With so many rides and experiences at Walt Disney World, there's something there for everyone. Thrill seekers have the roller coasters. People persons have the meet and greets. If you just want to take in the magic, shows across the parks provide entertainment and wonder.
When you go with a child with sensory needs for the first time, it makes it even more difficult. What will they like? What causes a meltdown? What will they ride but not love?
The Early Rides
When Viola was little, there were obviously fewer rides she could go on, so we found that short, colorful rides with lots to look at worked best for her. "It's a Small World" was great because there's so much going on to keep her eyes moving and looking around.
Other rides she loved: Dumbo, Frozen Ever After, Gran Fiesta Tour, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Mad Tea Party, and Peter Pan's Flight.
Shows were harder, as she didn't like to keep still. Though we did find that some days, as long as she was in her stroller (we had it tagged as a wheelchair), she was happy to relax.
A ride that didn't go well at all: Living with the Land. It moved too slow and was too long.
A few years later, some of those early rides that she didn't like, she can now ride with no issues, even if they aren't always her favorite.
Roller Coaster Time
When Viola was tall enough, we had to navigate trying out different types of rides. Would she like roller coasters, drop rides, or simulator rides? So where do you start?
Luckily, the height requirements themselves help decide. Less intense rides have lower requirements. Barnstormer at 35" and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Slinky Dog Dash at 38" have some of the lower height requirements.
Viola is a sensory seeker, so rides became a sense of calm for her. The faster the better. She still needed to feel safe though, so she held onto our arms quite often while laughing through the ride.
Because of her wanting to hold onto us, we did wait to try Space Mountain. In Walt Disney World, the ride vehicles in Space Mountain are seated front to back in a single seat rather than two across. (Do note that the ride vehicles for Space Mountain and Tiana's Bayou Adventure are different between WDW and Disneyland.)
Viola's Favorite Ride
So, what is Viola's favorite ride? Ready for this one?
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Yep, that one. The smooth ride, the high speeds, and the spinning. She loves it all. It has everything she needs to meet her sensory needs. Some days when we are at EPCOT, just riding Guardians will turn our day around if she's struggling.
So don't discount rides and what your child may like. Like most days, they will surprise you.