We're taking my 6 y/o niece to KI and CP

[Cortney]

My 6 y/o niece is tall for her age and a huge dare devil. She's going to be 46-48" tall when it comes time for our trip to both parks this summer and I am scared that if she is 48 that she will go on the big coasters and I am worried about how the harnesses will come down on her. She barely weighs 40 pounds and there will be no stopping her if she is allowed to go. I told my brother I will not ride with her if she can go on any upside coaster for this reason.

Anyone have an experience taking a young child like between 6-8 years old who could ride an upside down coaster like The Vortex? I was much much much older the first time I rode these type of coasters and just worried about it.

Thanks!

[The Interpreter]

It is primarily height, not weight, that allows a rider to be restrained properly. If your niece is tall enough to ride, she is tall enough to be restrained properly. Not to worry. Height limits for the major coasters can be seen here:

http://www.visitkingsisland.com/attraction...ry.cfm?ac_id=18

[CoastersRZ]

Well, if she isn`t 48 inches tall by the time your trip rolls around, then you have nothing to worry about! However, as a parent it is ultimately your call whether or not you think your child is ready to ride a ride that goes upside down. While she may want to ride it if she is tall enough, you as a parent have a right to say no, if you feel she is not ready for it.

That being said, the height requirements are there for a reason. The restraints are designed for people based on their height. So if your daughter is tall for her age, and tall enough to ride the ride, then she would be fine riding the ride physically. Dang! It looks like the Interpreter said the same exact thing I said, when I was writing up this post! Emotionally, could be a whole other issue. Some kids that are just tall enough to ride end up loving the ride, while others end up hating it and crying! It all just depends on the kid.

[Cortney]

Thanks. I thought there might be a weight restriction too.

Coasterz - The kid has no fear, and my brother always tried to get me to go on these rides and I would never go until I was tricked into going and Vortex was literally my first one I ever went on that went upside down. She's been to KI before, and my brother said she wanted to ride Vortex and she was just barely under the requirement.

I think Vortex will set her straight or make her want to go on more like it. We are doing KI first and then taking her to Cedar Point (which hasn't been to yet) and CP has more in that 48" height range that may test her fears.

[Captain Nemo]

I would not be to worried about a small child like that (if she ends up being 48 inches or over) going on the rides at KI. Knowing kids, they are always active doing things that (at times) are more intense than any coaster on this planet.

As for the harness. They are made to fit anyone within the height range and safely secure them.

[luff]

I wouldn't worry about the age. My son has been riding Demon at SFGam since he was 6. It's height requirement is only 42 inch, but it has a very similar restraint system to Vortex. This year he is FINALLY 48 inches tall so we can enjoy even more rides together

[markr]

Well, if she isn`t 48 inches tall by the time your trip rolls around, then you have nothing to worry about! However, as a parent it is ultimately your call whether or not you think your child is ready to ride a ride that goes upside down. While she may want to ride it if she is tall enough, you as a parent have a right to say no, if you feel she is not ready for it.

That being said, the height requirements are there for a reason. The restraints are designed for people based on their height. So if your daughter is tall for her age, and tall enough to ride the ride, then she would be fine riding the ride physically. Dang! It looks like the Interpreter said the same exact thing I said, when I was writing up this post! Emotionally, could be a whole other issue. Some kids that are just tall enough to ride end up loving the ride, while others end up hating it and crying! It all just depends on the kid.

I think it should be left up to the child as to whether or not he or she is ready to ride. If the child really wants to ride the ride, I don't see any reason for saying no. As long as the child fulfills the height safety requirements, riding a roller coaster is safer than crossing the street.

On the other side of the coin, I feel it is cruel and abusive for parents to force a child to go on a ride of which they are terrified. If a child is really terrified of the ride, they are probably going to hate the ride and have a life-time fear of thrill rides.

[BoddaH1994]

Yep -- just remember that if she doesn't want to ride something, don't try to entice her. Studies have shown that children who are in any way forced or influenced to ride a ride are far more likely to attempt to exit the ride while in motion. That's never good news.

Make sure you let us know how it goes!

[BavarianBeatle]

Last year when mine made 48 for the first time I worked them into it so to speak. The first day we did FOC, AE, Runaway Reptar, then Racer and one ride on The Beast. The second day we did those again then Flight Deck and Vortex. Then eventually SOB once it opened. Now my youngest rides SOB with his hands in the air the entire ride and does all of the "48 inch" coasters as well as Drop Tower and Sling Shot without a problem.