Warning! May be frightening for small children...

[DizBelle]

Our next trip will be with a large group that includes children - ages 2, 4, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Is there anything about the following attractions that may make them too frightening for children?

Magic Kingdom
Country Bear Jamboree
Enchanted Tiki Room
Jungle Cruise
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's Philharmagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow Whites Scary Adventures
Splash Mountain
Stitch's Great Escape!

Epcot World Showcase
Mexico boat ride
Norway Maelstrom

Epcot Future World
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Universe of Energy

Hollywood Studios
Backlot Tour
Sounds Dangerous
The Great Movie Ride
Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show
Muppet Vision 3D Studios


Animal Kingdom
It's Tough to be a Bug
Kali River Rapids

 

[LadyZolt]

Is there anything about the following attractions that may make them too frightening for children?

Well, yes. LOL! It depends on the specific child, of course, but I think some kids might be squeemish about It's Tough to be a Bug. Kali River Rapids and Splash Mountain can be fun, but a bit scary when you go fast and get splashed. Pirates can be a bit spooky with Davy Jone's face, the skeletons, the drop in the dark. My DD didn't care for that when she was small. Honey I Shrunk the Audience -- a "don't see it" if you're afraid of mice or snakes, and even if you're not, this one can be quite startling if you're very small. I also wouldn't take very small kids on Sounds Dangerous because the whole thing takes place in the dark and you have to rely on your brain to interpret sounds and follow the plot line. Small kids won't realize what's going on anyway.

Given your specific kids, it's possible that they won't be afraid of anything, or that one or more will be afraid of one or more attractions. Best thing to do is look up the rides on YouTube or the Disney World web site, check them out, and let the parents decide if it's right for their little one. Have a magical time!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[~Kik-Kik~]

Snow White can be really scary. Stitch too.

 

[pooh98378]

I'll do my best to help, but I don't have any kids (just younger siblings and watching other kids at the park react).

Magic Kingdom

Country Bear Jamboree -- not too scary, giant bears that sing (nice bears), is a little dark but not bad.

Enchanted Tiki Room -- cute show, a little loud, lots of birds that sing and the birds from the Lion King are in it.

Jungle Cruise - This ride used to scare me because they used to have a fake gun that they would try to shoot the animals with (it was LOUD to me). However, I *think* that they don't do that anymore, but am not sure.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh -- great, fun ride for kids.

Mickey's Philharmagic -- another great ride. It's in 3D, but it's all very cute from the Disney movies (you fly with Aladdin, etc.). One of our favorites.

Peter Pan's Flight -- I always really liked this ride. When my brother was little, he was afraid of the crocodile in it, but I always loved it. It is a little dark but a great ride.

Pirates of the Caribbean -- There is a part of the ride where it looks like the entire town is on fire. When I was little, I thought the town was actually on fire. There is also a part where the ride goes in between two ships that are firing cannonballs at each other. It is a little dark and has one small drop.

Snow Whites Scary Adventures -- I wouldn't ride this ride when I was little because of the witch in it. It's not really that scary though, maybe a little dark. I prefer Peter Pan to Snow White.

Splash Mountain -- GIANT drop for the younger kids (you'll see it). Inside, it is very cute with all the characters. If you can handle the drop, it's a lot of fun.

Stitch's Great Escape! -- I have been in this ride lots of times where the younger kids are screaming their heads off. The lights go dark and it feels like Stitch is breathing on you and spitting on you. You also have these harnasses that go over your head and so I think that is a bit intimidating for the younger ones.


Epcot World Showcase

Mexico boat ride -- cute ride. If you can do small world, you can do this. I can't remember if there is a drop or not. If there is, it's not a significant one.

Norway Maelstrom -- a little bit scarier. There is a troll inside and at one point, the boat goes backwards and you go down a hill. I think this is probably the scariest boat ride. The older kids should have no problem, not sure about the younger ones.


Epcot Future World

Honey I Shrunk the Audience - Most kids like this ride, but there are some scary parts. If you are wearing shorts, it feels like hundreds of mice are hitting the back of your legs. There is also a giant 3D snake and lion I believe. I personally think it is one of the scarier 3D movies even though it is one of the older ones.

