Conquering ride fears, one at a time! Advice?

[Princesca]

Hey all...

So I am 41 and have never been on a roller coaster that went upside down. I've been on Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and BTMRR, and 7DMT, and didn't have any problems with those, though generally I can take them or leave them. I'm not crazy for roller coasters. LOVED Test Track, liked Dinosaur except it was just a tiny bit too jerky for my preference.

I am afraid of heights, like I would have to crawl across a natural bridge and can't stand on the top level of a set of bleachers without a railing, but I can ride a ferris wheel - I just choose not to look down. I have never really gotten motion sickness.

So I've decided I want to start conquering my bucket list ride fears one ride at a time. Of the following, which do you guys think would be the "easiest" to conquer?

- Everest
- Rockin Roller Coaster
- Mission Space: Orange
- Tower of Terror

I love the theming around Everest, and think I'd love the theming at ToT too. But I ADORE space, and secretly have always wanted to be an astronaut, so Mission Space is really something I'd love to do. I loooooove MS: Green. I plan on multiple trips to Disney in coming years, so I can tackle one per visit.

So which one would be the best way to gently dip my toe in the water? And do you have any tips for handling the ride you suggest?

THANKS!

 

[IrishNYC]

I'm not a huge fan of roller coasters that really shake you up, but I have a 6 year old that is fearless, so I've had to suck it up. I rode both Everest and ToT last year with her, and they weren't awful. I rode Everest several times, but refused to do ToT more than once - I just don't like those drops or the jerkiness. I will not ride MS:O because I don't want to be in an enclosed space.

As for RnRC, if DD was tall enough, I would have ridden with her. When I was younger (I'm 44) as long as a coaster was smooth, the upside down didn't bother me so much.

 

[lindsmom]

I did Everest a few years back - it had been a while since I had been able to do big rides. (I used to do corkscrews, loops, etc)

Everest was doable, and I would recommend it. I was kind of a wuss about it, screamed the whole time but I survived - lol. I was doing a favor for my niece that was with me so she didn't have to ride by herself - sounds like you are more motivated to enjoy it, so I think you would like it.

I won't do RRC because from reports, that just won't be fun for me, and I know that I wouldn't like MS as I don't like motion simulators and like PP said, I don't like the small space (did it as Star Tours a lifetime ago and have no desire to go back in those small machines).

 

[JennyDrake]

I think ToT is easiest. I put it off for years and even used the "Chicken Exit"!

IMHO Everest is (only) intense during the backward segment in the dark when you will *feel* like you are going upside down. Take deliberate, big, deep breaths. Overall, it's a fun ride.

RnRC is very very short.

I have not done orange due to inner ear issues.

BTW, I'm 51 yo.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Part of the fear factor for thrill rides is that you can see what is coming and you can let yourself get worked up ahead of time. For that reason, I would actually recommend RnRC. It is in the dark, so with the exception of the countdown at the beginning, you don't know what is coming and as it is so fast, it's over before you know it. With ToT, you know when the drop is about to happen and even thought I love it and all thrill rides, I can feel the anticipation coming on me. Same thing with EE. MS keeps you busy as you have a "job" to do, but to me, it might be the hardest one to overcome, even in the dark.

BTW I'm 61.

 

[CAS239]

Out of your list..easiest to most intense

Rockin Rollercoaster
Everest
Tower of Terror
Mission Space orange

The way to get over your fear is too just ride it. My first coaster was when I was like 12 at Six Flags New Orleans. It was a short coaster that went backwards the entire time and had corkscrews and a loop. I didn't want to ride it but my grandma pushed me to. Rode it and loved it. Now I'll ride any coaster out there.

-Rockin Rollercoaster: super smooth. Keep your head back and enjoy it. Loops and corkscrews might seem intense but you really don't feel them. It's all indoors, the A/C and music are great

-Everest: no loops, pretty straightforward fun coaster. The scenery is amazing on the ride and it's a lot of fun. The most intense parts are when you go backwards through the helix slightly upwards, and the big drop going outside. It's like Big Thunder Mountain on steroids. You of course don't go upside down but when you go through the backwards helix you're going at an upward angle so a lot of people "feel" like their about to go upside down. Keyword is "about", as no one feels like they actually went upside down

-Tower of Terror: only intense thing here is if you hate the feeling of your stomach dropping. I love the feeling so I enjoy the ride. If you don't mind the feeling then definitely ride it.

