Do Disney Movies stop being 'scary' at some point?

[MeriArdenNate]

I know I'm abnormal, but we don't really watch TV. Occasionally, i'll watch something in the afternoon if Arden naps, but other than that, we don't watch TV. We have a DVD player for long (longer than 3 hours) car trips. We own one Blues Clues and one Barney Video. On a daily basis, though, we have a TV free environment.
Well, last week, we went to Disneyland for the first time since Arden could kind of 'get' the characters. She was completely confused by EVERYTHING! The characters are cool, and she was amused by them... but she looked at the Fairy Godmother at Goofy's Kitchen like she was just someone's grandmother. Same thing with Alice in Wonderland. She didn't know who Balooh was. She was clueless about everything! We have seen Cars in the theatre--but she was TERRIFIED of the noise when we saw Lightening and Mater in California Adventure! She was really impressed with Turtle Talk with Crush...but didn't know who he was or understand any of the references.
So, the day after our trip, I went to the movie store and rented The Little Mermaid and Nemo. By the end of Mermaid--she had fallen asleep (she wasn't feeling very well), but when I saw the scene where Eric plows the boat through Ursula, I was SO HAPPY she was asleep! That was really, really scary--even for me!
So, I contemplated Nemo... tand thought, well there aren't any real enemies, right? There are those sharks--but we're honest with her about natural enemies in the animal kingdom--so, I figured I wouldn't have any issue with the movie. We were locked in our bedroom while our carpet was being replaced, so I put the movie into the portable DVD player and we watched together. Arden was so upset about the fact that Nemo wasn't with his father! She wanted to know why Nemo didn't have a mother. She was so stressed out by that movie, too!
When I had a child, I never set out o be over protective or smothering. And, really, I'm not. I've always encouraged her to explore the world, make friends, meet people, eat sand in the park, etc. I live on the wild side--I I've never used table, cart, or high chair covers when we're out. I am not uptight and I don't think anyone would ever say I am. The only reason we don't watch TV is that I would probably sit there all day watching TV instead of getting stuff done (because, we all know the internet is so much better, right!?! :hehe:). It just somehow happened that we got to 3 years without letting her watch movies all the time...but, now, I feel like letting her watch movies with people killing people, shooting people (we saw Open Season in the theatre--she didn't understand the guns.. but I was horrified!), and just generally being mean to each other isn't the greatest thing for her.
I will still enjoy Disneyland when we go (probably in the next few months), but I think that I'll continue letting her just be impressed by the general liveliness of Disneyland instead of encouraging her love for it by watching the movies that don't always carry the easiest to understand messages.

[Tink]

Wow Meri - I am not sure how to respond to this.
The reason? We do watch tv. No, we don't sit in front of it all day, and movies are special. We have watched Disney movies with Alex since he was very young, so I guess you could say he has 'grown up' with them (he just turned 4). They have never scared him, but that could be because he saw them before he was old enough to understand them.
As for the characters at the park - our house is a Disney house. Alex knew who those characters were before he took his first steps. Not because of movies or videos. As we prepared for his first trip, I did get Disneyland Fun sing along songs. This is a musical video filmed from Disneyland. Not a movie, but something we used to familiarize Alex with what he would see and hear at Disneyland. It had an amazing affect. There is nothing bad in that video.
Since you do have a DVD player, you might want to consider buying that. You can even buy it from our site. I think both you and Arden would love it!
As for Mater and Lightning McQueen bothering her, it was the noise, right? Loud noises hurt Alex's ears, so that makes total sense to me. We have talked about ear plugs for him, and this trip, when we do things that are loud, such as fireworks, I will put those in his ears to see if it helps. Are Arden's ears sensitive like that?
Leanne

[Disney5]