Universe of Energy - don't know.

Hollywood Studios

Backlot Tour - It's been a LONG time since I've done this. I think the worst part is Catastrophe Canyon (if they still have it) where a fire breaks out on a truck and then the canyon gets flooded.

Sounds Dangerous - too long since I've ridden it.

The Great Movie Ride -- we rode this last time we were there. There is a little bit of a scary part where you go through a scene from Aliens. Also, there is the witch from Wizard of Oz. I think there might be two versions of this ride. In our version, there was a live actor that was a gangster that took over our ride vehicle for a while.

Indiana Jones Stunt Show -- too long since I've done it.

Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show -- not scary that I remember, but it is loud.

Muppet Vision 3D Studios -- cute show. As long as the kids don't have problems with 3D movies, they'll be fine (you can always tell them to just take their glasses off if they do).



Animal Kingdom

It's Tough to be a Bug -- I personally don't think it's that scary, but I've seen LOTS of kids that are scared half to death and are screaming their heads off to the point where their parents would have to leave the theater. There is a part with the mean grasshopper... I can't remember what else they were upset about.

Kali River Rapids -- I haven't ridden it, but it is a circular raft ride.

HTH! I know some others will give their opinions too!! I'm sure a lot of these rides will be fine with the older kids but a bit iffy with the younger ones. Although, I remember with the Haunted Mansion especially, my younger brother would ride that before I would (and he's 7 yrs younger than me!) so it just depends on the kid too.

 

[EnnEss]

I hate bugs, and have never disliked that attraction though. There's been some posts saying the poster's kids hated that attraction.

The one I always see children scared on though is stitch. Its dark and loud.

 

[Disney Wanderer]

Philharmagic will probally be a little scary for a 2 year old . the other kids will Love it. Stitch Is kinda creepy too . and Snow white May Scare anyone under 6 that doesnt know the movie

Some of those rides also have Height reqirements Keep that in mind

 

[mayjay]

My DS, now 4, was 3.5 when we went to WDW in Feb. He was scared during Beauty and the Beast when Gaston "attacks" the beast. He doens't want to see it when we go in Nov because "it's scary", however he does think his 2.5yo sister will like it.

Nothing else frightened him though, although we didn't see everything on your list.

 

[mom2faith]

Below are my answers from the point of view of a mom to a DD(3) who was just there for the first time.

Background - my daughter has been exposed to only a handful of carnival type rides and she was very scared of them. So keeping this in mind, before we left we watched You Tube videos and I prepared her for the rides as much as I could (I was also a first timer). Anyway here is my review...

Magic Kingdom
Country Bear Jamboree - did not do

Enchanted Tiki Room - did not do


Jungle Cruise - no fear, Faith enjoyed it

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - dark, but fun (Oh - we packed a flashlight for her that she carried in her fanny pack and she only used it the first day)

Mickey's Philharmagic - without spoiling it, Faith was not thrilled about the 4D effect (things you "feel" that go with the show) She was not scared, but she did not LOVE this show. However, she did do it with us more than once and she just snuggled up during it.

Peter Pan's Flight - Faith's favorite!! Again it is dark, but very enchanting..you get lost in the ride and forget it is dark.

Pirates of the Caribbean - another one of Faith's favorites - BUT it is dark, there are skeletons, there is a "ghost" at the beginning. I would walk slowly though the line and and watch for signals as you see the decor in the queue area. If the skeleton, etc you see there makes them a little scared, maybe leave. We did this for tower of Terror. We got to the elevator and Faith chickened out. But 3 days later, she wanted to go and enjoyed it. Watch for those signals.

Snow Whites Scary Adventures - dark and there is a witch. I would do this after Pooh and Peter Pan as it is similar but a bit harsher, so if Pooh and Peter Pan go over well then go for it

Splash Mountain - dark, great story, but that drop - YIKES!! Faith loved it, it was me who hated it Remember there is a 40 inch height requirement and they check, so your young ones may not be tall enough.

