Afraid of fireworks??

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I have to ask this here in hopes that maybe someone will be able to shed some light on this one for me. I understand a child being afraid of fireworks, but not an adult being afraid of fireworks. We are going to Disney with some friends of ours and last night I found out that my friend is afraid of fireworks when we were at a baseball game together and there was fireworks afterwards.

I always figured kids were scared because of the sound. I don't get what the issue is for an adult though. I asked my friend to elaborate and she really couldn't or wouldn't give me an answer except to say she "just doesn't like them" and she is "afraid of them". I don't get it at all.

Anyway, she has me paranoid now because we certainly partake in all the fireworks displays going on when we do Disney and I don't want to have to skip out just because it scares her. I don't want to be insensitive either, but I just am not willing to sacrifice something our family looks forward to. Does anyone experience this fear of fireworks, cause quite honestly it boggles my mind. I'm not sure what I am supposed to do now with regards to our trip plans. I think to ask friends if they are ride people and stuff, but never "btw...are you afraid of fireworks"? Any suggestions on how to deal with this?

 

[dfarner]

If it were me I wouldn't push her on finding out why she doesn't like them. Her fear could be deep-seeded and personal. She may have had a bad experience or personal tragedy that makes her scared of them. I wouldn't change my plans either. She can easily ride rides while the fireworks are going on or go in the shops, etc...

 

[xmansmom]

I can't help you with an explanation because an adult being afraid of firewords is just so bizarre (IMO). My suggestion is to have your friend do some shopping during the fireworks. My son used to be afraid so I would take him to Main Street and do some shopping at that time. As a mother I didn't mind missing them because I knew he was truly afraid. As a friend it would be a different story. She is an adult and will be fine by herself. I think you should enjoy the fireworks and not feel bad about it. You'll be at WDW, not at the local ballpark. If I were your friend I certainly wouldn't expect you to miss out on something you really enjoy just because it isn't my cup of tea. Just talk to her about it and I'm sure it will be fine.

 

[DisneyAllison]

That is a bit unusual. I think that I would nicely tell her that you and your family are planning to view the fireworks. Maybe you can even tell her some nice alternative places to see / shop while the fireworks are going on. I am sure that if the roles were reversed she would expect the same.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Okay I feel a little better now, because I really do find this bizarre. I'm not making fun of her phobia, but I just can't grasp the concept of a grown person having a fear of fireworks.

I really wasn't pressing her for an explanation so much as I was looking to understand. I am afraid of spiders, but I can tell you why I am afraid of them-because they are ugly and weird looking and they give me the willies! Maybe not a totally acceptable explanation, but at least I can verbalize my feelings behind my fear.

Just very puzzled and trying to be sensitive to the problem (and also praying there are no more surprises).

 

[dfarner]

Okay I feel a little better now, because I really do find this bizarre. I'm not making fun of her phobia, but I just can't grasp the concept of a grown person having a fear of fireworks.

This reminds me of last fall when we took our 5 month old. I thought FOR SURE the fireworks would bother her, didn't a bit. But yeah, you're right, you never think of an adult being bothered by them.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

People often aren't able to explain their phobias, they just have them. Just because your friend doesn't want to view the fireworks, doesn't mean your family can't enjoy them. Even if you don't want to split up, there are plenty of indoor things to do near the fireworks displays. Your friend could do some shopping in the Main Street stores at MK, or sit and have a drink or dessert at Epcot. Just pick a place to meet up afterwards.

The only place where this wouldn't be convenient would be Fantasmic. You'll just have to agree to go your separate ways that night.

 

[tinkandpan]

I personally have trouble with the sounds of the fireworks and being in the main area causes me severe trouble. I actually feel my heart tighten as the sounds go off because it really does cause pain to my ears (my son is the same way). That being said, there is plenty to do in the parks during that time. What I do if I am with people who want to be right where they are going off is go off on my own and shop or get a coffee and watch them from far away or just do my own thing. It has never bothered me.

 

[badblackpug]

I can't help you with an explanation because an adult being afraid of firewords is just so bizarre (IMO). My suggestion is to have your friend do some shopping during the fireworks. My son used to be afraid so I would take him to Main Street and do some shopping at that time. As a mother I didn't mind missing them because I knew he was truly afraid. As a friend it would be a different story. She is an adult and will be fine by herself. I think you should enjoy the fireworks and not feel bad about it. You'll be at WDW, not at the local ballpark. If I were your friend I certainly wouldn't expect you to miss out on something you really enjoy just because it isn't my cup of tea. Just talk to her about it and I'm sure it will be fine.

