For many parents, having their kid finally experience our favorite thrill rides at Walt Disney World can feel like a rite of passage. They are old enough (and tall enough) to ride, and as parents we get to share that first-time experience with them. It's one of those things that can make a Disney trip extra special. Knowing when our kids are ready to ride that big headliner attraction at Disney World, however, can be tricky. Here are some tips parents can use to help set their child up for success when it comes to tackling the big attractions packed with some bigger thrills.
Photo Credit: Magic Guides
Height Requirements
The first thing you should check when you are planning at trip to WDW is the height requirement for each thrill ride. Attractions like Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Splash Mountain, and Test Track each have their own height requirement. If your child is 48 inches or taller, then they will be able to ride every single attraction at all four Disney World theme parks as well as both water parks.
If your child's height falls below 48 inches, you will need to know which attractions they are not able to ride. Nothing is worse than getting a kid excited about riding an attraction, only to find out that they don't meet the height requirement. Remember, height requirements are in place for safety -- do not try to make your kid taller by fitting them in shoes with extra thick soles or stuffing their shoes. Safety should always come first!
Are They Ready?
Just because your child meets the height requirement doesn't necessarily mean that they are ready to ride the attraction. This is where you have to really know your child. Are they the fearless, adventurous type that tackles any obstacle with joy? Are they afraid of the dark? Do they like surprises?
No matter the personality of your child and their excitement or fear behind riding the headliner attractions, always start small. Want your kid to love roller coasters? Take them on the Barnstormer at the Magic Kingdom first. The ride is short and gives them a small taste of the feelings they will experience on bigger rides. If that goes well, then head over and tackle Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom. If you want to take it a step back farther, have them ride an attraction like Dumbo to see if they are okay with heights.
Photo Credit: Magic Guides
What You Can Do
Stay positive. This is the one way your child will have a positive experience with thrill rides. Show your excitement and tell them how much fun you are going to have. When the ride is over, let them know how proud you are of them. If you try a more thrilling attraction and they want to go back to the less intense attractions, let them know how great their idea is.
Kids don't want to be told what to do or forced to do anything (just like adults). If we allow kids to explore these attractions at their own pace and they see how supportive we are, they are more likely to buck up the courage to tackle those bigger, more thrilling attractions. If you get to the loading platform and they don't want to ride, simply let a Cast Member know and they will help you exit the attraction. Again, we want our kids to have positive experiences with the theme parks and these amazing rides. Having a traumatic experience will likely end up with tears and a long term fear for similar attractions.
Order of Operations
Just like solving a math problem using the order of operations (anyone remember PEMDAS?!), I recommend tackling the rides in the right order that elevates the thrill level in increments. Here is my WDW attraction order of operations to help build kids up their confidence to a point where they can (and will want to) ride everything. This is simply a guide, so please feel free to adjust the order based on your child's personality, fears, and ride preferences.
Roller Coasters & Mountains:
- The Barnstormer (35")
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (38")
- Slinky Dog Dash (38")
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (40")
- Splash Mountain (40")
- Space Mountain (44")
- Expedition Everest (44")
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (48")
Dark Rides & Simulators:
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (38")
- Star Tours (40")
- Soarin' (40")
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (40")
- Mission: Space Green (40")
- Dinosaur (40")
- Test Track (40")
- Avatar Flight of Passage (44")
- Tower of Terror (40")
- Mission: Space Orange (44")
Photo Credit: Magic Guides
Other Considerations
Each attraction is unique, and the thrill factor comes from those unique elements. Just because your child meets the height requirement for a particular attraction doesn't mean they will enjoy the experience. Take the above list with a grain of salt, and don't be afraid to move things up or down the list based on the unique personality and fears of your child.
What Scares Your Child?
If your child is afraid of the dark, indoor coasters such as Space Mountain or Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and dark thrill rides such as Dinosaur or Tower of Terror should be moved down the list. Even though these rides might not be the MOST intense, the fear of darkness alone can potentially lead to an emotional breakdown. If your child is afraid of tight and enclosed spaces, avoid rides like Mission: Space and (for some) Millennium Falcon: Smuggles Run. If your child is afraid of heights, Expedition Everest, Soarin', and Flight of Passage are rides I suggest pushing farther down the list.
Choosing Where to Sit
The front of the roller coaster will often give you the smoothest ride with acceleration starting after you have already begun the descent downhill. This means you won't get that feeling of being whipped around like you would in the last row of the train. Be aware, however, the the very first row can sometimes make kids (and adults) feel isolated. The middle of the train is a great spot for kids because they have people in front and behind them, which can give them some sense of security. Before trying the next intense attraction on your list, maybe you and your child can try sitting in the back of a roller coaster they have already conquered. They will allow them to experience more thrilling ride, but the familiarity of the attraction will help them maintain their confidence.
Watch the Ride Beforehand
I normally don't recommend this because often times it spoils the attraction. BUT, watching a POV video of the attraction on YouTube can significantly help you as a parent gauge whether or not your child will be ready for that ride. Watch their reaction, ask them what they thought of the ride, and ask if this is something they would be interested in doing while visiting WDW. Often times the only thing kids (and adults) fear is the unknown. This strategy can help relieve that feeling and get your child excited to ride the attraction.
How Many Times You Visit WDW
Just because we want our kids to ride an attraction doesn't mean they are ready. We have to take our cues from our children. We have to go at their pace and set them up for success. If Walt Disney World is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for you and your family, I recommend waiting until your children are old enough (and brave enough) to ride every attraction. Nothing is worse than missing out on a ride because they don't meet the height requirement or they get cold feet.
On the other hand, if you are a family that plans to make multiple visits in your lifetime, you can simply go at a pace in which your kids are comfortable no matter their age. Don't pressure them. Celebrate them when they choose to ride. Celebrate them when they back out. "We don't have to ride this. We can do something else!" Kids will give you a suggestion and you can simply respond with, "Great idea!" If you don't hit the ride on your first trip, you can try again on your second or third.
Photo Credit: Magic Guides
Bottom Line
While it's easy to have an incredible time at Walt Disney World as an adult, we want our children to have the same level of fun and excitement. By knowing what will enhance or detract their experiences, we can avoid situations that will cause unwanted anxiety, fear, and stress.
Always check the height requirement and know your child's real height. Start small and work your way up slowly to those bigger attractions. Know what scares your child so you can prepare them for the ride or avoid it altogether. Stay positive and celebrate their bravery when they choose to conquer a thrill ride. And, above all else, make sure your kid is having the best vacation ever. If they have a wonderful experience at WDW, chances are they will want to come back again and again.
Happy riding!
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