Stitch's Great Escape! - based on opinions from here, did not do, heard it was scary for young ones

Epcot World Showcase
Mexico boat ride - fine,

Norway Maelstrom - dark, a troll as stated above, Faith was not scared, but was not a fan either

Epcot Future World
Honey I Shrunk the Audience - Again did not do because of the scary for children reviews

Universe of Energy - did not do

Hollywood Studios
Backlot Tour - did not do

Sounds Dangerous - did not do

The Great Movie Ride - heard it was loud so we avoided, that is really what Faith does not like - LOUD.

Indiana Jones Stunt Show - did not do

Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show - did not do

Muppet Vision 3D Studios - same as Philharmagic, it is the 4D effects that bothered her


Animal Kingdom
It's Tough to be a Bug - did not do, but we saw about 7 kids leaving it screaming (no joke), I am glad we listened to the DIS for this one after seeing these kids!!

Kali River Rapids - she loved it!! We did it twice in a row, but you will get wet!!

Gosh it sounds like we skipped a lot, but there is just so much to see!!

Here is a link to my post of tips for a first timer, from a first timer. There are a few throughout the thread (not just the first one) that may help you with your kids and planning. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1953731

Have fun!! And remember, let your kids lead the way. After seeing Faith, I believe they do know their limits, we just have to watch for the signs.

Amy

 

[PrincessMonkey]

There are two rides I would suggest that you not ride/experience with the children in your group. Children under the age of 7 are often scared and overstimulated by the 3D/4D movie, "It's Tough to be a Bug" (at Animal Kingdom) and (out of a large theatre) we often hear a child or two crying near the end. I was once sitting next to a child who was so scared that her sunglasses fell off of the top of her head, and a minute later she was so frightened again, that *crunch* she stepped on them and broke them into pieces on the ground.

I don't recommend "Honey! I Shrunk the Audience" (at Epcot) for your group either. Too many realistic snakes and reptiles, in case you were even considering it! You're not missing much. Try the "Turtle Talk with Crush" show (at Epcot) instead... Dude, even as adults, we enjoy this short show time and time again.

Try "Muppets 3D" (at DHS) or "Mickey's Philharmagic" (at Magic Kingdom) if you want to experience any of the movies with the 3D glasses. These are much cuter movies, and they involves The Muppets or the entire cast of Disney characters, respectively. (If they don't know the Muppets, try Mickey's Philharmagic, which features The Lion King, Peter Pan, Aladdin and Jasmine, as well as the Fab Five classic disney characters with Mickey and Donald Duck.) Sit near the back of these theatres if you don't want the FULL effect, which might be better for the younger kids.

The second main attraction to skip, especially for children under 5 is, "Stitch's Great Escape" (at Magic Kingdom), but children who love "naughty" Stitch will probably like this one--as long they are not claustrophobic. (Each person is individually belted into a sensory chair in a dark room while Stitch runs amok).

Personally, as adults, we loved the movie Lilo and Stitch, but we stay away from "Stitch's Great Escape," (riding it once was enough, I don't care how short the line is) since we do not find anything cute or must-see about this attraction. However, again as adults, we do enjoy "It's Tough to be a Bug" (f the line is short, and we already did EE and the safari) and our trip is NOT complete unless we see "Mickey's Philharmagic" -- it's a classic.

I hope that helps.

 

[MineeBaby]

We are DVC owners so have found that we often end up in Disney a lot for our vacations. So, at the risk of sounding crazy for revealing how often we go, I also want to take the opprotunity to share with you our experiences with very little kids as we have seen their reactions to rides every few months since they have been born.

I have an 18 month old and 3 year old--the 1 year old has spent about 5 weeks of his life in Disney and the 3 year old has spent about 4 months of her life there. We JUST returned from a 2 week trip and for the first time experienced a bit of fear from our newly turned 3 year old.

My son hasn't had a problem with any rides or shows or anything. He was a bit squeemish on the backlot tour during the catastrophe canyon part, but watched it and held on tight. He also grabs tighter during the small drop in Pirates, but it isn't too scary for him. He watches the 4D movies just fine, sometimes with and sometimes without the glasses. All other rides that he can go on (height) are fine for him.

My daughter, when she was younger, also held tight during the POC drop and now she puts her hands up and screams for fun. She used to have a tough time with water splattering on her in the 4D shows, but now she loves it. She wears the glasses the whole way through and can't wait to go back and watch it again.

