Guys, I need your advice. Last year we didn't do many coasters because DS not too brave (now 9) and DD was too short for some (now 6). This year DS a bit more brave and DD has grown a silly amount, from smallest to tallest in the class in two terms. We only tried Splash and BTM last trip and survived both pretty well. These are our parameters;

DD likes to have Daddy's arm around her on as many rides as possible - she's seen Space Mountain on the internet and is worried without Dad's arm she'll fall out. She loves the 'thrill' sensation but has a very vivid imagination and doesn't like the idea of being plunged into darkness. DS is worried only really about the idea of physical pain. His much smaller BF was taken on R'n'R at DL Paris last year and bumped his ear which in the retelling of the story has reached fantastic proportions so DS has the 'fear' of the coaster now. I'm not good on simulators but enjoy pure fast and thrilling. DH likes them all and will miss out again if we don't all get a it braver.

So, can you rate the coaster acceptability factor for Team Scoobydooby? Thanks x

I like opinions too.. as a self-proclaimed chicken who can handle BTTMR but not much else.. and my dh wants me to go on Everest!!

nvmom

My daughter was 6 the last time we went to Walt Disney World. She was barely tall enough to ride Everest, but ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT !!! She is already talking about how she can't wait until the next time we go (& there are not even any definite plans in the works yet) because she's sure she'll be tall enough to ride RnR.

I wouldn't call any of the coasters @ Walt Disney World "intense" but they're all a lot of fun. The thrill of the WDW coasters comes as much from the theming, the sights & the story as it does from the speed, the drops & the physical sensations. Ride 'em and enjoy !!! :D

Ok - by my recollection - these are the "thrill" rides in WDW (4 main parks only). If I've forgotten one, remind me!

Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road - MK - 2x2 Side by side seating - not too intense. Lap bar, so (as you know) Dad can have his arm over DD's shoulders and really hold her safe.

Splash Mountain - MK - 2x2 Side by side seating - (different seating at DL) - the only REALLY bad part is the big drop, that you see from the walkway

Space Mountain - MK - Single File seating (different seating at DL - different ride mechanism, too) - It is DARK though (and somewhat rough - though not as bad as Star tours or Dino). There ARE lap bars. I'd recommend going through the Tomorrowland Transit Authority and really pay attention to the ride when you go past it.

Stitch's Great Escape - MK - Theater in the round - This one can be fairly scary (though not as much as when it was Alien Encounter) - as Stitch (back when he was Experiment 626 before Lilo helped him discover his good side) escapes into the audience. There are a couple of 'gags' that should appeal to a 9 year old boy, though.

Rock 'n Rollercoaster - Studios - 2x2 Side by Side - over the shoulder restraints. This has a very fast start, and you do go upside down. I don't know how much comfort Dad's arms would provide, though, since he could hold her hand, but that's about all.
Tower of Terror - Studios - 3 or 4 in a row - the story line is a little scary for some kids - and if you don't like dropping, the ride is terrifying. But it's kind of fun to 'catch air' in it. If the kids are a little inquisitive, have them hold a penny on a flat open hand when the drops start (be aware, they're likely to lose it!)

Star Tours - Studios - Theater-style - this one is very rough (I think it should come with a warning to wear a sports bra!), but not too bad for most kids. If you have a bad back, though, stay FAR away!

Mission:Space - Epcot - 4 in a pod, next to each other - Don't do if you're claustrophobic - I also recommend the 'non spinning' version the first time through if you have any hesitation.

Test Track - Epcot - 3x3 in a car - this is likely a nice adventure with a little bit of adrenalin. You don't go any faster than you would in a car on the open highway (though it IS a convertible).

Primeval Whirl - AK -4 in a row in a car - this one doesn't LOOK too bad from the ground, but you can REALLY whip around. I would not let my nephews ride it right after breakfast, since one of the nicknames is Primeval Hurl (as in vomit!)

Dino - AK - 4 in a row in a car - Fairly decent scare factor, fairly rough. If you do this - have the adults on the outside, kids in the middle.

Expedition Everest - AK - 2x2 side by side - Pretty tall rollercoaster (you see the big drop outside) but a lot of it is backwards in the dark. It's somewhat disorienting (my brain thinks I go upside down, even though I know I don't) and can cause a queasy stomach if you're prone to that.

