Ride Wimp!!! Advice?

[caseyface55]

Hi Everyone,
So this is my first post, and it may be in the wrong section. I'm still getting used to this...

Anyway, I'm going to Disney World with some friends this June, and I'm really excited to try some tougher rides. Looking ahead, I have high hopes (EE, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, etc) but I know that when I get there I will probably chicken out. On a trip to Universal last year, I skipped out on a few rides that I would have liked to try, because my nerves got the best of me on those freaky queues. I rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and was totally terrified, but afterwards I wanted to ride again. I also handled Spiderman pretty well, but I steered clear of the biggies, like the Mummy and the Hulk. I'm just looking for some reassurances, because I'd really like to try EE, Splash, Space, BTMR, and Dinasour. I am also dying to do Soarin', but the height thing is freaking me out a little. I haven't been to Disney since I was a much more anxious kid. I think the worst I've ridden is Hanted Mansion to be honest. Do you think I can handle these rides? How do I keep less anxious? This may be the last chance I have to conquer WDW for quite awhile, so I'd like to try as much as I can! Thanks!!!

PS. I also recently went to Six Flags Great Adventure and rode the Dark Knight with no issues, if that helps put it into perspective at all. That was the worst I could handle there.

 

[Too Far From Home]

Just remind yourself that these rides are all safe. The "thrill" is in your head - it is manufactured danger. It doesn't really exist. You are safer on a WDW ride than you are in your own home.

If the rides were not perfectly safe, would Disney allow children to ride? I mean, look at the lengths that Disney just went through after a couple of clowns climbed out of their seats at Soarin.

 

[tink20]

Hi Everyone,
So this is my first post, and it may be in the wrong section. I'm still getting used to this...

Anyway, I'm going to Disney World with some friends this June, and I'm really excited to try some tougher rides. Looking ahead, I have high hopes (EE, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, etc) but I know that when I get there I will probably chicken out. On a trip to Universal last year, I skipped out on a few rides that I would have liked to try, because my nerves got the best of me on those freaky queues. I rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and was totally terrified, but afterwards I wanted to ride again. I also handled Spiderman pretty well, but I steered clear of the biggies, like the Mummy and the Hulk. I'm just looking for some reassurances, because I'd really like to try EE, Splash, Space, BTMR, and Dinasour. I am also dying to do Soarin', but the height thing is freaking me out a little. I haven't been to Disney since I was a much more anxious kid. I think the worst I've ridden is Hanted Mansion to be honest. Do you think I can handle these rides? How do I keep less anxious? Thanks!!!

What scares you? Different things scare, different people. For instance, I will ride Dinosaur, but I don't really like it because its too jerky, same thing with Space Mountain (maybe I am getting too old for these LOL). I love TOT, BTM and Splash. I will ride EE, but its pushing it for me. I rode Mummy, and I loved the theming, but it was a little intense for me. I am scared to go on anything that goes upside down, however I did ride RNR once. So if I were you, I would maybe start out with BTM. If you are not afraid of drops, then there is nothing to Splash Mt. I am scared of heights too, and I did okay on Soarin, you could ask to sit on the bottom row. I heard a tip once, about screaming while you ride (some rides not all, that could get annoying to others), its suppose to keep you from holding your breath. Good luck and have fun!

 

[mickeygirl14]

IMO - If you can ride Forbidden Journey, then you're good with anything at Disney. (Loved that ride, but could not ride it again the same day!) If it's the speed that bothers you, EE is a little intimidating, I think, but fun. I agree to start out with BTMRR or the Barnstormer even...both great roller coasters to get started on. And on Soarin', if it's not a really crowded day, you could probably ask the CM to put you on one of the lowest seats...the movie will still make you feel like you're really high, but you'll be able to look and see the floor not that far away. Just a thought...

