Disney is for kids, right? That’s what we’ve all been told, but some rides and attractions have the potential to scare little kids right out of their Mickey ears! Sure, you can probably figure that an attraction called “Tower of TERROR” may not be suitable for little ones, but what about rides that seem like they should be harmless?
“It’s Tough To Be a Bug” is a 3D show in Animal Kingdom, based on the Bug’s Life movie. Should be perfect for little kids, right? However, there are dark scenes, spiders that descend from the ceiling, a scary sequence featuring Hopper, wasps stings that actually poke you in the back, and a stink bug that well, doesn’t smell very good.
Scare Factor: 9. We’ve yet to experience this attraction without at least one terrified child in the audience! High rating is due to the fact that this is an unexpectedly scary attraction.
DINOSAUR in Animal Kingdom is a thrilling ride through time that takes place mostly in the dark. There are sharp turns, small drops, and oh yeah, giant DINOSAURS that may or may not be trying to eat you.
Scare Factor: 6. Just the title should make you aware that this could be scary.
The Haunted Mansion is a dark ride through potentially frightening scenes. While these spooks are mostly harmless, kids could still be potentially scared when told “a ghost may follow you home”.
Scare Factor: 3. It’s right there in the name of the attraction!
Pirates of the Caribbean is a boat ride through dark scenes involving pillaging pirates. The town is on fire during part of the ride, a man being drowned for information about the whereabouts of Jack Sparrow, and there’s a drop in the pitch dark. It’s not at the level of Splash Mountain, but still can take you by surprise.
Scare Factor: 5. The drop isn’t advertised so you may not be aware of it.
There are a couple of restaurants you should know about as well. It’s true, there are places to eat at Disney that can be scary for kids! Sounds crazy, right?
Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom is themed to the ever popular Beauty and the Beast, including a dining room located in the forbidden West Wing. Many a Belle has been seen in tears since as we all know, we’re not supposed to be there!
Scare Factor 3: You can request to sit in another dining room.
TREX is located in Disney Springs, and has more of those pesky dinosaurs that may try to eat you before you get to your entree. We’ve had reports from several clients that kids have been scared out of their wits in here.
Scare Factor 4: Dinosaurs.
Moving over to Disneyland in California, we have a few rides in Fantsyland that can be scary.
Snow White’s Scary Adventure – luckily this one has nothing to hide, the “scary” is right in the title!
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – This is based on the classic retelling of the Pinocchio story, complete with a journey into the whale’s mouth – after you’ve been turned into a donkey.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – The ride ends with you going to hell. ‘Nough said.
Have you or your kids ever been unexpectedly terrified on a Disney attraction? Let us know! You can reach us at info@ears4youpodcast.com, on Facebook at Ears4YouPodcast, or on Instagram @ears4youpodcast. We’d love to hear from you!
