Disney World

Image of potato barrels and sandwich from Woody's Lunchbox at Hollywood Studios. Text overlay reads woody's lunchbox: sensory review and rating. From moms make it magical dot com.

Is Woody’s Lunchbox Good for Sensory Kids?

Disney Restaurants, Hollywood Studios / By

Woody’s Lunchbox: A Restaurant Rating and Review

Should you go to Woody’s Lunchbox at Hollywood Studios with your Toy Story-loving sensory sensitive or anxious kids?

Figuring out dining at Disney is another huge piece of the planning puzzle, so if you’re anything like me, you’ve spent a ton of time reading reviews and watching videos of different restaurants. 

We know that dining out of the home can be a challenge with kids in general, but there is an added layer if you have highly sensitive, sensory sensitive, or anxious kids. It’s important to consider things like the environment, visual stimulation, proximity to others, and the menu, as you make decisions about where to dine with your family. 

If you’re wondering about the level of sensory overload and whether it would be a good place to dine with your highly sensitive kids, let me break it down for you in this review and rating of Woody’s Lunchbox.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Before we get into the nitty gritty details, let’s talk about some basics!

Woody’s Lunchbox is located in Hollywood Studios, in Toy Story Land. It is right around the corner from Toy Story Mania, and you have a great view of both Alien Swirling Saucers and Slinky Dog Dash from here. Basically, you’re smack dab in the middle of all things Toy Story.

It is a quick service restaurant, which means it’s more of a fast-food style of dining experience in Disney language. It doesn’t always mean typical fast food. But it DOES mean that you go order your food, find your own table, pick up your food, and clean up after yourselves. No reservations are required here. This is different than table service, which is your traditional sit-down dining experience. 

As the name suggests, Woody’s Lunchbox is themed after Toy Story! The theming fits in perfectly with the rest of Toy Story Land. You feel as though you have shrunk down to the size of a toy. The area where you go order and pick up your food is designed to look like a lunch box! Even the seating area has lots of fun details. My kids loved discovering that their “chair” looked like Babel cheese—one of their favorite snacks.

It first opened on June 30, 2018. And it has been delighting Toy Story fans ever since—especially because this was the only food option in all of Toy Story Land until very recently when Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened as a table service option.

Woody’s Lunchbox is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find the menus here.

Now that we have some background info, let’s get into the sensory ratings for Woody’s Lunchbox!

Noise Level at Woody’s Lunchbox 4/5

One of the most common triggers for meltdowns among highly sensitive and sensory sensitive kids is loud noises! A lot of highly sensitive kids startle very easily and are quickly overstimulated by noise level.

Woody’s Lunchbox is not a quiet dining experience. As mentioned already, you are smack dab in the middle of Toy Story Land. You can hear the sounds from Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers nearby. This can be a very busy spot, so you’ll hear noises from all the other diners around you. 

None of the noises are particularly scary, but the constant stimulation may quickly fill up your child’s sensory bucket. 

The ONE benefit of Woody’s Lunchbox in this category is that because it is an outdoor dining spot, the sound is not contained inside a small room. So while the same kinds of noises could be more amplified in an indoor restaurant, the open air at Woody’s Lunchbox helps with dissipating the overall noise level. 

If the noise level still feels too much for your kids, don’t forget to bring noise canceling headphones or ear plugs. I am a huge proponent of providing the accommodations your child needs so they can actually ENJOY their time at Disney, instead of feel like they are drowning in sensory overload.

Related: Character Dining at Garden Grill for Highly Sensitive Kids

Darkness at Woody’s Lunchbox 0/5

Some highly sensitive children have a fear of the dark, which is why it’s another important factor to consider when choosing where you want to eat. 

Luckily, you don’t have to worry about any darkness at Woody’s Lunchbox. It is a fully outdoor dining experience, so there are no dark spooky corners to be concerned about.

The ONE caveat here: it can get SO hot. If you’ve spent any time reading about Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios, the overall consensus is that there is very very little shade in this section of the park. The Florida sun and humidity are no joke. And if your kiddos get overwhelmed from feeling too hot, you will want to avoid Woody’s Lunchbox in the middle of the day. While there are umbrellas at the tables, it can still be uncomfortable for some of your more sensitive children.

I would suggest coming here for either breakfast or dinner instead.

Proximity to Others at Woody’s Lunchbox 5/5

Highly sensitive or sensory sensitive kids may dislike being in crowded spaces, and that includes restaurants. 

Unfortunately, Woody’s Lunchbox can get pretty crowded, especially during prime mealtime hours and busier times of the year. Because it is the ONLY quick service dining spot in Toy Story Land, it will bring more people here.

Some ways to work around this is to eat your meal at off-peak times. Have your breakfast at 10AM. Eat a late lunch at 2PM. It will definitely be less crowded during these times of day.

Another way to minimize your time in the crowded eating area at Woody’s Lunch Box is to MOBILE ORDER. Did you know that Disney World allows you to order food from the My Disney Experience app on your phone at select quick service locations? Woody’s Lunchbox is one of them! It is such a convenient way to order your food without waiting in line. 

“Scare” Factor at Woody’s Lunchbox 1/5

My highly sensitive kids seem to scare more easily than your average child, so scoping out what might be potentially scary to my kids is important to me. Typically, the things that scare kids at Disney restaurants are: characters, “scary” theming, sudden noises, and being in dark and enclosed spaces.