-Mission Space Orange: I'm not a fan of this one. Imo this is one of the most intense rides I've ever been on. Beating out any coaster I've done. The confined space doesn't bother me, but the spinning feature to give the negative and positive G's is what does it for me. This is the only ride I've felt like I was going to throw up

 

[Belle5]

I haven't read all the replies but wanted to say that IMO coasters that take you upside down are not nearly as frightening as really huge straight down drops or the beginning of RRC where it shoots you out really fast (I don't like having my breath taken away like that). Honestly, you will be very pleasantly surprised at what a non-issue it is to do a loop or two or three!

Mission Space isn't a coaster. It's my least favorite (by far) actually not a favorite at all. It was on that ride that I discovered that I'm claustrophobic as I felt like I was having a heart attack and had to practice Lamaze breathing just to get me through it! Green and orange are the same to me (tried both) and it wasn't the force that bothered me...it was the caged in thing...

I think Expedition Everest is the easiest, followed by Tower of Terror then RRC (because of the shoot out at the beginning. I dread that!).

 

[Princesca]

Just to clarify, I only stated my age because I have noticed that my er... what to call it... sense of equilibrium (?) is definitely not what it once was. I used to be able to ride the scrambler ride at most fairs umpteen bazillion times, and the last time I rode it I had to close my eyes near the end because it was just getting to be too much.

Part of the fear factor for thrill rides is that you can see what is coming and you can let yourself get worked up ahead of time. For that reason, I would actually recommend RnRC. It is in the dark, so with the exception of the countdown at the beginning, you don't know what is coming and as it is so fast, it's over before you know it. With ToT, you know when the drop is about to happen and even thought I love it and all thrill rides, I can feel the anticipation coming on me. Same thing with EE. MS keeps you busy as you have a "job" to do, but to me, it might be the hardest one to overcome, even in the dark.

BTW I'm 61.

It's interesting you mention the anticipation factor - I do think that is probably valid for me. I tend to have anticipatory anxiety.

 

[Parker Clan]

I have a serious fear of heights, I cannot do ferris wheels - those are terrifying!! Being suspended out in the air like that, I won't even do the monorail anymore! Yes make fun of me, but several years ago I was stranded on it for about an hour. With that being said - ToT is my all time fave ride!! It does scare me, ie the anticipation like someone said, but it's just so darn fun.. Those drops!! I also love Everest and just close my eyes on the descent up!

 

[DizzyDis]

Out of your list..easiest to most intense

Rockin Rollercoaster
Everest
Tower of Terror
Mission Space orange

The way to get over your fear is too just ride it. My first coaster was when I was like 12 at Six Flags New Orleans. It was a short coaster that went backwards the entire time and had corkscrews and a loop. I didn't want to ride it but my grandma pushed me to. Rode it and loved it. Now I'll ride any coaster out there.

-Rockin Rollercoaster: super smooth. Keep your head back and enjoy it. Loops and corkscrews might seem intense but you really don't feel them. It's all indoors, the A/C and music are great

-Everest: no loops, pretty straightforward fun coaster. The scenery is amazing on the ride and it's a lot of fun. The most intense parts are when you go backwards through the helix slightly upwards, and the big drop going outside. It's like Big Thunder Mountain on steroids. You of course don't go upside down but when you go through the backwards helix you're going at an upward angle so a lot of people "feel" like their about to go upside down. Keyword is "about", as no one feels like they actually went upside down

-Tower of Terror: only intense thing here is if you hate the feeling of your stomach dropping. I love the feeling so I enjoy the ride. If you don't mind the feeling then definitely ride it.

