Is it awful to take a 4yo on SM?

pjfnme · 06-11-2003

Hi!!

Well...my daughter, who is 3 now, meets the height requirement of almost every ride at WDW. We are going next year and she will be a little over 4 years. Would we be awful to take her on rides such as Space Mountain and the Thunder Mt RR?? She will definately be tall enough..but, would it be too much for her to handle mentally??? Need some feedback!!

Thanks..

Awful parent who loves thrill rides!!!:D

neen626 · 06-11-2003

At first I thought you were talking about Splash Mountain and my 3 yr old nephew just went on that and really liked it alot. I would take her on Big Thunder, but I think I would pass on Space Mountain :( I think the 1st time I took my son on space mountain he was 5 and he was upset about being on it, but was fine once the ride was over....
That being said and having said that...you know your child better than anyone else...can she handle Space Mountain?????

alextina · 06-11-2003

If she meets the height requirements and you think that she can handle the rides then I don't see a problem with it. Order the WDW vacation video that is if you don't already have it and show her the rides, see what she thinks. If she thinks she wants to try it then let her. Most of those rides are only a couple of minutes long anyhow so it's not like she is going to be stuck on SM for a half hour or something. She might just like them. But please let me suggest that you not take her kicking and screaming onto a ride that she clearly does not want to go on. I have seen this and I feel so bad for those kids.:cry:

LRTJS · 06-11-2003

Wow, tall enough at 4, my just turned 6 DGD was not tall enough. But, she did get on with a little help from platform sandals. I want to tell you that 17 years ago my DD was still 3 and their were no height restrictions on SM. She rode it and loved it. Back then the seats were like a log ride and the whole family sat together all squished in so we could hold her. If you think she will like it, give it a try.

ajbdk5 · 06-11-2003

You could always do the "stroller swap" at the last min. if she gets scared. Although you and your spouse can't ride at the same time, you'll each get a turn without too long of a wait.

Amy:)

**BDavis932** · 06-12-2003

Ride the T.T.A. (TomorrowLand Transit Authority) (a.k.a "the people mover") and let her get a peak of what the ride is like.

If she's up for it, and tall enough, I wouldn't hesitate.

By the way, when our DS was 5, he was finally tall enough for Space Mountain, and he was sooooooooooo excited about riding it. After he rode it, I asked if he wanted to do it again, and he said "once that trip was enough!" (He thought it was a bit "jerky") He is now 7 years old, and has rode SM a dozen times since then and he loves it.

He has always loved Big Thunder, Splash Mountain, Star Tours, Tower of Terror and the such, he also fell in love with the Rockin Roller Coaster after the first ride. Space Mountain just took some warming up to for him.

tinkerbell · 06-12-2003

does she want to ride it? I agree with neen626, you know your child best. our youngest granddaughter wasnt ready to ride space mt till last year when she was 10, she loved it and wanted to go again and again ..but the oldest rode it as soon as she was tall enough ( 6 years old ) and loved it.
the only way it would be awful would be if you drug her kicking and screaming ..but if she is willing to try it and is tall enough let her !

DisneyAnne · 06-12-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by BDavis932
Ride the T.T.A. (TomorrowLand Transit Authority) (a.k.a "the people mover") and let her get a peak of what the ride is like.

You read my mind...I was going to suggest the same thing.

My thrill-seeking boys couldn't get on BTM or SM fast enough. I don't think any parent should take a child who is kicking or screaming, but I am all for exposure to new things.

For those of you with height challenged older kids who would love to get on these rides, you need to check out the thread MK Ride Height Restrictions for some new ideas to get those shorter but older kids on the rides. There is at least one hilarious solution!

Storm59 · 06-12-2003

pjfnme, I have nearly the same problem as you! I am beginning to wonder if my 7 (nearly 8) yr old DD is going to ride ANYTHING other than the airplane down. But I have promised her that I will NOT force her onto any ride. The problem is, she really wants to have the courage to do them, but she just can't find it. If we let her watch over and over, but unfortunately, all you can see if the worst parts. Like the splash down on Splash Mtn. We'll see....good luck to you!