Luckily, there isn’t much that you need to concerned about in terms of the “scare” factor at Woody’s Lunchbox. There are no characters walking around, no scary theming, very minimal sudden noises, and the entire restaurant is outdoors. 

It is very visually stimulating, as is all of Toy Story Land. The colorful tables, chairs, hanging lights, and decor is a lot for the eyes to take in. But none of it is particularly scary. There ARE large toy green army men in various poses throughout, which could be a little unnerving for super imaginative sensitive kids. But again, there isn’t too much to be fearful of at this restaurant. The overall vibe is very playful and highly sensitive kids will probably enjoy noticing all the fun details around them.  

Unfamiliar Foods 1/5

For many highly sensitive kids, unfamiliar foods can trigger meltdowns. This can be challenging during your family vacation, where you are away from home and all their usual foods and snacks. I’m really lucky that my kids are generally not very picky when it comes to their food, but it always helps to know if they have kid-friendly staples at restaurants.

Woody’s Lunchbox is described to offer “classic American fare”.

This includes sandwiches, tater tot bowls, soup, and Disney’s version of pop tarts (so yummy AND with seasonal flavors!). There is even a small selection of “grown up drinks” for all the parents out there. 

While the menu isn’t huge, I would say most of these items are fairly “safe” options when it comes to familiarity for kids. Tater tots and grilled cheese sandwiches are favorites of my own kids. I will say that a smaller menu does make decision-making a lot easier when it comes to ordering food as well.

If you don’t see anything on the menu that suits your kids’ tastes, don’t hesitate to ask your server! Disney restaurants are so great at accommodating different families’ needs, whether it is because of picky eaters or food allergies. Don’t be shy and ask them what your options are!

TOTAL 11/25

How do we understand the rating? A lower score means less sensory overload, while a higher score means a greater likelihood of being overwhelmed and overstimulated. Based on my experience, I would recommend Woody’s Lunchbox for families with highly sensitive or sensory sensitive kids. AS LONG AS YOU DON’T GO IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY. And especially not in the middle of the day between the months of April and October. 

This is a great quick service dining option in Toy Story Land of Hollywood Studios, with a menu that is very familiar and approachable for most families. The theming is fun and playful, and there are just so many interesting details to look at. Your eyes will have SO much to take in. 

However, if your child is very heat sensitive, Woody’s Lunchbox will be a challenge. It’s all outdoors (albeit, with umbrellas…), and this land just doesn’t have much shade at all. It can also get very crowded during peak periods, which could be overwhelming for a sensitive child. 

Have you been to Woody’s Lunchbox at Disney World? What was your experience like? 

Do you think you’ll try dining here during your trip to Disney World?

Join my private Facebook Group to ask questions, share your opinions and get more tips on planning your Disney trip with your highly sensitive kids! 

And follow along with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Lastly, don’t forget to download your FREE copy of my must-have Disney ride planner tool! Use it so you can easily keep track of which rides you want to avoid and which you want to try with your highly sensitive kids. It will make planning your park days SO much easier!

OTHER ARTICLES YOU MIGHT FIND HELPFUL

Image of Festival of the Lion King show from Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Text overlay reads festival of the lion king review and rating. From moms make it magical dot com.

Is Festival of the Lion King Scary for Sensitive Kids?

Leave a Comment / Animal Kingdom, Rides & Attractions / By

Festival of the Lion King for Highly Sensitive Kids: a Show Review and Rating

Are you planning a trip to Disney World and wondering if your highly sensitive, sensory sensitive or anxious kids will enjoy Festival of the Lion King? Or will they be scared and overwhelmed, resulting in meltdowns instead?

Hopefully you can find your answer here!

Get ready to read a thorough overview of one of Disney World’s shows—Festival of the Lion King.

There are lots of things that you experience at Disney World that could trigger a meltdown in sensitive kids. It could be sudden noises. It could be how loud something is. Maybe it’s being in the dark. It could be being exposed to bright or flashing lights. Or it could be how fast something is, or seeing “scary” visuals.

Sometimes, these seemingly “minor” things can result in sensory overload meltdowns. This is especially true when there is a barrage of overwhelming things to process throughout the entire day.

If you don’t like to read spoilers and it’s your first time going to Disney World, STOP reading now! The reason for creating these reviews and ratings in the first place is to make sure there are NO surprises. If your kids are anything like mine, they are probably not the biggest fan of surprises. 

We want you to feel fully prepared and aware of what you and your family are getting yourselves into.

But continue on if you’d like all the details about Festival of the Lion King, and want to know whether or not it would be considered scary for your sensitive or anxious kids. 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Festival of the Lion King Show Info

Festival of the Lion King is found in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, one of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks. It is a 30 minute Broadway style show featuring music from, you guessed it, the Lion King! The show takes place in Harambe Theater. It is right around the corner from Tusker House restaurant—a popular character dining restaurant at Animal Kingdom.

From the Disney website

This amazing show first debuted at Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998, on the opening day of Disney World’s fourth theme park! The show does not retell the plot of the movie. Instead, it is presented as a tribal celebration of The Lion King. The music, costumes, floats, puppetry, lighting effects, singing, dancing, stilt-walking and acrobatic stunts are all extremely engaging. I can understand how this opening day attraction continues to be popular to this day.

