Frustrations with parents ruining the magic

[Janmac]

Natalie, what you didn't know is that the dad and the 3-year-old had earlier changed bodies because of a magic trick. There's no other explanation for his comment.

Jan

[Ian]

My DS7 was also one to cry before rides because he got nervous, only to find that he LOVED them once he was on them. Over and over. I'm sure people thought we were horrible parents dragging him onto rides - if only they could've seen him smiling coming off of the rides (& some shows).

Ha ha ha! I know exactly how you feel about that. DD8 is the same way and we've gotten some of the same judgemental stares in lines.

[biodtl]

My DS7 was also one to cry before rides because he got nervous, only to find that he LOVED them once he was on them. Over and over. I'm sure people thought we were horrible parents dragging him onto rides - if only they could've seen him smiling coming off of the rides (& some shows).

When my daughter rode Test Track the first time, she came off the ride crying and everyone was looking at us like we forced that poor scared child on the ride. But what they didn't know is that she was crying because it was OVER.

[TheVBs]

I could easily see there being a good reason for the parent telling their child that (I hope!). However, I would hope that if a parent is going to express that, they make sure they're not ruining the magic for other kids who are within earshot!

[TikiLounger]

I could easily see there being a good reason for the parent telling their child that (I hope!). However, I would hope that if a parent is going to express that, they make sure they're not ruining the magic for other kids who are within earshot!

You know, as I was reading through this thread, I was thinking to same thing. Whether we agree with what a parent says to their child or not is kinda immaterial. People really need to be aware of who's standing close by. Say whatever you want to your own child, just don't ruin the fun for mine!

[nqi2]

Has anyone thought that the child has to be told that things aren't real to be able to enjoy it. My DD6 will imagine extremely scary things with her wild imagination to the point that she scares herself out of trying new things. We have to reinforce her that these things aren't "real" so that she can actually enjoy the ride, show or character and not make herself sick to her stomach by stewing over it.

The old saying don't judge a book by it's cover comes to mind. Now also realize that we try to be completely discreet about telling her these things so that we don't ruin it for someone else.

[Ramblingman]

We always wind up talking to kids about how excited we are, or what is about to happen. That is the norm for us.

I've heard the occassional conversation where someone is attempting to burst someone else's bubble. We'll wind up turning to another kid within earshot and whispering about how they don't know the truth, or something like that.

We were so involved with out own kids through all of their childhood, and wound up talking so easily with other kids, that it just comes natural to both the wife and me. We'll pretty much talk to anyone at WDW, from the hotel to the busses to restaurants to waiting in line for rides.

Any chance to spread the Magic just keeps it Magical for you.

[MNNHFLTX]

When I first read the topic title, I was thinking about parents acting badly, yelling at their kids and ruining the magic for them that way (because boy, do I feel bad for the kids that happens to!)

As far as people telling their kids "it's not real", I can see how it would be necessary in some cases. Imagination is a wonderful thing, but not knowing what to expect or the fear that something is real and not fantasy can cause a lot of anxiety in some children.

[Becky2005]

I can imagine that one day, my son might be a dad. He'd be "that guy" telling his kids that "it's not real, it's just a ride", and then he'll probably proceed to explain the physics and mechanics of said ride.

Just sayin...

My oldest son doesn't have autism but he would probably be the exact same way with the explaining the physics! I always said he was the way too logical for his age child who *always* wanted to know how something worked...if he was old enough he would SO be on the backstage tours wanting to know all the ins & outs of things. He definitely knows characters are "not real" but enjoys them just as much as the next person. I don't think he would say anything to someone UNLESS they were scared (he tried that when he was in preschool because he has a big heart and felt bad that a little girl was terrified in his classroom at a party of their visitor! -- He had already figured out it was an actor and wanted her to not be so scared & join the fun).

I just don't worry about it because unless people know any situation for more than a couple minutes in line - who knows why they say what they say.

[r4kids]

I knew what you were trying to say, but I've had some VERY strange conversations with my son in public, and some of the looks I've gotten have really hurt my feelings. People don't know the whole story, and it just bugs me when others overhear something that doesn't sound "right" to them, and react to it personally.

