The Worst Attractions for Toddlers...
1. It’s Tough to Be a Bug, Disney's Animal Kingdom
The premise behind It’s Tough to Be a Bug seems kid-friendly, so plenty of parents take small ones into this 3-D show. The maps include plenty of warnings, but even these don’t properly underscore how terrifying this attraction can be. The seats sting you in the back, spiders descend from the ceiling, bursts of air simulate flying objects coming toward you, and Hopper makes an impressive, yet very frightening appearance.
It’s not at all uncommon to hear several children crying before the show is over, and the bugs that crawl under you before you exit can be the last straw that leads to a full on melt down by the time you get out.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean, Magic Kingdom
Pirates of the Caribbean is another slow-moving boat ride, so it’s tempting to think that if you can manage It’s a Small World, you’ll do just fine on this. The problem with Pirates is that there’s a pitch-black drop at the beginning, cannons that can get you soaking wet if you’re in the wrong spot, and plenty of chaos to make small ones nervous.
3. The Great Movie Ride, Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Great Movie Ride is a slow-moving ride through the movies with wide bench seating so anyone is welcome aboard. It’s generally less intimidating if you’re further back in the vehicle, but there are several elements to this ride that can frighten small children. Your car gets hijacked by a live actor halfway through in a hail of gunfire (and possible real fire, depending which scene you’re in). Aliens pop out of the ceiling and walls in the Alien scene, and there are plenty of snakes to accompany Indiana Jones.
Editor's note: This one may not apply to everyone. My little boy smiled cheerfully up at the "terrifying" alien as if he had stumbled across Mickey Mouse himself.
4. Ellen’s Energy Adventure, Epcot
Image: Disney
Ellen’s Energy Adventure takes a full 45 minutes. If you have a high-energy toddler, this is not the attraction for you. It also has dinosaurs which can be frightening for some. The educational storyline will go right over the head of a toddler. If you’re gearing up for nap time, however, this isn’t a bad place to relax and let little ones rest. Just make sure you’re ready to commit to the entire experience.
As with anything related to children, there are exceptions to everything. Some toddlers may love our worsts while others despise the bests. However, these guidelines should give you a good idea of which attractions are really best or worst for your toddlers based on their interests and personalities. The most important thing is to know what you’re headed for long before you reserve a FastPass or wait through a long line.
Comments
I was recently at Epcot for Food & Wine with two friends, and one had a toddler. Her favorite ride is the Seas with Nemo. The whole ride she gleefully pointed and said "fish, fish, Nemo, Nemo". She found the smaller fish tanks in the area formerly known as Seabase Alpha fascinating as well.
I would also like to add that Stitch's Great Escape in MK is not a good ride for toddlers or an autistic child. Just like with the Bug's life there are things poking, spraying, and hissing near you but you can't see them because it is VERY dark almost no light.
I have a tip, for the little ones on the dark rides.
Bring a glow stick and put it on the floor so they don't get scared.
My boys love the show for Disney Junior but are always frustrated that they can not see. The stage is high and the puppets come out of the floor of the stage making it very hard for little ones and even adults to see the full show. We have sat in many different areas and always have the same issue. Little ones want to stand up and dance but sitting is strictly enforced by cast members and this also creates frustration with little ones. It would be nice if the space could be reconfigured a little for better viewing.
My little one loves the alien scene at the Great Movie Ride too! She giggles at the hissing Xenomorph! And here I was thinking she was just a weirdo....
Although her favorite FAVORITE thing at WDW is the teacups. Which she calls "the mugs" because she's hilarious.