 

[tink20]

oh and................. to the Dis

 

[Annadesu]

Self control would help you, I think. Don't allow yourself to get all worked up over a thrill ride. Deep breaths, reading a book while you wait in line...Easier said than done, I know, but not impossible. Just remind yourself of the past "thrill" rides you've been on, and your reactions to those. You had fun, even though it freaked you out a little, and you were perfectly safe the entire time. That's the point!

 

[katt789]

I was a huge ride wimp when I went last May (like, the little kids caterpiller rollercoaster was too much for me) and I did Splash only on that occasion. In Sept, I went back and rode everything I could

I would definitely say that Splash & BTMRR would be totally do able, Splash has the one big drop, and a couple small drops (that are in the dark) and Big Thunder (if not under rehab) is not anywhere near as bad as Splash.

EE is one that I was nervous about, but conquered, there is the big drop, and you go fast, backwards, and forwards, and in the dark, be aware of that, that one will probably freak you out the most in terms of coasters.

Space I can't comment on as I am unable to go on it, but I have heard that it's jerky, and it is also in the dark, so if you don't like not knowing where you're going, that's going to be a problem.

Dinosaur is one I'll go on once a trip, I don' like it, it's dark, things jump out at you, and it's really jerky. It's the worst ride of the trip for me.

If you can handle FJ, you can handle Soarin, it'll totally be fine.

Overall, I can say that hey, try anything once, and you definitely have to figure out whether it's the drops, the dark, things jumping out, heights, etc, that freak you out the most, and kind of assess from there.

If you don't like drops, I'd say stay away from ToT, if it's the dark you don't like, stay away from Dinosaur, RnR & Space, it all kinda varies

 

[MHSweb79]

EE is one that I was nervous about, but conquered, there is the big drop, and you go fast, backwards, and forwards, and in the dark, be aware of that, that one will probably freak you out the most in terms of coasters.

EE is actually milder in reality than it looks. There really isn't any "big drop" like you would see with more hard-core roller coasters at other parks, or even Splash Mountain.

I think the two most intense coasters at Disney are Space Mountain and Rockin' Roller Coaster. And even these would rate just as "moderate" at other theme parks.

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

Just keep reminding yourself how much you'll love it after its over...like you said, you'll probably want to go on it again!! The thrill doesnt last that long and you'll be right back on line before you know it.

Splash Mtn is actually a really fantastically themed ride and shouldnt be missed just because of that one lil drop at the end, IMHO! But I agree to start off with Thunder Mtn and even Barnstormer like the PP said. Ease your way into it.

 

[eebadeeba]

Ride wimp here also. But I love most of the WDW coasters. Although I have chickened out on RnR after just riding ToT. If you hate drops then don't ride ToT. I loved the ride, and thought I could handle the drops in order to see the rest of the ride, but it was not worth it for me in the end.

Anyway, as for the other rides I think they are much tamer than the huge roller coasters elsewhere.

I hope you go on all of them and enjoy them.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

EE is actually milder in reality than it looks. There really isn't any "big drop" like you would see with more hard-core roller coasters at other parks, or even Splash Mountain.
I think the two most intense coasters at Disney are Space Mountain and Rockin' Roller Coaster. And even these would rate just as "moderate" at other theme parks.

I agree with this too. I remember nearly wetting my pants in fear the first time I was about to get on EE, but this turned into pure excitement once I was on. The steep climb up the mountain looks scary, but it's actually not and it's a great chance to see some amazing views. You can see Epcot from there!

I HATE big roller coasters. I hate big drops and jerky twist, but I love every single ride at Disney! Well, all but one and that's Tower of Terror. I still ride it once or twice every trip with the kids because they make me, but the whole time I keep saying "It will be over in just a few seconds and I can do this" in my head! It's still a thrill, but it does get me every time.

I say try them all and if you dont like one, dont do it again. At least try them though because they really are a lot of fun.

