Amartel, Disney World isn't the place for roller coasters, though they have several. Universal is the place for roller coasters down here.
Though Disney does have the scariest ride in town. They used to have the two scariest rides in town, plus the ride most likely to put you in a hospital, but they toned down Alien Encounter (scary) and Mission: Space (likely to do grievous bodily harm).
Went to Universal Studios in Orlando a few years ago with the wife and 16 year old kid. Kid wanted to ride their big roller coaster, The Hulk, and so did I.
We got in the long, hot line - about an hour and 15 minutes - and as I had never ridden a big-time coaster I was willing to tough it out.
I got in the seat and the attendant pulled down the U-shaped bar that holds you in and we were ready to go.
Just before the ride started, since I wanted to ride hands free and I didn't want to fall out, I pulled the bar down tight as I could and it clicked into the new position.
Big mistake. I could barely breathe. I couldn't expand my chest. The bar was locked in place. The ride started up. I knew I had fucked up.
I spent the next few minutes pushing out against the bar and taking short, shallow, rapid breaths while we went round and round and up and down. It was miserable and if not for the adrenaline I think I might have passed out.
Now, all his high school girl friends will be shown this video. His college frat brothers will bust his chops over it. And, about 80 years from now, a solemn faced minister will be saying "Before we take our brother Gavin to his eternal resting place, let us all remember what joy & mirth he gave us all, starting from a very early age. Play the video, please...."
late to the world's fair, I finally visited Disney World in Orlando about 5 years ago.
Bit of a business trip combined with family visit. A group of uncles and aunts live nearby during the winter months. Anyway - we mostly went at night and had a blast. Some of the rides empty out when the fireworks start. We rode one roller coaster (a railroad-theme?) at the main Disney park over and over. Fun! Then we went on that dang water ride where you end up soaked. Try not to think about the contents of the water. Paid for the photo of the downhill scream and I still have it somewhere.
I really enjoyed Epcot. The ride where you feel like you are flying - that was great. and since I'm older and geeky, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk around the lake and stops at the various nation-based cultural centers. The French flick was THE BEST! The Canadian film was also tops. At the end of one day we ended up at the Disney Animal themed park (?) . We wanted to check out the new roller coaster. It was intruding because you could see it from the distance. The rides are hilarious with the themes and the faux mountains that stick into the sky. This roller coaster was a mountain/ yeti/abominable snowman theme. As we approached the line, we noted it was too long and gave up. After we turned to leave, a couple approached us and offered their 2 time-tickets. Boom – front of the line. The ride was really amazing but I hated it. After some exciting high speed turns and hills, the thing goes backwards. The g-force on my neck was not fun. I felt like whip-lash and had a headache the entire next day.
I like Disney World, it is a great place, but it is designed to separate you from a sizable amount of dough. The Soarin' ride at EPCOT is great. I also liked the big night time show at Disney Hollwood Studios. Kali River Rapids at the Animal Kingdom was good. My least favorite was the Magic Kingdom, but that is mostly because it is most crowded (it still has some great rides).
Those kids are the perfect age for Disney. In a few years they will be perfect for Universal.
He has no idea what Disney World is. None at all. There is nothing in his knowledge base to go on.
He is reacting to his sister screaming.
That's it.
They will explain the whole thing to him and he will be filled of joy soon enough.
This reminded me of the boy whose family took him along with them to Warwick castle in England.
They stayed in a hotel in town out of sight of the castle. It was a short walk away.
The family walked along, the view of the castle obscured by a brick wall and a hill and tall bushes. The boy was tired from traveling, in need of a nap and cranky from walking and keeping up with the adult's stride.
"Just another minute, Joey, and you will see the castle."
Still cranky
"Hold on, Joey, we're almost there and you will see the castle."
Still cranky and not having fun.
"Hang in there, Joey, you'll have fun at the castle."
The cobblestone walkway was a problem. The child too low to the ground to make anything out worthwhile from his short stature. All he saw was his immediate surrounding, a brick wall and a stone sidewalk, and it was all so wearisome."
Finally, they turn the corner and a portion of Warwick castle comes into view and the boy bursts into tears, sits down and slips into a full on fit of frustration.