Well Meri, there are about a zillion Disney books that have all these characters in them - go that route. Reading to your child is really important too and Disney is a part of our lives as well. Morgan hasn't watched a Disney movie, they're too long and I don't encourage sitting in front of the tv that long for children - when she's a bit older, yes. I haven't seen a movie myself in a couple years now.
As far as being scarey - guess I don't see it that way. There are important moral lessons and lessons about life in each and every Disney movie. As much as I like to shelter Morgan, Disney doesn't scare me, they portray things in a very easy to understand way - for children. The stuff that happens in them is a part of life and she'll see it happen in other families. If she's already in preschool, surely she already knows children with non-traditional families - more than 50% are now.
I think it's more in how you portray things to her and if something scares her, that's a good lesson to talk to her about. If she's understanding enough to get the boundary thing with you, surely these are also things she can understand.
The less exposure she has to "scarey" things as a child also sets the stage for some worries as she gets older. While she doesn't need to be submersed in all things scarey (and shouldn't be), a little here and there is a good thing and a good lesson to talk through.
I'd start her out with some Playhouse Disney tv before I went straight into movies. 30 minutes is a more reasonable amount of time than an entire movie and easier on her too. Once she's comfortable with more of the characters, then try moving into an easy movie - she may enjoy a princess one at her age.

[MeriArdenNate]

Leanne.. I wasn't trying to imply that people let their kids watch movies all day long. But, I know that once I turn on the TV it just stays on... and with school, Arden, the house, studying, etc... I just don't even have time for it! :) Although, I do have friends and know people who just have their TV on from the time they wake up until the time they go to bed--heck, I'm not even sure they turn them off! So, I guess there are households like that.
I love Disney. Don't get me wrong. I fought tooth and nail to go to DL. My husband hates all things commercial--and didn't want us to go, didn't want to go himself, etc. But, he did come (after worrying he'd be left out) and had a great time! He said that watching Arden with such wonder in her eyes was a very happy experience for him and can now see why I want to go there so often.
Disneyland is truly a magical, dreams come true kind of place. But, the movies... I just don't think they're for us. The books, though... the books, I love that idea!

[Tink]

yep, I wish I had mentioned the books. lol
I read to Alex every night while waiting for Andy to get home. His favorites, of course, are the Disney books. Reading is an incredible way to introduce any child to Disney. Especially the big compilation books with many stories. I have noticed in these stories that the 'scary' parts of the movies is left out, leaving only good things!
Meri, I know you were not implying anything, so don't worry!
Leanne

[MeriArdenNate]

We have a compilation of Pooh stories in a pretty hardcover book.. and read it at least once a day. Arden reads so much, sometimes I just wish she'd color or something! I worry she's behind in the coloring, climbing, and playing etc... because she's just sit all day at read books. Currently, her favorites are Pooh's Blustery Day, Alphabet Fairies, and anything Clifford or Spot. We always have a book called "I will never, not ever, eat a tomato" that's a true crowd pleaser!

[Tink]

Ahhh Clifford! Alex is hooked on that right now - but the video, not the book. lol
I was reading Pooh to him last night too. I love these books because they are children's books so the pictures are great!
As for coloring - hmmmmm Alex isn't very 'adept' at coloring either, but boy does he love to paint! When coloring, he still pretty much scribbles.
Okay, so is that real book - the tomato one? Sounds great, so if it is, can you give me the author! One thing I love to buy Alex are books.
Another great one that Alex has always loved is called the Fire Cat. In fact, he just pulled it out to read tonight! It is 3 stories about a cat named Pickles. Esther Averill is the author if you are interested.
Now, if you have any tips on coloring - send them my way!
And, back on topic. I thought of a scary Disney Movie to stay away from for now. Aladdin! I think that could be very scary for children.
So, in answer to your initial question. Yes, I think they stop being scary at some point, but I really don't have any idea of what age. I guess it would depend on the child. I realized after thinking about it that I try to shield Alex from the ones I see as possible scary ones, just like you do. I now will keep him away from the Little Mermaid for a while! I had totally forgotten about that scene. As for Nemo, I agree that you can explain sharks, and how they are in real life and so on. The point of that movie is supposed to be about the relationship between a father and son. With no mother in the movie, I can certainly understand how that bothered Arden!
Leanne