If you’re familiar at all with different theatre stage types, the one used for Festival of the Lion King could be called theater-in-the-round or an arena stage. Essentially, this means the stage is in the center, and the audience surrounds the stage on all sides. This means there is really no “bad view” in the house! 

Because this is a show, there is obviously no height requirement. No matter your age, you can include all of your travel party on this attraction for your Animal Kingdom itinerary.

Festival of the Lion King Genie+

Festival of the Lion King is not one of the attractions open during Early Entry. But you do have the option to purchase Genie+ to utilize the Lightning Lane. This means you’ll have guaranteed seating for that show time. The show typically starts running at 10:00AM. It then continues throughout the day at 11:00AM, 12:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM, 4:00PM, and 5:00PM. *show times subject to change.  

Seating is NOT guaranteed if you don’t have a Lightning Lane. So, make it a priority to get in line at least 30 minutes beforehand (or even earlier if you are there during a busier time of year).

Even though Festival of the Lion King is a fan-favorite show among Disney goers, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be enjoyable for highly sensitive, sensory sensitive or anxious kids. Let’s get into the details and find out if this show will be too overwhelming or scary for your highly sensitive kids.

SUDDEN NOISES IN FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING 3/5

Highly sensitive, sensory sensitive, or anxious kids can really struggle with sudden noises. It is extremely common for noise sensitivity to be a trigger, especially when they come on suddenly or unexpectedly. And there are so many instances of sudden noises throughout Disney World. Whether it’s the fireworks, various safety announcements over the loudspeakers, or special sound effects throughout the rides… it can be a lot.

Festival of the Lion King is no exception. There are definitely instances of sudden noises throughout the show. This includes things like: the audience cheering, animal noises (Simba roaring, elephants trumpeting), and the unexpected thunder sound right before the ‘Be Prepared’ song.

However, as this is a musical show, there is continuous sound throughout. So, these “sudden” noises aren’t quite as unexpected as it might be if it were coming from a silent moment. 

If your kids are also able to follow along with what’s going on with the performers, a lot of the noise will make sense in its context and isn’t SO startling. 

NOISE LEVEL IN FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING 5/5

Disney World is loud. Plain and simple. The constant auditory stimulation can be overwhelming, especially if the volume level is cranked up real high. 

Festival of the Lion gets a 5 out of 5 for noise level because it IS loud throughout the entire show. As mentioned earlier, there is music, there is singing, there are animal noises, there are sound effects, there is cheering from the audience. None of this is particularly frightening, but it can still feel overstimulating to a sensory sensitive child. 

The show doesn’t retell the plot of the movie, but it does feature many of the songs we have grown to love. It starts with their version of Circle of Life, then I Just Can’t Wait to be King, and Hakuna Matata. Then, they feature the popular Tumble Monkeys doing fun acrobatic tricks with a trampoline. Be Prepared is the next number, which is the “scariest” of them all. Then it’s followed by Can You Feel the Love Tonight, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and the Celebration Finale. 

The singing and instrumentals can feel a bit loud, but it’s generally pleasant on the ears. If noise level is a big trigger, be prepared with some kind of noise protection.

DARKNESS IN FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING 4/5

Fear of darkness is pretty common among kids in general. But I feel like it can be amplified in highly sensitive, sensory sensitive, or anxious ones. 

Festival of the Lion King is an indoor show, which does make the overall atmosphere fairly dark. But, there are lightning effects used throughout the show that prevent it from being pitch black dark. The lights are dimmed further during the Be Prepared section of the show. With the addition of the smoke effects during this section, it could feel extra spooky to some sensitive kids. 

If your kids are extra sensitive about being in the dark, this might be one that you should skip. Or be ready to provide extra support during the darkest parts of the show.

BRIGHT & FLASHING LIGHTS IN FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING 2/5

Some highly sensitive children may have difficulty with too much visual stimulation, especially when it comes to lighting. Bright and flashing lights can literally be painful for those who are sensitive to light.

Festival of the Lion King does use lighting effects to add to the overall vibe of the show. It is not ever excessively bright during the show. Throughout the show, the stage lighting is used to shine light in different parts of the stage, to change colors, and add visual interest to the show.

However, be mindful of the Be Prepared part of the show. A big thunder sound and flashing lights are used to mimic the look of lightning during a storm. There is also a fire twirling act that can be seen as bright. As this is really the only time that there is a lot of flashing lights, we give this a 2 out of 5.

SPEED IN FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING 0/5

The fast speed of some Disney attractions can be overwhelming, especially to those who are sensory avoiders. Luckily, Festival of the Lion is a show that doesn’t involve a moving stage or seats. Hakuna Matata (no worries!) here for the speed department!

DROPS IN FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING 0/5

Just like the speed, the dropping feeling on many Disney attractions could be too much for a child with a very sensitive vestibular system. 

The vestibular system is related to your sense of balance and your sense of movement in space. So if your child is prone to motion sickness, dislikes swings and slides, and is afraid of riding elevators/escalators, they may be more sensitive to vestibular input. 

Since Festival of the Lion King is a show where you simply sit in your seat, there are obviously no dropping sensations that you need to be concerned about!

“SCARY” VISUALS IN FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING 3/5

What is considered “scary” is so subjective and dependent on each individual child. However, things like violence, conflict, or villains are usually scary to many highly sensitive or anxious kids. 

