Opinions? Infant and rides About This Page:

[DF_Casey]

My family and I will be going to Disneyland the week after Thanksgiving. This will be our baby's first trip (11 mos). I was wondering people's opinions on the baby going on POTC, Nemo Subs and HM? I know that he will be unable to do the mountains and Indy but have not found anything specifically stating that he can't go on these three rides. Does anyone have any thoughts on the sutability of taking a baby on the rides mentioned? Our older child will be doing the parent swap angle for the big kid rides. If you have a link that says what's safe/ not safe I would appreciate it. I will reread my passporter as well for any insight. Thanks all.

[loobyoxlip]

Personally, I would not do it. With a baby, you just never know when they are going to start crying and you can't console them. Then it might end up ruining the ride for everyone else in your surrounding area. JMO. I think the baby swap would be a good idea on these rides, too.

[DebiDebiDebi]

I agree with Tina. Pirates and Haunted Mansion are dark, noisy and have plenty of elements that would frighten a little one. Pirates has a waterfall drop, another element that potentially will scare you little one, not to mention you'll will have to hang on tightly to him, as well as try to hang on yourself. Baby Swap is your best option for these rides as well, IMHO.

[BWKsMom]

We took our DD on her first trip when she was 11 months also. She went to everyride with us with the expection of the ones with height restrictions. She them all. She even fell alseep on POTC. She also went on them when she was 22 months old and still loved them. She will be 1 month shy of 3 this time and we will take her again on them. Although my DD6 does not like the HM.

[SarahJ]

We took DD to Disneyland when she was 15 months and we took her on POTC and HM (Nemo was under construction) and she did very well on them. You do have to hold on tight for the drops on POTC, I found that using a sling worked well for that extra security though. She rode anything that didn't have a height restriction and loved it all. Our older DD rode everything (that didn't have height restrictions) at WDW at 9 months with no problems.

[Tink and co.]

My kids really didn't become frightened by rides until they were much older. I think you know your baby best. If your little one is okay with new things, and the noise, motion and other stimulation, I don't see any reason not to. Nemo is gentle ride-wise with a few fishies popping out, but I wouldn't hesitate to take a baby along. The baby sitting down the row from us just loved it!

[4Disney2]

My sincere opinion is not to take them. I have been noticing news of children from 12 years old and down that either die of being afraid or something in the brain not yet developed. Sometimes is the heart. I would rather be in the side of being cautious than having a tragedy.

the thing is... there are things internally that parents might not be aware of and can surface one the child in in the situation. I remember the 4 year old that rode Mission space and the report said he went limp and could not be brought back. The ride was just few minutes and there was no previous problems, there is a lot there but also common sense and not knowing how the child will react. In some cases is ok, in others might not be, i will rather err on the side of caution. Do a google search on Rides-Children and few stories will come up. Wish you the best.

Shaking them can be dangerous. We took our nieces in december and they were so afraid of one ride that we decided not to take them. did not want our trip to be tragic so we did other things instead. When they are older and can know how far to go they can do it.

[DF_Casey]

It looks like I chose a topic with a lot of thoughts on both sides of the fence. Of course, I would never want to put my child in jeopardy. I have seen many children this young or younger on rides but do tend to err on the cautious side. However, from the majority of what I have been reading, most of the tragic situations occur when parents disregard the posted suggestions (ie a 4 year old riding Mission Space when it is intended for an older child). I was looking for people's opinions and feel I received both sides of the issue. It doesn't make my wife and my decision easier but I do appreciate all who have voiced their thoughts on the issue. I suspect we will try him out on some of the lighter rides and see how he reacts. If he shows any fear, we will pull back-- however, if he is enjoying it, we will probably try some of the rides I inquired about. I have no problem with not going on a certain ride if it is dangerous or too scary for him. Thanks again to all who provided comments.

[snoozy]

Not to sound mean or anything but, it is beyond me why anyone would want to take an infant to DL. I purposely waited until my kids were older to take them to DL and I am so glad I did. More on this in my upcoming TR.

