Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LILIANE
The more information your children have before arriving at Walt
Disney World, the less likely they will be to act out.
Forpreschoolerskeepthingslightandhappybylimitingthetimeyouspendinthe
theme parks. The most critical point is that the overstimulation of the parks must be
balanced by adequate rest and more mellow activities. For grade-schoolers and early
teens, moderate the hyperactivity and false apathy by enlisting their help in planning
the vacation, especially by allowing them to take a leading role in determining the it-
inerary for days at the theme parks. Being in charge of specific responsibilities that
focus on the happiness of other family members also works well. One reader, for ex-
ample, turned a 12-year-old liability into an asset by asking him to help guard against
attractions that might frighten his 5-year-old sister.
Knowledge enhances anticipation and at the same time affords a level of comfort
and control that helps kids understand the big picture. The more they feel in control,
the less they will act out of control.
DISNEY, KIDS, AND SCARY STUFF
DISNEY ATTRACTIONS, BOTH RIDES AND SHOWS
, are adventures. They focus on themes
common to adventures: good and evil, life and death, beauty and the grotesque, fel-
lowship and enmity. As you sample the attractions at Walt Disney World, you tran-
scend the spinning and bouncing of midway rides to thought-provoking and emotion-
ally powerful entertainment. All of the endings are happy, but the adventures' impact,
given Disney's gift for special effects, often intimidates and occasionally frightens
young children.
Small-Child Fright-Potential Chart
This is a quick reference to identify attractions to be wary of, and why. The chart represents
a generalization, and all kids are different. It relates specifically to kids ages 3-7. On aver-