The scariest part of the Festival of the Lion King is the Be Prepared part of the show. This is when the actor who represents the character Scar from the movie sings this song. Anyone familiar with the plot of Lion King knows that Scar is a villain. And this can definitely add to the “scare” factor.

The style of singing combined with the darker environment, the thunder and lightning effects, and the fire and smoke, can feel scary. Anxious children may also worry about the fire twirler getting burned, and seeing the fire spread across the stage.

If your kids are also startled by people dressed in unfamiliar costumes and face paint, Festival of the Lion King could be a little scary for them. 

My oldest used to have a fear of people on stilts. She would’ve had a hard time seeing the stilt-walkers during the show at a younger age. 

The larger-than-life puppetry of Simba, Pumba, a giraffe, and an elephant on the floats could be a scary for some little ones as well.

But overall, there isn’t any overt violence or conflict during the show. There is no reference to the scene in the actual movie when Mufasa dies. 

I feel that it helps that it is NOT a retelling of the story. But instead it is a celebration of all the wonderful things that make up Lion King. So, we give “scary visuals” a 3 out of 5 mostly due to the part of the show with Be Prepared and the fire twirler. 

PROXIMITY TO OTHERS IN FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING 5/5

Being in crowded places and in close proximity to others can be overwhelming for highly sensitive and anxious kids. Maybe it’s the feeling that they can’t escape. Or maybe it’s all the sensory input that comes from being around a ton of people. Either way, it can feel like a lot. 

Because Festival of the Lion King is a show (and a popular one, at that), you are pretty much packed in there. The seating is bleacher-style, so the cast members encourage you to slide all the way down to accommodate as many people as they can. Because these are bleacher seats without a back that separates you from the row above and below you, it does make you feel like you are a little bit closer to others. 

If maintaining your own personal space is really important to you or your child, Festival of the Lion King will be a tough in this department.

STRONG SMELLS IN FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING 0/5

Disney is known for making their attractions, shows, and rides more immersive by appealing to all senses. That even includes smell! 

Highly sensitive or sensory sensitive kids are more likely to be bothered by strong smells, even if they are seemingly pleasant ones. It can cause headaches or even nausea. 

Luckily, there are no “smell effects” in the Festival of the Lion King that you need to worry about!

WETNESS IN FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING 0/5

Some kids don’t enjoy the sensation of getting wet on Disney rides and attractions, especially getting wet unexpectedly. Getting wet can totally contribute to sensory overload in highly sensitive or anxious kids. However, there is no chance of getting wet while watching the Festival of the Lion King! (And yes, there are actually shows where you could get sprayed with a bit of water…)

TOTAL 22/50

How do we understand this rating? A LOWER score means LESS sensory overload. A HIGHER score means a greater likelihood of being overwhelmed and overstimulated. This is helpful when deciding which rides or attractions might cause sensory overload meltdowns in our sensitive kids. 

PROS:

Because Festival of the Lion King is a show, you won’t find those movement-related thrill factors that could cause overwhelm in our kids. If your child does not like speed or drops, this show (and most other shows!) would be a great one to do. What I LOVE about Disney is that there really is something for everyone. So even if you’re not a “ride person”, there are lots of shows and immersive experiences that add to the magic during your vacation.

Some highly sensitive children have an affinity for music, dance, and costumes. Since they have great depth of processing, they are often the ones that appreciate the beauty in these details. And if they’re familiar at all with the Lion King songs, they could really enjoy this artistic representation of these songs from the movie. I still remember my daughter at 4 years old, having tears in her eyes watching the ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ segment with the bird characters dancing.

CONS:

However, if being in a crowded dark theater is a challenge, the Festival of the Lion King may not be the best choice for your family. It is also very loud throughout the show. It’s very possible that your noise sensitive child will need to wear some kind of noise canceling headphones or ear plugs to help reduce the auditory input. Be especially mindful of the section when ‘Be Prepared’ is sung, which comes right after the Tumble Monkeys. This is arguably the “scariest” part of the show. A sensitive child may be scared of the thunder and lightning effects, smoke, the lights dimmed down to be even darker, the fire twirling, and the vibe of the actual song. 

Even though there is a lot of potential for sensory overload while watching Festival of the Lion King, it is definitely a personal favorite of mine. And it explains why it’s so popular! I think for most families, this is a good one to do, as long as you can provide the right supports and accommodations for your sensitive kids during the scarier parts of the show.

PRO TIP: Get in line for either the first show of the day (10:00AM) or the last one (5:00PM), so you don’t have to wait as long.

What has YOUR experience been at the Festival of the Lion King? Do you or your kids love it or hate it? If you haven’t been yet, will this ride be on your list of must-dos at Animal Kingdom?

FIND COMMUNITY

If you need extra support and want to find community with other parents of highly sensitive or anxious kids going to Disney, I encourage you to join my Facebook group!

You can ask all your questions and get feedback from a wonderful group of Disney-loving parents who are also looking to better manage the meltdowns and maximize the magic during their Disney World vacation.

And follow along with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get updates on my latest content.

Lastly, don’t forget to download your FREE copy of my must-have Disney ride planner tool! Use it so you can easily keep track of which rides you want to avoid and which you want to try with your highly sensitive kids. It will make planning your park days SO much easier!