[DopeyGirl]

Originally Posted by snoozy

Not to sound mean or anything but, it is beyond me why anyone would want to take an infant to DL. I purposely waited until my kids were older to take them to DL and I am so glad I did. More on this in my upcoming TR.

I think it's just personal preference, honestly. I, personally, wouldn't hesitate to take an infant. Sure, there might be some rides we can't do or may have to switch off on and, of course, the baby wouldn't remember any of the trip, but I'm not going to NOT vacation where I enjoy going just because I have a baby. Just my preference, though.

[Earkid]

Originally Posted by 4Disney2

My sincere opinion is not to take them. I have been noticing news of children from 12 years old and down that either die of being afraid or something in the brain not yet developed. Sometimes is the heart. I would rather be in the side of being cautious than having a tragedy.

the thing is... there are things internally that parents might not be aware of and can surface one the child in in the situation. I remember the 4 year old that rode Mission space and the report said he went limp and could not be brought back. The ride was just few minutes and there was no previous problems, there is a lot there but also common sense and not knowing how the child will react. In some cases is ok, in others might not be, i will rather err on the side of caution. Do a google search on Rides-Children and few stories will come up. Wish you the best.

Shaking them can be dangerous. We took our nieces in december and they were so afraid of one ride that we decided not to take them. did not want our trip to be tragic so we did other things instead. When they are older and can know how far to go they can do it.

Um, wow. Not sure what to say about this comment. There are adults who have died on rides as well so maybe there shouldn't be amusement parks or rides at all. Sorry if that sounds extreme, just trying to make sense of your logic.

The rides the OP mentioned are not violent, shaking or thrill types of rides. We have many friends that live near DL and have been taking their kids since they were very young, one had his first trip at 18 days old and went on POTC as well as Fantasyland rides with no problem.

I have heard many people make the argument that there is no reason to take an infant to DL because they wont remember. But the rest of the family will remember that a part of their family wasn't there for the trip. All the pics will have only part of your family in them. And personally, I believe that a one year old does remember things they do at this age. It's been proven that kids that young recognize and smile at a pic of Mickey Mouse.............oh, and the Golden Arches of McDonalds.

[DF_Casey]

Hmmm. In response to the question on why one would take a child to Disneyland, the reason we are doing so is for the whole family atmosphere. My wife and I became a couple in Disneyland in 1996. We were married in 1998. We took our older son in 2005 and 2006. According to the doctor, the second child (the infant on this trip) was conceived on this second trip. Disneyland has been a key part of many of my family's key moments. We enjoy the park and want the memories . The trip is for the family and since baby is part of this family he is going with us. I appreciate the feedback but where one part of the family goes on vacation we all go. Of course there will be challenges with parent swaps, forgoing some rides as a family but its all worth it. My only regret was waiting until my older son was 6 before taking him. When I saw him trying things for the first time and expanding his comfort zone it was awesome. Thanks again to all.

[DebiDebiDebi]

I whole heartedly argree; this is a personal decision, and of course you will do what is right for you and your family! I believe that with baby swap (when needed) you and your family will have a wonderful and memorable time! Happy Planning!

[DopeyGirl]

Casey, I think you have a great story behind your trip! You'll be able to judge baby's feelings on the rides best once you get there and I think your idea of taking him on some of the light rides and seeing how he does is great!

Have a great time planning and ENJOY the trip with baby!

[Mouserjan0222]

Originally Posted by DF_Casey

My family and I will be going to Disneyland the week after Thanksgiving. This will be our baby's first trip (11 mos). I was wondering people's opinions on the baby going on POTC, Nemo Subs and HM? I know that he will be unable to do the mountains and Indy but have not found anything specifically stating that he can't go on these three rides. Does anyone have any thoughts on the sutability of taking a baby on the rides mentioned? Our older child will be doing the parent swap angle for the big kid rides. If you have a link that says what's safe/ not safe I would appreciate it. I will reread my passporter as well for any insight. Thanks all.

I've done Pirates and HM with an infant it was fine. (nemo wasn't open) I have also done Small world Pooh and various other dark rides. Think he fell asleep on HM