[Wiggles1]

Well, if a child isn't familiar with the characters from the movies and videos, there's probably a good chance they'd be scared of the characters and the rides at the park. That makes total sense to me. I think of that everytime I ride "Splash Mountain' because "Song Of The Song" was never released here. No wonder none of the kids or younger adults know what that ride is all about. So, if your child was scared and confused by everything, that makes sense because she hasn't been introduced to it.As for the "scary" stuff with Disney -- oh gosh, I complain about that all the time. Some people feel like I do, but others don't. I've never understood why they have to make the rides scary. I don't know the story, but I'm thinking when Walt created Disneyland, he wanted something in Fantasyland that was like a haunted house or something, so "Snow White's Scary Adventures" was made. But have you ever taken a child on that ride? If you look, it has one of the shortest lines in Disneyland. That and "Pinnochio". Why do they both have to be so dark & scary? Look at all the adorable forest animals in "Snow White". I think about that all the time and think they could have done it so much better. Even "Winnie-The-Pooh" has the heffalumps & woozles. Those aren't THAT scary, but it can be to a child, especially when they see all the stormy weather. Sure, it's part of the story, but again, there are so many other things that could have been done instead. I've never liked the scary stuff in the rides for little ones, even though I realize it's so mild in nature. My kids don't like rides that are in the dark like "Alice In Wonderland" and "Peter Pan". Both rides are really fun; they just don't like the dark. Sure, they'll grow out of it. We all grew out of it and now we just torment OUR children -- LOL!
And while I'm complaining -- :hehe: -- why did they take the Country Bears away? It was the only place to sit down and cool off in the summer. And why can't they bring back "America Sings"? They've reopened other attractions that have killed people. "America Sings" was such a cool attraction, and another place to escape the Anaheim heat. It was a fun ride. I think I went into "Innovations" once, way back when it opened. It was outdated then. I haven't been in it since. It's a waste of space.
Gripe, gripe, complain, complain ... Okay, I'm done. ;)

[Disney5]

Lol you guys! Meri - stop worrying, you can agree or disagree or whatever - you're the parent in your house and you do what's right for you! Period.
Country Bears - yes, I would love to have them back - BIG TIME!!! As for Snow White and Pinocchio - while they're "scarey" rides, those were two of the most frequently requested rides by Morgan at Disneyland on this past trip. I was surprised. Sometimes kids are ready to explore this different emotion and their own reaction to it. Sometimes not. As I'm sure you all recall, there are toys they love completely and can't do without - 3 weeks later they're terrified of it - no idea why - maybe they are developmentally exploring their own emotions that way as well. I think the happy happy stuff would be boring if that were all there was to life.
Now, I say on the movies, shows, take it as it comes - try it and turn it off if she isn't ready or doesn't want to experience it. She'll tell YOU when she's ready.
As far as the movies too, Bambi - how horrible to have your mother die - but it doesn't go into that, it shows how Bambi adapts. That's a great thing for a child to come away with, I can be okay without my mommy even though I miss her - think preschool, school, and even daycare - leaving mommy (or daddy) for that first time is a HUGE fear!
Now think about Old Yeller - my dad made me watch that as a kid - around 8 or 9 years old I think. Now, I am a HUGE animal lover - especially dogs - and can't live without them period! That movie was so horrible, I never cried so hard in my life!!! But it was a good lesson in responsibility and that's also part of the reason I take such good care of my dog. It's also about unconditional love.
Nemo has a similar exploration like Bambi except with a daddy this time. Aladdin - just a wonderful and classic princess type story with good vs. evil. The humor in that for adults and children alike is fantastic!!! Monsters, Inc. is also pretty wonderful but more entertaining that thought provoking - although there's still some content and a nice way to not be afraid of the dark.
There's something in every movie for every age group. I love Disney movies in particular for this reason. There's thought behind everything. Now, movies still aren't for us right now, Morgan is not ready to sit through a movie - when she's ready we'll try it. From time to time we go watch tidbits of things.
We're mainly a book family as well. Morgan has always been and would sit all day long reading books if we let her. She gets a huge amount of reading time but I require physical activity as well and as she's getting older it's more part of her routine and she appreciates it.
There's just no right or wrong in these matters, it totally depends on the kids and what they decide they are ready for. Morgan is exploring the "scarey" factor now. We talk a lot about the scarey things too and how they are always better in the end so definitely talk during and after if you're going to try it.
Meri - have you watched the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with Arden? It's a really neat and educational pre-school type show. It's only 30 minutes and it would help her learn the MAIN Disney characters as well as a bit of entertainment and learning. You certainly don't have to do it regularly but it's a nice way to introduce the characters. It's a NickJr. show, but she's also perfect age to love Dora - that seems to be a favorite of Morgan and all my nieces in this age range. Also very educational.

