Any advice for my fear?

[Cinemacrap33]

I'm gonna go to Disneyland in a few weeks, and while I'm sure I will have fun, one thing that you may know about me, is that I HATE coasters. Okay, I wouldn't say hate, but like a lot of people with coaster phobias, I don't like the feeling of freefalling, or drops, or whatever g-force that pushes you on your stomach. Now, I know for a fact that I'm NOT going on California Screamin' or the Tower of Terror (My older sister wants me to, but I REALLY don't want to.) However, I believe that I must face 3 coasters: the Matterhorn, Big Thunder Mountain, and Space Mountain. Believe me, I am more afraid of what's gonna happen on both Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain. Everyone around me is telling me that the rides aren't that bad, or that Space Mountain doesn't even go that fast, and as I believe them, I still have a fear, no matter how much I try to convince myself, especially when I'm probably gonna be on the Ghost Galaxy edition.

Look, to add a little background to me, I am a teenager, and the fastest coaster I have ever faced was the Roar at Six Flags, and I did fine at that, since I wasn't even crying like a baby. I even went on the Undertow and Logger's Revenge at the Boardwalk, and even went water tubing this summer. Believe me, these are things I would've NEVER done, but I did. So, I ask you, is Space Mountain, or even Big Thunder Mountain anything afraid of?



EDIT: This is a repost, since I posted this on the wrong forum.

 

[chickapin parterre]

I also am a non space, tower and screamin fan and will never ride again:

matterhorn is more like the olympic sport, the fear factor is how much damage is to your body when you step out of the bobsled.
thunder is one that I can ride over and over, there is so much to see that your mind is occupied and the drops are not that bad, more of a runaway train then coaster.
Space is dark, is a roller coaster, can't see, just not fun for me, save this one for last, as you may lose confidence for the tame Matterhorn and Thunder. If you were my sister, I would not let your ride space.

 

[4Siamese]

As a person that used to be TERRIFIED of roller coasters, the way I was able to conquer my fears was to ride Space Mountain. I had been afraid of coaster since i was a little kid, stemming from a ride on a rickety wooden coaster. Fast forward to my first disney trip. My wife knew of my fear of coasters and had tried to allay my fears but until I had gotten to the parks I was convinced that i was not going to go on any coasters.

Well long story short I finally screwed up the courage to try Space mountain for my 1st coaster experience in over 25yrs. The advice that my wife gave me and that honestly worked for me was that since Space mountain is in the dark you cant see what is coming up during the coarse of the ride, if you cant see it you can't dwell on your fears and you can simply experience, and in my case enjoy the sensations of the ride.

Worked so well i REALLY enjoy all the coaster at Disneyland now. 2 trips ago i again finally screwed up enough courage and rode California Screaming, and now really enjoy it as well. It was a slow workup to it but I now ride and enjoy all the coasters at disney.

My advice fwiw is to try one and see if you can do it, you never know you might actually enjoy it.

 

[Indiana Scott]

I feel the same way and basically avoid Space, Screaming and TOT. Like you, I don't like negative G's but I have grown very fond of BTMRR, Matterhorn (except the roughness..) and even the little ones like Gadgets.
My advice is to push yourself a little but if they really bother you then leave them be. It's not worth torturing ourselves when there's so many other fun things to do.

 

[Rubygoose]

I think you need to decide if you are ready and willing to conquer your fear, or if you're just doing this to make everyone else happy. There is so much to do at Disneyland without going on things that will make you anxious and could ruin the enjoyment of your trip. Having said that... when my kids hit the 40 inch height mark, we asked them to try the rides that they were able to ride "just once" and if they didn't like it, they didn't have to do it again. The reasoning is that you can't decide that you don't like something if you haven't given it a try. The kids understand that everything at Disneyland is safe, and that the height requirements are put in place to keep us safe. Both of my kids felt really sick after Tower of Terror and my son cried on Space Mountain, so I didn't make them do it again (and I really dislike Space mountain, but that's probably because my son was crying and I couldn't see him to comfort him.) I refuse to ride the Tea Cups because I know that they make me ill and will ruin the rest of my trip. So, if you are really uncomfortable with something, it's your decision to either face your fear or to stand up to the people in your group and explain that your idea of fun doesn't include doing things that make you uncomfortable.

 

[NannyBeBe]

I am afraid of coasters too; however I do enjoy BTMRR. My daughter convinced me to ride Space this past summer and I was terrified. I was sure I was going to be thrown out of the car. And I felt sick to my stomach for a couple of hours afterward. Will never ride it again.