DisneyAnne, I love your sig! I think Finding Nemo was one of the best Disney movies I've ever seen. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time!

rlander · 06-12-2003

This will probably sound terrible and some of you my not like me after I say this. Soooo, If you like me don't read this.

First of all, let me say my DS loves roller coasters and has riden them at Paramounts Kings Island since he was 4.

When we went to Mk in 2000, my son was 6. He was big enough to ride SM. My DW just took him on Alien Encounter and he was flipped out. O.k., I know, Alien Encounter for a 6 year old, but we didn't know what kind of ride it was.
Well, anyway the next ride up was SM. My DS was afraid SM was going to be scary like Alien Encounter. I told him it was a roller coater and there were no aliens or anything scary. It is just dark. I had to drag him though the line kicking and screaming. I felt terrible, but I knew once he rode it, he would love it. Well, he rode it and did love it.
We took our DD on SM for the first time last year when she was 4. (She is very tall for her age). She too loved it. SM ans Spalsh Mountain are the first two for us on Sunday morning.

BTW....My son also loved R&RC. My DD still isn't tall enough for that one yet.:madmad

Do ya'll hate me now????!!!!!:nervous

mickaholic4077 · 06-12-2003

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D :D :D :D :D :D :D ..........................NOT!!!!!!!!

wdwspider · 06-12-2003

I would suggest Big Thunder before Space Mountain. Get the coaster ride aspect out of the way first, then ride TTA and make sure a coaster and being in the dark is fine.

I hope my son is tall enough to ride at 4, he wants to ride now at 2. :D

alextina · 06-12-2003

rlander,

We don't hate you. You know your child. If my DD didn't want to do something that I know she would like once she did it :dazed I would do my best to persuade her as well.

P.S. Have fun on your trip. I'm SOOOOO jealous!!:p

DisneyAnne · 06-12-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by rlander
This will probably sound terrible and some of you my not like me after I say this. Soooo, If you like me don't read this.
Do ya'll hate me now????!!!!!:nervous

Oh yeah, Jeff...we hate you ... you'll have to find a new Disney family... :hmmm

I will tell you that #2 son was a head-case in HM and now he loves it! I had one of those situations where I was completely afraid someone was going to end up calling a CM for abuse or something... I know my kids well enough to know what they will enjoy, but sometimes, you have to encourage exposure.

Jeff, make sure you give us your forwarding address...

If you even think about it, you will be hunted down like a lost treasure... ;)

rthaler · 06-12-2003

My 2 DS's (9&10) didn't want to ride SM, R&R Rollercoaster and TOT because they were too fast and too high. Once I explained to them that the plane ride to MCO was at 40,000 feet and around 500 mph, they decided that SM, TOT and R&R were not too wild after all. They rode them and loved them.

They did look a bit concerned on the plane ride home though;)

Randy

06-11-2003	#1 (permalink)
pjfnme Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Tennessee Posts: 196	Is it awful to take a 4yo on SM? Hi!! Well...my daughter, who is 3 now, meets the height requirement of almost every ride at WDW. We are going next year and she will be a little over 4 years. Would we be awful to take her on rides such as Space Mountain and the Thunder Mt RR?? She will definately be tall enough..but, would it be too much for her to handle mentally??? Need some feedback!! Thanks.. Awful parent who loves thrill rides!!!:D

06-11-2003	#2 (permalink)
neen626 Big Cheese Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Seminole, FL Posts: 800	At first I thought you were talking about Splash Mountain and my 3 yr old nephew just went on that and really liked it alot. I would take her on Big Thunder, but I think I would pass on Space Mountain :( I think the 1st time I took my son on space mountain he was 5 and he was upset about being on it, but was fine once the ride was over.... That being said and having said that...you know your child better than anyone else...can she handle Space Mountain????? __________________ Prepare to be awed. Inspired. Thrilled and enchanted. You're about to enter a world where anything can happen, and often does! A world where imagination and adventure come alive all around you! x´¨) x¸.•´ ¸.•´¨)xxxx¸.•¨) (¸.•´xxxxxx(¸.•`xxxxx Nina *´¨) Port Orleans Riverside Grand Floridian~ 2006 Polynesian ~ 2006 Grand Floridian Pop Century Coronado Springs ~ 2005 Port Orleans Riverside ~ 2004 Coronado Springs ~ 2003

