Trying a coaster for the first time can be scary for older kids – but facing ride fears together as parent and child makes it a whole lot easier.
Disney World has always been my happy place. I’ve been visiting as often as possible, both before and after getting married and when I became a mom. My son has been tagging along on all my Disney adventures since birth. While every trip is filled with memory-making experiences, our most recent trip was unforgettable for a different reason: My son was finally tall enough to enjoy all the rides at Disney World, including the newly opened TRON Lightcycle / Run.
My not-so-little one has been eagerly waiting to experience TRON Lightcycle / Run with me, which was exciting. Unlike previous “big” rides like Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Run, or Space Mountain, where I knew what to expect, this would be the first time we’d both experience a thrill ride together.
Joining Team Blue, Together
Watching the construction and progress of TRON Lightcycle / Run on our previous visits increased the excitement of finally joining Team Blue! My son and I had waited years to have the chance to ride.
When our Magic Kingdom park day arrived and the morning alarm went off, getting into the virtual queue to obtain a boarding pass was our top priority –even over a morning coffee! We waited (not so patiently) to find out if we attained a boarding pass. We were successful, and boarding group 89 was ours! A family dance party ensued in our Caribbean Beach Resort hotel room.
When we arrived at Magic Kingdom, we enjoyed our usual favorites – Pirates of the Caribbean and Peter Pan’s Flight – when the My Disney Experience app notified us that our boarding group could start boarding.
We took advantage of the Disney PhotoPass photographer in front of the TRON sign at the entrance. A picture to commemorate this moment was essential! But after we finished our mini photo session, I noticed the once-excited little boy standing beside me was now full of fear.
We had watched some TRON videos on YouTube, and I reassured him that he would have the best time and was ready for this. We took advantage of the test seats available at the entrance so he could get a feel for the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle is not typical; you lean forward on a motorcycle-style bike, holding onto the handlebars. It’s quite different from sitting in a Doom Buggy with a crossbar on your lap.
His nerves calmed after he tested the seat style and got comfortable with the ride vehicle’s overall feel. He felt excited again after receiving hugs and encouragement from his parents and Cast Members. And, as an added perk, seeing the TRON cycle overhead while people cheered excitedly helped to ease some of his fear.
Parents Have to Face Their Own Ride Fears
As we continued through the incredibly immersive queue toward the lockers, my own excitement suddenly turned to fear. I noticed there were no other young children throughout the ride queue. There wasn’t a single child close to his age or height; I only saw adults.
My anxiety took over, and I began to question whether I was ready to let him experience this new thrill ride. Even though he was tall enough and tested the seating with a Cast Member, he was ready – but now I was not.
How did I become the fearful one? Disney rides are safe; I know nothing bad will happen. Where did this hesitation come from?
I was feeling anxious because TRON Lightcycle/Run was unfamiliar to me, just like it was to my son. I knew what to expect from every other attraction at Disney World and felt comfortable letting my child experience them because I’d been on them many times. This new ride terrified me, though, because I couldn’t predict or prepare for what it would be like for him. How could I reassure him when I couldn’t reassure myself?
I had various thoughts as we placed our belongings in the lockers provided. While my nervousness grew, my kiddo’s excitement was palpable. I briefly considered walking away – but I felt confident to stay when I saw the joy and happiness on his face. If he could do this, I could too.
The End Result? The Best Day Ever!
Once we finally boarded and took off on TRON, I glanced over at my son during the ride and saw his smiling face. It turned out to be a magical time.
As we disembarked, I learned it wasn’t his fears needing conquering but my own! I had to let my kiddo conquer the newest Disney attraction without me doing it first, and with a bit of faith, trust, and a touch of pixie dust, we both experienced an unknown. Like Rapunzel leaving her tower, venturing into the unknown is scary but worth it – and there is no better place to face your fears than Disney!