 

[taniahappy]

You will be perfect for Matterhorn and Big Thunder ... Space I was thinking about it and so I did a search for a video of the ride you say you were fine at (Roar) and after watching it I have to say I think you will be ok, just remember the ride is dark... but enjoy it, it actually feels really awesome

 

[offwithyourhead]

There are two kinds of fear of coasters, I think: Fear of the largeness/speed/loops OR fear of just anything that moves in a non-calm manner.

If it's the stomach-dropping you hate, I'd really just avoid Tower of Terror. I hate that feeling, but I rode it. It's really NOT so bad that you feel like you're going to throw up or anything. The part of ToT that I hate is the DANG SEATS. You're sitting on a bench with a lap belt and nothing else and I got in there and was like "Oh hello yes I would like to go on a ride that simulates a plunging elevator with less restraint than the Alice in freaking wonderland ride!! My fears are feeling not secured in, mostly, lol. I didn't like it for that reason but would definitely ride again now that I know exactly what to expect.

Big Thunder is mostly noise. You're not really going that fast and the track doesn't have massive drops or anything. The clack-clack-clack sound is what makes you feel like you're speeding really fast. It goes max 35 mph

Space is about sensory deprivation. There are wind machines, fast music, you can't see except what they want you to see, and you don't know what the next part of the track is because you can't SEE it ahead of you. Sight is a huge part of your senses and the deprivation of it can make things feel more intense than they are. There are small drops here, no endless plunges or anything. Max speed is actually 28 mph.

Matterhorn is more about the fact that the ride is rough as heck than the speed, or drops. It's a scenic ride, as is Big Thunder, so they don't go too fast so you can see the things in the ride. It goes 27 mph.

In comparison to these, California Screamin goes 62 mph. The Roar at Six Flags goes 50. If you could take on that, I think you'll be fine with all of the above.

And if you're successful with all three, I do urge you to try the other two once. Every time I rode Screamin' it got more enjoyable and the drops bothered me less and less. Watch some videos before your trip of a first-person view of the rides so you'll know what to expect. Just remember: It's safe, meticulously inspected repeatedly, and you will not die. The weird feeling in your stomach will subside after you get off and you'll be left with the adrenaline. It's fun once you get the hang of it, even that stomach-dropping feeling Good luck.

 

[sgrap]

I never liked roller coasters (even as a teenager I hated them), and now have back and neck problems, so I wouldn't ride them even if I enjoyed them. The rest of my family loves them, however. I wait/shop/people watch while they go on the rides I won't do. I am also the fastpass runner and the photographer. I do Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Peter Pan, Small World, the train, submarines, Jungle Cruise, swan boats, Buzz Lightyear and in DCA Monsters, Soarin' (with meds for my motion sickness), Little Mermaid . . . I have done Toy Story Midway Mania, but it bothered my neck. No roller coaster issues, though. I did RSR twice last time, which was pushing my very upper limits for tolerance, but I survived. It is really cool, so I made myself do it. I would try Racers and Pirates first and then if you tolerate those try BTMRR. I did Space Mtn once as a teenager and did not enjoy it--you can't see what is coming, which made it worse. I would try an outdoor one before doing Space Mtn. Don't get pressured into doing what you don't want to do. Give the things you want to try a shot and see what you think--work your way up. Most of all, have FUN! It's not fun if you are torturing yourself. Have a Dole whip and enjoy Disneyland if you don't want to go on what your family or friends are doing.

 

[4Mickeys]

So there is a mix in my family DS 10 the dare devil and then the rest of us! On our trip last year none of us did California Screamin or Tower of Terror - I almost did California Screamin with DS10 but stood and watched it to long and chickened out (I also had some other anxiety about some swelling in my legs and was worried it would push my blood pressure to high lol). BUT I did do Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road after flat out refusing to do it on my last visit 19 years ago - I loved this ride it has some smaller drops but they are longer and sweeping which reduces that roller coaster effect. I did want to try Matterhorn but just didn't get there

Now for DS 13 at the time - he has always been a bit of a ride chicken as well but his best mate had been to DL the year before us and came home and told him he HAD to go on Space Mountain - so with some peer pressure at play he braved it and went on with his younger brother . They rode it 2-3 times in total - whilst it wasn't their favourite they said it was good. He also did Matterhorn and BTMRR which he loved.

