Maelstrom

[vanryan]

Anyone know if there is a height restriction for the Maelstrom? Would kids like it?

 

[imagineer boy]

This ride is similar to Pirates of the Caribean and has no height restriction. Although, it does have a few scary moments. First, a three headed troll pops out and plunges your boat backwards down a ( considerably small ) waterfall. Then there is one piont where it looks like you're about to go over a water fall outside, but just barely misses it and goes down a bigger ( but not too big) waterfall for the finale. Anyone can ride it, but it has a few scary moments.

"Norway's spirit been, be, always be adventure!"

 

[vanryan]

Thanks, I have been to Norway but have never riden the Maelstrom.

 

[Katherine]

It's a good ride. When I was little though I hated it and was so scared to go on(I was one of those kids that was afraid of everything though didn't like PotC or HM, love them boht now though). It can be a scary ride though for kids so just be prepared. It's a great ride though and I love it now!

 

[WDWspider]

I took my one year old (at the time he was) and I had forgot about the small drops. But everything turned out alright. Now that he is 3 he talks about certian things being scary. I am not sure how he would do this time around.

 

[vanryan]

Thanks

 

[Cliffordsmon]

If your children are scared of dark rides then they will be scared. However you can prepare them and excite them about riding it.
Ancient vikings, trolls, polar bears and drilling riggs are the main subject of the short ride through norwegian history.

Try reading Jan Brett's book "The Trouble With Trolls" or "The Christmas Trolls".
Have them look for the Hidden Mickey in the loading area. Look for the baby polar bear and the hidden castle.

If you think they will be spooked by going "over the falls" you can actually watch the boats at the waterfall before you enter the ride line.

My son was 3 when he first rode it and he loved it.

 

[WDWspider]

Where's a hidden Castle? I never heard of it.

 

[goofyman]

Ok I have to say this ride is NOt scary AT ALL. After reading so much about it we finally made it on this past summer and my kids said " I can't believe we wasted a fast pass on that and waited on line" It was BORINg, nothing like POC. not worth the wait. Try the ride in Mexico, shorter wait and a bit more interesting

 

[Cliffordsmon]

In the polar bear area look on the opposite side. i can't remember if you need to look backwards or forwards but there is a castle there.

 

[WDWspider]

That's the best thing about Disney. No matter how much you think you know, there is so much more you can still find out. Details, it's all about the details.

Cool tip, I will look for it next time, thanks.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

We went to Disney this year with some friends. They took there 1 and 3 year olds on the ride, and had no problem.

I guess it really depends on your kids preferences. If they get scared easily then this may be a ride that you should skip.