[MeriArdenNate]

Shawna,
I agree with just about everything you said! I guess, though, that early three--Arden's birthday is 9-26--just makes me feel super sensitive about the emotional story lines. She loved The Little Mermaid until she fell over in her popcorn (this was the day after Disneyland--and the poor thing had bags under her eyes from getting less than 9 hours of sleep!)...but the whole idea of the way they take Ursula down--just kind of made my stomach hurt thinking about how she'd see it, you know? We liked, Nemo, though.. until Arden realized that Nemo was away from his dad--for most of the movie she just thought Nemo and the Dad were one and the same.
We get a lot of physical activity--we go to the park, we have a pool, we go to the zoo, she goes to school where they spend 2 of the 4 hours she's there outside with the other kids. But, before all else--books are her more favorite thing in the whole world!
We don't have cable so we can't watch any of those programs. We do look at PBSkids.org sometimes--and really likes like this one website (starfall.com) which is to help with early reading. She watched one Dora short on that website when I was really sick. She really enjoyed it. We also have Dora Candyland from a relative--so she knows the characters. I don't doubt they would be beneficial to her, but we have such a busy schedule that it's hard to sit down and watch TV. I don't want her to start to think that 9 am is time to watch Sesame street or something.. because our days are all different...
On Tuesday and Thursday she goes to the on campus child care center while I study in the Library--two mornings a week we go to the market (Trader Joe's, Costco, fruit stand, etc.. ), one morning a week we go to the library. Then we're home doing laundry, keeping the house clean, playing, reading, prepping meals, studying for me... then 4 nights a week I have class, so those are the times that she and my husband have together--and he's so extremely anti-TV that he cringes if I even MENTION letting her watch TV. If we could get them on DVD, though.. I would be game to having them be a special something in the car, you know?

[Disney5]

We've got a lot of similarities Meri. We keep a pretty full schedule here as well, we run our days a lot like a preschool for Morgan's benefit though. Although our schedule is much less structured and I encourage lots of play.
Dora videos are something Arden would really enjoy - get a couple - that's all we have too - besides they like to watch the same thing over and over and over so more than 2 is only for the parent's benefit! We don't have any set time to watch anything either. Whatever we're ready for is what we do at the moment.
Morgan's evening time is also for her daddy - sometimes they watch a video and dance to it together but they do an awful lot of rough daddy play which I don't do!
We're not totally into the tv either, but I don't want anyone thinking the tv is the enemy either because it does have some education value (not most of it, but...you know what I mean.) I saw some stuff on PBS that really bothered me and so that station is pretty much banned from our set at this point, I grew up on Sesame Street and Electric Company so it was pretty upsetting to see how much the content has changed. We do watch Animal Planet every now and then since Morgan loves animals so much and they've got some neat stuff!
Morgan actually loves her computer time too (I do limit that as well because she'd be on it all day if I let her.) The Wiggles site is down right now, but they have some awesome kid games that we do. Nick Jr. has some neat stuff Arden might like - with Blue and Dora.

