Space Mountain dilemma - wwyd?

[DreamIsaWish]

I think the biggest concern I'd have is the darkness. My daughter loves Thunder Mountain and the coasters at our local Six Flags. But, she still has a nightlight and isn't terribly fond of Peoplemover because of the dark aspect. I suppose you could try Peoplemover and see how she reacts to seeing Space Mountain as you pass through.

I won't be trying Space Mountain with her because I don't think she'll do well with the dark. She's decided that Splash Mountain will be her new one this time, and that's good with me. Even my older kid who is more of a thrill seeker didn't like Space Mountain the first two times (two consecutive years, at age 7 and 8, I think, but maybe 6 and 7).

 

[Meriweather]

this is all awesome advice. Thank you! Now I'm leaning towards making her try it and hoping she doesn't hate me forever. This makes me feel a lot better about the whole thing in general, so again, thank you!!

We made DD go on with DS and myself when she was 8 or 9. She hated it (fine with Barnstormer) and has still never forgiven us (she is now 34!). I would let her take a look first. People mover goes through.
Also try BTMR first. My DD doesn't even like that one. SDMT was even pushing it.

 

[ArmyVet80]

Also try BTMR first. My DD doesn't even like that one. SDMT was even pushing it.

If they are going between now and 11/18/2016 BTMR will be out of the question as it has been under refurb/rehab since 8/8/2016.

 

[Maddysdaddy]

Not sure this really addresses your question, but as suggested by a previous poster, I'd try watching some ride-throughs on YouTube with your daughter in advance of your trip (granted it's in the dark, so I don't know how much she'll actually be able to see).

I can only speak from my experience with my daughter, but knowing that she was a nervous nellie (apologies to anyone named Nellie on the Dis) about coasters, and that her issues stemmed from a fear of the unknown, watching videos allowed her to understand (and then prepare herself) for the experience. The process of knowing what to expect allowed her to feel empowered rather than fearful, and that allowed her to experience rides that her anxiety would have otherwise caused her to avoid.

For me, there are situations in life where I have encouraged/forced my daughter to do something she really didn't want to, with the resultant tears, however going on a ride at Disney is not one of those times where the math of the cost/benefit of that worked for me - not saying that it wouldn't work for others in the same situation, because every kid is different.

 

[bumbershoot]

Once your younger one sees the older one doing these big rides, she may well want to do them, also. My little one can't wait to meet the height requirements for the bigger coasters because she sees big sister riding them.

That doesn't work in *all* sibling units, though. I know several sibling groups that are the exact opposite of that.


OP to clarify something...you said she'll be right at the height req. Since the plan B of the 8 yo riding alone requires the 6 yo to go into the line with you, you have to make sure she can go into the line. Which means you can't do any bigger rides, or have walked allll day in the possible heat, before trying for Space, because she might be 43 3/4" by then. So go when she's tallest.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We "highly encouraged" our DS to try Space Mountain when he was 6. I knew he would like it, but it frightened him as it was all in the dark and he couldn't see the track to assess the ride. On that first ride with him, the whole time I was thinking to myself, "this was a HUGE mistake" and he was going to be upset on the end. Well, the ride stopped, he got off the ride, looked back at me and DH and said, "that was AWESOME!". I guess my point is, you know your child best. If after going on a few of the other tamer coasters you think she will be ok, I would encourage her to try it.

If she refuses, yes, your 8-year old can go alone. I actually got tired of riding Space Mountain, while it became DS's favorite. When he turned 7, he was actually excited to try it alone. I stood in line with him, told the CM he wanted to ride alone and the CM had me walk him up to the loading area. I then walked down the exit ramp and simply waited for DS at the unloading area (they had benches there when I waited for him.). He enjoyed the ride and I was right there when he got off. It worked out really well!

 

[Spoiledraf]

My grandson was seven last year when he road it. Loved it. The year before he was hesitant to ride barnstormer. He's similar. Doesn't like the dark. Won't go in the basement alone and it's a really nice finished basement. But he LOVED Space Mtn. Good Luck.
I have a couple more grandkids going with us in a week. Fast passes for SM at 9:30. Neither have ever rode it. 6 and 9. Hope they like it!