I don't find it bizarre at all. My firend grew up in Beirut, and HATES fireworks. I, actually find it quite understandable. I 2nd the suggesion of doing some shopping, or getting a snack, or riding a ride during the fireworks

 

[Tikicampers]

I can understand the fear of fireworks, because I am very easily startled. Sudden loud noises or motions really freak me out. That said I actually do ok with large fireworks shows. It's really only the fireworks that my neighbors set off that bother me anymore. Your friend may be a bit embarrased by her fear and that could be why she doesn't want to discuss it. I am also afraid of balloons because I am so afraid they will pop. No one understands why I refuse to allow DS to get a balloon at the grocery store.

 

[Gillian]

My son & I are both bothered by loud noises. I am not afraid of fireworks (he is but is learning to deal with it) but I really don't like them.

Illuminations is something we skip now because it really isn't worth it for us.

For me, one of the best things I've seen was Wishes from the monorail. Now you can't easily plan that, but it was so cool! I have heard of people watching from the ferry dock across the water also.

 

[rwrocksme]

Your friend may be sensory-defensive (search for it on Wikipedia). It's not so much a fear but an actual, physical reation. I am sensory defensive with touch and sound (to give you an idea, I think silk is itchy). I'm not sure if this is the case, but if it is, she may be embaressed (sp?).

I do agree with suggestions about shopping, or a snack. Snacks are always fun!!!

 

[xoprincessmomxo]

I feel like a dork...but I'm scared of fireworks. The sound drives me crazy, like fingernails on a chalkboard, and I have a completely unfounded fear of them malfunctioning and chasing me. I know, ridiculous...I even get frightened by bottle rockets! It's just something I've dealt with since childhood and something I have been ridiculed for all of my life.

Anyway, the Disney fireworks have NEVER bothered me as bad as most fireworks. I suppose it's because of the music on the loud speakers and the beauty of it all. Don't pressure her on the reason for her fear, there's probably no reason for it and I am sure, if she is like me, is embarassed by the irrationality of it. If I was her I would have no problem letting you enjoy the fireworks and finding something else to do for myself. But, give her a chance. She might find she actually enjoys them Disneyfied. I am sure the last thing she wants you to do is change your plans for her. That would make her feel worse than the fireworks ever would. Now, feel free to laugh at me.

 

[EmptyCinema]

I love fireworks! Big ones, small ones, loud ones, quiet ones... I can't go to WDW and NOT see (at least) Wishes. Usually see it 2-3 times in a trip!

But I could see how some people don't like it. Some people have sensitive ears, bad memories, whatever. I can't say that anyone's fear of fireworks is any "sillier" than my fear of heights and extreme thrill rides (RnR, ToT).

My advice: if you want to see the fireworks with them, find a place to watch them where they will be LESS noisy: it's much quieter at/near the train station on main street. AVOID toontown, especially near the hall of fame. In the hall of fame, you can feel the building shake from the fireworks, which I believe launch (the big ones anyway) from behind there. The little "fountains" launch from on top of fantasyland and on the castle.

If it's a noise issue, you could also try foam earplugs. Look at the travel section of your local store, they frequently sell them for flying/travel.

 

[starbox]

If you eat at Ohana for dinner, you can watch Wishes through the large glass windows (they play the soundtrach in time with the fireworks), but you'll be at a safe distance and won't hear the loud noise. She might like that.

 

[EmptyCinema]

If you eat at Ohana for dinner, you can watch Wishes through the large glass windows (they play the soundtrach in time with the fireworks), but you'll be at a safe distance and won't hear the loud noise. She might like that.

That sounds like fun -- can you see the whole thing, or is it just kinda the tops of the fireworks? Can you see the castle?

 

[starbox]

That sounds like fun -- can you see the whole thing, or is it just kinda the tops of the fireworks? Can you see the castle?

You can pretty much see it all - it's a fabulous view and they dim the lights and play the soundtrack in perfect synch with the show. We LOVE watching Wishes from Ohana!!

 

[EmptyCinema]

You can pretty much see it all - it's a fabulous view and they dim the lights and play the soundtrack in perfect synch with the show. We LOVE watching Wishes from Ohana!!

That must make those reservations fun to get.

 

[solgent]

To people who dislike the noise of fireworks, I recommend ear protectors. I got them for my daughter. They do not block out all noise but make things very much quieter. The sound of fireworks is not startling when you have these on. You can read about it and see a photo of her wearing them in my trip report from August 06.

 

[starbox]

That must make those reservations fun to get.

We've never had a problem, when we call to make ADRs we just ask them to look up the time for Wishes that night and make our reservations accordingly. It's a bit late for dinner - so there have always been openings. To be honest, I don't think the secret about O'hana and Wishes is out there yet.