Image of entrance of T-rex restaurant at Disney Springs. Text above reads Is t-rex restaurant to scary for highly sensitive kids? from moms make it magical dot com.

Is T-Rex Restaurant Too Scary for Your Kids?

Disney Restaurants, Disney Springs / By

Should you go to the T-Rex Restaurant at Disney Springs with your (dino-loving) sensitive or anxious kids?

Figuring out dining at Disney is another huge piece of the planning puzzle, so if you’re anything like me, you’ve spent a ton of time reading reviews of different restaurants. 

We know that eating out can be a challenge with kids in general, but there is an added layer if you have highly sensitive, sensory sensitive, or anxious kids. It’s important to consider things like the environment, visual stimulation, proximity to others, and the menu, as you make decisions about where to dine with your family. 

If you’re wondering about the level of sensory overload and whether it would be a good place to dine with your highly sensitive kids, let me break it down for you in this review and rating of the T-Rex Restaurant.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

T-Rex Restaurant Background Info

Before we get into the nitty gritty details, let’s talk about some basics!

T-Rex Restaurant is located in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. What is Disney Springs? It is an outdoor shopping and entertainment area, with lots of restaurant options as well. Disney Springs is divided into different sections, and T-Rex is located in the Marketplace area right next to the LEGO store. 

Image from Disney website

It is a table service restaurant, which means it’s a full-service sit-down dining experience in Disney language. This is different than quick service, which is more a fast-food style of dining. It is recommended that you make dining reservations ahead of time, either on the website or on the My Disney Experience app on your phone. You can start reserving meals 60 days before your trip. 

As the name suggests, T-Rex is themed after dinosaurs! It first opened in 2008, and has been delighting dino-lovers ever since. The creators of Rainforest Cafe made this dino-themed restaurant, so there are definitely some similarities between the two. The dinosaur theming throughout the restaurant is VERY immersive, and they have numerous dinosaur animatronics, including a 15 foot tall T-Rex, in their habitats.

The restaurant is divided into different themed areas:

  1. The Ice Cave with the T-Rex skeleton and other fossils
  2. The Ocean which includes the Aquarium and giant octopus, jellyfish, coral reef. This is the bar area right when you enter the restaurant
  3. The geothermic, fire area with T-Rex and the wooly mammoth. You have a view of the grill from here
  4. The sequoia and fern forest area with Herbivore dinosaurs
T-Rex Restaurant Experience

T-Rex serves both lunch and dinner. You can find the menu here. It is described as “themed dining”, and you can tell from the fun play on words for various menu options. Some examples include: Supersaurus Sampler, Triassic Trio, Meteor Meatloaf, Raptor Rita (instead of margarita), and my personal favorite – Prehistoric Fashioned (instead of an old fashioned). 

There is also a gift shop to the right of the entrance, as well as a whole Build-a-Dino experience (similar to Build-a-Bear except…well, dinosaurs). Towards the front of the gift shop, there is the Paleo Zone, where kids get to dig for hidden dinosaur fossils. It’s essentially like a giant sensory bin! It’s not required to dine at the restaurant to explore the gift shop, Build-a-Dino, or the dig area. 

So now that we know a little background info about T-Rex Restaurant at Disney Springs, let’s get into the ratings!

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Is T-Rex Restaurant Too Scary for Your Kids?Read More »

Image of line entering the ride Frozen Ever After at Epcot. Text overlay reads 'How to avoid lines at Disney World' from moms make it magical dot com.

14 Ways to Avoid Lines at Disney World

Highly Sensitive Kids / By

Are you wondering how to avoid lines at Disney World?

Disney World is notorious for its crowds, long wait times for rides, and lines for EVERYTHING. The immersive theming, the nostalgia factor, and amazing cast members put Disney on top when it comes to theme parks. And this level of popularity means that crowds continue to flock there. If you’re hoping for a super relaxing and peaceful vacation, Disney World is probably not the first place that comes to mind. 

If you have highly sensitive, sensory sensitive or anxious kids, they are more likely to become overstimulated easily. Rubbing shoulders with strangers, standing in one spot for a long time, hearing conversations all around you, and having to wait during hot weather is a LOT for anyone. 

Imagine how much more difficult it is for someone who experiences all their sensory inputs in a more heightened way.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

RELATED: REASONS WHY DISNEY WORLD CAN BE HARD TO HIGHLY SENSITIVE KIDS

PLACES WHERE MIGHT YOU ENCOUNTER LINES AT DISNEY WORLD

Usually the first thing you think of when we talk about waiting in line is… waiting in lines for rides. And yes, I would say the bulk of your time in line at Disney World is probably for rides. But there are loads of other times when you may have to stand in line.

Waiting in Line for Transportation / Security / Tickets

So if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, it’s possible that you will wait in line for transportation to get to the park. I will say I have very rarely waited in an actual line for Disney’s bus transportation when going from the resort to the park. But for Disney’s Skyliner, the monorail, and the boats, it’s pretty common to wait in line. 

Before you enter a theme park, you will have to wait in line for security. You will walk through a metal detector, and if you have a bag, they may check that as well. Then, you wait in another line to scan your Magic Band or ticket to officially be “in the park”. 

Phew, that’s a lot of waiting already and you haven’t even gotten in line for a ride yet!

