Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
214
Stitch's Great Escape
Frommer's Rating:
D
Recommended Ages:
6-10
In 2003, the scarier
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
was closed permanently to
make way for this newer and (allegedly) more family-friendly attraction. Unfortunately,
Disney missed the mark on this one. Even though it features the mischievous experiment
626, otherwise known as Stitch—a favorite of many younger kids—the ride isn't really
that child-friendly (at least not for the young set). It's not particularly exciting, either.
Upon entering the attraction, guests are briefed on their responsibilities as newly
recruited alien prison guards. Suddenly an alarm sounds—a new prisoner is arriving, and
the pandemonium begins. Stitch, after appearing by teleportation, is confined in the
middle of the room, but only momentarily—the ride isn't called Stitch's Great Escape for
nothing. Guests are seated around the center stage, overhead restraints on their shoulders
(which are slightly uncomfortable unless you were sitting straight up when they are
lowered) allowing them to “feel” special sensory effects. It's the attraction's long periods
of darkness and silence that make this one inappropriate for younger children—a fact
made apparent by some of the screams you'll hear from the audience (I've seen at least
one 5-year-old walk out somewhat traumatized).
Note:
There's a 40-inch height require-
ment to experience the attraction, though this may change—it's already been adjusted
twice since the ride first debuted.
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Frommer's Rating:
B+ for kids; D for tweens, teens, and childless adults
Recommended Ages:
4-10
Younger kids love this ride, especially if they get the chance to drive one of the gas-
powered, minisports cars—though they may need the help of a parent's foot to push
down on the gas pedal—for a 4-minute spin around the track. Tweens and teens, how-
ever, hate it: Speeds reach a mere 7 mph, which for most is
incredibly
slow, and the steer-
ing is atrocious (you can't control the cars without bumping the rail that it follows). The
slow speed seems to work well for young kids (who also think the bumping around is
fun). The long lines move even more slowly than the ride does, so be prepared to wait
this one out. There's a 52-inch height minimum to take a lap without an older rider
along with you.
Note:
It carries Disney's warning that expectant mothers and people with
heart, neck, or back problems shouldn't climb aboard, likely because of the potential for
getting bumped as you try to board or disembark.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Frommer's Rating:
C, B+ for tired adults and toddlers
Recommended Ages:
All ages
After making your way up a moving walkway, you'll spot the futuristic train cars that will
take you on a tour of Tomorrowland from high above the ground. The engineless train
runs on a track and is powered by electromagnets, creating no pollution, little noise, and
using little power. Narrated by a computer guide named Horack I, TTA offers an over-
head view of Tomorrowland, including a brief interior look at Space Mountain (though
extremely rare, I've actually caught a glimpse of the coaster with the lights up—impres-
sive!). Lines are often nonexistent, as most riders are parents awaiting the return of their
children from Space Mountain, or those with tired toddlers in need of a brief respite from
the activity below.
Note:
In April 2009 this ride was closed down for renovations (though
details regarding the rehab are unknown). A reopening date is set for the end of Septem-
ber (2009).
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