 

[SA53]

None of the coasters at WDW are anything compared to the ones at our 6 Flags. My dd hates the coasters at 6 Flags, but loves all of them at WDW (although she hasn't ridden RRC since it was down last time we were there). The only ride both of us didn't really love was TOT. Great, great theming, but those drops were too much for us.

If you can ride coasters at other parks, the ones at Disney should be a piece of cake. The drops are not as intense and the vibe of the rides are wonderful. EE is one of our favorites, it is fast but no really big drops.

Have fun,

K in SA

 

[SDSorority]

Hi Everyone,
So this is my first post, and it may be in the wrong section. I'm still getting used to this...

Anyway, I'm going to Disney World with some friends this June, and I'm really excited to try some tougher rides. Looking ahead, I have high hopes (EE, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, etc) but I know that when I get there I will probably chicken out. On a trip to Universal last year, I skipped out on a few rides that I would have liked to try, because my nerves got the best of me on those freaky queues. I rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and was totally terrified, but afterwards I wanted to ride again. I also handled Spiderman pretty well, but I steered clear of the biggies, like the Mummy and the Hulk. I'm just looking for some reassurances, because I'd really like to try EE, Splash, Space, BTMR, and Dinasour. I am also dying to do Soarin', but the height thing is freaking me out a little. I haven't been to Disney since I was a much more anxious kid. I think the worst I've ridden is Hanted Mansion to be honest. Do you think I can handle these rides? How do I keep less anxious? This may be the last chance I have to conquer WDW for quite awhile, so I'd like to try as much as I can! Thanks!!!

PS. I also recently went to Six Flags Great Adventure and rode the Dark Knight with no issues, if that helps put it into perspective at all. That was the worst I could handle there.

Hello fellow ride chicken!!!

First of all, to see how much of a ride chicken I am, check my first ride on ToT video in my siggie. You'll get a kick out of it.

This was taken in 2008. I rode it again in 2009 and 2011... and am happy to say that it is my ABSOLUTE MOST FAVORITE RIDE IN THE WORLD. I can ride with my arms up now! Couldn't do that back then, that's for sure.

What got me through was the first day, by force of my DH, the first 2 rides we rode were RnRC, followed by ToT. One right after the other.

Now, I had never ever ever gone on a ride that 1- launched you, 2- looped upside down, 3- dropped you straight down (or pulled you, whatever). On my honeymoon I walked up to EE and turned right back around and walked away. I was too scared of that, too scared of TT, too scared of Splash, too scared of Soarin' WHAT WAS I THINKING?! DH sure did put up with me, that's for sure!

That said, knowing I'm the biggest chicken in the entire world, he said "we have to do this- we have to do the two biggest rides at WDW. If you don't like them, we'll never do them again."

Now, I giggle on ToT- your brain makes it so much scarier than it really is. Remember, this is DISNEY, with family friendly rides. This isn't like a Six Flags or a Cedar Point where the coasters are a million miles high and go 800 miles an hour, KWIM? I just had to jump in and go. I did a lot of research ahead of time (aka watching youtube videos). I knew EXACTLY what to expect on the rides (as you can hear me reciting in my ToT video ).

So, you have nothing to lose other than missing out on some really fun rides! If 4 year olds can do it, so can you Oh heck, if I CAN DO IT, so can you

 

[lovebug33]

Maybe try the MK rides first. I went with my friend last summer who is 70, never been to a them park, and didn't want to ride ANYTHING. We got her on Jungle Cruise, Small World, etc., then graduated to BTMR. She had so much fun, we went twice. Then, she was raring to go on EVERYTHING. It was great to see her so excited! However, I think she wouldn't have made it on EE or Space Mtn. if we hadn't tried easier things like BTMR first!

 

[P00H1010]

Hi Everyone,
So this is my first post, and it may be in the wrong section. I'm still getting used to this...