Waiting in Lines for Shows / Fireworks / Parades

In addition to the rides, you may have to wait in line for shows. For example, this includes things like Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom or Lightning McQueen Racing Academy at Hollywood Studios.

Fireworks and parades also involve waiting as well. No, you’re not really waiting in a line per se, but you may find yourself standing or sitting in one spot for awhile.

Waiting in Lines for Food

If you’re hitting up Woody’s Lunch Box at Hollywood Studios right at noon, be prepared to wait in line! And any of the places that sell Starbucks will have a line out the door, especially in the mornings. Yes, keeping your family nourished and hydrated (or caffeinated, for the adults) may require some waiting in line.

Waiting in Lines for Characters

Meeting your favorite Disney characters can also involve waiting in line. The lines can be even longer when they are pretty rare characters aka only found in one spot or during certain times of the year. 

Waiting in Lines to Buy Merchandise

Another time that you might have to wait in line is when purchasing your favorite merchandise at the various shops throughout Disney World and Disney Springs. 

I hope I haven’t made you anxious with the amount of waiting in line that could happen at Disney World! In my mind, it’s good to know what to expect.

Why?

Because if you know what to expect, you can do some good planning and preparation. And that means finding practical ways to avoid lines at Disney World. 

And hopefully by spending less time waiting in line, that can reduce sensory overload for your sensitive kids, and help mitigate those quintessential Disney meltdowns. 

RELATED: WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE YOUR HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILD TO DISNEY WORLD

If you’re looking for specific tips on how to avoid lines at Disney World, you are in the right place!

Here you will find 14 ways to avoid lines at Disney World.

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Is Slinky Dog Dash a Scary Ride for Sensitive Kids?

Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land / By

Slinky Dog Dash for Highly Sensitive Kids: a Ride Review and Rating

Are you planning a trip to Disney World and wondering if your highly sensitive, sensory sensitive or anxious kids will enjoy Slinky Dog Dash? Or will they be scared and overwhelmed, resulting in meltdowns instead?

Well, you’re in the right place.

Here you’ll find a thorough overview of one of Disney World’s most popular rides—Slinky Dog Dash. 

There are lots of things on Disney World rides that could trigger a meltdown in sensitive kids. It could be sudden noises, how loud something is, being in the dark, bright or flashing lights, how fast something is, or “scary” visuals. 

Sometimes these seemingly minor things (especially piled up throughout the day) can result in sensory overload meltdowns.

If you don’t like spoilers and it’s your first time going to Disney World, STOP READING NOW! The reason for creating these ride reviews and ratings in the first place is to make sure there are NO surprises. We want you to feel fully prepared and aware of what you’re getting yourself into. But continue on if you’d like all the details about Slinky Dog Dash, and want to find out whether or not it would be a scary ride for your sensitive or anxious kids.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

SLINKY DOG DASH RIDE INFO

Slinky Dog Dash is found in Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks. It is an outdoor family coaster, themed to feel like you’ve shrunk down to the size of a toy and you are actually riding Slinky Dog! You’ll see so many details that show how Andy has built this ride using his “Dash & Dodge Mega Coaster Kit”.  The ride itself is about 2 minutes long. 

It is the most thrilling ride among the three rides in Toy Story Land (the other two being Toy Story Mania and Alien Swirling Saucers). And it’s the only Disney World ride to features two launches. It is also the most popular ride in Toy Story Land, as indicated by its high wait times.

There is a height requirement to ride Slinky Dog Dash. Your child must be at least 38 inches tall to ride. 

Slinky Dog Dash first opened on June 30, 2018. While it is not one of the newest rides at Hollywood Studios, it still has not lost any popularity. This is a good ride to prioritize if you’re utilizing the Genie+ service. It is highly recommended to book this one first, if possible!

Entrance into Toy Story Land

Even though it may be a popular ride at Hollywood Studios, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Slinky Dog Dash will be enjoyable for highly sensitive or sensory sensitive kids. Let’s get into the details and figure out if this ride will be too overwhelming or scary for your kids. 

Credit: Disney
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3 Ways to Manage Fear of Fireworks at Disney World. Background photo of Cinderella Castle with fireworks.

3 Ways to Manage Fear of Fireworks at Disney World

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Do you have a family member who has a fear of fireworks, AND you’re headed to Disney World? Let’s talk about 3 ways you can manage fear of fireworks at Disney World!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Being scared of fireworks isn’t uncommon at all. In fact, I would say the majority of highly sensitive, sensory sensitive, and anxious kids have been fearful of fireworks at some point in their lives. The loud popping noises. The bright colors across the sky. The rumble of the “boom” that you feel in your body. Lots of hazy smoke and the smell that might come from it. So many people crowded together. All of this can be sensory overload for ANYONE. But it can be even more so for those who are already sensitive and anxious to begin with.

Our Personal Experience with Fear of Fireworks at Disney
My firstborn at the Magic Kingdom fireworks show sitting in the stroller with her noise canceling headphones on.

We’ve dealt with this in our own family as my firstborn was VERY afraid of fireworks. 4th of July was an issue every year because of all the explosions we could hear in our neighborhood. 

During our first ever trip to Disney World when she was 4.5 years old, we didn’t do any nighttime shows. We were that family that was racing out of the park before the fireworks started, while the crowds poured in to stake out their ideal spot.

