[livvyb]

I have a 2 year old and an almost 5 year old and have read conflicting reports about what is and isn't age appropriate in various guide books.

Some rides I am unsure of is: the Stitch ride, Buzz light year ride, Dumbo, Magic Carpets, safari, river rapids, Indy speedway (as a passenger), the barnstormer, mad tea party.

Any insight would be appreciated.

[Ready2Go]

My youngest son was just 3 when we went in 2001 and this was what he thought about each at that time.

Stitch ride: Not open at the time

Buzz light year ride : Loved it

Dumbo : Loved it

Magic Carpets : Loved it

safari : He Slept the whole time

river rapids :Did not ride

Indy speedway (as a passenger) I did the gas he drove and loved it.

the barnstormer: Was not tall enough to ride it: He did in 2004 and loved it.

mad tea party : Loved it

Hope this helps.

[WishUponAStar]

Hi! I am a pre-school teacher so I work with children this age all the time. The following would be my opinions....
Stitch Ride: I think it's a 50/50 thing. I would have been fine with it when I was a kid but I have seen several children crying and grabbing their parents in there. I would say the 5 yr old probably and the 2 no way.

Buzz Lightyear: I would probably give a green light on that one. Nothing scary there, doesn't move fast, pretty well-lit

Dumbo & Magic Carpets: I would definately say yes for the 5, only if a parent is with them obviously. To be honest I am not sure they even let wee ones on that one, the 2 might not be able.

The safari gets bumpy and it is pretty exciting at times. I would definately say yes to the five. I think the two would LOVE seeing the animals but the extreme bumpiness might be a bit scary/uncomfortable

River Rapids, not sure if height would allow either? I don't know what that ride's height requirement is. The belts are pretty big adultsized, no special child restraints. The 2 DEFINATLY not.

Indy Speedway, the five as a passanger should be fine. I remember going on them my first ever visit to WDW and I was 5. Then again, I was always the tallest kid.

Barnstormer, no clue... I've only seen it from the train. Me and the hubby tend not to bother with that area too much, haha.

And the teacups, I would say if you weren't spinning very intensly the five would like it.

Have Fun!!

They would BOTH love the new Pooh playground, I wonder when that's opening?

[livvyb]

Originally Posted by Ready2Go

My youngest son was just 3 when we went in 2001 and this was what he thought about each at that time.

Stitch ride: Not open at the time

Buzz light year ride : Loved it

Dumbo : Loved it

Magic Carpets : Loved it

safari : He Slept the whole time

river rapids :Did not ride

Indy speedway (as a passenger) I did the gas he drove and loved it.

the barnstormer: Was not tall enough to ride it: He did in 2004 and loved it.

mad tea party : Loved it

Hope this helps.

that really helps...love first hand reports! Thanks so much!

[livvyb]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

Hi! I am a pre-school teacher so I work with children this age all the time. The following would be my opinions....
Stitch Ride: I think it's a 50/50 thing. I would have been fine with it when I was a kid but I have seen several children crying and grabbing their parents in there. I would say the 5 yr old probably and the 2 no way.

Buzz Lightyear: I would probably give a green light on that one. Nothing scary there, doesn't move fast, pretty well-lit

Dumbo & Magic Carpets: I would definately say yes for the 5, only if a parent is with them obviously. To be honest I am not sure they even let wee ones on that one, the 2 might not be able.

The safari gets bumpy and it is pretty exciting at times. I would definately say yes to the five. I think the two would LOVE seeing the animals but the extreme bumpiness might be a bit scary/uncomfortable

River Rapids, not sure if height would allow either? I don't know what that ride's height requirement is. The belts are pretty big adultsized, no special child restraints. The 2 DEFINATLY not.

Indy Speedway, the five as a passanger should be fine. I remember going on them my first ever visit to WDW and I was 5. Then again, I was always the tallest kid.

Barnstormer, no clue... I've only seen it from the train. Me and the hubby tend not to bother with that area too much, haha.

And the teacups, I would say if you weren't spinning very intensly the five would like it.

Have Fun!!

They would BOTH love the new Pooh playground, I wonder when that's opening?

thanks so much. From a thread I read on here the Pooh playground is already open. It has already been added to our must see items.

[Ready2Go]

You didn't ask but the most fun he had in 2001 was on Test Track. I guess I've got trouble when he is old enough to drive!!!

[WishUponAStar]

OK, I am confused. Ready2Go said the Stich ride wasn't open but I was just in WDW last week and it was DEFINATELY open every time we walked by it. Did it JUST close?
Also,the Pooh Playground was DEFINATLY closed the whole week we were there???

[WishUponAStar]

oh, haha, i need to go to bed early tonight. I apologize, ready2go was saying it wasn't open in 2001. duh

[Cavey]

From your list, I would skip Stitch--pretty scary for kids.

Barnstormer has a height restriction. My young kids loved it.

We've never done Kali River Rapids.

Our infant son rode on our laps for the rest (except Tea Cups).

[Cavey]

BTW, if you're reading conflicting reports between guides, trust the Unofficial Guide. I've yet to catch a flaw in it.

[MrDisneyfan1]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

River Rapids, not sure if height would allow either? I don't know what that ride's height requirement is. The belts are pretty big adultsized, no special child restraints. The 2 DEFINATLY not.

Every third or fourth boat does have a special child bar so the little ones can ride. They are orange (the bars) and it allows the children to hold on. Mine loved it!! But mine DS also went on ToT at 4 and loved it. Give it a try, very fun.
Den

[livvyb]

Originally Posted by Cavey

BTW, if you're reading conflicting reports between guides, trust the Unofficial Guide. I've yet to catch a flaw in it.

just ordered the 2006 edition....hoping to get it in the next week!

[kizzmitt]

My DGD 2 1/2 loved Dumbo, the tea cups, Indy speedway, and the safari. She did not like barnstormer or Buzz lightyear. The robots scared her!

[Allyson]

DS went at just over 4 and then again at nearly 5. Here's what he thought...

the Stitch ride - hated it - way too dark and couldn't cuddle next to mom when he got scared

Buzz light year ride - his all time favorite

Dumbo & Magic Carpets - basically the same ride and he liked them both

safari - he loved the animals

river rapids - rode under the orange bar (previously mentioned) got SOAKED and loved it

Indy speedway (as a passenger) - he thought it was pretty cool but his driver (Dad) was less than impressed

the barnstormer - really liked it..made him feel like big boy riding a rollercoaster

mad tea party - the three of us rode and he and DH tried to spin me sick...THEY loved it....I on the other hand

Your 2 yo may be too young for some of those...but Dumbo, Aladdin, Buzz and the safari should be safe! Have fun!!

[livvyb]

Thanks so much...great to have an age comparrison for my dd and little guy. Helpful to read which rides he liked and especailly the Stitch review. Not so sure dd would like not cuddling up when she was scared!