Hi there, Kathy! I'm so excited that you're thinking about taking a trip to Walt Disney World with your son- you will make so many magical memories! I've taken my youngest child on three mom and son trips (in fact we just returned from one), and I can assure you that it is an exceptional bonding experience.
When I'm on vacation, I'm a roller coaster junkie, so I consulted a friend of mine who is a single mom. She takes her kiddos to see Mickey Mouse once a year, and like you, she has a hard time on roller coasters. Children seven and older are permitted to ride alone, but some rides have
height requirements. For Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Guests must be 48 inches, which my son didn't reach until he was eight years old. For this attraction, riders will exit through the gift shop, and this is also the case with Space Mountain, Test Track, and Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. After making sure he gets safely on the ride, ask a Cast Member to direct you to the door in the loading area that will take you to the gift shop.
My son's favorite roller coasters are Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (also known as the "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness") and
Slinky Dog Dash (located in Toy Story Land in Disney's Hollywood Studios). Neither has a gift shop at the exit, so ask a Cast Member about where the best place is to wait for your son when you enter the queue. My friend also mentioned that you will need a
FastPass+ reservation for both of you to enter the FastPass line, even if one of you is not riding.
I hope you have a trip filled with pixie dust, Kathy!
Eean