Suggestions for frightened children

[melindaandrob]

When ds was 4 he rode 'Pirates' and was afraid of the loud noise, now he is turning 7 and refuses to ride! We can't convince him to try it! Any suggestions?

 

[ennazus]

You can always do the 'baby/child' swap.

You all stand in line, one parent stays behind with child and one rides and then you swap.... and the parent who stayed behind gets to ride and the one who already rode stays with the child.

I wouldn't try to force your child. He'll ride it when he's ready... and he may surprise you and find he's ready this year. Who knows!

 

[Brian Noble]

Sign up for wdwmagic.com's one month subscription ($3.50), and download the high-quality ride-through video. It's not complete, but it's close. Then, you can play it together in the safety of your living room. When he knows what to expect, he may find it's okay.

You can get the complete DL version at www.visionsfantastic.com, and they'll let you download it for free. It is much better quality.

If neither of my kids is willing/able to ride something, I'll skip it rather than ride it by myself, but that's just me. I figure the rides will be there a long time, and eventually everyone will be tall/intrepid enough to ride.

 

[dzneelvr]

It is all a phase which they will grow out of (or grow into). POTC is one of our faves, so if someone didn't want to go, for whatever reason, those that did would go.
You'll find that as your kids age, their tastes will change and they may not go on a ride when they're 15 that they went on when they were 14.
Same for adults--I don't get as excited by the Haunted Mansion as I did originally and can take it or leave it. but my DS-17 could go on it 20 times in a row. And I used to think the Tiki Birds was "dorky"--but I love it now.

Respect your child's wishes and don't make a big deal out of it.

 

[isla bonita]

I also have a child that is some what taken back by the rides. After having my 2 older children who were not fearful at all it was a different experience. We went on Pooh and Peter Pans flight and she wanted to go home. So we walked around and went on things that she could see. I think the loud, dark unknown are to much for her. So I have learned to do things differently. When we came home she told everyone about her experiences. We are planning our trip for Feb. and she wants to go back so It was not as bad as I had thought. Just follow his lead. Maybe leave that ride for when he understands better. You will be surprised I know I was. Good luck.

 

[Lizzydoll73]

If he was scared because of the loud noises maybe some ear plugs. Maybe he would feel more secure.

 

[jill9072]

the first year we didnt know what to expect, my ds does not like loud noises or the dark, which you fill many of the inside attractions both dark and loud. (he was 4) the next yearl, we took a little flashlight on a string so he could turn it on when ever he felt the need to be safe.it worked!! we also used cotton balls instead of earplugs, in case we lost them, we had a whole bag of cheap cotton balls!! The bugs life show scared him the most, but likes it now. hth.

 

[gigi1313]

both of my kids get nervous in the dark loud rides... i bought them each a little flashlight that they could wear around their neck and it gave them a great sense of comfort and security... i think it only got used once, but just holding it, knowing it was there relieved a lot of their anxiety...

good luck & enjoy!

 

[crisi]

Also, start small. Don't start with Pirates, or Haunted Mansion. Start with Pooh, Peter Pan's Flight, Buzz Lightyear. Maybe when he gets some experience under his belt (and gets tired of the "little kid rides" he'll want something bigger all by himself.

But if he doesn't, encourage, but don't push (my son is a huge pirate fan - spends half his life dressed as a pirate - he is six now and this has been going on since he was two. Pirates should have been a shoe in for him - but the only way he got through the ride when he was little was between Daddy and Grandpa with Daddy telling him that the ride let out into the Pirate Store (which it does) - and he could have some pirate stuff (an eyepatch and chocolate coins was what he ended up with) when he got off.

 

[Magic2000]

When my youngest DD was around 4 or 5, she was very scared of any ride that was dark and/or loud. She also was afraid of the fireworks! On our visit in December, I had brought some ear muffs since it was cold. She left her ear muffs on in some of the rides, and it worked fine!!! She also wore them for the fireworks and wasn't as scared.

Of course, when we went back in July, she insisted she "needed" her ear muffs and she wore them for the fireworks!!! Whatever works!!!!!

Have a great trip!!!!!