[Goofy]

Meri,
IMO there seems to be 2 different issues you address in your initial post:
1) Familiarizing your daughter with Disney and the Characters. This is a topic near and deal to Tinks and my hearts... it is why this site started. Our 1st Disney article dealt largely with preparing and taking a toddler to <st1:place w:st="on">Disneyland.
Although early 3 is a tough age because their likes and dislikes are becoming more complex... Disney really comes down to the Fab Five and for girls, the princesses.
Both of those are easy. Just avoid the early cartoons... they are too violent. The new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVDs that are coming out are perfect. But there are plenty from the last few years that are great. More Donald and Goofy then the mice. The later holiday ones are very good.
The princess movies, IMO, are suitable for all young children although I have no idea at what age girls start getting into them.
The sing a long DVDs are great also.
2) Scary movies... especially Disney.
No doubt about it... the older movies (and fables) really can deal with serious issues.
But they all have a strong moral theme and (with Disney) a happy ending.
My opinion is... once a child is able to start grasping some of these issues they also are receptive to being able to talk about them.
That said... there are plenty of Disney movies where there is not that much advanced (for a toddler) content.
Toy Story, Cars, aristocrats, Dalmatians, Aladdin, Mary poppens, Monsters Inc., beauty and the beast... there are 5-10 more I can't think of now.
Some that are in the middle... Alice, peter pan, jungle book, little mermaid.
Some that, IMO, can disturb a child.
Nemo (dead mom... separated from the dad... a kids worst fear), Bambi ( Dead mom, lost... but really done in a way that a younger child will not realize) Pinocchio.
There are movies that Alex really doesn't like to watch, like nemo. I wonder now if it is because the topic scares him a little.
With the Disney Halloween DVD... Alex was finally able to articulate to me the difference between scary and non-scary (white skeletons scary...green ones not)
This was a big break though and allows me to talk about it with him. Last year I had to turn The Nightmare before Christmas off because it visible upset him. This year before watching it I told him it was scary and might scare him and he loved it.
Now during almost all movies I watch with him we talk about scary-non scary, good people and bad people and so forth during the movie... it's really allowed me to turn watching movies into a learning and expression experience.
Andy

[Disney5]

Nice post Andy! Interesting on the Halloween DVD - we have the same issues here on the skeletons, in fact the first several times she watched the video she loved that song. Then suddenly, we were no longer allowed to watch that song and we skip over it - she gets really anxious when it's the next one and will even run to you with the remote to change it immediately!!!
Girls start liking princess stuff anytime after about 2years - depends on the girls. 3 is a safe age.

[MeriArdenNate]

I'm so glad that this was addressed in a developmental way--like I was thinking about it--instead of be being accused of being overly sensitive or over protective. I certainly didn't want to come across that way--but it seems to me that so many kids watch Disney movies and maybe I was just being hyper sensitive or something! So, glad to know it's normal to ease your children into movie watching--because I'm a MOVIE LOVER...and take Arden to the movies--but then, we'll be halfway through the movie and I want to leave because I don't think they're appropriate for her. But, ugh.. with popcorn and drinks, it costs $35 to go to the movie in Los Angeles--so I hesitate to leave for want of my $35~! :w00t:

[Disney5]

Hey Meri - do you think you might be able to leave words like "accused" out of your post - because I don't that's what any of us did. I think we all actually approached it in a developmental way if you re-read our posts. That's what EACH of us do with our own children.

[Tink]

Great post Andy!
I also wanted to mention the Mickey Saves Santa DVD Meri. It has 3 episodes of Mickey Mouse clubhouse on it - on of course is Mickey Saves Santa. This show will do two things. Introduce Arden to the main Disney characters (no Princesses though), but it also teaches problem solving, counting, caring and more. I love this show for Alex, so thought I would reitterate what Andy said.
As for the rides at Disneyland - yes, some are scary, but Alex now loves Alice. As for bringing back America Sings - they can't do that - the characters are being used in Splash Mountain :D.
Meri, I know I will think of other things, when I do, I will post them here! It sure sounds to me like Arden is doing just great though! I know I can't complain about a book loving child, and am VERY happy Alex loves books!
Leanne