Here is where we have just recently had some fear...the Great Movie Ride seems to have sparked a huge awareness of "scary" things. The ride has many many rooms of either gun shooting, things popping out, fire, the alien from the Alien movie series, the witch from The Wizard of OZ, etc. She used to not really care (as my son doesn't) but this time she really really paid attention despite our efforts to either distract or ignore. She didn't get scared on the ride so much, but now that we are home she asks me what is in the room with her and asks me not to leave. She also often tells me that the Movie Ride is just a silly ride which is her way of trying to be brave. She knows the rides are rides, but the movie ride is actually pretty creepy for kids who are old enough to "get" it. Snow White was a smidge scary for her too, but she knew that there were happy parts and just looked forward to those. Everything else that she could go on she was really thrilled about and can't wait to go back.


If you have other questions, please feel free to PM me!

 

[JacobLovesDisney]

To the OP, you didn't have the Haunted Mansion ride in your list. Not sure if you're skipping it or doing it. But in the initial part of the ride where everyone is gathered in a small room, some young children do get a little scared. Pitch black, loud sounds, scary scene..

 

[bobbiwoz]

Our DGC were 2,3 and 4 when we took them the second time to WDW. Here's our experience. We have only taken them to MK and AK.

Magic Kingdom
Country Bear Jamboree enjoyed
Enchanted Tiki Room not done
Jungle Cruise enjoyed a LOT!
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh enjoyed
Mickey's Philharmagic frightened by noise, we left
Peter Pan's Flight enjoyed
Pirates of the Caribbean mixed bag, went on twice, the middle child didn't like it at all
Snow Whites Scary Adventures not done
Splash Mountain oldest loves this, keeps going on it
Stitch's Great Escape! not done


Animal Kingdom
It's Tough to be a Bug overwhelming disaster
Kali River Rapidseveryone loved it!

Bobbi

 

[skier_pete]

All depends on your child - many of those listed are dark. Our DD5 loves amusement parks, but Disney scares the bejesus out of her. The first ride we ever took her on when she was 3.5 was Winnie the Pooh, I thought couldn't be more benign than that, but those Heffalumps and Woozles did her in, we spend every trip cajoling her to try things. Realize that many rides that aren't scary to you ARE scary to little kids. My DD HATED Lights Motor Action - the cars are very loud, and then there's the big balls of fire. You as an adult can rationalize that the fire ball isn't going to reach you, but your 4 year old might not - or he might think it's cool. The same thing with Indiana Jones and The Backlot tour - big balls of fire. If your kids react poorly to one, skip the others. (The backlot tour stinks now anyways, so it's quite skippable.)

A few on your list are "must avoids":
It's Tough to Be a Bug scares most kids under 7 - giant bugs shooting things at you or stabbing you (biting you?) in the back - skip it. As PP mentioned, try Mickey's Philharmagic or Muppets 3-D to see how your kids set with a 3-D movie first. Honey I Shrunk the Audience has a few scary moments, but if your kids handle those first two OK they might enjoy it.

I went on Stich with a 9-year-old that was scared of it. Realize that on this ride (not really a ride as you don't actually move) the seat mechanism isolates your kids by having a shoulder harness come down on their shoulder, and then stich terrorizes (in an annoying way) everyone in the room by jumping on them and burping on them. Please, do yourself a favor, and SKIP THIS RIDE.

The Great Movie Ride has a scene out of Aliens where the Alien jumps out of the ceiling and the wall. If you pay attention you can see where it's coming from, but I would think that 4 or 5 year old would find it pretty scary. (The 7-8 year olds might think it's cool.)

You didn't mention Dinosaur - but that ride is definitely one of the scariest for little ones - basically pitch dark with giant dinosaurs jumping out at you while being tossed around on a bumpy ride. Again, just the oldest here might enjoy it.

You also didn't mention Festival of The Lion King at AK. Don't miss it, it's great for kids of all ages - one of DD favorites.

SkierPete

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would say any individual youngster could be frightened by any ride in Disney or elsewhere. Rides can frighten little kids. You know yours.

