Hi Amber,
Thank you for sending your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Meeting different height requirements for attractions has always been a milestone for my daughter, how exciting that your 5 year old will be able to enjoy new experiences!
My daughter is a thrill-seeker and the second she was tall enough, she was ready to take on the
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. She was four years old the first time she went on the attraction, and did not have a problem at all. She absolutely loved the attraction for years, however in the past few months, she has decided she doesn't "need" to experience it anymore.
Personally, I would take into account your child's personality in order to decide if the attraction is appropriate at the moment. Do they enjoy scary things and other thrill-rides? Can they handle surprises and being in the dark? My daughter enjoyed watching ride through videos. She was aware of what was going to happen, and the element of surprise was taken away because she had seen what was going to happen. I would also suggest to also take the time to walk through the queue. The attraction is really well themed and we have been with friends who have walked up to the attraction, began through the queue and decided the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror was not for them.
In the end, your child will be able to tell you if they are ready for the attraction. Show them pictures of the attraction and listen to what they are feeling. I always tell my daughter it is ok to have butterflies but if you are too scared we can wait until later. Play it by ear and if they choose to wait, there is always a way out!
Please let us know if you have any other questions, we are always happy to help.
Stephanie