What would be very first family ride EVER!

[Clopert]

.

 

[AKbabe]

I said Jungle Cruise. Simply because of your 4 year old. It's best to get some "Disney" theming in quickly so that your family knows it's not just a regular amusement park. Yet with a young one, you don't want them to be scared first thing. SpaceM-too thrilling, SplashM-too big of a drop, POC-too dark.

When we went in 2000, it was my younger DD's first trip and she was 5. The first ride we attempted was Spaceship Earth. The hysterics were amazing! From a 5 yr. old's persective, I imagine walking into the dark (by the looks) bottom of a huge golf ball would be traumatizing. But I knew if she wouldn't get on, she might never get on anything. Luckily for us, a wonderful CM talked with her and promised her it wouldn't be scary. My DD trusted her and when we got off, the CM had gone to the end of the ride to wait for her to make sure DD was all right and there were hugs all around. That was the highlight of my DD's trip!

So even though the ride is tame, it's what they see/can't see before they go on. And you certainly want to set the motion with the 4 year old so that everyone enjoys the trip

 

[msmouse]

You know, because of the 4 year old, I would choose It's a Small World. That would set the tone for the child. You would not want the 4 year old to be scared on the first ride. Then every ride thereafter would be apprehensive. Of course, if your 4 year old is a daredevil, then anything goes! Have a magical trip!

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

I'd say Jungle Cruise - purely because it is the first family ride you come to going round clockwise. You don't really want to be going through the centre of the park just to get to a particular ride. I think the first time you go you want to see it as Walt intended you to with each area leading into the next.

However, you won't be disappointed with any ride. This is the Magic Kingdom after all - the most special place on earth !!

 

[clownfish1452]

Splash Mountain

Sarah

 

[b-1]

I would say IASW or Peter Pan. You may want to go to a classic ride that doesn't have all the newest technology and build up to the more advanced rides. IASW may pale in comparison if you went after splash mountain.

 

[CarKey]

My parents went with us (me, DH, DD6 and DS4) on a trip a few years ago and Splash Mountain is the first thing we rode. The picture that the stationary camera took was absolutely priceless. My dad bought the whole package and seeing as how he is a proffesional photographer this is the first time I've EVER seen him buy a photo of his family that he didn't take! It's against his moral code I believe. Anyway, what I remember the most about that trip is happy we all were that first day.

 

[KellyluvsDisney]

My vote is for It's a Small World. It is are all time favorite. Not thrilling or anything, but it was my family tradition to do that as the first ride each vacation and I have passed it on to my little family.

 

[mill4023]

As far as having an experience that sets a fun mood for the rest of the day, I'd say Jungle Cruise or Pirates. But with a 4 yr old, I think your best bet is to hit Fantasyland first thing and ride Dumbo. Then do Peter Pan, Pooh, and It's a Small World, before heading over to Adventureland or Frontierland. This way, you're 4 yr old will see that rides are fun and not scary and she'll be more prepared for rides like Pirates, HM and Splash.

 

[BrianD]

Assuming your 4 year old would not be scared by it, I voted for Pirates of the Caribbean. It was always my favorite growing up and usually always the first ride we went on. That may have been partly because we would always start in Adventureland, and when in Adventureland, one must go on Pirates!

It's just classic Disney in every way. And I think the recent updates to it have made it even better!

 

[quidam373]

we've always done Cinderella's Carousel as the first and last ride we go on in disney. its just our tradition

 

[boomhauer]

Space Mountain is the first ride we hit in the Magic Kingdom.

However, for a 1st trip, I would start in Fantasyland to soak it all in. Start out with Peter Pan.

 

[princess jackie]

Pirates is always the first, middle and last ride of the day. I loved it before the changes and love it even more now that Captain Jack Sparrow is in it.

 

[coolmickey]

I picked Jungle Cruise because when you head left off of Main St. it one of the first rides you come to and the interaction with the CM durning the ride will surely start your day happy. Plus it's a ride everone enjoys-the meek to the thrill seekers.Well whatever you decide-have fun!

 

[rotlex]

I voted POTC but really, it would be a tie between that and Jungle Cruise for us. Why? They are both classics in the true sense. Everything in the parks is great, but for some reason, those two hold a special place in my heart.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Well first off, I'd be there at least 20 minutes before opening.

And it's not the most glamorous or exciting first ride, but your younger one will definitely want to go on it. But it should be your first ride.
Dumbo.

The reason is it bulds long lines throughout the day and there is no getting around them with fast pass. So the best time to ride it is right off.

 

[lustergirl]

jump on the train and get off in frontierland for Splash Mountain. My family absolutely loves this ride and we get the picture every year...

 

[winterman]

We always go to Splash Mt. first, then BTMRR, then get fast pass for Jungle cruise, ride Pirates, go back to JC. This order pretty much eliminates any lines, assuming that you start at park opening. Buzz Lightyear is IMO the most FUN ride but its line moves quickly so you can go there later. Not much takes the fun out of a WDW vacation like long lines.

 

[jimmalru80]

I am casting my vote for POTC.

 

[sunee]

If arriving early (first thing in the morning), it would be Splash Mountian. If arriving late, it would be Pirates of the Caribbean.

...but my first ride was IASW, so I think it is the best first ride.