Is Slinky Dog Dash at Walt Disney World Scary for Kids? Parents Weigh In
Ever wondered if the Slinky Dog Dash in Walt Disney World's Toy Story Land is scary for kids? Let's dive deep into this roller coaster experience!
The ride starts with a slow climb up to the top of the coaster, where you get a great view of the park. Then, you're off on a series of twists, turns, and drops through Andy’s backyard. The coaster is designed to feel like you're riding on Slinky Dog's back, so you'll be bouncing up and down as you go.
As a parent with 3 kids under 5, we’ve grappled with when our kids are old enough or too scared to ride Slinky Dog.
We’ve found the height requirement is pretty spot on. 38 inches is around or after most kids turn 3. For adventurous 3 year olds, it’s a great first coaster and it isn’t scary. For some 3 year olds, it can definitely be a bit scary. We’ve found at the age of 4 it was our kids’ favorite ride at Walt Disney World.
The ride reaches speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and is a smooth ride for a roller coaster. If you're up for a thrilling adventure, Slinky Dog Dash is a must-ride attraction at Walt Disney World.
Slinky Dog Dash at Sunset
Experience of the Slinky Dog Ride
As you approach the Slinky Dog Dash, the queue is well-themed, with plenty of nods to the Toy Story franchise. You'll see oversized toys and games, as well as some fun interactive elements, like a giant Etch-a-Sketch that you can draw on.
Slinky Dog Dash
Once you board the coaster, you'll immediately notice the unique ride vehicles. They're designed to look like Slinky Dog. The ride itself is a family-friendly coaster that's perfect for ages 4 and up. At age 3, you need to make sure your child is the type that might enjoy the coaster. It's not too intense, but it's still thrilling enough to get a kids heart racing.
The coaster features a few small drops and some fun twists and turns. You'll also get some great views of Toy Story Land as you zip around the track. The ride is relatively short, lasting just under two minutes, but it's a lot of fun.
One of the highlights of the Slinky Dog Dash is the launch at the beginning of the ride. You'll be propelled forward at a relatively quick speed, which sets the tone for the rest of the coaster. It's a great way to start the ride off with a bang.
Overall, the Slinky Dog Dash is a fun coaster that's perfect for families. It's well-themed, features some fun interactive elements in the queue, and offers a unique ride experience. If you're a fan of Toy Story, or just looking for a fun coaster to ride, be sure to check out the Slinky Dog Dash.
Safety Measures
When it comes to Slinky Dog at Walt Disney World, safety is a top priority. The ride is designed to be thrilling, but also safe for all guests. Here are some of the safety measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
Slinky Dog Dash
Height Requirements: To ride Slinky Dog, guests must be at least 38 inches tall. This requirement is in place to ensure that guests are able to safely ride the attraction.
Seat Restraints: Each seat on Slinky Dog has a lap bar restraint that is designed to keep guests securely in their seat during the ride. The lap bar is easy to use and is adjusted by a cast member before the ride begins.
Ride Vehicle Safety: The ride vehicles on Slinky Dog are designed to be safe and stable. They are equipped with safety features such as anti-roll bars and a low center of gravity to prevent tipping.
Cast Member Training: All cast members who operate Slinky Dog are trained to ensure the safety of all guests. They are knowledgeable about the ride and are able to quickly respond to any safety concerns.
In addition to these safety measures, guests are also encouraged to follow all posted safety guidelines and to listen to instructions from cast members.
Our Family Review
Slinky Dog Dash is the current favorite Walt Disney World roller coaster for our family. It was the first “real” roller coaster our kids went on when they were 3. At first they were hesitant, but it quickly became a must-do attraction any time we visit Hollywood Studios.
We recommend starting off by riding it during the day, which can be a little less intimidating for kids.
A tip for parents deciding if Slinky Dog Dash is scary
Slinky Dog Dash is one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World. Unless you are using Genie+ you can expect a wait time of 60-180 minutes. Because the wait times are long, it’s really not practical for a parent to ride Slinky Dog Dash alone to first decide if it will be a good fit for their kids. We always recommend watching a ride through on YouTube to help make the decision.
While it has its limitations (and spoilers), watching Slinky Dog Dash on video can give you a much better insight on what to expect and whether your children will be too scared to enjoy it.
Slinky Dog Dash. Photo: detourtoneverland
Tips for Visiting Slinky Dog Dash
If you're planning to visit the Slinky Dog Dash ride at Walt Disney World, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to make the most of your experience.
Be prepared for long wait times. Slinky Dog Dash is a popular ride, so it's not uncommon to wait in line for an hour or more. Consider using Genie+ to skip the line and save time (we almost always use Genie+ when we want to ride Slinky Dog).
Another great feature of Slinky Dog Dash is the rider swap program. This program allows families with young children to take turns riding the coaster without having to wait in line twice. One parent can ride while the other stays with the child, and then they can switch roles without having to wait in line again. This is great for families with multiple kids when some of them can’t (or don’t want to) ride.
Pay attention to the ride's height requirements. Guests must be at least 38 inches tall to ride Slinky Dog Dash, so make sure any younger children in your group meet this requirement before getting in line. Ideally, check their height before you head to Walt Disney World. A kid who has their hopes up to ride only to find out at the entrance they aren’t tall enough is a terrible experience.
Finally, consider visiting the ride during off-peak hours. Lines are typically shorter early in the morning or late at night, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid long wait times.
Overall, Slinky Dog Dash is a fantastic roller coaster that is perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages. So, when parents ask, 'Is Slinky Dog Dash scary?', our answer is a resounding no. It's a delightful mix of thrill and fun, especially for kids aged 3 and up. The ride is well-designed, exciting, and immersive, making it a must-ride attraction at Walt Disney World.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Slinky Dog Dash a scary ride?
No, it is not a scary ride. It is a family-friendly coaster with a height requirement of 38 inches (97 cm) or taller.
Do I need to purchase Genie+ to ride Slinky Dog Dash?
No, Genie+ is not required to ride Slinky Dog Dash. However, you may want to consider purchasing Genie+ or individual Lightning Lane selections to skip the line and reduce wait times.
Can I bring a camera on Slinky Dog Dash?
Yes, you can bring a camera on Slinky Dog Dash. However, it is recommended to secure your camera in a pouch or pocket to prevent it from falling out during the ride.
How much does it cost to ride Slinky Dog Dash?
The cost to ride Slinky Dog Dash is included in the price of admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