Lastly my DD 10 refused to go on anything obviously rollercoastery - She came on Indy once only and hated it and would not get back on. On our very last day I talked her into Gadget's Go Coaster - my plan was to get her on that and then onto BTMRR She ended up doing both and then really liking BTMRR and wanted to ride again but we sadly were out of time and she couldn't and was hugely disappointed as we are in Australia and its not like we will be back anytime soon.

Hope our stories of chicken riders being brave and enjoying it help you to be brave if you decide to have a go. Good luck and just remember if you do and you start to hate it close your eyes, hold on tight and it will be over in only a couple of minutes

 

[millie0312]

I'm not sure if it would help but before we went I showed my DD a bunch of YouTube videos of the scary rides including different perspectives, angles, lights, etc- once she show space mountain with night vision on the video (it looks really silly) she no longer had any fear about it. I know it's not the same as being on it but watching a bunch of videos could calm you and show the logical side of you exactly what your doing during the ride so even in the dark you aren't surprised or scared

 

[GenGen22]

Ok I am a complete chicken, fradie cat or whatever you wanna call it. Big thunder is honestly no big deal especially if you have gone on something like Roar. This ride is not scary imo. The Matterhorn may look scary but it's not. Its more bumpy than anything which I believe keeps it from going too fast. As far as Space mountain is concerned at first I was really scared because I don't like not knowing what's going on & not being able to see what's happening. My daughter always wants to ride it & always begs me to ride it so I do ride it. The more I ride it The less scared I am. The tips I can give you that won't make it so bad are first I keep telling myself over & over that it's not so bad, that it's not scary or a big deal. This is mind over matter. It helps. Second is remember to listen to the announcer as he counts down 4, 3, 2, 1 take off.. for when the ride takes off this way you will know when it's going to start the ride. At least you will be prepared. Its not too fast & once you get used to it, it will be ok. As far as tower of terror don't do it!!! It's horrifying!!! The scarriest ride ever well to me anyhow... It doesn't drop you once or twice but several times. Very scary... Good luck, you will be fine.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I was afraid of coasters until a friend shoved me on Goliath and I've loved them since then, so I'm not perfect to respond here but I'll still give you my 2 cents! Since you've been on coasters and know you don't like them I would say don't push yourself at DL. DL in my mind is a fun, safe place, someplace to enjoy yourself and relax, not necessarily a time to "face your fears". IF you want to face your fear of roller coasters some more Matterhorn & Big Thunder are a very good place to start. They are both highly themed, including extensive areas where you can see the outside park from the ride. I consider them to be half-coasters. Space Mountain I consider a full roller coaster, and the dark is absolutely scary. I would not recommend it to someone who is scared of roller coasters unless you find you have no problems on Matterhorn or Big Thunder. I can do Space but I don't enjoy it so I just let everyone else hit it while I do something else.

Also be aware there a couple drops on Pirates (I suspect you'll be ok but it is dark, sit next to a trusted friend) & a few drops on Splash Mountain (the largest you can see outside the ride). If you feel you have to try the rides once, now is a great time to do it. But my best advice is that if you don't enjoy it be honest with yourself and don't ride that ride again, there are plenty of calmer rides to enjoy at DL! Best of luck, I hope you have an amazing time!

 

[figment_jii]

If you're family is willing to compromise a bit on Big Thunder, I highly recommend riding as near to the front of the train as possible. In terms of the "drops" it seems far less intense to me because the front of the train has to wait for the latter half to reach the summit before it can really gain much speed. So for the first "drop" and the one in the middle, you'll already be part of the way down when the train picks up speed. That might help a little.

As others have said, Matterhorn doesn't really have any major drops or turns. Mostly it's just really bumpy. For the most part, you can see what is coming and brace yourself. Again, if you ride in the front part of the car, you'll be able to see things easier and there might be a little less "whip lash" on the turns.

There really isn't much that can be done for Space. It's just to dark inside to be able to easily see the track and what is coming. For SMGG, I do think many of the projections are really timed to the front car, so if you sit in the back car you won't see as much. With Space, some of the "intensity" is due to the music, so if you wore ear plugs that might help (think of it as watching a movie without the sound effects). The music is fast paced, which probably makes you think the car is going faster than it really is.

The last thing I can think of is that if you really don't want to ride the ride, you can keep your family company in line and then when it's time to board, just tell the CM you've changed your mind.

