Walt Disney World is a magical place filled with enchantment, excitement, and fun for guests of all ages. However, some attractions may be a bit too intense for young children or even some adults.
While Magic Kingdom is designed for family fun, not all rides suit every child. Awareness of potential scare factors and a plan can help ensure a smooth experience.
Certain rides at Magic Kingdom can be surprisingly scary due to loud noises, darkness, sudden movements, or eerie theming. To help you prepare for your next visit, we’ve compiled a list of rides and attractions that might be intimidating for little ones and how to make them more enjoyable.
Haunted Mansion
One of Magic Kingdom’s most famous attractions, Haunted Mansion, offers a spooky and mysterious experience. While not meant to be a true horror attraction, some elements can frighten young guests.
Potential Scare Factors:
- The experience begins with the Stretching Room, which is dark and features a loud thunderclap.
- Ghostly apparitions, eerie music, and macabre decorations add to the haunted theme.
- The Grim Grinning Ghosts in the graveyard scene may pop up unexpectedly, startling children.
How to Make It Less Scary:
- Speak with a Cast Member if you’d like to skip the Stretching Room.
- Encourage kids to focus on the silly ghosts rather than the spooky atmosphere.
- Point out fun details, such as the singing busts, to keep the ride lighthearted.
Pirates of the Caribbean
This swashbuckling adventure is a must-do at Magic Kingdom, but some aspects can be intense for younger guests.
Potential Scare Factors:
- The ride begins with a dark cave scene filled with skeletons and eerie lighting.
- A small drop in the dark may be unsettling.
- The cannon battle between pirate ships is loud and realistic.
- The burning village scene has a realistic fire effect.
How to Make It Less Scary:
- Seat little ones in the middle of the boat to minimize their exposure to darker elements.
- Let them know the fire isn’t real and point out the clever Disney Imagineering.
- Prepare kids for the drop by reassuring them it’s small and smooth.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
While this attraction seems like a calm and relaxing ride above Tomorrowland, it has one surprising element that might scare some kids.
Potential Scare Factors:
- The ride travels through some completely dark sections, especially through Space Mountain.
- The darkness lasts longer than expected, making children afraid of the dark unsettling.
How to Make It Less Scary:
- Bring a small glow stick or light-up toy to provide comfort.
- Reassure kids that nothing will jump out and it’s just a peaceful ride.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Adventureland
This classic animatronic show is lighthearted and fun, but it does contain a moment that might startle some children.
Potential Scare Factors:
- A simulated thunderstorm occurs during the show with dimmed lighting and rumbling sound effects.
How to Make It Less Scary:
- Let kids know that it’s all part of the show and won’t last long.
- Focus on the fun, singing birds and flowers to keep them engaged.
Space Mountain – Tomorrowland
Space Mountain is a thrilling indoor roller coaster almost entirely in the dark. While it’s one of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom, it’s not for everyone.
Potential Scare Factors:
- The ride is in complete darkness, making it impossible to see the track ahead.
- Sudden drops and sharp turns can be unexpected and disorienting.
- The high-speed movement and eerie space-theming add to the thrill.
How to Make It Less Scary:
- Ensure kids are ready for a fast roller coaster before trying it.
- Let them know there are no giant drops, just sharp turns and dips.
- If they’re hesitant, consider trying The Barnstormer or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train first.
Other Attractions to Consider
While these attractions are the most commonly cited as “scary” for kids, remember that every child has a different tolerance level. Here are a few more rides that might cause nervousness:
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Some parts go dark briefly.
- Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid – Ursula’s scene can be intense.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – A fast, bumpy ride with some darkness.
Have you visited Magic Kingdom with little ones? What rides did they find scary? Let us know in the comments!
