What is it about the Tower of Terror?

[Shelly888]

My 7 year old's voice trembles with fear when he speaks of this ride. He reiterated again this morning that it's the only ride that he doesn't want to go on. It is in my top 4 favorite rides and I am so bummed he feels this way. Part of me wants to push him because I truly think he will enjoy it, but then I hear his voice and I know it's a deep fear, so I will likely let him sit it out if he insists.

Anyone else find this holds true for their child/ren as well? Any words of hope or wisdom as we leave in a few days. Thanks!

 

[Koz]

It's all about the superb theming of the ride, and the attention to detail in every possible way. From the second you enter, you feel as though you truly are in the Twilight Zone. My 11 year old has FINALLY mustered up enough courage and has assured me that he will ride it this time. Perhaps he feels a little bit of pressure as his 4 year old sister will ride ANYTHING and everything- nothing is too scary for her.

 

[ghtx]

It is a pretty scary ride, and it is not unusual at all for a 7-year-old (or an adult for that matter) to be scared of it.

My "words of wisdom" are to not try to push this ride on your son. Let him decide for himself.

 

[richmo]

He's 7, don't push it. Maybe someday he'll change his mind...

 

[IrishNYC]

My DD, who tends to be fearless, is terrified of the Haunted Mansion in the same way. She loves ToT, but is a puddle of tears when it comes to HM. I don't push it. If she's scared, there's no benefit to anyone for pushing her.

 

[Shelly888]

He didn't buy my explanation that being scared is part of the fun/excitement.

I guess we will ride swap if he doesn't want to go on.

PS It's my husband that really wants to push, I was torn, but you've convinced me to let him decide. I was leaning mostly that way anyway. I will put my foot down if needed

 

[Boski]

Well if they re-theme it to that atrocious G.O.T.G. monstrosity I might be sitting it out as well.

 

[MonaMN]

DD did it last year at 6.5 but she doesn't really want to do it again this year.

DH loves it, so we will send him there while we watch Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

 

[Shelly888]

Well if they re-theme it to that atrocious G.O.T.G. monstrosity I might be sitting it out as well.

I think I may reframe Liam's objection this way to my husband. Maybe then he will understand. Thank you!

 

[Jennasis]

It's intimidating looking...you can't even see the actual ride (which is intense in and of itself) so of course for a kid, not even being able to see what you're going on is a scary proposition. Inside is dark and creepy. I adore this ride. I love drops. They are not everybody's cup of tea.

Let him be. If he changed his mind someday, great.

 

[Klayfish]

Yes, it's not just the actual ride, but the appearance and theme can be scary and intimidating. My kids are mixed on it. My daughter loves it, my boys are mixed. I actually like free fall type rides, but for some reason ToT bothers me a little too, not my favorite.

 

[PSUGuy]

My granddaughter was 4 but tall enough to ride when we took her on. I don't recall any anxiety or trepidation, we rode without incident but as we were walking out of the gift shop she said, 'Pop, I don't ever want to ride that again'. Next year we were all at WDW again and ToT was the first ride she wanted to do, Go figure.

Bill From PA

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

I can't do ToT. I hate the drops & the theming also creeps me out. I've never ridden it and can't make myself do it, and I'm an adult (kind of).

 

[seelyt2]

When my kids were little they refused to go on it, but they have since grown into it and it's a must-do for them now. It takes time and I'm glad I didn't force them.

 

[angierae]

My 15 year old that doesn't like scary stuff wasn't fond of it. The ride itself was fun, but the themeing scared her.

 

[porschegrl]

When my son was younger, he thoroughly enjoyed the actual ride (drop) part. But we had to skip ToT for a couple years because he was freaked out by the "electric people."

 

[HelloTheDrakes]

What helped me was learning about the 3 "types" of drops that happen on this ride. Once I knew what was coming, it became exciting, rather than scary. There's one Big drop, one Small drop and one Bouncy drop. This knowledge took this ride from my least favorite, to top 5. I wouldn't push my 7 year old niece to go on the ride, but I'd definitely explain what happens to her so that she can make the decision on her own. Hopefully your DS will ride it on this trip, but if not, it just means you have reasons to go back in the future!

 

[Imagineer5]

We have a rule at Disney - try everything once. If you don't like it, you don't have to ride it again. My 4 year old was tall enough for it in January so we rode. She hated it, but was excited she didn't have to ride again LOL! On our upcoming trip (Dec, 2 months shy of turning 5) she has already said she wants to ride it. Same for Dinosaur. She loves fast rides but not dark ones, so I was surprised she asked to ride it!

 

[BrianL]

I guess we will ride swap if he doesn't want to go on.

FYI, I believe they will only give a rider switch if the child does not meet the height requirement, not if they just don't want to ride. I am not sure if they make exceptions (I am not the expert on this), but you may want to find out so you are not relying on that as a plan.

With a kid that is afraid of a ride, I would encourage them to try it, but not push. See if he can come to it on his own. Talk about how fun it is and show him the exit and people coming off so he can see that they are fine and having a great time. Bribes may work too, like ice cream or a treat after the ride. Good luck.

 

[Alice777]

My 22-year old son still HATES ToT. He hated it all his life and he can ride scariest and tallest rollercoaster with no problem. I asked him why he hates it so much when he can ride more scarier ride and he said he doesn't like the feeling of "being picked up and being dropped". He did ride with us this past April but only because he knew he wouldn't be back at WDW and wanted to try all the rides.

Him and his brother always used to fight because of ToT when we were in Disneyland because his brother would try to force him to ride and would ruin rest of our day because he'll pout and be angry.

If he really doesn't want to ride, I wouldn't force it.