-Mission Space Orange: I'm not a fan of this one. Imo this is one of the most intense rides I've ever been on. Beating out any coaster I've done. The confined space doesn't bother me, but the spinning feature to give the negative and positive G's is what does it for me. This is the only ride I've felt like I was going to throw up

I completely agree with this ordering. For RnRc, the worst part is definitely the countdown at the front, then it is smooth from there on. Definitely keep your head back and then just enjoy the music. Because it is dark, I find I just have fun and don't notice exactly what is going on in terms of turns, upside down, etc. Everest, I find the backwards part hard and I get a bit more nervous because I can see what is coming up.

ToT is the one I have the most trouble with, because I find the uncertainty of when it will drop unsettling, and don't like the dropping/falling sensation. I have actually never done Mission Space: Orange as I didn't really care for green and now that I travel with little kids, my time on grown-up rides is precious, so would prefer to go on RnRc a few extra times instead!

 

[Mikie]

I definitely agree that RNR (one of my favorites!) is the "easiest" of your list. However, you will have a bit of that anticipatory problem just because while you're waiting, you do get to see (and hear the screams!) of the cars as they depart on the initial blast-off. The rest of the ride truly is very smooth, can't see what's next, and over pretty quickly. I know you go upside down, but I think I was surprised when I heard the exact number of corkscrews or inversions, because I don't realize all of what happens.

I have quite a fear of heights (embarrassingly, mall escalators that are several stories high bother me) but I think the ride restraints and being enclosed help me on all of these rides. RNR - can't see the hills; Everest - feel very secure by the restraints and don't see lots of the heights/track like you do at un-themed coasters in other parks; Tower - to me, it's not much a sensation of being up high, just the dropping that is so notable. The theming there is phenomenal, so makes it totally worth it to me!! Haven't done MS:Orange, as I get motion sick, so I skip it.

 

[jane2073]

I grew up always being the one that holds the coats and bags while everyone else went on the more thrilling rides.
For the past twenty years I have slowly been becoming more daring one ride at a time.

If you close your eyes (in terror in my case) you don't even realize you have gone upside down. Of course you also miss all of the scenery.

 

[barb969]

I am not a roller coaster fan. I tolerate certain ones to keep my husband company.

RnRc-If you close your eyes, you cannot feel the corkscrews or loops. Ride it once,if you survive ride it again and peek. My complaint about this one is my head bangs the restraint, so I refuse to ride . My husband has no problem because he is tall and his head is above the restraint. Also he loves all roller coasters.

EE - Only part that is the least bit scary is the backward part in the dark. Only lasts a few seconds. I ride this.

SM - I won't ride because it is too rough. No loops, corkscrews, or backwards.

MS - I've rode the easy side. It is not bad but I thought it was dumb and I would rather read a book while my husband goes.

ToT - I go on it once per trip. I don't like the feeling.

Hope this helps.

 

[Criickette]

My fear of heights developed later in life around mid twenties. So I have had a chance to ride all of these rides in question before my fear, and with the fear. I do not have any issues with motion sickness at all. Here are my opinions.

Everest is very doable, high but a lot to look at on the attraction to entertain your mind without looking straight down.

Rockin Roller Coaster is doable as well. It's a darker ride with cool decor but you can't really tell how high you are at all. However I do not care for this ride because it whacks my head around.

Mission Space: Orange is a favorite of mine. In my opinion, this is all about motion sickness. If you are fine with small spaces and don't have motion sickness, you will be fine.

Tower of Terror was a favorite in the past, but since my fear of heights developed...this ride freaks me out. I really loved this ride too but it hits that MAJOR fear button now.

 

[tobikaye]

I am afraid of heights, like I would have to crawl across a natural bridge and can't stand on the top level of a set of bleachers without a railing, but I can ride a ferris wheel - I just choose not to look down. I have never really gotten motion sickness.

For the bolded reasons above, I would start with Mission Space: Orange or RnR. I have only done Mission Space: Orange once and I did get a bit nauseous, but I tend to have a bit of motion sickness from time to time. I will likely give it one more try before I totally write it off though. (I still have to try Mission Space: Green.

