Hello- I read your roller coasters answer and feel the same way- only @ WDW! My son (a tall 3 1/2) and I loved Big Thunder in Dec. and wondered how you thought Space Mt, ExEverest, etc. compared? Want to try a new one in Dec. and not terrify him (or me).

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Answer 1

Michele, you definitely started with the right roller coaster for your son.....Thunder Mountain is a perfect beginner ride for both adults and children! At least that is how I started being the chicken that I am!

After thinking about all the other park coasters at Disney I think my next choice for a ride would be Expedition Everest. You are outside for most of the ride and the special effects are good enough to distract you from the dips and curves for the most part. It is fun but not scary! You have to be 44 inches tall for this attraction.

Other attractions that aren't true roller coasters that would be great stepping stones for kids are Splash Mountain, Test Track, and Soarin. The height requirement for these is only 40 inches tall and although you aren't diving and twisting they do offer their own unique sense of thrill. Splash Mountain has one long dip at the end into water, Test Track takes you flying around the building at the end, and Soarin lifts you up with the feeling you are truly flying.

Tower of Terror has a 40 inch height requirement but to me this is one of those rides that plays with your mind. Your drops are different each time and the idea of the dark and the unknown is downright frightening. I think I will wait to take grandchildren on this one for a while.

Space Mountain for me is one of the roughest rides for the Disney coasters and because of that I am not all that fond of it. I also think because it is completely in the dark it makes it a bit more intimidating. The height here is 44 inches and then the last one, Rock n Roller Coaster, the height is 48 inches. I do love this attraction because I love the music but children truly must meet the requirement in height as the shoulder bars need to fit tightly over their bodies.

Have fun in December. It is always a treat to have something new and different to look forward to for your Disney vacations!

Hello- I read your roller coasters answer and feel the same way- only @ WDW! My son (a tall 3 1/2) and I loved Big Thunder in Dec. and wondered how you thought Space Mt, ExEverest, etc. compared? Want to try a new one in Dec. and not terrify him (or me).

Meet the Panelist: Kay, Indiana

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Hello- I read your roller coasters answer and feel the same way- only @ WDW! My son (a tall 3 1/2) and I loved Big Thunder in Dec. and wondered how you thought Space Mt, ExEverest, etc. compared? Want to try a new one in Dec. and not terrify him (or me).”

Meet the Panelist: Kay, Indiana

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Share a message of thanks with the knowledgeable panelist who provided a personalized answer to your Disney vacation question.

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Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

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Ask planDisney

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Hello- I read your roller coasters answer and feel the same way- only @ WDW! My son (a tall 3 1/2) and I loved Big Thunder in Dec. and wondered how you thought Space Mt, ExEverest, etc. compared? Want to try a new one in Dec. and not terrify him (or me).