[fantasmicmom]

Hunchback of Notre Dame bothers me. It has too many adult issues and dark parts for me to let my girls watch it. Although I love the musical score and it was one of my favs as a teenager. It's not something i want my young children watching. Our issue with Nemo (when Corinne was around 3) was the first part of the show when the mom is killed and the babies are eaten. It would really scare Corinne and we had to skip past it. I think every child is different in what scares them.
For the most part, I love Disney movies. There really hasn't been too much that scares my girls. But--here's my problem with Disney movies. I have a problem with Brother Bear. I like the characters and the girls enjoyed them at Disneyland. However, when Brother Bear came out, we had just started teaching Corinne that "shut up" is not a polite word and is NEVER used in our house. She had picked up on the word from older cousins. Well, she was understanding it wasn't okay to say. She would even tell people "that's not a nice word" when she heard it out in public. Anyway, we rented Brother Bear and they have that 5 minute scene with the moose (the moose are actually very cute) where they yell "shut up, no you shut up" back and forth to their echos or whatever. They said it a million times and I hated it! Corinne got quite confused about the shut up issue again.
I guess that shut up might not be an issue in every family but I feel that Disney can go a little too far in there inuendos and some of their phrases so that the adults can be entertained too. But, like I said, I love Disney movies and know there are much worse things my girls could be exposed to. If you really start analyzing every Disney movie, you'll find a problem with it. It might be sexist or scary or too grown up, etc... Everyone's opinion is different. The important thing to realize as parents is that you can decide what is okay or not okay for your children to be watching. (Like I said, Brother Bear isn't watched in our house but someone else's family might love it.) Also, as your child is growing, some Disney movies may not be appropriate but as they get older they might enjoy them.
I like how everyone here is saying what an important role books play in their families. They are so important and fun! It is also great that everyone is watching the Disney movies WITH their children so that you know if they are being affected by what they are watching.
It's also great that there are a million Disney movies out there, so you are sure to find some that are appropriate and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
I love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Makenna walks around saying "Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse!" I like that it is educational but it also familiarizes the girls with anyone they would see in Toontown, or the Fab Five as they are referred too!

[Disney5]

Totally Katie! Every family is different. It's nice to see people teaching their kids manners at all. Until they're old enough to understand what's a joke and what is literal - those things are very confusing.
I tend to only bother with the strongly inappropriate words but we don't use the mild ones around the house either. Still she's around other kids and is going to hear and pick that stuff up - we just try to teach what's nice to others and what's not - the rest is for funny time.
Some of us like tv and some don't. Whatever - as long as the rules in my house stay our way, I could care less what others do.
Movies are just a really hard thing until they are old enough to pick up on the real meanings of things and most toddlers are too literal for most of them. But, I have no problems with anyone else watching them! lol... For us, I don't mind the content, but they're just too long to sit through!

[Tink]

I have not seen either Hunchback or Brother Bear - no interest in either, and I had previously heard about the shut up scenes in BB and don't want Alex watching it. We don't use that phrase in our house either Katie. We are trying to teach Alex the phrase Quite Please instead.
Yes, it is great to see how everyone here appreciates books. Both Andy and I are very avid readers and that is one reason books are so important in our family. We want Alex to grow up with that same love, and so far, it has worked!

[Mulan112501]

I am reticent to post as well. We are a TV household as well - and Miss G loves any and all Disney movies. So I'm not going to be much help here - but I did think of one thing...
A good way to introduce princesses is with the "Disney Princess Sing Along Songs - Vol 1" DVD.
You get all the good songs...none of the movie parts you don't like! (For me..that's the end of Aladdin - I hate snakes!) Miss G and I both belt it out like we are on Broadway.
(And yes, I have won the prize for rotten judgement! HA - Love Meg from Hercules!)
I think on some of the DVDs as well you can just pick to play the songs from the movie and skip everything else.

[Disney5]

We also love the Princess sing along songs - same one you do! I also LOVE the Hercules song - they're actually playing it on Radio Disney fairly frequently!