06-11-2003	#3 (permalink)
alextina Big Cheese Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Mexico Posts: 551	If she meets the height requirements and you think that she can handle the rides then I don't see a problem with it. Order the WDW vacation video that is if you don't already have it and show her the rides, see what she thinks. If she thinks she wants to try it then let her. Most of those rides are only a couple of minutes long anyhow so it's not like she is going to be stuck on SM for a half hour or something. She might just like them. But please let me suggest that you not take her kicking and screaming onto a ride that she clearly does not want to go on. I have seen this and I feel so bad for those kids.:cry: __________________ 1977--Disneyland 1979--WDW 1981--Disneyland 1984--Disneyland 1988--Disneyland 1993--WDW/Off Site 07/2001--LBVBW 05/2002--LBVBW 05/2003--AKL 10/2003--Disneyland Hotel 05/2004--Polynesian

06-11-2003	#4 (permalink)
LRTJS Southern Disney Belle Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,403	Wow, tall enough at 4, my just turned 6 DGD was not tall enough. But, she did get on with a little help from platform sandals. I want to tell you that 17 years ago my DD was still 3 and their were no height restrictions on SM. She rode it and loved it. Back then the seats were like a log ride and the whole family sat together all squished in so we could hold her. If you think she will like it, give it a try. __________________ Laughter is timeless,Imagination has no age, and dreams are forever! SUPER SOAP WEEKEND!!!!! DW Trip 30 ....CSR ROCKS!! French Quarter All Star Sports All Star Music Pop Century ^i^ * Postcard Pixie * ^i^ ~ Sharing the Disney magic ~ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Thanksgiving Trip what a way to give thanks!!

06-11-2003	#5 (permalink)
ajbdk5 Mouse Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,326	You could always do the "stroller swap" at the last min. if she gets scared. Although you and your spouse can't ride at the same time, you'll each get a turn without too long of a wait. Amy:) __________________ ~Amy~ It's about quality, not quantity. It's about info, not popularity. POLY 1979, POLY 1983, CBR 1992, CBR 1993, CBR 1995, Grosvenor 1999, Dixie Landings 2001 Pop Century 2004, ~CBR and MVMCP Dec. 2004!~

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Theme Parks
Is it awful to take a 4yo on SM?

06-12-2003	#6 (permalink)
BDavis932 A dream is a wish.... Join Date: May 2002 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,608	Ride the T.T.A. (TomorrowLand Transit Authority) (a.k.a "the people mover") and let her get a peak of what the ride is like. If she's up for it, and tall enough, I wouldn't hesitate. By the way, when our DS was 5, he was finally tall enough for Space Mountain, and he was sooooooooooo excited about riding it. After he rode it, I asked if he wanted to do it again, and he said "once that trip was enough!" (He thought it was a bit "jerky") He is now 7 years old, and has rode SM a dozen times since then and he loves it. He has always loved Big Thunder, Splash Mountain, Star Tours, Tower of Terror and the such, he also fell in love with the Rockin Roller Coaster after the first ride. Space Mountain just took some warming up to for him. __________________ DVC/BUDGET TIPS MODERATOR ºoº DVC MEMBER at OKW since 2000 ºoº Love my Mom "Trailblazer" & My Dear Sister "A Goofy Family" 77 DL85 (offsite)94 AS Sports97 ASMusic99 AS Movies00 ASMovies02 OKW03 WLV 04 OKW05 SSR05 ASM06 AKL/OKW/CSR07 DHHIR6/08 AKLV12/08 SSR3/09 AKLV Next Trips: 6/2011 AKLV, 12/2011 BLT, 3/2012 AKLV Buzzers I've met: Gingita, DisneyTeacher, RCharmicheal My Disney Countdown Counting down to:* Quick trip the the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX 28 days 6 hours 4 minutes

