Hi Ari, and welcome to planDisney!
As a wife of a military veteran who isn't too fond of spontaneous explosions and loud noises, I am just your gal to help you. I'm also a mom of two children who I've seen startled by a surprise or two over the years. Let's get into it!
First, I will say that Walt Disney World Resort is a place of positivity and fun, so everything is meant to create excitement and wonder. But there are definitely attractions that your family member can either prepare for or avoid.
Magic Kingdom Park-Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire: While this is a lighthearted show at Cinderella Castle, there are very loud and surprising daytime fireworks that go off at the very end. You can hear these mostly in Fantasyland or around the hub. Check the showtimes in the My Disney Experience app.
-Pirates of the Caribbean: There's a cool "cannon" effect that goes off during a battleship scene.
-Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room: This is a classic Disney show that I love, but there's one segment where it "storms" really badly for a minute or so.
-Haunted Mansion: Before the ride begins, there is a loud noise while in the darkness of the Stretching Room.
EPCOT
-Journey Into Imagination with Figment: After going through the five senses, at the end of the ride, the showroom gets very dark and there is a very startling burst of air and light.
-Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: While this is my favorite ride on property, the premise of the ride involves being sent back into time to the Big Bang. There isn't an explosion, but the launch is surprising. Also, there will be a randomized song playing during the entirety of the coaster.
-Soarin' Around the World: There are onscreen "fireworks" that last for about 20 seconds at the end of the ride.
-Test Track: There is a scene where you'll avoid a collision with a semi-truck that pops out of nowhere.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
-Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: This is another coaster that plays loud music as you ride.
-All attractions at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: Because it's Star Wars, there are a lot of loud noises and action-packed scenes.
-Toy Story Mania: While this is pretty harmless (and my husband loves it), there is one scene where there is an illusion of balloons popping.
-Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: This show includes explosions and stunts that are larger than life. However, we usually can still do this as a family because they explain what's going on, so they're expected.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park-DINOSAUR: This ride has a dark, unpredictable track, and there are many loud noises.
-It's Tough To Be a Bug!: It's not "too bad." However, there are some dark sections with loud noises (and sometimes the audience's youngest members start crying).
-Avatar Flight of Passage: This is a can't-miss attraction, but it's highly immersive and could be overwhelming.
I hope this helps, Ari! If you or any of your family member has any questions about what to expect during your vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth, don't hesitate to
revisit me here at planDisney.
Magic always,
LeAndra