Screamin' - how young is too young?

[SpaceMania]

For me, it was best to keep my head against the cushion/seat thing so my head wouldn't snap backward during the launch. I think I failed to listen to it once and my head kind of slammed backward into the seat in the beginning. Maybe it's a precaution so people don't get whiplash.

Is the launch really THAT bad?! I was scared of the loop, but maybe its the launch i should be worried about

 

[starshine514]

The launch is pretty intense. Other than the silly thought that she could actüally fall out of the seat, hoping that DD6 will keep her head back for the launch was my next worry. Once that is over, the ride is very smooth - you won't really even notice the loop.

 

[thelittletiffany]

Is the launch really THAT bad?! I was scared of the loop, but maybe its the launch i should be worried about

I was scared of the loop too before I was informed about the launch. It's just incredibly fast, kind of like an airplane or a car going fast but you're not completely enclosed so you feel it more. The loop isn't bad, I just focus forward and don't really even realize I'm going upside down.

 

[LynGregory]

I must be in the minority because Screamin is the one ride I will not ride- I did it once and hated it, was praying the whole way round (with my eyes closed lol)

Some have said that they hate Tower or Terror?? Now that is one ride I LOVE, usually end up killing myself laughing the whole time, wouldn't miss that ride for the world.

I guess you know your daughter??

 

[Squirrel!!!]

My DD is and always has been extra tall and extra unafraid of rides. She did her first upside down loop at Hershey park at age 4, Screaming at 4.5.

No fear, all fun.

Depends on the child.

TOT has been her favorite forever!!!

Oh, the middle would likely be the least intense. We like the front the best. I second or is it third the advise to keep your head firmly back on the headrest. Do not lean forward or you will smack your ears on the restraint. Do not ask how I know this.....

 

[qoodoo]

I was in the front twice last trip as for the launch...its like being in a high performance sports car. Nothing really scary.

 

[Kittyskyfish]

Height and fearlessness are not always age-correlated. I say any kid who wants to go and is tall enough is old enough.

My DD is one inch too short at age 5, and that inch is all that kept her off it because she thought it looked "awesome". My son, 3, is 6 inches too short, and if he was 6 inches taller he would have been on it and begging to do it again. He cried when he found he wouldn't be allowed on. In 6 more inches, however long that is, we'll go back and let him have his turn!

ITA! If they physically qualify to ride, then let them decide if it's for them. Heck, even encourage them to be brave if they start feeling nervous in line! I've been a roller coaster fan since I was tall enough to ride, and even then I was pretty darn scared to go on. But I always loved the thrill of the ride and felt a ton of pride in myself afterward for toughing it out.

Factoid: I was 8-years old when I rode The Beast at King's Island during its opening summer in 1979. Waited TWO HOURS in line for that bad boy! Totally worth it. And yeah, I'm a GIRL. lol!

 

[Squirrel!!!]

ITA!
Factoid: I was 8-years old when I rode The Beast at King's Island during its opening summer in 1979. Waited TWO HOURS in line for that bad boy! Totally worth it. And yeah, I'm a GIRL. lol!

I just love that you mentioned King's Island and The Beast!! Brings back memories. I didn't get to ride it until 1980, but loved that ride!!!

 

[Bungle]

If they meet the requirements for height then go for it! I had my son watch the take off (since I really think that is the most intense part) before riding.

 

[Sydnie]

Yes, the take-off is definitely the most intense part. I ditto the suggestion of having them watch it first before riding.

My nephew and cousin both rode at age 6 and loved it, so I totally think if the child is into it they should ride!

 

[starshine514]

Factoid: I was 8-years old when I rode The Beast at King's Island during its opening summer in 1979. Waited TWO HOURS in line for that bad boy! Totally worth it. And yeah, I'm a GIRL. lol!

I used to love The Beast, and the Vortex, and King Cobra...man it's been wayyy too long since I've been to King's Island! Gotta take my girls someday, but gonna wait until DD4 is tall enough to ride the coasters!

 

[MrsPinup]

My son is 6, but super tall and skinny for his age. When he was 3 we took him on TOT and he kept slipping under the seatbelt because he was too thin. It was the scariest moment of my life thinking I was about to watch my son fly out of the ride. That being said, he now wants to ride Screamin', but I think he is just too skinny. There is a part of me that doesn't want to risk having him slip between the shoulder harness. Until he gets a bit wider and older, I am keeping him off for his safety and my peace of mind.

 

[twopeasonepod]

I used to love The Beast, and the Vortex, and King Cobra...man it's been wayyy too long since I've been to King's Island! Gotta take my girls someday, but gonna wait until DD4 is tall enough to ride the coasters!

We are going in August! DH is ready to relive his childhood haha.

As far as Screamin' goes, our (barely) 5-year-olds were just under the 48" mark in May when we were there, but really wanted to ride. We are going back in October. One will definitely be tall enough, but the other may not make it (he isn't growing right now -- but they are super tall for their age). We just ask them to try a ride one time. They have been riding TOT since they were three. On our last trip one of them was making a "shaka" in the picture hahaha. No one told him to do it, he just did.