O.K.
I planned to skip the new Stitch ride; I figured it was going to be too scary because Alien Encounter was a little creepy for me. ( Don't like surprises in the dark.) However, my son asked for this ride because he loves Stitch. I told him how Stitch was not nice yet during the ride, about the dark and the harness. I figured that this would discourage him because he is scared of everything; but, no, he was determined to ride.
We rode and he loved it. (I can't emphasize enough what a chicken he is and how much he enjoyed the attraction.)
I believe that if you explain everything in advance and let them make their own decision then it sometime works.
Oh, also I tell him that Mickey makes sure that anyone who follows the rules on the rides will not get hurt and that all "bad guys" have to play nice while they are in his park.
Regina