Anyway, I'm going to Disney World with some friends this June, and I'm really excited to try some tougher rides. Looking ahead, I have high hopes (EE, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, etc) but I know that when I get there I will probably chicken out. On a trip to Universal last year, I skipped out on a few rides that I would have liked to try, because my nerves got the best of me on those freaky queues. I rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and was totally terrified, but afterwards I wanted to ride again. I also handled Spiderman pretty well, but I steered clear of the biggies, like the Mummy and the Hulk. I'm just looking for some reassurances, because I'd really like to try EE, Splash, Space, BTMR, and Dinasour. I am also dying to do Soarin', but the height thing is freaking me out a little. I haven't been to Disney since I was a much more anxious kid. I think the worst I've ridden is Hanted Mansion to be honest. Do you think I can handle these rides? How do I keep less anxious? This may be the last chance I have to conquer WDW for quite awhile, so I'd like to try as much as I can! Thanks!!!

PS. I also recently went to Six Flags Great Adventure and rode the Dark Knight with no issues, if that helps put it into perspective at all. That was the worst I could handle there.

I am similar to you in the way that I am normally very apprehensive about a ride and get the whole "nervous stomach".....but generally speaking once it is all over with I really enjoyed it. I live near Cedar Point so I am used to coasters and wouldn't call myself a scaredy cat, but some things I still won't ride. My biggest thing is large, steep hills, I do not enjoy the feeling of "coming out of my seat" so to speak. Having said that I love all of the "thrill" coasters/rides at WDW (with the exception of Mission Space:Orange but that isn't a coaster). Now maybe I'm crazy but IMO rides at WDW seem to have a little more "control" than other theme parks...

Here is my thoughts on the attraction you have named:

*Splash Mountain: Please don't chicken out on this one, I know it is easy to do but its bark is bigger than its bite. The hill looks much worse than it is, the hill is on an angle so it isn't as "straight-down" as it appears. This is a great ride; the music is fun..its really a great ride as a whole. It isn't a "coaster", there are a couple of small hills throughout the ride, but nothing to worry about. Youtube it to get a good idea of what the ride actually is about. The ride is almost 10 minutes and the big hill is over in a couple seconds. Just do it !

*BTMR: For coasters at WDW, it is the one of the tamest. It is a step up from The Great Goofini (which is more geared towards children although anyone can ride, located in Storybook Circus in the New Fantasyland). To me BTMR is not scary but is very fun. I was nervous to go on it the first time and kept waiting for a big hill....there wasn't any. It is just fast with a lot of turns and small hills but no big hills.

*EE: Great Coaster! Def. worth checking out. This is a very fun ride, there really isn't a big drop you go up a big hill (look around it is a gorgeous view) but the drop isn't big. You do go backwards during part of the ride but it is great. I was nervous to ride this one too, by time the ride was half over I was laughing & smiling while screaming because I was having a great time!

*Space Mountain: Fun....fast and rough (you do get bounced around good compared to other WDW rides). I think that is moreso because its in the dark, when you can see your body can turn and "roll with the punches" but when you can't see were your going very well it is harder to do that. Fun, a WDW classic.

* Dinosaur: Fun ride, very bouncy. Not a coaster, you are in "vehicles" and are "driving" through the area. Unless you are very afraid of dinos I don't see why this would be a really scary ride.

* Soarin': Ride this!!!! One of my favorite rides anywhere . It really is a very neat experience. If you are afraid of heights I would ask if you could be seated in the back as those chairs do not go up as high as the others. Just tell yourself it is only an illusion and you should be ok.

 

[hookedonears]

You've got to remember that it's Disney and not Six Flags or Universal. Disney designs its rides for the entire family. There are no severe drops and the rides don't beat you up.

 

[honeydiane1953]

I don't like "drop" rides either. IF it really bothers u and u want to try why not take "something" or maybe a good stiff drink??? Just a suggestion.

 

[Satchmo128]

My DH should read this thread. He is a super ride wimp.

Oh well....it means I get to ride EE over and over and over again with minimal wait (because I get to go through the single rider line )