Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
people, adults and children, are scared by what they see and feel. Help them under-
stand that it's OK if they get frightened and that their fear doesn't lessen your love
or respect. Take pains not to compound the discomfort by making a child feel inad-
equate; try not to undermine self-esteem, impugn courage, or ridicule. Most of all,
don't induce guilt by suggesting the child's trepidation might be ruining the family's
fun. It is also sometimes necessary to restrain older siblings' taunting or teasing.
A visit to Walt Disney World is more than just an outing or an adventure for a
young child. It's a testing experience, a sort of controlled rite of passage. If you help
your little one work through the challenges, the time can be immeasurably rewarding
and a bonding experience for you both.
The Fright Factor
LILIANE
While there is no certain way to know what will scare your kids
or what will garner a big smile, many rides are so intense that they can even
eat adults. I make a huge detour around The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
or Space Mountain, but I can't get enough of Star Tours, Mission: SPACE,
and Kali River Rapids—and I have survived the Mad Tea Party and Expedi-
tion Everest. Parents know their children best. I do remember braving The
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror once because I felt that I could not deprive
my then-10-year-old just because I was a chicken. I didn't let on that this
was not my cup of tea. My prayers to exit the attraction were answered
when he asked me shyly if we could ask a cast member to get out. The re-
quest was granted instantly by both me and the cast member.
Of course, each youngster is different, but there are eight attraction elements that
alone or combined can push a child's buttons:
1. NAME OF THE ATTRACTION
Young children will naturally be apprehensive about
something called The Haunted Mansion or The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