"What's wrong, Joey? Now what's wrong?
He was expecting an inflatable bouncy castle. It's all that he knew about castles. The promise held out of having fun bouncing around inside was dashed when he saw all the stone.
Comments reveal you do not understand small kids, and all the things they don't know.
Today, again, a family entered the elevator along with another resident, a retiree.
The little girl predicting which elevator will come,
"It will be this one."
The group ignored her. Conversed about their adult plans.
Upon entering I said, "You're a good guesser!" While her parents were involved with adult things and the resident merely observed. There were two crossed conversations, The parents and me and the girl.
"You're the winner. You get to push the buttons."
Her parents expect I'm a perv but they're busy.
"5 for me, please."
She presses 5
"Press 2, Honey." Her mother instructs."
Her fingers wander the panel, she presses 2
"You know your numbers really well!" I exclaimed assuringly.
The girl beamed as she sank into her mother's leg.
They exited.
The retired resident exited too, turned back and smiled conveying, 'good child work there, Chap.'
I really enjoyed Epcot. The ride where you feel like you are flying - that was great. and since I'm older and geeky, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk around the lake and stops at the various nation-based cultural centers. The French flick was THE BEST! The Canadian film was also tops.
The first ride you mention is Soarin', and it is the best ride I've ever been on. The movie takes you through California. (At least it used to - don't know if they've changed it.) The original ride is called Soarin' California, and is in Disney's other theme park in California. But it is a non-terrifying thrill ride - more exhilarating than anything else.
The animal themed park is called Animal Kingdom. It pretty good on days when you catch the animals - not so good when they're all in low energy mode or hiding. The ride April describes is called Expedition: Everest.
The movie in France is incredible. It will make you want to go there despite everything you've heard about rude French people. It's a 120 degree movie, which means you can SIT and watch it. This is important after a day trudging around a theme park.
The movies in Canada and China are both wonderful, but are both 360 affairs, so you have to stand.
also liked the big night time show at Disney Hollwood Studios.
That's good, but the original was done at Disneyland and that was truly spectacular. It's called Fantasmic. They did it (and apparently still do) in the Rivers of America that goes round Tom Sawyer's Island, and they incorporate various boats that go around into the production. I don't know why, but it works better there than at the theater that was specifically built for the show in Florida. It just feels more natural in that setting. (Which is funny, given the completely unnatural story that unfolds.)
I saw an early version of the Maleficent that rises into the air and turns into a dragon way back around 1981. My mother was working in Convention Entertainment at Disney World, and they put on a show for Exxon execs one night that incorporated that into it. I believe it was built especially for that purpose, and got re-purposed later. (Disney is great at that.) A bunch of the convention folks got to bring some family along for a test run a couple of nights before the actual event. We didn't get to see everything (they didn't fill the canals with dry ice for us), and we didn't get the pricey dinner at the end, but it was still pretty cool. (The show was done as a trip through Disney World's very extensive canal system, with staged scenes along the way.) One of the coolest things I've seen or done at Disney World.
Too much raw emotion for the little guy to handle. Goes to the fall back position of crying.
He is reacting to his sister screaming.
Amygdala hijack! The little guy, whose emotional processing still depends on adult guidance, is being pulled into the hype, agitation and confusion of the moment as he's trying to make sense of the verbal clues, comprehend what's going on, and find what he's supposed to find as he fishes in his bag for a clue when suddenly he's blasted by the intensity and trumping surprise of his sister's reaction and goes into overwhelm, revealing distress.
What did our 5 year old enjoy most about Disney? Swimming in the resort pool, playing in playgrounds throughout the park, and finding the towel animals left on the bed by the maid. This is what he remembers. The rest of the fun and excitement was almost too much to take in.
22 comments:
Rollercoasters are an acquired taste. Poor little guy.
Gavin is a Universal man, obviously!
The happiest place on earth!
Amartel, Disney World isn't the place for roller coasters, though they have several. Universal is the place for roller coasters down here.
Though Disney does have the scariest ride in town. They used to have the two scariest rides in town, plus the ride most likely to put you in a hospital, but they toned down Alien Encounter (scary) and Mission: Space (likely to do grievous bodily harm).
