Hey there, Kate!
Welcome to planDisney, and thanks for stopping by. Visiting
Walt Disney World Resort with my little ones is one of my favorite things to do. Like you, I was worried they would be scared or too nervous to try new things, especially because after having done them myself, I knew they would probably enjoy it too.
Something I recommend doing is taking the time to look up the
attractions together before you head out for your trip. Showing my little ones and talking them through what to expect helped those jitters tremendously. Although my littlest one did come off shaking after piloting the
Millennium Falcon for the very first time. It was her first time being tall enough to ride and the first ride of the day. Which reminds me, start with attractions that don't have a
height requirement to help warm him up to the bigger attractions. Three years later, she rides the
Tower of Terror with her dad like a true thrill seeker, while I anxiously wait for them at the exit. You can even tell him that grown-ups get nervous, too!
Kate, you can also find some great options to watch on
Disney+. They are titled “Behind the Attraction”. These are great watches to help build the excitement of what’s to come and maybe even spark his curiosity to try new things! I also like to remind my little ones that even if we get in line for an attraction and they change their mind, we can exit. This has helped them build the courage and sometimes even inspires them to try once they see the inside attraction queue. Just like Tower or Terror did! My daughter had seen a show on Disney+ where they went to that attraction, which is what inspired her to try, even without mom, since I always sit that one out.
I also recommend going over the height requirements and reading the ride descriptions once you arrive at the
theme parks. The combination of seeing the ride, the expected height, and talking about it really helps, trust me. Lastly, have him help with the planning process. Ask him what he wants to do and see, and take his recommendations. Including
him in the planning allows him to decide what he’s comfortable with.
Walt Disney World is my family’s favorite vacation spot because there really is something for all of us to enjoy. I hope this helps ignite his curiosity about the parks and the attractions he may experience. After your attraction research with him, if you have any other specific attraction questions, please send them our way! We will be more than happy to help.
Hang on,
Shantel