I would also suggest RnR as there are no slow climbs. I have a love/hate with roller coasters mostly for the slow climbs up large hills since I also have a fear of heights. There is no slow climb on RnR, plus it is in the dark and very fast. You really do not have time to think about what could be ahead. I love this type of coaster.

I can usually only do ToT about once a trip, sometimes not at all. It just depends on my mood that trip. As for EE, I can ride it multiple times a trip. The height did not really bother me much once I was on the ride, but from outside it had me concerned.

Have you watched point of view videos of TOT or EE? That might help you decide on those. I think the POV videos for Mission Space and RnR might not really be helpful.

 

[nilla]

I would say Mission: Space would be the easiest. Yes, it's intense, but it's all G-forces - no big drops, turns, etc. After that, probably ToT, then RnRC, then Everest.

 

[nilla]

BTW, a BIG THUMBS UP for wanting to conquer your fears!

 

[AngiTN]

Part of the fear factor for thrill rides is that you can see what is coming and you can let yourself get worked up ahead of time. For that reason, I would actually recommend RnRC. It is in the dark, so with the exception of the countdown at the beginning, you don't know what is coming and as it is so fast, it's over before you know it. With ToT, you know when the drop is about to happen and even thought I love it and all thrill rides, I can feel the anticipation coming on me. Same thing with EE. MS keeps you busy as you have a "job" to do, but to me, it might be the hardest one to overcome, even in the dark.

BTW I'm 61.

Same exact place my mind went. Do RnR first. That way, you have no way to know what's going to happen, you just ride and enjoy it. Not seeing the loops makes a huge difference.
DGD hated EE for a while, because se could see what was next. She had no problem with RnR because she didn't even realize it went upside down, since she couldn't see it

 

[Baklava]

Hey all...

So I am 41 and have never been on a roller coaster that went upside down. I've been on Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and BTMRR, and 7DMT, and didn't have any problems with those, though generally I can take them or leave them. I'm not crazy for roller coasters. LOVED Test Track, liked Dinosaur except it was just a tiny bit too jerky for my preference.

I am afraid of heights, like I would have to crawl across a natural bridge and can't stand on the top level of a set of bleachers without a railing, but I can ride a ferris wheel - I just choose not to look down. I have never really gotten motion sickness.

So I've decided I want to start conquering my bucket list ride fears one ride at a time. Of the following, which do you guys think would be the "easiest" to conquer?

- Everest
- Rockin Roller Coaster
- Mission Space: Orange
- Tower of Terror

I love the theming around Everest, and think I'd love the theming at ToT too. But I ADORE space, and secretly have always wanted to be an astronaut, so Mission Space is really something I'd love to do. I loooooove MS: Green. I plan on multiple trips to Disney in coming years, so I can tackle one per visit.

So which one would be the best way to gently dip my toe in the water? And do you have any tips for handling the ride you suggest?

THANKS!

I am 41 and I rode my first inversion coaster this January! RnR was a good starter because for me the open air is the big issue and it's indoors and mostly dark.

Personally I would go Mission Space, Everest, RnR, Tower of Terror. *My* big trigger is open spaces. Now that I've gotten past the first time, RnR is less scary than ToT even though I tried ToT several years earlier.

 

[Mitzicat]

I will be 42 in 19 days...and I would suggest Mission Space, Tower of Terror, Everest, RnR. For me mission space is more about the confined space but if you keep your head straight ahead and breath calmly you won't have a problem. The "car/vehicle" is so amazing all the buttons, dials, and lights. You can play with all of them. Tower of Terror is just an elevator that pushes and pulls you. Its all controlled. If that elevator were to really "fall" the force of the air would blow out the bottom floor windows / doors (read this on the Tower of Terror fan website), Everest is cool and the sensations are amazing. Like how it gets colder as you reach the top of the mountain, the feeling of being smushed to your seat and then getting a little air, thinking you are going upside down but you aren't! The design and decorations are amazing. RnR is a coaster you would find at a larger amusement park. For first timers stick to the front to middle of the car (middle being the best). The back can give you a really bumpy ride - so much so I had a headache after being in the last row after riding it. But is smooth and fun. The music is awesome!