You really can smile...with compassion...at such despair. It is too cute.
lol Evi, I think you've reached the crux of the matter.
As a parent you come to expect disparate reactions, particularly boys and girls. But, not w/ Disneyworld.
An uninteresting Universal Studios story follows:
Went to Universal Studios in Orlando a few years ago with the wife and 16 year old kid. Kid wanted to ride their big roller coaster, The Hulk, and so did I.
We got in the long, hot line - about an hour and 15 minutes - and as I had never ridden a big-time coaster I was willing to tough it out.
I got in the seat and the attendant pulled down the U-shaped bar that holds you in and we were ready to go.
Just before the ride started, since I wanted to ride hands free and I didn't want to fall out, I pulled the bar down tight as I could and it clicked into the new position.
Big mistake. I could barely breathe. I couldn't expand my chest. The bar was locked in place. The ride started up. I knew I had fucked up.
I spent the next few minutes pushing out against the bar and taking short, shallow, rapid breaths while we went round and round and up and down. It was miserable and if not for the adrenaline I think I might have passed out.
The kid enjoyed the ride, I did not.
That's how I would feel if I had to go to Disney World, total despair.
The little one is upset because he got a drink and no invitation to Disney World.
I'd be pissed as well.
The poor kid. The internet is forever.
Now, all his high school girl friends will be shown this video. His college frat brothers will bust his chops over it. And, about 80 years from now, a solemn faced minister will be saying "Before we take our brother Gavin to his eternal resting place, let us all remember what joy & mirth he gave us all, starting from a very early age. Play the video, please...."
late to the world's fair, I finally visited Disney World in Orlando about 5 years ago.
Bit of a business trip combined with family visit. A group of uncles and aunts live nearby during the winter months. Anyway - we mostly went at night and had a blast. Some of the rides empty out when the fireworks start. We rode one roller coaster (a railroad-theme?) at the main Disney park over and over. Fun! Then we went on that dang water ride where you end up soaked. Try not to think about the contents of the water. Paid for the photo of the downhill scream and I still have it somewhere.
I really enjoyed Epcot. The ride where you feel like you are flying - that was great. and since I'm older and geeky, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk around the lake and stops at the various nation-based cultural centers. The French flick was THE BEST! The Canadian film was also tops.
At the end of one day we ended up at the Disney Animal themed park (?) . We wanted to check out the new roller coaster. It was intruding because you could see it from the distance. The rides are hilarious with the themes and the faux mountains that stick into the sky. This roller coaster was a mountain/ yeti/abominable snowman theme. As we approached the line, we noted it was too long and gave up.
After we turned to leave, a couple approached us and offered their 2 time-tickets. Boom – front of the line.
The ride was really amazing but I hated it. After some exciting high speed turns and hills, the thing goes backwards. The g-force on my neck was not fun. I felt like whip-lash and had a headache the entire next day.
Too much raw emotion for the little guy to handle. Goes to the fall back position of crying.
Pretty funny though.
I like Disney World, it is a great place, but it is designed to separate you from a sizable amount of dough. The Soarin' ride at EPCOT is great. I also liked the big night time show at Disney Hollwood Studios. Kali River Rapids at the Animal Kingdom was good. My least favorite was the Magic Kingdom, but that is mostly because it is most crowded (it still has some great rides).
Those kids are the perfect age for Disney. In a few years they will be perfect for Universal.
Soarin'. Soarin was rockin.
This is why Bagoh has the right idea.
Who doesn't love the haunted house? What kid wouldn't love the haunted house?!
Maybe the kid heard about Gay Days.
He has no idea what Disney World is. None at all. There is nothing in his knowledge base to go on.
He is reacting to his sister screaming.
That's it.
They will explain the whole thing to him and he will be filled of joy soon enough.
This reminded me of the boy whose family took him along with them to Warwick castle in England.
They stayed in a hotel in town out of sight of the castle. It was a short walk away.
The family walked along, the view of the castle obscured by a brick wall and a hill and tall bushes. The boy was tired from traveling, in need of a nap and cranky from walking and keeping up with the adult's stride.
"Just another minute, Joey, and you will see the castle."
Still cranky
"Hold on, Joey, we're almost there and you will see the castle."
Still cranky and not having fun.
