Haunted Mansion - Have I Killed the Magic?!?!?!

[HouCuseChickie]

Ahhhhh-- the discussions you have when Grim Grinning Ghosts just happens to come on your ipod.

So, my kids are terrified of HM. They BEG to go on each trip and then run screaming from it at the end. It's unfortunate that I didn't get video of DD6 running from Little Leota at the end screaming "I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!!!!!!!!!!" Still, they are already talking about how they want to do it and how they'll conquer their fears.

Sooooo, in this discussion, DD6 wanted to talk about the specifics that scare her. While she's uneasy about the hitchiking ghosts, Little Leota and the ballroom, it's the graveyard that is the worst. Namely- the ghouls that pop up from the graves. Normally I don't get too into what and how, but I just blurted "they're NOT REAL!!!" - to which she replied, "then what are they???" And my exhausted repsonse- "ROBOTS!" ('animatronics' doesn't register). So, my sweet naive child has been of the impression that these are real ghosts. I felt good and bad all at the same time over this. In one sense- she feels better going in there knowing it's not real...but in the same sense, I think I killed some of the magic for every single ride involving animatronics. I mean, surely she couldn't have thought they were all real, but still...

AM I A MAGIC KILLER???

 

[George]

Ahhhhh-- the discussions you have when Grim Grinning Ghosts just happens to come on your ipod.

So, my kids are terrified of HM. They BEG to go on each trip and then run screaming from it at the end. It's unfortunate that I didn't get video of DD6 running from Little Leota at the end screaming "I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!!!!!!!!!!" Still, they are already talking about how they want to do it and how they'll conquer their fears.

Sooooo, in this discussion, DD6 wanted to talk about the specifics that scare her. While she's uneasy about the hitchiking ghosts, Little Leota and the ballroom, it's the graveyard that is the worst. Namely- the ghouls that pop up from the graves. Normally I don't get too into what and how, but I just blurted "they're NOT REAL!!!" - to which she replied, "then what are they???" And my exhausted repsonse- "ROBOTS!" ('animatronics' doesn't register). So, my sweet naive child has been of the impression that these are real ghosts. I felt good and bad all at the same time over this. In one sense- she feels better going in there knowing it's not real...but in the same sense, I think I killed some of the magic for every single ride involving animatronics. I mean, surely she couldn't have thought they were all real, but still...

AM I A MAGIC KILLER???

No, you're a good mom who made your DD feel better. She would've figure it out eventually anyway.

 

[PineapplePrincess]

Well, I have always known that they're not real, and it's no less magical for me! I think your daughter will now be able to enjoy the entire ride without having anxiety about what comes at the end.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Thanks guys! It's tough b/c she's so sweetly naive, so there's that delicate process of letting her know the reality without being overly harsh about the enlightenment.

 

[bsiev1977]

Thanks guys! It's tough b/c she's so sweetly naive, so there's that delicate process of letting her know the reality without being overly harsh about the enlightenment.

Knowing it is not real may allow her to enjoy the ride more next time you go. I'm 35 and HM is my favorite thing in all the parks. Understanding how things work doesn't change that for me.

 

[Clowd Nyne]

I had to tell my DD that goofy was just a daddy dressed up to have fun because she was in hysterics when the characters came off the stage into the crowd in Tomorrowland. She's ok with them now but she always says " it's just a daddy right?"

 

[MissingDisney]

I almost cried the day my son told me "Mom, you do know Mickey is a guy in a costume, right?" I tried to argue but he said "Forget it mom, I saw a zipper by the head."

 

[swissamy]

You did what a good mom did - reassure your child in a scary situation. At this age, there are times that kids need to recognize real and not real just for safety sake. You didnt reveal a happy secret, you exposed something scary as something not to fear. The magic is still there!!