Kali River Rapids - AK - 6 or 8 in a circle - if you survived Splash, you should be fine. You're likely to get very wet, though, so don't wear denim that day, or do it last thing before you head out unless it's really hot out and you can use it to cool off.

Any of the decent guidebooks should have good descriptions, too (though you can't ask them what they meant, obviously).

Do you have Birnbaum's For Kids, By Kids - might appeal nicely to your two!

Well, my experience as a young child riding on Space Mountain was not a good one. I literally cried the entire time and repeatedly told my father how much I loved him (because I thought I was going to die! LOL!) before the ride even started. Needless to say it took me until adulthood to get over the fear of the ride and try it again. :)

If I may also suggest a non-rollar coaster ride, Soarin'. You are elevated, but are not really aware of it, because you are looking at the IMAX screen in front of you. We can't handle spinning, going upside down or backwards, or big drops, and we do great on Soarin'. You can't put your arm around someone, but you can hold onto the seat on both sides.

I had very scary experience on Space Mountain when I was young, too. I rode with my Dad and was so scared I did not go on a roller coaster for about 20 years.

That said, we went to WDW last June, and again this Feb with DS (10) and DD (7). The following is their view:

Splash Mountain--tame and entertaining. There is only one drop, and it is not scary because you can see where you are going and its not too fast.

BTRR--a favorite of both DS and DD--"it goes fast but it is fun to see what is around you." "Some of the drops go so fast that you feel like you are on a train that is possessed." They both recommend a parent beside you for the first ride.

Space Mountain--Really fast and in the dark. "For people who want to see space, it is really cool." DS recommends not putting your hands up, and holding on to the safety bar. "If you are scared, just remember its a ride and you won't get hurt." Personally, I find this to be the scariest coaster, because you really cannot anticipate where you are going, although it is not the faster coaster (but it is the jerkiest).

Rock'n'Roll Rollercoaster--"Like space mountain, but with lighted signs that make it less scary." "The take off makes you feel a little sick--it made my stomach go into my back, but the flip just feels like a little turn." DD thinks the pre-show (with Aerosmith) is "just weird." "But when you get on the ride , its more fun. First I closed my eyes, but then I opened them and it was fun."

Tower of Terror--DS rates this high on both the scary and fun scales. Not for little kids (which he does not believe means him). DD actually was the one who convinced us to ride this--I have a well-founded fear of bad elevators, and I probably had the biggest problem on this ride. DD says "it is basically an elevator that is possessed by the Twilight Zone. It is fun to go up and down."

I will say that we let the kids decide when they were ready to try a ride, and the recommendation that you ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority to check out Space Mountain is a good one. My husband and I were not enthusiastic about the Rock'n'Roll Rollercoaster at first, but our kids convinced us to go on it.

Theresa

I would call Expedition Everest intense. I'm really happy I did it once, but I was shaking so much I could hardly sign the charge slip for the photo after -- LOL!! I don't think I'd be able to talk myself into going again.

On this one, I think Dad should ride first, then take the kids on it if you think they'll be okay. That downhill-backwards-in the dark part is unbelievable! The ending loop (not upside down, of course) is so long that I felt like I was going to pop out of the car. Maybe I'm just a big chicken (okay, I for sure am) but I found this more intense than any roller coaster I've been on.

Rock'n'Roll Rollercoaster--..... DD thinks the pre-show (with Aerosmith) is "just weird." "But when you get on the ride , its more fun. First I closed my eyes, but then I opened them and it was fun."

OBVIOUSLY, you need to expose her to more classic rock. Or not. :D

This is all very helpful - thanks. I should have said that we all did TofT last trip - both the children were full of how wonderful it was but funnily enough didn't want to get a FP to do it again! Soarin is our family favourite including me and I really don't like simulators usually. We all queued up for Dinosaur but DD and I had to be let out the 'chicken' door at the last minute because she changed her mind. DS and DH did it and also Kali RR and enjoyed them both a lot. Reading the above I think we'll probaly try everything apart from Space Mountain because although it's clearly not the scariest experience we're never going to get past the psychological barrier of sitting on your own and in the dark to get a chance to ride it. I will also miss out that ride at Epcot where there is a green and oranage choice - sorry, can't recall the name. I know without question that would make me hurl for days....

