Mom And Daughter; Animal Kingdom
  • On Dec 20, 2011
    Joann from PA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Would the T-Rex or Rain Forest Cafe at the Market Place be too scary for a 5 year old? Would one be better than the other for that age?

    Hi JoAnn,

    Both the Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex are very immersive experiences, which is why so many people love dining at these restaurants.  However, if your five-year-old is especially sensitive to sensory stimuli, you might not want to pick either of these restaurants.  They can be very loud at times.  For instance, in the Rainforest Cafe, there are occasional meteor showers when the lights flicker and the sounds of passing storms are prominent.  When my son was five-years-old, he may have found this a bit disturbing.  Other children at that age simply adore the experience. Only you know how your child is likely to react in a situation with an overabundance of sights and sounds. 

    If you decide to dine at either of these restaurants but are concerned how your little one might respond, I suggest you arrive 30 minutes early for your reservation.  Both restaurants have similarly themed retail spaces nearby.  Wander through those spaces with your son or daughter to see how they react.  If they love it, then you should be fine at dinner.  If they seem intimidated, dine somewhere else.  You should also mention to the host or hostess that you'd prefer a seat at the periphery of the restaurant where things might be a bit more sheltered or quiet.  That has worked well for us in the past.

    Best wishes to you as you plan your visit to Walt Disney World!

    Thanks for a great question.

    Jill
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Meet the Panelist: Jill, New Jersey

Lesson plans, college plans, vacation plans...as a teacher, college counselor, and incurable Disney fan I find myself constantly planning.  I love to share advice with friends who have yet to experience all that Walt Disney World has to offer! Learn More About Jill

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