06-12-2003	#7 (permalink)
tinkerbell Neverland Tour Guide ® Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: The Ark-La-Tex Posts: 7,596	does she want to ride it? I agree with neen626, you know your child best. our youngest granddaughter wasnt ready to ride space mt till last year when she was 10, she loved it and wanted to go again and again ..but the oldest rode it as soon as she was tall enough ( 6 years old ) and loved it. the only way it would be awful would be if you drug her kicking and screaming ..but if she is willing to try it and is tall enough let her ! __________________ Stinkerbell, so named by Darth Official Defender of Swiss Family Treehouse MB chitchatter. We don't need no stinkin' post counts Protect Texas!!! Arm A Dillo

06-12-2003	#9 (permalink)
Storm59 Big Cheese Join Date: May 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 560	pjfnme, I have nearly the same problem as you! I am beginning to wonder if my 7 (nearly 8) yr old DD is going to ride ANYTHING other than the airplane down. But I have promised her that I will NOT force her onto any ride. The problem is, she really wants to have the courage to do them, but she just can't find it. If we let her watch over and over, but unfortunately, all you can see if the worst parts. Like the splash down on Splash Mtn. We'll see....good luck to you! DisneyAnne, I love your sig! I think Finding Nemo was one of the best Disney movies I've ever seen. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time! __________________ "You cheated!" "Pirate!" ~ CBR 5/93 ~ ASM 2/95 ~ CSR 7/03 ~ AKL 2/04 ~ PC 2/05 ~ ´¨) x¸.•´ ¸.•´¨)xxxx¸.•¨) (¸.•´xxxxxx(¸.•`xxx´¨)Thanks for noticin' me...´¨)

06-12-2003	#10 (permalink)
rlander Happy Disney Dreams Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,455	This will probably sound terrible and some of you my not like me after I say this. Soooo, If you like me don't read this. First of all, let me say my DS loves roller coasters and has riden them at Paramounts Kings Island since he was 4. When we went to Mk in 2000, my son was 6. He was big enough to ride SM. My DW just took him on Alien Encounter and he was flipped out. O.k., I know, Alien Encounter for a 6 year old, but we didn't know what kind of ride it was. Well, anyway the next ride up was SM. My DS was afraid SM was going to be scary like Alien Encounter. I told him it was a roller coater and there were no aliens or anything scary. It is just dark. I had to drag him though the line kicking and screaming. I felt terrible, but I knew once he rode it, he would love it. Well, he rode it and did love it. We took our DD on SM for the first time last year when she was 4. (She is very tall for her age). She too loved it. SM ans Spalsh Mountain are the first two for us on Sunday morning. BTW....My son also loved R&RC. My DD still isn't tall enough for that one yet.:madmad Do ya'll hate me now????!!!!!:nervous

06-12-2003	#11 (permalink)
mickaholic4077 Currently in Timeout! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 90 miles from The Mick!!!!! Posts: 6,181	Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D :D :D :D :D :D :D ..........................NOT!!!!!!!!

06-12-2003	#12 (permalink)
wdwspider Back in the Web! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NC Posts: 2,584	I would suggest Big Thunder before Space Mountain. Get the coaster ride aspect out of the way first, then ride TTA and make sure a coaster and being in the dark is fine. I hope my son is tall enough to ride at 4, he wants to ride now at 2. :D __________________ Boy, It's been a while...

06-12-2003	#13 (permalink)
alextina Big Cheese Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Mexico Posts: 551	rlander, We don't hate you. You know your child. If my DD didn't want to do something that I know she would like once she did it :dazed I would do my best to persuade her as well. P.S. Have fun on your trip. I'm SOOOOO jealous!!:p __________________ 1977--Disneyland 1979--WDW 1981--Disneyland 1984--Disneyland 1988--Disneyland 1993--WDW/Off Site 07/2001--LBVBW 05/2002--LBVBW 05/2003--AKL 10/2003--Disneyland Hotel 05/2004--Polynesian

06-12-2003	#15 (permalink)
rthaler Currently in Timeout! Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 75	My 2 DS's (9&10) didn't want to ride SM, R&R Rollercoaster and TOT because they were too fast and too high. Once I explained to them that the plane ride to MCO was at 40,000 feet and around 500 mph, they decided that SM, TOT and R&R were not too wild after all. They rode them and loved them. They did look a bit concerned on the plane ride home though;) Randy

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