We just went in January, my daughter is 5, sons 8 and 10. My sons went on Everest last year and neither one would go again. Oddly enough because they were afraid of the Yeti. Not because of the speed or dark or backwards. My daughter insisted this year and I was happy to oblige because I love coasters. We went on it during EMH evening and it is 95% pitch black at night. Very cool but much different than during the day. She loved it and insisted on going again two days later during the day. She said the Yeti scared her a little but everything else she loved.
I was really nervous to take her on Space Mountain because of the single file seats but all 5 of us went on. I sat directly behind her and because I am very comfortable on coasters I leaned forward and hung on to her shoulders. Huge success. SM only goes like 27 miles per hour, by far the slowest coaster at MK. We all went back on 2 more times that day. My daughter even sat in the front seat the last two rides.
All three of the kids love Primeval Whirl, Splash, Thunder Mountain, Kali, and Test Track.
I will say that all three of my kids HATED Dinosaur. We exited with three crying children and vowed to never ride again. I guess you just never know.
Have fun and give everything a try. :)

I went on Space Mountain on my first trip when I was 4, and my parents used a little trick to get me to enjoy it because I didn't think I would. They told me the right side was shorter and slower, basically a tamer version. To this day I prefer the left side! In terms of the single-file seats, I would suggest doing as nutsformickey suggests and sit behind with your hands on their shoulders; it's very possible to do this. Also, in terms of the not being able to see - if this is an issue, then I recommend avoiding fastpass and waiting in the regular queue. If you do this, by the time you get to the loading area your eyes will be fully adjusted. Then if you sit in the front car you'll be able to see the track, and at least have some idea of what is coming. At the same time, for those of us that don't want to know what's coming, the fastpass line often doesn't allow you time to adjust and so is the better choice!

Chris

I will also miss out that ride at Epcot where there is a green and oranage choice - sorry, can't recall the name. I know without question that would make me hurl for days....

That one (Mission Space) is actually NOT bad, if you take the chicken side! I thought we'd have to skip it, too. When I learned about the mild option, I sacrificed myself (LOL) to check it out. It was so tame that I took my daughter, Chicken Little, on it. Even she LOVED it. It's very cool!

I wouldn't try the hurl side, but the other side is VERY tame, and AWESOME! It's a very cool experience.

That one (Mission Space) is actually NOT bad, if you take the chicken side! I thought we'd have to skip it, too. When I learned about the mild option, I sacrificed myself (LOL) to check it out. It was so tame that I took my daughter, Chicken Little, on it. Even she LOVED it. It's very cool!

I wouldn't try the hurl side, but the other side is VERY tame, and AWESOME! It's a very cool experience.

While I agree with Tinkermommy, Mission:Space is still a simulator, and there is SOME movement, though no where near as much/jerky as Star Tours. For example, you go onto your back for the take off, but very gently (or feel like it, some things I prefer to maintain the illusion!), and there is some shaking and such for the lift off. And NOT for claustrophobics!!!!!! I think this might be one to send your son and husband on first (less intense side) and see what they think.

I did hurl for days after riding Mission: Space, quite literally! But that was when it first opened, so there was no non-spinning option. And (this is where I wish someone had warned me), I was sick with a cold and my sinuses were congested. I am not prone to motion sickness, but I've since become convinced that the combination of spinning and sinus congestion was the problem. It threw off the whole inner-ear mechanism. I've since ridden the Green side and enjoyed it.

While I agree with Tinkermommy, Mission:Space is still a simulator, and there is SOME movement, though no where near as much/jerky as Star Tours. For example, you go onto your back for the take off, but very gently (or feel like it, some things I prefer to maintain the illusion!), and there is some shaking and such for the lift off. And NOT for claustrophobics!!!!!! I think this might be one to send your son and husband on first (less intense side) and see what they think.

I think that means I'm out - I am horribly claustrophobic (my only phobia), to the point I can't even sleep in a tent because if I do I wake up hyperventilating :geek: My fear of simulators is bedded in a ride on Back to the Future at Universal over a decade ago. I was physically sick and felt dreadful for hours and it also made me cry - I almost never cry - it was completely involuntary. Foul :crying:

I think that means I'm out - I am horribly claustrophobic...

I can't say this strongly enough - STAY AWAY FROM MISSION: SPACE!!! The cabin is small enough when you first enter. Then you pull down the over the shoulder harness - never a good thing for us claustrophobics. Then when they COLLAPSE the cabin, moving the control panel up to where it's INCHES from your face - ENGAGE PANIC MODE!!! I just about freaked, but was able to hang on till the ride started (which felt like at least a week). After that I was more or less OK. But I'll never put myself through that again - you shouldn't either!

