[Duchess]

My 1 year old son is a chicken! He is afraid of Santa, penny pony rides, haircuts, etc. I'm afraid he is going to be hysterical around the characters and on the rides.

I was planning on taking him on Small World first to warm him up, but alas it is closed (evil dolls!).

My 5 year old DD was NEVER afraid of any characters, etc. (although, older children used to freak her out!)

Any tips on the best way to ease my boy into accepting the characters and rides? I plan on showing him the Disney Park video (making memories, right down the middle of mainstreet video) on the car ride down.

We have a character dinner planned at Crystal Palace on our first day (New Year's day), and I'm worried he is going to lose it!

THANKS!

[lisalovesmickey]

I would suggest pumping up his fav. characters before you go. Saying things like "I am so excited we are gonna go to Mickey's house and meet him" Keep your tone upbeat and soothing then when you see Mickey (or whoever) you can go back to your soothing tone and it will make your DS feel safe right off the bat.

PLUS if he does "freak out" at the character meal the characters and handlers know how to deal with those situations and will either calm him down or go away. They don't want him to be scared any more than you do.

Lisa

[Dana]

Slowly warm him up to the character by watching the planning video. Try chance encounters in the parks with the characters. If he sees other kids with them, maybe he won't be as creeped out. If he doesn't like them, just avoid them for him this trip. Next trip he will probally be in love with them...kids are funny like that.

[CaraMia]

My 3 year old son was like that this last trip to WDW. All of a sudden he was afraid of every ride (he had been there 4 other times and went on rides all those times without any problem). We tried so many different ways to try to reassure him but he just did not want to go on any rides. We (dh and I) made ourselves so frustrated trying to get him to want to do it. It turned out he had a good time watching the parades, looking in gift shops, and most of all, he LOVED meeting the characters and having his autograph book signed. He also loved toontown - especially playing in the water in the boat. Several people thought we should just pick him up and make him go on the rides. The way we saw it..the trip was primarily for him and I wasnt about to make him do something he obviously did feel comfortable doing. It wasnt important enough to force him and have a tantrum over.

So my advice, if he doesnt want to do it, find something he does enjoy there. And dont force him to go up to characters. Lots of kids are okay from a distance but not up close and personal.

Cara

[Duchess]

Thanks for the tips. We won't push him - just follow his lead...

[Duchess]

What a wonderful surprise I had! Boy, did that kid prove ME WRONG! He was FEARLESS! Strutted up to each character and gave kisses and hugs. He LOOOOVED the Princesses, and he had a face full of lipstick kisses to prove it. Rides weren't a problem either. He even braved the Haunted Mansion without so much as a lip quiver. We had a great meal at the Crystal Palace, and he ate well and giggled at the characters. THAT'S MY BOY!!! Can't wait for all the future trips!

[lisalovesmickey]

That is so wonderful!

I am glad you had a great time. I hope you post a TR!

Lisa