 

[Iri920]

I would say no to Stitch. My son really wanted to go on it because it was Stitch, but my husband said he didn't really like the ride and my son got scared. I also don't recommend A Bugs Life. My kids were doing ok until the grasshopper came out and then it was horrible. There's a fly swatter that "squishes" you and then all the "spray/fog" that covers the entire room really freaked them out.

Forgot to mention that after this ride they wanted to do nothing with any 3D show. We did do the Muppet one afterwards since I don't think it's scary and they love the muppets, but they were scared thinking something bad was going to happen. They did love Mickey's Phillharmagic which we did before the bug show thankfully.

 

[luvmy3]

We just got back this past weekend. My ds(almost 5) has become increasingly scared of things since this summer. I knew that this magical trip may not be so magical for him so we did our best to avoid any ride that would scare him. He wanted to do Splash Mountain, so we did do it. It was our first ride, big mistake. He compared everything to it, and thought everything else would be like it. It took alot of convincing him to try anything else. Once we got him on other rides and attractions, he ended up loving them, except for Stitch's Great Escape. My ds is a huge Stitch fan so I thought he would love this, he was TERRIFIED. A CM had to come in and help us out because of my dses screaming. He was shaking when we got out of there, I felt so bad for him. He did end up loving everything else and having a wonderful time, though.

 

[brandylouwho]

Just adding my 2 cents (which mirrors much of what has already been said)

Our next trip will be with a large group that includes children - ages 2, 4, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Is there anything about the following attractions that may make them too frightening for children?

Magic Kingdom
Country Bear Jamboree DD loved it when she was 2 & 3
Enchanted Tiki Room have never done
Jungle Cruise DD enjoyed it both at 2 & 3
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh again, fine
Mickey's Philharmagic least scary 3D movie in my opinion. DD didn't really like any 3D movies when she was 2, but liked it when she was 3
Peter Pan's Flight fine
Pirates of the Caribbean questionable, my DD was fine when she was 2, but she LOVES dogs and I had her watch for the dog in various scenes to detract from the possibly scary elements
Snow Whites Scary Adventures never done
Splash Mountain my kids haven't been on yet
Stitch's Great Escape! never plan to even bother

Epcot World Showcase
Mexico boat ride never done
Norway Maelstrom never done

Epcot Future World
Honey I Shrunk the Audience DD hated this when she was 2, she did not enjoy any 3D shows, but this was the worst of them. I think the snake was the real kicker in that sow. She took off her glasses and buried her face in her dad's shoulder
Universe of Energy never done

Hollywood Studios
Backlot Tour DD was fine with this when she was 3, catastrophe canyon made her a little anxious, but nothing bad
Sounds Dangerous never done
The Great Movie Ride the ride was fine, we had trouble getting her into line though (long story--Haunted Mansion queue scared her and after that all dark lines scared her --before we even got to the stretching room--grandma had to take her out the chicken exit)
Indiana Jones Stunt Show fine, but DD loves "Dr. Jones" movies
Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show never done, looks exciting butnot really scary for the audience
Muppet Vision 3D Studios DD was a little scared at 2, so we took off her glasses, she was fine at 3


Animal Kingdom
It's Tough to be a Bug DD was scared when she was 2, OK when she was 3. I love this show, but something about it does scare a fair amount of kids
Kali River Rapids

DD is too short to do

 

[dzorn]

Our next trip will be with a large group that includes children - ages 2, 4, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Is there anything about the following attractions that may make them too frightening for children?

Magic Kingdom
Country Bear Jamboree Not really
Enchanted Tiki Room Thunder Lighting
Jungle Cruise Probably not unless they are afraid of animals
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh For some reason DD did not like when Pooh was dreaming of Huffalumps and Woozles but that just may be my DD
Mickey's Philharmagic If they are seen 3D before probably not but DD was afraid until I explained it does not really come out of the screen
Peter Pan's Flight Don't remember anything DD love this ride
Pirates of the Caribbean Very dark in places. Avoid if afraid of pirates
Snow Whites Scary Adventures DD did not like witch. Boring for older kids but a little to scary for little ones.
Splash Mountain Big drop other that that nope
Stitch's Great Escape! You sit in the dark. DD was very scared on this one and she loves stitch