When she was 5 years old, we did our first stay at Disney World as DVC members and we splurged our points to stay at Bay Lake Tower of the Contemporary Resort. We got to watch the fireworks from the comfort of our hotel room 

At almost 6 years old, I was able to convince her to try sticking around the park for Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After. She was reluctant but tolerated the experience by hiding out in our double stroller with the canopy covering her while wearing noise canceling headphones. I didn’t pressure her, but she decided to crawl out during the last few minutes and caught the finale of the show. 

After not returning to Walt Disney World for several years due to the pandemic, we finally got to visit again in 2022 when she was 8.5 years old. We watched the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the hub. And she did it too—with no tears, no meltdown, and she didn’t even ask for her noise canceling headphones! 

Will this be the outcome for every child? No, because everyone is different and we can’t expect every child to outgrow their fears! But I share this story to validate your very real struggle. And to give light to the possibility that your sensitive kids could be able to tolerate or even enjoy something that was once hard for them. 

Before we get into the 3 ways you can manage fear of fireworks at Disney World, let’s overview what to expect in terms of fireworks and nighttime shows at each of the Disney World theme parks. 

Table of Contents

Magic Kingdom Fireworks

Photo by Igor Menezes on Unsplash

The iconic image of fireworks bursting behind the castle is always associated with what people think of as “Disney”. And Magic Kingdom is exactly where you’ll find it. Magic Kingdom has a nightly fireworks show that also includes projections on Cinderella Castle and down Main Street U.S.A. 

Disney’s Enchantment will be running until April 2, 2023. After that, it will transition back to a revamped version of Happily Ever After. There are also special firework shows during holiday specific ticketed parties (Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party). 

There are a few instances of daytime fireworks to be mindful as well, which isn’t mentioned often enough! The opening show in front of the castle is called Let the Magic Begin. Guests are allowed to enter the park and gather in front of the castle one hour before opening.  At the end of this short and adorable show (featuring Mickey!), there will be a little pop of fireworks to signal the start of the day! 

There is also a stage show called Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire which runs several times a day. It features many of your favorite Disney characters with lots of songs and dance. Again, this show ends with a small blast of fireworks. Nothing extensive by any means. But if you have someone in your travel party who is scared of fireworks, make sure to be aware of all these shows that involve fireworks. 

EPCOT Fireworks

EPCOT has a nightly fireworks show, which is displayed on the water in the World Showcase section of the park. The show Harmonius will run until April 2, 2023. They will then bring back EPCOT Forever for a limited time while Imagineers work on a more permanent show. There are no other times when fireworks are used throughout the day. 

Hollywood Studios Fireworks

There are two nighttime fireworks/projection shows at Hollywood Studios. The first is Fantasmic! which you can find at the very end of Sunset Boulevard. This nighttime spectacular takes place in an open air theater with limited seats. The shorter and lesser known show is the the Wonderful World of Imagination, which involves projections and fireworks in front of the Chinese Theater.  

Animal Kingdom Fireworks

Animal Kingdom Theme Park

The ONLY Disney theme park where you won’t experience any fireworks is Animal Kingdom. Due to the numerous animals who call Animal Kingdom home, Disney makes sure to protect and ensure their well-being. And this means no loud explosions to startle them at night!

There is a nighttime projection show on the Tree of Life every night, and the land of Pandora also lights up beautifully. But there will be no colorful booms across the sky here, and it’s unlikely for that to ever change. 

So now that we know about where you’ll find fireworks throughout Disney World, let’s get into the nitty gritty of HOW we can help manage the fear of fireworks for our sensitive and anxious children (or adult family members too!).

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review & Rating

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Animal Kingdom Lodge for Families with Sensitive & Anxious Kids

Are you considering staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with your highly sensitive, sensory sensitive, or anxious kids? 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Figuring out lodging for your Disney World trip is one of the harder (and expensive!) decisions you have to make. And if your kids are anything like mine, it can be a struggle to leave home and be able to sleep well in an unfamiliar place. That really puts the pressure on when it comes to choosing a hotel, doesn’t it?!

If you’re thinking about staying on property, it helps to know that Disney hotels are divided into these categories:
– Deluxe Villas
– Deluxe Resorts
– Moderate Resorts
– Value Resorts

Animal Kingdom Lodge General Information

Animal Kingdom Lodge falls under the “Deluxe” category, and it includes both regular resort rooms (which are like standard hotel rooms), and villas (which are more spacious accommodations and fall under Disney’s timeshare program—Disney Vacation Club). This definitely means you’ll be shelling out a good chunk of change to stay here. 

The African theming and unique savanna views make this a stand-out hotel for many guests. There really isn’t anything else at WDW that compares.

This Disney hotel is located in the Animal Kingdom theme park area, so it’s a short bus ride away for your AK day. 

There are two separate sections of Animal Kingdom Lodge: Jambo House and Kidani Village. 

AKL Jambo House is the “original” location, which opened first in 2002, and houses a mix of regular hotel rooms and villas. It is known for its spectacular lobby! 

AKL Kidani Village on the other hand is comprised of villas only and opened in 2009. It’s a little smaller and cozier. 

The two sections are walkable, but they also offer an internal shuttle. If you stay here, you have access to amenities in BOTH sections, so don’t forget to take advantage of that! 

With that background info, let’s get into the nitty gritty details. Is it worth it to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge with your sensitive or anxious kids? Let’s look at some factors to help you decide whether or not this hotel is a good choice for your family.

