Discussion: Attractions that Trigger (Virtual) Vertigo

[JZCubed]

I have never been to Universal, but my child has grown tall enough to enjoy everything - so we're going!

I get a bit of vertigo-type symptoms from a few of the simulated rides at Disney.

Star Tours is the worst for me, but I have no difficulties with Flights of Passage, Mission: Space (mild) is fine too.

I am able to enjoy roller coasters if I ride only a few per day. Issue for me is more from riding multiple days during a lengthy vacation.

Anyway, the question / discussion:

Please share which rides / attractions at Universal (& Isle of Adventure) seem to 'trigger' vertigo-type symptoms for you.

Thank you in advance.

 

[DoryGirl1963]

The Simpson's Ride did both my husband & me in .

 

[JZCubed]

The Simpson's Ride did both my husband & me in .

Thank you.

I generally try each ride once, but thoughts like your let's me know how to figure out if I've over-planned with too many simulations.

 

[cfoxga]

Simpsons and Forbidden Journey both get me. I've ridden both enough times to sense it coming and just close my eyes for a bit. Sometimes the spins on MIB, but not nearly as bad.

 

[Homemom]

I agree with the above, the Simpsons really got me. If I take a motion sickness pill before hand I can tolerate forbidden journey just fine.

 

[JZCubed]

Simpsons and Forbidden Journey both get me. I've ridden both enough times to sense it coming and just close my eyes for a bit. Sometimes the spins on MIB, but not nearly as bad.

Thank you.

 

[JZCubed]

I agree with the above, the Simpsons really got me. If I take a motion sickness pill before hand I can tolerate forbidden journey just fine.

Thank you.

 

[schumigirl]

I have never been to Universal, but my child has grown tall enough to enjoy everything - so we're going!

I get a bit of vertigo-type symptoms from a few of the simulated rides at Disney.

Star Tours is the worst for me, but I have no difficulties with Flights of Passage, Mission: Space (mild) is fine too.

I am able to enjoy roller coasters if I ride only a few per day. Issue for me is more from riding multiple days during a lengthy vacation.

Anyway, the question / discussion:

Please share which rides / attractions at Universal (& Isle of Adventure) seem to 'trigger' vertigo-type symptoms for you.

Thank you in advance.

You have most of our sympathies.

The Simpsons is the one ride I`ll never go on again. It completely knocked me for six and the rest of the day was over after that.

FJ I can do once, maybe twice on a good day and Transformers too has the ability due to the pixels on the screens according to a TM who has the same issues.

Some say closing your eyes helps on some of these rides, I find that doesn`t work for me at all. With rides like Spider-Man and MiB doing the old ice skater/ballerina trick of focussing your eyes on one spot as you turn works for me on those rides, but nothing helps with Simpsons/TF.

Good luck with it....it`s a horrible feeling when it hits you.

 

[JZCubed]

You have most of our sympathies.

The Simpsons is the one ride I`ll never go on again. It completely knocked me for six and the rest of the day was over after that.

FJ I can do once, maybe twice on a good day and Transformers too has the ability due to the pixels on the screens according to a TM who has the same issues.

Some say closing your eyes helps on some of these rides, I find that doesn`t work for me at all. With rides like Spider-Man and MiB doing the old ice skater/ballerina trick of focussing your eyes on one spot as you turn works for me on those rides, but nothing helps with Simpsons/TF.

Good luck with it....it`s a horrible feeling when it hits you.

Thank you.

Long before I 'problems' with vertigo, I learned that Star Tours @ Disney ruined my day.

It appears, even with the few replies thus far, that Simpson's is something for me to avoid.

Forbidden Journey is now running 2nd place to avoid.

I'm (was formerly) a kid who went to high school in Queens, NY - I'm gonna' ride Spiderman.
And I am from Flushing part of Queens, like MiB - so this too will get sampled.

But I'll let my kid & sister ride Simpsons.

 

[keishashadow]

Same as expedition Everest’s backward motion, Hagrid’s is absolutely not for me.

In lieu of closing your eyes, try looking down into the ride vehicle & find something to focus upon as a fixed point (example: your shoe).

Always check with your medical provider re this sort of thing if it persists, that said...

Many find that Non drowsy Dramamine can be helpful

Those who have been diagnosed with certain types of vertigo (BPPV for one) are advised to practice positional exercises that often help to alleviate symptoms that can be triggered by experiencing. amusement park attractions.

If conditions persists, might want to get evaluated to see if this would help.

 

[cschaaf]

Forbidden Journey and Men In Black had my head spinning on our first trip. I skipped other rides that I thought might get to me - including Simpsons.

Since then, I've used the Scopolamine patches and can ride everything (haven't tried Storm Force Accelatron - I think that would still make me sick even with the patch). Even with the patch, I can only ride Simpsons once.

If I didn't have on the patch, I know these rides would get me: Minions, Transformers, MiB, Simpsons, Spiderman, Storm Force Accelatron, Forbidden Journey. Not sure about Gringotts, but I think I'd be okay.

 

[theFoof]

When you say vertigo is height a factor? Spiderman/Gringotts/Forbidden Journey have simulated moments where you feel you are higher up than you actually are. Most common ones I hear about are Forbidden Journey/Simpsons from people I know who get motion sick, I think all the other answers cover about everything though.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I've used the Scopolamine patches and can ride everything

+1 for my friend - before the patch, even Spiderman got to her. With the patch, she can do everything. She can even do everything back-to-back, except for MiB (spinning). (We do not bother riding Storm Force)

It really is worth looking into, so you can have a more relaxed day and not be thinking about it the whole time. (And yes, you can use the patch w/ alcohol.)

