience over the coming months as I pester you in preparation for our family trip in November.

Many thanks to all of you for your responses.

 

[nymomof3]

does anyone know why this doesn't have fotl, it looks like fun, does it have child swap cause i don't thing dd 3 could go on. is it worth the wait if its a long line. thanks all

 

[damo]

does anyone know why this doesn't have fotl, it looks like fun, does it have child swap cause i don't thing dd 3 could go on. is it worth the wait if its a long line. thanks all

This ride is EXTREMELY slow loading. That is why there are adult restrictions as well as no express pass. Adults cannot ride without a child (other than really early in the morning before there is a line -- sometimes they make an exception here). I think the capacity is only 200/hour or something ridiculous like that.