Theme park strategy Ideas with children who do not like big rides

[learnhome]

I know, it sounds crazy, but my three children have never been crazy about big or fast rides. I know they will still enjoy the Disney experience, but does anyone have any suggestions as to how I go about planning theme park strategies with fearful kiddos?????? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated

Chris

 

[Sweedee]

I am not a big on thrill rides at all. My ds finally got brave enough this year.

 

[grinningghost]

At Disney, it'll be a breeze!

Lots of low-key rides at WDW. Heck, all of Fantasyland is low-key to start with.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Buzz, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Tiki Birds, Pirates, the list goes on and on - they'll be fine - so will you!

 

[learnhome]

They are 11, 8 and 5.....and my 11 year old is probably the worst!!!

I mean, they will ride SOME rides, but - I am sure it wont be too many!!!!

 

[ADisneygirl]

Practically every ride at Magic Kingdom is for the faint of heart! My mother can ride many of them! There are only a few I'd keep a little one off who is afraid, like the roller coasters and the drop rides like Tower of Terror. Plenty to do and see at Epcot too that is tame. But for little ones, MK is best.

 

[learnhome]

Practically every ride at Magic Kingdom is for the faint of heart! My mother can ride many of them! There are only a few I'd keep a little one off who is afraid, like the roller coasters and the drop rides like Tower of Terror. Plenty to do and see at Epcot too that is tame. But for little ones, MK is best.

Do you think purchasing Magic Your way tickets would be wise then??? I was planning on the one theme park per day, that is what we can afford and do at this time??? Would MGM be worth it, or should I stick the MK and Epcot and ANimal????

 

[ptrbryant]

No one in our family likes thrill rides and guess what!?!?!? After our first WDW trip--which I thought would be our one and only trip there--we fell in love with the whole experience and have gone each year since then.

I agree that there are some very, very mild rides. DS10 prefers the "shows" (Philharmagic, Fantasmic, Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Muppets in 3D). We always get the park hopper pass and use it each day. Once, we'd planned out a MK day, got there and it was wall-to-wall people...you could hardly move! We left quickly and spent the day at MGM and AK instead and I'm so glad we weren't "stuck" in the over-crowded MK that day!

You'll have a wonderful time!

Karla B.

p.s. Noticed your screen name---do you homeschool? Just asking since we're a homeschooling family!

p.p.s.!!! Okay, I just reread your initial post and, truly, I would recommend you learn all you can about each ride. I can tell DS how long each ride is, whether it's dark or not, if it goes fast or slow...everyone here can answer specific ride questions. I found the Passporter book to be invaluable for detailed information like that...also, check out allearsnet.com. Under attractions, she also has a lot of information about individual rides. Feel free to pm me if you want!

 

[mollyseven]

Wow you're kids sound like mine. I have a dd11 and ds8 and they have never really liked rides. Kiddy roller coasters that's about it....but after looking through the passporter book I'm thinking they will have lots to ride and lots to do to fill our week.
Hey ...we are also homeschoolers....up in Canada, so we don't have to worry about them missing "school" while we are at disney in May. haha
Can't wait....when are you going?
Denise

 

[ptrbryant]

Not to hijack this thread , but we'll be at WDW May 15th - May 23rd!!! This will be our longest trip ever!

Karla B.

 

[learnhome]

No one in our family likes thrill rides and guess what!?!?!? After our first WDW trip--which I thought would be our one and only trip there--we fell in love with the whole experience and have gone each year since then.
p.s. Noticed your screen name---do you homeschool? Just asking since we're a homeschooling family!

YES!! WE ARE A HOMESCHOOLING FAMILY OF THREE HERE IN CONNECTICUT!!!! It is a pleasure to "meet" you and the other homeschooler poster here!! Oh, I am so glad I posted, because just the few responses has set myself at ease.....I mean, it is nice to know that we are not the only family filled with "little chickens"........ My littlest child, and the only girl, actually likes rides more than her older brother!!! BUt, I just think we will be enthralled with the whole experience to even care! Hey, it beats waiting in lines!!!!!! Also, I just learned about the Passporter, and I am getting 2 books and joined TGM!! Being prepared WILL be better!! We are going in January 07, homeschooling is great because we pick off season and don't have to worry about school breaks, etc!! Disney will be a part of our homeschooling that week for sure

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris

 

[scoolover]

Try to convince them that Space Mountain is an easy boat ride. HA HA! That will teach em.

 

[learnhome]

Try to convince them that Space Mountain is an easy boat ride. HA HA! That will teach em.

YIKES!! I WILL end up with puke on me - DS's mad at me and then they for sure WONT go on a ride!! Maybe I will leave them home with DH and go by myself!! Just kidding!!! I am thinking it will be fine!! Thanks, though!!!

Chris

 

[jann1033]

didn't read all the posts but there are only a handful of "thrill " rides so you'll have plenty to do


sorry if it's repeat info, if it is I agree with what they said



edit

just read the thread and we home schooled also! ( after 2nd and 4th grades, it was quite the "novelty" in those days nosey neighbors called the authorities once cause the kids were home
our kids turned out fine btw

 

[laceemouse]

Another homeschooling mom here I have SEVERE motion sickness, honestly swinging on a swing makes me sick, and I LOVE Disney! There is soooo muuuuuch to do at every park! We do the shows, parades, and ALL of the gentle/dark rides together! No other theme park has as much for me to do as WDW! At MGM they will love the Backlot Tour, Great Movie Ride, and all of the shows. I don't do simulators either, but my dh likes them so my braver kids can do the things that are a little wilder with Daddy! None of us except oldest dd does coaster. I truly think your dcs will love ALL of the parks, and we never hop (just personal preference.) It is a BIGGER problem at WDW if they are scared of the dark, mine never were thank goodness!! We also enjoy trying different restaurants every time, it is a big part of the fun for us

 

[zipuzee]

I hate thrill rides, I have motion sickness issues, and I don't like loud, sudden noises like explosions. That said, I absolutely love Disney. Because there is so much more to see and do and there are lots of rides and shows that I can enjoy. My 16 yo is like me, but my hubby loves the thrill rides. So he'll use fastpass and singles lines to avoid standing in long lines alone, and my dd and I will check out the shops and whatever is in the area. Or just chill on a bencn and watch the crowds go by. And yes, I know lots of the rides have "chicken" outs, but I'm so freaked by rides and afraid I'll get stuck on a ride that I won't stand in them!