Universe of Energy with Young Kids?

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

I've never gone on Universe of Energy. Honestly, it just didn't sound interesting enough to spend 45 minutes doing it. Also, I'm afraid that one of my younger kids will have to use the bathroom while we are trapped on the ride (regardless of whether or not they just went) - lol.

With the rumors that it might close, I thought maybe I should ride it at least once before then. I was wondering what your opinion might be - should I skip it b/c three of my kids will be age 2-9? Or should we do it at least once?

Thanks!

 

[minnie mum]

I've never gone on Universe of Energy. Honestly, it just didn't sound interesting enough to spend 45 minutes doing it. Also, I'm afraid that one of my younger kids will have to use the bathroom while we are trapped on the ride (regardless of whether or not they just went) - lol.

Given your feelings (bolded), you might as well skip it. 45 minutes of captivity, with no exit for an emergency potty break or a meltdown might not be a good idea.

 

[Klayfish]

That's a matter of how well you think your kids can handle 45 minutes without having to go to the bathroom. I would hope the older ones could make it, but I don't know them. At this point, we've been on it enough that our kids know how long the ride is, but at first we would always just remind them and make a potty stop before we got on. Once the ride starts, they get absorbed in it anyway, so they don't even think of having to go. I think you'd be fine and would definitely try it.

Technically, the ride is 37 minutes, if that helps. There's an 8 minute pre-ride video, which you can still leave if need be. But once you're in the cars, you're "stuck".

 

[lovethattink]

My son was terrified of the noises and darkness of the attraction when he was little. He loved the dinosaurs and learning about energy.

 

[disnut8]

I just wanted to mention that it's up to you on riding it or not riding it but if your only fear is that one of your kids might need to go to the bathroom even if they had just gone before entering the attraction and they can't wait 45 minutes, I'm wondering what happens when they are in a similar situation like a longer car ride? Not trying to be snarky but this sounds like it's not the kids' concern, it's yours. Only you know your kids better than they know themselves so that's a personal decision.

I also wanted to mention that once the ride has started, if you attempt to get your child out of the vehicle because of a bathroom emergency, the entire ride will need to be shut down, everyone taken off and out and the entire ride reset which can take a very long time and they will need to shut down the attraction. So, be prepared for the entire 45 minutes or don't go at all.

 

[thornton0511]

I don't know if it matters or not but it has been reported on another site that this ride has been closed and rumor is that they are gutting it and making a new experience.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I don't know if it matters or not but it has been reported on another site that this ride has been closed and rumor is that they are gutting it and making a new experience.

It's not, currently, closed. Only time will tell if that rumor is true!

I, honestly, would hesitate bringing a 2-year old on the ride. It's very dark and very long. My DS finally went on it last year when he was 7. The year before, he got to the entrance, turned around and ran away! LOL! He ended up liking it when he rode it, but it was really once and done. As much as I love WDW history and keeping some semblange of "original" Disney, this ride is in desperate need of a complete overhaul!

 

[thornton0511]

It's not, currently, closed. Only time will tell if that rumor is true!

I, honestly, would hesitate bringing a 2-year old on the ride. It's very dark and very long. My DS finally went on it last year when he was 7. The year before, he got to the entrance, turned around and ran away! LOL! He ended up liking it when he rode it, but it was really once and done. As much as I love WDW history and keeping some semblange of "original" Disney, this ride is in desperate need of a complete overhaul!

I checked the site again where I saw the post with the pic showing this closed and apparently it was just for the night. There was a sign with rope block stating it was closed so I assumed they actually just went ahead and actually closed it. Wanted to correct myself.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

OP here - I was sort of half joking about the bathroom breaks. You know how kids are. My kids have sat through long shows before - Finding Nemo the Musical is pretty long and so is The Lion King show, but they are pretty entertaining. I think I will play it by ear and see if it is still open in the fall. However, since I will have a 2 yo, I'll probably skip it b/c that's a pretty long ride without an escape for a toddler.

Thanks for the opinions!

 

[disnut8]

OP here - I was sort of half joking about the bathroom breaks. You know how kids are. My kids have sat through long shows before - Finding Nemo the Musical is pretty long and so is The Lion King show, but they are pretty entertaining. I think I will play it by ear and see if it is still open in the fall. However, since I will have a 2 yo, I'll probably skip it b/c that's a pretty long ride without an escape for a toddler.

Thanks for the opinions!

Since it will be, I think, at least five of you, your entire party will more than likely be all together in one row. Your toddler should have plenty of room to move around and work out some energy without disturbing anyone else on the attraction. And who knows, he/she might just like the entire thing. You won't know until you try it for yourself.

 

[BobC]

Oh God!

My first trip to Disney this was my favorite ride!

Granted, I was 5 years old and it was 1988 and in that day's technology this ride was amazing with the dinosaurs.

I'm terribly sad this ride could be gone. Ride it one last time before it's gone (rumored).