No biggie, though. I get what you were saying.

I actually overheard a father say to his (probably) 3 year old son, at a museum, "Why does it always have to be about YOU? What about what I want?"

We all wanted to slap that dad...

I absolutely get what your saying and agree. We became foster parents in Aug for the first time to 3 little ones. We already have 4 of our own, all 3 have behavior problems, issues, and fears, which is to be expected. However sometimes the looks we get or the comments are made are very hurtful. We went in Nov with them and had to explain they were real ppl in the costumes. Otherwise they panicked. Some around us thought it was terrible but that's how we had to deal, and don't get me started on mealtimes!!!

[retiredfigment]

That rates right up there with parents who won't allow their kids to look at anything without telling them they are wasting time and need to hurry up.

[jonahbear2006]

that stuff doesnt bother me. I dont really care if the parents decide they want their children to have no suspension of disbelief. That is their perrogative just as much as their decision to homeschool/public school their child. It's whatever and is your right as a parent to raise your child to be just like you if you wish. It does stink! I agree. But I am the mom who jumps up and down when the booking goes through, runs through the gate cheering on day one, cries like a baby at the parades and fireworks because her emotions get the best of her, and comes home with 1500+ photos of the trip and a reservation for her next trip already. Life is short and messy and often times ugly. I really love believing that all that doesnt exist, for two weeks a year.

[KatieDuck22]

Ruining the magic should be concidered a crime. Of all places families should pull it together to keep the magic alive. I know working at the little gym it's practically a requirement to stick to the imaginitive side no matter how far fetched it is! COME ON PEOPLE ITS DISNEY WORLD ACCEPT THE MAGIC!

[disneylovinmom]

I don't understand why people who do not want their children to believe in "magic" would even bother to take their kids to Disney. Disney World is a place to go to leave all of your adult worries in the parking lot and just be a kid, no matter your age. I suppose some people just can't do that and don't understand why anybody would.

[BrerGnat]

I don't understand why people who do not want their children to believe in "magic" would even bother to take their kids to Disney.

There's a lot more to Disney World than just "magic".

Just because someone doesn't believe in "magic" or want to pretend does not mean that person cannot enjoy WDW.

[crltkcagle]

Wait a minute! You mean it isn't real? I can't imagine telling my kids these things. I mean yes they are aware that the big dinosaur isn't real but a robot however such things should be against the law to discuss while in Disney World! Part of Disney is the MAGIC!

Where else can you find pirates, and fairies and chipmunks running around? Where else will a ghost hitch hike a ride home with you? And where else can you eat dinner and have a life size mouse come to your table? Only in Disney! Come on people lets keep the magic alive!

[MNNHFLTX]

I don't think there's any cookie-cutter approach to visiting Disney World--it's special to all different types of people for different types of things. If a parent chooses to promote the fantasy to their kids, that's okay, but if a parent takes a different approach (for whatever reason) that's okay too. The magic is in kids and parents spending time together and making memories.

[RBrooksC]

I think it all depends on the ride. My son is five and is excited about The Haunted Mansion and the Tower of Terror. However, he is concerned about the "ghosts." For that I tell him it is make-believe.

For other things I don't even mention it.

[MushuGrl]

When my daughter rode Test Track the first time, she came off the ride crying and everyone was looking at us like we forced that poor scared child on the ride. But what they didn't know is that she was crying because it was OVER.

Biodtl, I experienced that on my last trip! I was on the bus next to a woman with a little guy, must about been about four, just HOWLING. I was thinking to myself "Yep, naptime for somebody"...and about that time he yelled "I DON'T WANNA LEAVE DISNEY WORLD!" It actually WAS nap time and he didn't want to leave!

[WDWCrazyKaren]

One of my daughters, at age five, gave me a big yawn and a look of disgust when I told her to answer the phone for our wake up call. I wanted her to hear Mickey...she advised me "Mom, it's just a recording. Now let me go back to sleep". She ruined the magic for ME!