 

[sillybaer]

In most parks I go for the kiddie coasters. I'm not sure I would have even gone on Roar (although I have not been to that park since 6 flags purchased it). However, I *LOVE* Big Thunder Mountain. It's like a kiddie coaster that's a little longer and has grown-up sized seats. I'm not so excited about the Matterhorn but it's not terrible. It took me much longer to warm up to Space Mountain but even that one is not bad. On my most recent trip I had my tiny kids who couldn't ride anything so I made a point to go on Big Thunder but skipped the rest. Last time I went with just adults I rode the rest of the coasters in Disneyland as often as I could. Most people who really love roller coasters and thrill rides aren't super-happy in Disneyland because the coasters there are very tame. (That being said, I did let a friend talk me into CA Screamin once and never again. But my friend also decided not to tell me that it's designed to propel to basically full speed from the start. There's no slow chug up the first hill to get you ready. Thought I'd warn you in case your sister talks you into it and is as mean as my friend was : )

 

[mgd]

Matterhorn should be no problem at all for you (or anyone for that matter, it is much milder than the sounds of it suggest with only mild dips). The only issue should be pain from bumpiness.

BTMRR is fast but also doesn't have any dramatic drops or G's. I say do it.

I would have been cautious to recommend space mountain, but since you said you were fine on Roar, I would think you will also like space mountain. You feel some wind and your eyes might tear up a little from the wind, but the drops are not too bad, mainly some side G-forces on some fast turns, but if you hold on tight it's not bad. After seeing the big drops and speed that Roar has, I don't see what you would be scared of. Space Mtn has a max speed of 35mph compared to roar's 51. I actually think the current ghost galaxy version of space mtn feels a little tamer maybe since the strobe light effects aren't as extreme?, so it might be a good idea and then you will want to come back for the classic version in the future.

For the record, I won't go on screaming or splash or anything with huge drops, but all the 3 you mentioned are fine to me. I probably wouldn't even go on Roar.

I would just recommend not letting your phobia occupy too much of your mind leading upto and on the trip trying to decide what to do. Get it over with early and be happy, whether you decide to go on them or not. (although for those 3, you shouldn't be scared)

 

[chickapin parterre]

The drops!!! I see the Splash drop tame to the drop on Goofy flight school. Being 6'5 and 300 pounds, I barely fit in Goofy apparatus and always have the sensation of falling out. Goofy is great for the fear thrill, each turn is the sensation of going off the rails. But on splash, I just hold on, suck in breath and cringe at the water. Which is strange, can't tolerate the others, but splash drop is a walk in the park!!!

 

[disneyphx]

Like some previous posters mentioned, I think it is figuring out what you don't like exactly. For me - BTMRR is not my favorite because you really slide around on the seat, and while I love Space Mountain (no drops!), Ghost Galaxy just grosses me out, so I either skip it or close my eyes. Beware of Goofy's Fly School - it is small, but very jerky, and has kind of 'open' drops.....
Good luck!

 

[VandVsmama]

My two cents:

1. Go on Gadget's Go Coaster first in Mickey's Toon Town. The ride is a measly 30 seconds long, but it's a good baptism into roller coasters.
2. Then try the Matterhorn.
3. Next up would be Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I second the suggestion to sit near the front of the train. Back of the train will feel like you're going faster.
4. Space Mountain next. Like the others, it doesn't go upside down. Lots of turns and you can't see anything but stars. Disneyland uses fans & other special effects to make it feel like you're going faster than you really are.
5. Goofy's Sky School - skip this. It's very open. My DH hates roller coasters and he is willing to do something like Matterhorn but totally hates Goofy's Sky School because the cars are very small & uncomfortable and he said it feels like he's going to fall out of the thing.
6. Tower of Terror - stay far away....unless you enjoy the feeling of free falling.
7. California Screamin' - stay away from this, too, because of speed & it goes upside down.

 

[Cinemacrap33]

Like some previous posters mentioned, I think it is figuring out what you don't like exactly. For me - BTMRR is not my favorite because you really slide around on the seat, and while I love Space Mountain (no drops!), Ghost Galaxy just grosses me out, so I either skip it or close my eyes. Beware of Goofy's Fly School - it is small, but very jerky, and has kind of 'open' drops.....
Good luck!

Thanks for all the advice. Now, what I am afraid of exactly? Well, besides the drops, I still don't like the g-forces on my body, or on any type. I don't know if I can handle the speed of SM, despite the coasters I've ridden are faster. Look, people tell me that it ain't that fast, but I'm still not sure.


Speaking of which, my father took me to DL in 06, and he dragged me on Sky School. I do NOT remember their jerky ness.