"Hang in there, Joey, you'll have fun at the castle."
The cobblestone walkway was a problem. The child too low to the ground to make anything out worthwhile from his short stature. All he saw was his immediate surrounding, a brick wall and a stone sidewalk, and it was all so wearisome."
Finally, they turn the corner and a portion of Warwick castle comes into view and the boy bursts into tears, sits down and slips into a full on fit of frustration.
"What's wrong, Joey? Now what's wrong?
He was expecting an inflatable bouncy castle. It's all that he knew about castles. The promise held out of having fun bouncing around inside was dashed when he saw all the stone.
Comments reveal you do not understand small kids, and all the things they don't know.
Today, again, a family entered the elevator along with another resident, a retiree.
The little girl predicting which elevator will come,
"It will be this one."
The group ignored her. Conversed about their adult plans.
Upon entering I said, "You're a good guesser!" While her parents were involved with adult things and the resident merely observed. There were two crossed conversations, The parents and me and the girl.
"You're the winner. You get to push the buttons."
Her parents expect I'm a perv but they're busy.
"5 for me, please."
She presses 5
"Press 2, Honey." Her mother instructs."
Her fingers wander the panel, she presses 2
"You know your numbers really well!" I exclaimed assuringly.
The girl beamed as she sank into her mother's leg.
They exited.
The retired resident exited too, turned back and smiled conveying, 'good child work there, Chap.'
The doors close.
*examines nails, burnishes on shirt*
I really enjoyed Epcot. The ride where you feel like you are flying - that was great. and since I'm older and geeky, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk around the lake and stops at the various nation-based cultural centers. The French flick was THE BEST! The Canadian film was also tops.
The first ride you mention is Soarin', and it is the best ride I've ever been on. The movie takes you through California. (At least it used to - don't know if they've changed it.) The original ride is called Soarin' California, and is in Disney's other theme park in California. But it is a non-terrifying thrill ride - more exhilarating than anything else.
The animal themed park is called Animal Kingdom. It pretty good on days when you catch the animals - not so good when they're all in low energy mode or hiding. The ride April describes is called Expedition: Everest.
The movie in France is incredible. It will make you want to go there despite everything you've heard about rude French people. It's a 120 degree movie, which means you can SIT and watch it. This is important after a day trudging around a theme park.
The movies in Canada and China are both wonderful, but are both 360 affairs, so you have to stand.
also liked the big night time show at Disney Hollwood Studios.
That's good, but the original was done at Disneyland and that was truly spectacular. It's called Fantasmic. They did it (and apparently still do) in the Rivers of America that goes round Tom Sawyer's Island, and they incorporate various boats that go around into the production. I don't know why, but it works better there than at the theater that was specifically built for the show in Florida. It just feels more natural in that setting. (Which is funny, given the completely unnatural story that unfolds.)
I saw an early version of the Maleficent that rises into the air and turns into a dragon way back around 1981. My mother was working in Convention Entertainment at Disney World, and they put on a show for Exxon execs one night that incorporated that into it. I believe it was built especially for that purpose, and got re-purposed later. (Disney is great at that.) A bunch of the convention folks got to bring some family along for a test run a couple of nights before the actual event. We didn't get to see everything (they didn't fill the canals with dry ice for us), and we didn't get the pricey dinner at the end, but it was still pretty cool. (The show was done as a trip through Disney World's very extensive canal system, with staged scenes along the way.) One of the coolest things I've seen or done at Disney World.
Too much raw emotion for the little guy to handle. Goes to the fall back position of crying.
He is reacting to his sister screaming.
Amygdala hijack! The little guy, whose emotional processing still depends on adult guidance, is being pulled into the hype, agitation and confusion of the moment as he's trying to make sense of the verbal clues, comprehend what's going on, and find what he's supposed to find as he fishes in his bag for a clue when suddenly he's blasted by the intensity and trumping surprise of his sister's reaction and goes into overwhelm, revealing distress.
What did our 5 year old enjoy most about Disney? Swimming in the resort pool, playing in playgrounds throughout the park, and finding the towel animals left on the bed by the maid. This is what he remembers. The rest of the fun and excitement was almost too much to take in.
Maybe Gavin is right…damn
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