Then when they COLLAPSE the cabin, moving the control panel up to where it's INCHES from your face - ENGAGE PANIC MODE!!! But I'll never put myself through that again - you shouldn't either!

Dan - I'm feeling the claustrophobic empathy, I have had that panic, I know what you are describing exactly - thanks. I will definately sit this one out. I'm impressed you survived it without having to get a paper bag to suck into for an hour afterwards...

I will say that all three of my kids HATED Dinosaur. We exited with three crying children and vowed to never ride again. I guess you just never know.
Have fun and give everything a try. :)

My kids (who generally loved the coasters) were also seriously scared by this ride. So scared that they told everyone on the bus back to the resort that, if they love their children, they should NEVER make them go on this ride....Which brings me to another thing, even if your kid has begged you to go on the ride, if they get scared, somehow, they will hold you responsible.

Seriously, while I thought that Dinosaur was cheesy, it was the one ride that my kids did NOT want to go on again during our February trip.

I can't say this strongly enough - STAY AWAY FROM MISSION: SPACE!!! The cabin is small enough when you first enter. Then you pull down the over the shoulder harness - never a good thing for us claustrophobics. Then when they COLLAPSE the cabin, moving the control panel up to where it's INCHES from your face - ENGAGE PANIC MODE!!! I just about freaked, but was able to hang on till the ride started (which felt like at least a week). After that I was more or less OK. But I'll never put myself through that again - you shouldn't either!

Yo, dan, I had no idea...LOL!
Wish I could contribute to the discussion but in all honesty ,I find all the thrill rides in the Disney parks rather tame...though I adore them! As a thrill ride junkie I've just been on some REAL experiences at other parks (Six Flags in New Jersey & New England, Universal Orlando & Hollywood) so the Disney thrills are fun but SCARY?...nahhhh. But again, with children I know this topic takes on a whole new meaning and seriousness. If I had to offer an opinion I'd go with Mission Space Orange Side as the ride to avoid if you're the least bit prone to motion sickness. All the rest LOOK scarier than they actually are...my opinion only!:D

In terms of the single-file seats, I would suggest doing as nutsformickey suggests and sit behind with your hands on their shoulders; it's very possible to do this.

When I took my son on Space Mtn for the first time, he was barely tall enough to ride it. As we were in the final line to board, I noticed that he was going to be in the last seat of the first car, and I was going to be in the front seat of the second car--technically I was not even going to be in the same car. But I just didn't make a big deal out of it, so he didn't think anything about it either. We rode it, he loved it; and it's one of his favorites.

That one (Mission Space) is actually NOT bad, if you take the chicken side! I thought we'd have to skip it, too. When I learned about the mild option, I sacrificed myself (LOL) to check it out. It was so tame that I took my daughter, Chicken Little, on it. Even she LOVED it. It's very cool!

The last time we took the kids, my son & I rode orange, while my wife & daughter (6yr @ the time) rode green. My wife got off and was less than impressed with green (she'd ridden orange with me on a previous trip). From then on, it was orange for all of us. When we took our daughter on orange for the first time we still wondered a little bit how this petite little 6yo girl would handle it. No worries. She laughed, giggled & cheered all the way through, and when it was over, she led the rest of us all the way back around to get in line again.

Wish I could contribute to the discussion but in all honesty, I find all the thrill rides in the Disney parks rather tame...though I adore them! ... Disney thrills are fun but SCARY?...nahhhh.

My thoughts too. I wouldn't trade the Walt Disney World experience for any other park, anywhere. The theming & story associated with Disney attractions is what really makes them stand out.

There are DEFINITELY some good rollercoasters (RnR & EE specifically), but I would'nt call them INTENSE in comparison to some others, elsewhere.

When you're riding Disney coasters, do you feel like you're gonna die because it's such a wild & intense roller coaster ?? Naah. But when you get off, have you had a fantastic time, and can't wait to ride again? Yep. Maybe there's so much theming/story that you simply couldn't take it all in the first time thru. Maybe you just really enjoyed the ride itself. Or maybe it's something totally different, but I think therein lies the thrill, the beauty, and the continuing attraction of Walt Disney World.

(Just my own personal ramblings here. Your mileage may vary:))