Disney vacations are for the whole family – there is something for everyone to enjoy. With this in mind, there are some rides and attractions that are geared towards bigger kids and adults, many rides are for everyone, though. You want to create magical memories during your vacation so you or your children may want to avoid these rides and attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort…
Although a ride may have a low height requirement or no height requirements at all not all rides are appropriate for everyone. Some rides may be scary for your little ones and this does not just mean babies. Know what your child likes and dislikes and don’t force them to do something that they don’t want to do just because you think that they’ll end up liking it.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Big Thunder Mountain is a roller coaster and part of the ride is in the dark.
Haunted Mansion – Even before your board your Doombuggy this ride can be scary. On my family’s last trip someone in line with us did not know what to expect before getting in line – once we left the stretching room they left the line with a screaming 8-year old. The stretching room is dark and there is a strike of lighting. Once you board the actual ride it is fairly dark for most of the ride. If darkness or lightning are a problem, it would be best to avoid this ride, you don’t want to scar your child’s vacation memories.
Pirates of the Caribbean – There is a slight drop in this ride that may startle a little one especially because the drop is in the dark. Much of the entire ride is in semi-darkness and there are also pirates.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – This roller coaster does have a low height requirement (of 38in), but that does not mean that just because your child meets the requirement that they should ride. It is a roller coaster after all!
Space Mountain – Once again, this one is a roller coaster AND it is in the dark which makes it seem even faster than it really is. The height requirement for this ride is 44in, which is the average height of a 7-year old boy – if your child is ready for this at 7, go for it! If not, don’t worry, they have plenty of time.
Splash Mountain – This is my favorite ride! There are some parts of the ride, though, that are in the dark. The biggest scare factor here, though, are the drops – the biggest of which is a 5-story drop!
Stitch’s Great Escape – This attraction, it isn’t really much of a ride, involves darkness and is quite loud!
Ellen’s Energy Adventure – Not only is this a long ride, we’re talking 40 minutes, but it is also educational – that should be scary enough, right? Kidding. The majority of this ride is in the dark.
Illuminations – The fireworks show at Epcot is absolutely amazing, but if loud noises are a problem then this show will be too. The best viewing area for the entire show is within close proximity to where the fireworks are actually shot off from so it is pretty loud.
Mission Space – Lots of kids love space, but this ride could be scary for some. There are two versions of the ride, one that involves spinning and another calmer one that does not. Both, however, put the rider in a small and dark space.
Spaceship Earth – This is a slow moving ride, but it does take place in semi-darkness.
Fantasmic! – Much like Illuminations this show is contained within a small area. The scare factors here are fire, villains, a giant snake, and fireworks.
The Great Movie Ride – This slow moving ride that takes you through the movies can be scary for some. Parts of the ride are in the dark, there are also gun shots, fire, an alien, and at one point your tram will be taken over by either a bandit or a gangster.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – This stunt show gives you a behind the scenes look at some of the stunts form the Indiana Jones movies. Parts of the show can be loud with music, gun shots, or explosions. There is also fire which could be a problem for some.
Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show – This show is all about car stunts for movies and while it is great for everyone that loves cars, it could also be scary for some. Gun shots, fire, and explosions are involved in the show, and some parts of the show can also be loud for little ears.
Rock n Roller Coaster – This roller coaster is all inside and in the dark. It is fast and loud, and it has corkscrews and loops. The height requirement for this one is 48 inches, which is fairly tall, but an average 7-8 year old will be tall enough to ride.
Tower of Terror – The height requirement for this one could lead some to think that their child is ready to ride just because they are tall enough. 40 inches tall is all a child needs to be to ride, and for many that could be at 4-years old. If your child is ready, go for it! However, this ride is dark, fast, and involves forced free-falling.
Dinosaur – Kids, especially boys, love dinosaurs, but this ride takes you up close with the large beasts. It is loud and dark and the dinosaurs are lifelike.
Expedition Everest – Not only is this one a roller coaster, but there is a small portion of the ride that is in the dark and goes backwards. There is also the Yeti that guards the village.
It’s Tough to be a Bug – This show involves bugs, some of which are quite angry, there is also smoke, special effects, strange smells, and it is in the dark. The biggest scare factor, though, comes at the very end of the show. The bugs will be asked to leave first and the seat will rumble. This scared my son and it also scared my sister when she was little.
Kali River Rapids – This ride is a great way to cool down, but the big drop can be a little scary.
Did we miss any scary rides? Let us know in the comments!
Every child is different, so what is scary for one may not be scary for another. Do you have questions about rides or attractions? My name is Miriya Whitaker and I am a travel agent with World of Magic Travel! I love rides and I would love to help you find out what rides are right for you! Contact me at miriyawhitaker@worldofmagictravel.com with any questions or to start planning your next magical vacation!
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
- How Does Lost and Found Work at Disney World? - December 19, 2021
- What Happens to my Reservation if Disney Prices Increase? - January 8, 2020
- Are There any Buffet Character Dining Experiences at Disney World? - December 30, 2019