Epcot World Showcase
Mexico boat ride Not that I can remember
Norway MaelstromTrolls

Epcot Future World No Idea for some reason we have missed these every time
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Universe of Energy

Hollywood Studios
Backlot Tour Canyon may seem scary
Sounds Dangerous No idea
The Great Movie RideAlien
Indiana Jones Stunt ShowNot really
Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show No really
Muppet Vision 3D Studios No really if they understand 3D


Animal Kingdom
It's Tough to be a Bug We have not done this one because both DD don't like bugs
Kali River RapidsPossibly

You also did not mention Fantasmic. The dragon that comes out and shoots fire can be scary. I would not sit toward the front or else they can feel the heat from the flames.
Denise in MI

 

[DizBelle]

Thanks everyone!!! I'm familiar with all of these attractions (see signature for number of visits) but I'm struggling with how scary they might be for kids (since I don't have any and have never traveled with any).

For some, like the Haunted Mansion, it's fairly obvious and I'm familiar enough to be able to describe to the parents what it's about and whether or not they might be scary to the little ones. For others, like Country Bear Jamboree, I really have no clue if this might be scary to kids (they are big bears after all) so wanted some input. What I find completely innocuous could be completely terrifying to children so I wanted some input on specific attractions from those with kids.

Thanks!!! And bumping for more input.

 

[ajh88]

Here's our experience/opinions - my DD has been 2.5, 4.5, and 6 on our trips (so far). I think I deleted anything we haven't done - and I hope I don't repeat too much of what others have already said!

Country Bear Jamboree - loved it - not scary and not very dark either - there is a song about blood (in case that word freaks anyone out)
Enchanted Tiki Room - liked it - there is one kind of "scary" part with thunder/lightning but it never phased DD
Jungle Cruise - Nothing scary about it - I think there is a dark "tunnel" (not small & you can see both ends I think) with glowing eyes - might be little scary - DD didn't mind it
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - scary if you don't like Heffalumps and Woozles (which my DBIL does NOT!), but DD can't get enough of it!
Mickey's Philharmagic - we loved it, but it can get loud & it's dark - like a movie theater
Peter Pan's Flight - in the dark - you're not up very high, but if a child is afraid of heights, they may not like the feel of "flying"
Pirates of the Caribbean - DD was 6 before she was awake on this ride - she doesn't love it but tolerates it - it is dark with several kind of scary scenes - even the queue is a little creepy
Splash Mountain - one of MY favorites, but DD still won't ride it - the sight of that drop freaks her out
Stitch's Great Escape! - DD wants to do this one but DH and I haven't let her - I didn't really enjoy it and I think it would freak her out a little - as others have mentioned, it's dark, you're strapped in, etc.

Epcot World Showcase
Mexico boat ride - not scary - I do think there are a few skeletons (the Day of the Dead area), but they aren't presented in a scary way and you might not even notice them - DD wanted to ride it over and over again
Norway Maelstrom - it's been YEARS since I've done this - the troll did traumatize me a bit and I was 13 the first time I rode it! - the going backwards part might freak some kids out too

Hollywood Studios
Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show - not scary but VERY loud - engines revving, tires squealing - but what do I know, when DD was 4.5, she slept through it
Muppet Vision 3D Studios - one of our favorites - not scary, but you are in a theater (my DD was afraid of movie theaters for a couple of years, so these were challenging attractions even though the show itself wasn't scary)
You didn't list Voyage of the Little Mermaid - I really like it, but DD doesn't want to see it again because she doesn't like the Ursula parts - it is pretty dark too.


Animal Kingdom
It's Tough to be a Bug - Don't do it! It's not that the show is terrible, and I don't want to give everything away, but the "stinger" thing towards the end made DD cry - and to be honest, I thought it poked pretty hard myself - we won't be seeing it again anytime soon.

The other attraction that scared DD on our last trip (when she was 6) was Dumbo - I guess she could see how high they went and she wanted NO part of it! She rode it fine at 2.5 and 4.5 though - and even at 6 she loved Magic Carpets of Aladdin, just no Dumbo!