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Is Avatar: Flight of Passage a Scary Ride for Sensitive Kids?

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Avatar: Flight of Passage for Highly Sensitive Kids: a Ride Review and Rating

Are you planning a trip to Disney World and wondering if your highly sensitive, sensory sensitive or anxious kids will enjoy Avatar: Flight of Passage? Or will they be scared and overwhelmed, resulting in meltdowns instead?

Well, you’re in the right place.

Here you’ll find a thorough overview of one of Disney World’s most popular rides—Avatar: Flight of Passage. There are lots of things that could trigger a meltdown in sensitive kids. It could be sudden noises, how loud something is, being in the dark, bright or flashing lights, how fast something is, or “scary” visuals. Sometimes these seemingly minor things (especially piled up throughout the day) can result in sensory overload meltdowns.

If you don’t like spoilers and it’s your first time going to Disney World, STOP READING NOW!

The reason for creating these ride reviews and ratings in the first place is to make sure there are NO surprises. We want you to feel fully prepared and aware of what you’re getting yourself into. But continue on if you’d like all the details about Avatar: Flight of Passage, and want to find out whether or not it would be a scary ride for your sensitive or anxious kids.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Avatar: Flight of Passage Ride Info

Avatar: Flight of Passage is a ride from the Pandora section of Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. In Disney abbreviations, it is often referred to as FoP.

It is a 3D flying simulator attraction, which allows guests to feel like they are riding on the back of a mountain banshee. This exhilarating flight gives you a birds-eye view of the breathtaking landscapes of Pandora. The ride itself is about 5 minutes long, but it has pretty extensive pre-shows before you even get into the ride chamber.

You must be at least 44” tall to ride. For reference, my 5 year old is tall enough to ride this (although he chose not to… you can find out more in the review below).

Flight of Passage first opened on May 27, 2017. Since then, it has been one of the most popular rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you ever go to Animal Kingdom for rope drop, you’ll often see people bolting towards Flight of Passage.

Rope Drop:

Disney terminology for getting to park before opening so you can get on some of the headliner rides before significant lines form

While it may be a popular ride at Animal Kingdom, or frankly in ALL of Disney World, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Flight of Passage will be enjoyable for highly sensitive or sensory sensitive kids. Let’s break it down and figure out if this ride will be too overwhelming or scary for your kids.

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Is Avatar: Flight of Passage a Scary Ride for Sensitive Kids?Read More »

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Gifts for Disney-Loving Moms

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Are you looking for gifts for Disney-loving moms in your life? 

It’s Mother’s Day right around the corner! And we all know how much of a role moms play in making magic happen in their children’s lives. 

Most of the content on Moms Make it Magical tends to focus on how to best support and accommodate our sensitive kids at Disney. But let’s be real—sometimes it’s exhausting trying to constantly plan around our kids’ sensitivities and anxieties. 

So how about we shift the emphasis for once? Let’s make it all about the Disney-loving moms and giving them a gift they truly deserve!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information

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Is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train a Scary Ride for Sensitive Kids?

Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom, Rides & Attractions / By

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for Highly Sensitive Kids: a Ride Review and Rating

Are you planning a trip to Disney World and wondering if your highly sensitive, sensory sensitive or anxious kids will enjoy Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? Or will they be scared and have meltdowns instead?

Look no further!

Here you’ll find a thorough overview of one of Disney World’s popular rides—Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Maybe some of your kids’ triggers are sudden noises, noise level, darkness, bright or flashing lights, speed, or “scary” visuals. Sometimes, these seemingly minor things can cause sensory overload meltdowns in our sensitive family members.

If you don’t like spoilers and it’s your first time going to Disney World, STOP READING NOW! The reason for creating these ride reviews and ratings in the first place is to make sure there are NO surprises that will throw off you and your family. But continue on if you’d like all the details about Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and want to find out if it’d be a scary ride for the sensitive or anxious members of your family.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride Info

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, also sometimes referred to as 7DMT in Disney abbreviations, is a rollercoaster found in the Fantasyland section of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. It first opened on May 28, 2014. Since then it has been one of the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom as indicated by the long wait times. It is also one of the attractions at Magic Kingdom that use the Individual Lightning Lane (where you can pay extra to bypass the standby line). So, this clearly shows that Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is usually in HIGH demand!

It is themed after the beloved dwarfs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It feels like you are racing through a diamond mine on a rustic mine train. Inside the mine, you’ll get to see glittering jewels and see all of your favorite dwarfs whistling and singing while they dig. The audio-animatronic technology used for the dwarfs make them look super realistic!

This coaster travels both outdoors and indoors. There are also two on-ride cameras that take pretty epic pictures and videos of guests. You’ll need Disney’s Photopass to access them. 

On Ride Photo from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

There is a minimum height requirement of 38 inches (97cm) for this ride. If you’ve got taller kiddos, this could be one they are tall enough to ride at the age of 2 or 3 years old! My son was one month shy of 3 when he was able to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It’s a really quick ride, as the duration is about 2 minutes, 50 seconds long. This ride is NOT recommended for expectant mothers. 

While it IS a roller coaster with a height restriction, is it really that scary for sensitive or anxious kids? Let’s break it down and figure out if this ride will be an enjoyable one or totally unpleasant for your child.

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