How We Used POV Ride Videos to Help Our Daughter Love Disney Rides
What Are POV Ride Videos?
POV (Point of View) ride videos let you see a Disney attraction exactly as if you were sitting on the ride. Kids can watch what happens from start to finish—how fast it goes, whether it’s dark, loud, or has big drops—before ever stepping into the park.
How POV Videos Help Kids Prepare for Disney
Recently, we were watching a POV of Slinky Dog Dash that Raúl recorded for our YouTube channel. As we watched, it brought back so many memories of how we prepared Daniela for rides when she was little, using POV videos to help her feel safe, excited, and informed.
POV videos helped Daniela:
- Understand what a ride would look like
- Decide which rides she wanted (or did not want) to try
- Build confidence over time to try more daring rides
🎢 Slinky Dog Dash POV
Riding Slinky Dog Dash from the front seat. This POV is perfect for kids and parents who want to see what the ride looks like before getting in line.
Our Disney Ride Journey as a Family
Our first family trip to Disney World was in September 2014, and it was Daniela’s first time traveling to Orlando. We were excited and also a little nervous. She was going to fly on a plane and ride theme park attractions for the first time.
To prepare her, Raúl and Daniela watched POV videos of airplanes taking off and landing. We also lived near an airport and would watch planes fly over the beach together.
That preparation worked beautifully. She did amazing on her first flight and has since become a seasoned traveler, flying to the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast of the U.S.
Preparing for Rides When Kids Are Little
When Daniela was about 3 years old, we focused on helping her get used to motion.
We decided to do the following:
- Took her on kiddie coin rides at the mall
- Let her ride a small carousel at a local mall
- Watched POV videos of rides she might be tall enough to get on
Because of this, she was incredibly excited to ride Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at Magic Kingdom. We started this preparation months in advance, giving her time to get comfortable with movement and new sensations.
Learning What Works (and What Doesn’t)
Over the years, Disney has added many new attractions, and Daniela has liked some and definitely disliked others. POV videos became one of our most helpful tools, especially once kids reach age 3 and up. Babies will not notice the difference, but kids who can understand what they are seeing benefit greatly from previews.
We will be honest. There were times we missed the mark as parents.
When Skipping the POV Did Not Go Well
When Avatar Flight of Passage first opened, we skipped the POV because we wanted it to be a surprise. That was a mistake. It turned out to be a ride Daniela really did not enjoy, and there were tears during and after the attraction.
A POV video would have helped us understand what we were getting into.
How Things Changed Over Time
After that trip, we used rider swap when needed. Later on, after Daniela tried a VR headset at home, she gave Flight of Passage another chance, and now it is a must do for her.
POV videos only show part of the experience. You will not truly know if your child will like a ride until you are there. Even now, Daniela still reminds us of rides we convinced her to try, like Test Track and Tower of Terror, but we always ask first in case she changes her mind.
Fast forward to today, and her favorite thrill rides include:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios)
- Incredicoaster (Disneyland’s California Adventure)
Why Watching POV Ride Videos Is a Great Idea
1. Kids Know What to Expect
POV videos help kids visualize the ride, making them feel more comfortable and excited when it’s time to board.
2. Helps Kids Avoid Rides They Won’t Enjoy
Kids can see:
- If a ride is dark
- If there are loud sounds or scary graphics
- How fast or intense the attraction is
If a child doesn’t like dark rides or big drops, they can opt out before getting in line.
3. Saves Time, Tears, and Money
When kids decide ahead of time, families can:
- Skip rides that may be too scary
- Use rider switch when needed
- Avoid stressful moments during vacation
Final Tip for Disney Parents
Watching POV videos together opens up great conversations with kids. It gives them a voice in planning the trip and helps parents make informed decisions.
Whether it is Slinky Dog Dash or a big thrill ride like Gaurdians of the Galaxy, seeing it first can make all the difference.
Sometimes surprises are magical. When it comes to rides, a little preview can go a long way.
Want a Disney Trip With Fewer Tears and More Yes Moments?
If your child feels nervous about rides, you do not have to guess; we'll help you plan a trip that will match your kids and family's comfort level, height requirements, and prioritize your day.
Tell us your travel dates, your child’s age, and which rides they are curious about. We will recommend a realistic ride plan, smart backups, and tips like rider swap when it makes sense.
We work with families in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
