Let’s be frank. Walt Disney World is made for kids of all ages, but there are certain elements that may be a little scary for kids of a certain age.
I’ve covered the attractions that can affect those who have motion discomfort, in addition to attractions that are perfect for kids under 5, and kids under 10. This isn’t a list like that…
Please Note: Every child is different. This isn’t a definitive list, and more of an opinion piece based on my many visits to these attractions. I was also scared of the Teacups when I was a kid…just as an FYI lol 🙂
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
I’ve talked about how the queue line is impressive (but long and uncomfortable during the summer), however there’s an element that kids may take more seriously than adults.
The Sounds
When the trains are going by at full speed, it can be a very scary experience. In fact, most kids can’t actually see through the windows of the building that the line goes through…so they may not know what’s coming when they get onto the train. Maybe take some time when you’re in the line and lift the kids up and show them what’s going on and what to expect.
Oh, and hold on to your kids on the ride itself! If you’re riding with them, the bar comes down to your legs…so it leaves a little extra room for your kids to slide around when the sudden turns of the coaster happen. Just be safe!
Haunted Mansion
Where to start with the Haunted Mansion.
Ok, so you’re going into a haunted house with ghosts. Eerie sounds, sudden movements, and awesome special effects. These all make a memorable experience for adults, but if you’re a kid that may not understand that it’s an “attraction” and not real…it’ll be something that they may not like. Explain what they’re getting into by showing them a few YouTube videos or photos of what to expect.
In addition, the stretching room is an element of the attraction that can be very creepy…especially if the kid is surrounded by tall adults and only able to hear the spiel. If you think that this may be an issue, ask the cast member to skip the room.
It’s completely acceptable to ask and may be something that you’ll want to gradually introduce over a period of visits.
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Astro Orbiter
Seeing as though it’s the same ride mechanism as Dumbo or Magic Carpets of Aladdin – just on the roof of a 3-story building in Tomorrowland, think about starting with an attraction that doesn’t bring in such a huge height issue.
You may think this is a small thing, but you get a great view of the entire park from this ride. This means that you’re ABOVE the park. A little high for some young ones!
Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
Speaking of heights, the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse can be surprisingly scary for some kids. Those narrow staircases and the height you climb to can trigger unexpected anxiety in little ones.
Trust me on this – what looks like a simple walk-through attraction can suddenly become overwhelming when you’re halfway up and a child realizes just how high they are with only those wooden railings between them and the ground below. The stairs can also be a bit steep for shorter legs, adding to the challenge.
I’ve seen more than a few panicked little faces on those upper platforms! If your child has any hesitation about heights, you might want to point out the height of the treehouse before you start climbing and give them an easy out if needed.
Pirates of the Caribbean
The number of kids that I see freak out right after they get in the boat and we set off on the adventure…it’s actually pretty sad. Explain to your kids that there is a drop in the dark, but after that one single experience…it’s just a nice boat ride.
TRON Lightcycle / Run
This newer coaster can be intimidating even before you board it! As you approach the attraction, you’ll hear the screams of riders echoing throughout Tomorrowland as the lightcycles zoom around the outdoor portion of the track.
The unique seating position (leaning forward on a motorcycle-style vehicle) combined with the high speeds and the intense sounds can be overwhelming for younger visitors. I’ve noticed that even kids who love other coasters sometimes find the sensory experience of TRON to be a bit much.
If your child seems hesitant, spend some time watching the ride from the outdoor viewing area first. Let them see how the vehicles move and how quickly the ride is over. The nighttime lighting effects are spectacular but can also add to the intensity factor, so consider riding during daylight hours for a first experience.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
This one might surprise you, but hear me out. While Dumbo is often considered the quintessential “baby’s first Disney ride,” it can actually be scary for some kids who haven’t had much exposure to the original film (which, let’s be honest, was made decades ago and isn’t in every kid’s regular viewing rotation).
The combination of spinning, the up-and-down movement, and the height (though not extreme) can make some children uncomfortable. I’ve seen plenty of kids who were excited to ride Dumbo suddenly burst into tears once the elephant started lifting into the air.
My tip? If you’re not sure how your child will react, start with the spinner rides that stay firmly on the ground, then work your way up to Dumbo. The interactive queue area is perfect for testing if your child is even in the mood for rides that day.
Happily Ever After Fireworks
Disney World is famous for their nighttime spectaculars, but sometimes the loud noises are enough to send your kids into a stage of panic and pain that you may not realize. Young folks have under-developed hearing sensitivities that adults don’t, so this may be a great opportunity for you to stop in at the dollar store or head over to Amazon and pick up some Kids Soft Silicone Ear Plugs for when the fireworks are going off.
I’ve heard of parents using other noise-cancelling products, but make sure that you test them out with your child BEFORE standing on Main Street USA surrounded by thousands of other folks. It’ll save you a lot of hassle and will definitely help get your kids accustomed to the feeling of not being able to hear.
My Insider Tips for a Tear-Free Disney Day
There are so many other little things that may affect your family, but it’s all about being aware of the situations that you’re going into. Be open and honest with your kids and you’ll save tears and meltdowns in the process.
Here’s what has worked for me over countless Disney trips:
- Preview attractions online – Show your kids YouTube videos of rides before your trip so they know what to expect
- Have an exit strategy – Know where the attraction exits are if you need to make a quick departure
- Use the Rider Switch service – Let one adult ride while another stays with nervous kids, then switch without waiting in line again
- Start small and work up – Begin with tamer versions of attractions (like Magic Carpets before Astro Orbiter)
- Bring comfort items – A favorite small toy or blanket can provide security in scary moments
We’ll be doing articles about the other parks, but as Magic Kingdom is known as the Family Vacation Kingdom…this was a great starting point.
Is there anything else that you would want to share on this topic? Let me know via social media (@stepstomagic) and I’ll be sure to pass on the info!