 

[steviej]

no worries, I'm 26 years old, just got back from trip # 16 on sunday. And still wanna go as often as I can, the magic is never gone from that place, you're born with it!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

You did what a good mom did - reassure your child in a scary situation. At this age, there are times that kids need to recognize real and not real just for safety sake. You didnt reveal a happy secret, you exposed something scary as something not to fear. The magic is still there!!

no worries, I'm 26 years old, just got back from trip # 16 on sunday. And still wanna go as often as I can, the magic is never gone from that place, you're born with it!

Thanks!!! I guess i'm also just in awe of how much they believe. All this time they have been afraid of "real" ghosts, pirate's firing cannons, and so on. I guess at least it's a testament to how well Disney has designed their attractions.

 

[steviej]

Thanks!!! I guess i'm also just in awe of how much they believe. All this time they have been afraid of "real" ghosts, pirate's firing cannons, and so on. I guess at least it's a testament to how well Disney has designed their attractions.

I'll give you this piece of advice, wait a few years for mickeys not so scary halloween party lol

 

[AllyInWonderland]

Before I knew I was going to ride the ride for the first time in December, I found out the secrets of the ghosts and stuff, but when I actually rode it, I forgot all about it and was just amazed.

 

[Zman-ks]

No, you're a good mom who made your DD feel better. She would've figure it out eventually anyway.

Agreed!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I'll give you this piece of advice, wait a few years for mickeys not so scary halloween party lol

What's funny...that's exactly why I'm planning to go this Oct. Oh boy, this could be interesting! DH wanted to also hit up Universal's- I told him even I won't go to that

Before I knew I was going to ride the ride for the first time in December, I found out the secrets of the ghosts and stuff, but when I actually rode it, I forgot all about it and was just amazed.

I think that's the beauty of so many of the things there...even if you know "how"- it's still awesome!

 

[steviej]

What's funny...that's exactly why I'm planning to go this Oct. Oh boy, this could be interesting! DH wanted to also hit up Universal's- I told him even I won't go to that

OH NO!! LOL I've been to universal's halloween horror nights, and I love horror movies and even I thought it was intense!

I'm assuming he has in mind to take the little guys? If my kids were scared of HM, I def wouldn't even consider it. I even saw grown men and women coming out of the haunted houses looking beyond petrified lol. Hope you don't mind my .02, just looking to help

 

[HouCuseChickie]

OH NO!! LOL I've been to universal's halloween horror nights, and I love horror movies and even I thought it was intense!

I'm assuming he has in mind to take the little guys? If my kids were scared of HM, I def wouldn't even consider it. I even saw grown men and women coming out of the haunted houses looking beyond petrified lol. Hope you don't mind my .02, just looking to help

I would never take the kids to Halloween Horror Nights. I went - ONCE - back in my Florida living days...around 22 yrs old at the time. I had a handful of friends who used to work at Universal (and had several friends who still worked there). Let's just say it was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. They say it's not suitable for people under 13, but I don't think I'd bring my kids until they were at least older teens. DH just has no perspective...and sometimes sense in these things.

 

[msteel]

And my exhausted repsonse- "ROBOTS!" ('animatronics' doesn't register).
...
I think I killed some of the magic for every single ride involving animatronics. I mean, surely she couldn't have thought they were all real, but still...

I once "sold" Dinosaur to my (then 7 and 4) sons as a ride with "robot dinosaurs" I mean, what is cooler than robots and dinosaurs for boys that age?

They were both terrified, even knowing from the outset that they weren't real. So, you didn't kill the magic in my opinion.

 

[Cindee75]

Before our first trip my then 4 year old got some advise from a 9 year old about HM. He told him not to worry because it was all pretend and just for fun. We thought it was cute his friend was trying to help him out. While on the ride, my little one sat and patted my hand saying, "Don't worry Mommy. Its just pretend - don't forget Ben says its just pretend." It was too cute. I made a point to thank his friend upon returning. Telling him, "Thank you. It really helps not to be scared when your there to have fun."