 

[nkereina]

I also cannot do Star Tours, but enjoy FOP. I avoid both sides of Mission Space. Simpsons is about the only ride at Universal where I need to be careful. Men In Black has a couple of portions where they spin your ride vehicle 2-3 times at a quick rate - that is borderline for me, and I think if they did one more revolution on those spins, I'd have to sit it out. I've never had an issue with Forbidden Journey or Spiderman.

 

[JZCubed]

Forbidden Journey and Men In Black had my head spinning on our first trip. I skipped other rides that I thought might get to me - including Simpsons.

Since then, I've used the Scopolamine patches and can ride everything (haven't tried Storm Force Accelatron - I think that would still make me sick even with the patch). Even with the patch, I can only ride Simpsons once.

If I didn't have on the patch, I know these rides would get me: Minions, Transformers, MiB, Simpsons, Spiderman, Storm Force Accelatron, Forbidden Journey. Not sure about Gringotts, but I think I'd be okay.

Thank you.

That's very good advice.

For better or worse, I take enough medications already, so I rarely 'experiment' with these types of things.

Then again, I seem to have less difficulties than you seem to experience in the absence of medication.

This Thread has given me a 'short list' of rides that I should consider avoiding.

 

[arizonacolbys]

Forbidden Journey and Men In Black had my head spinning on our first trip. I skipped other rides that I thought might get to me - including Simpsons.

Since then, I've used the Scopolamine patches and can ride everything (haven't tried Storm Force Accelatron - I think that would still make me sick even with the patch). Even with the patch, I can only ride Simpsons once.

If I didn't have on the patch, I know these rides would get me: Minions, Transformers, MiB, Simpsons, Spiderman, Storm Force Accelatron, Forbidden Journey. Not sure about Gringotts, but I think I'd be okay.

This is great info! I have not gone on Star Tours in years because it will do me in for days...my husband just takes the kids and I enjoy a park bench & a Starbucks, LOL I'm nervous about US since I feel like there are SO many of these rides to avoid. I also can't do the Teacups. But, generally, I do just fine on roller coasters - it seems to just be the motion simulators that really do me in. Closing my eyes definitely doesn't help. I just received Scopolamine patches from my doctor to try when I get down there in 3 weeks - do you put yours on the morning you head to the park, or do you recommend the night before? I want to make sure it's working, but also not "waste" any of it's effectiveness, if that makes sense.

I'm going to avoid Simpsons for sure. Hoping to partake in the Harry Potter rides with my youngest who is obsessed, without being ill the remainder of the trip...

 

[cschaaf]

This is great info! I have not gone on Star Tours in years because it will do me in for days...my husband just takes the kids and I enjoy a park bench & a Starbucks, LOL I'm nervous about US since I feel like there are SO many of these rides to avoid. I also can't do the Teacups. But, generally, I do just fine on roller coasters - it seems to just be the motion simulators that really do me in. Closing my eyes definitely doesn't help. I just received Scopolamine patches from my doctor to try when I get down there in 3 weeks - do you put yours on the morning you head to the park, or do you recommend the night before? I want to make sure it's working, but also not "waste" any of it's effectiveness, if that makes sense.

I'm going to avoid Simpsons for sure. Hoping to partake in the Harry Potter rides with my youngest who is obsessed, without being ill the remainder of the trip...

I put my patch on the night before the first day I'll need it (park day, sail day, whatever). I figure, and this is just my own reasoning that may or may not be true, that it gives my body a little time to adjust to it. I've had minor side effects like (mild) dizziness that happened when I A. put on the first patch and B. took off the last patch of a trip.

I combatted issue A by starting the night before. If I'm dizzy when I'm asleep did it really happen?? And for issue B, I leave the last patch on for a day or so past the 3 day effectiveness. Again, a very non-scientific approach, but I feel like it helps slowly wind down as the effectiveness lessens rather than an abrupt stop.

ETA: I've also 'pressed my luck' by doing a park day on Day 4 of a patch and didn't have any issues. It was our last day and I didn't want to put on a patch just for one day of usage. I brought it with me to the parks figuring I could swap it out if needed, but I didn't need to.

Spinning is my #1 enemy and simulators are a close #2. I was able (BARELY) to do the worse (orange?) side of Mission Space while on the patch. I'll never try that again, though lol.

I tried Dramanine, Non-drowsy Dramamine, Bonnine, and prescription Meclazine (that I have for non-ride induced vertigo lol) and all of those turn me into a zombie and put me to sleep if I sit down for more than about 5 minutes.

The Scop patch, for me, is a great solution. I've had very minor side effects (aforementioned dizziness, slightly blurred vision and dry mouth once or twice). I have an adult step daughter that gets bad headaches while using the Scop patch (in addition to blurred vision and dry mouth). She also will skip some rides - like FJ and Simpsons. Even with the side effects, she'd rather use the patch (and add in some Tylenol) and ride most rides than not have the patch and have to ride the park benches all day

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I just received Scopolamine patches from my doctor to try ...
I'm going to avoid Simpsons for sure.

If you're using the patch, and Forbidden Journey goes well for you, it would be worth trying Simpsons (if you are a Simpson's fan). It's a really fun & unique ride.

 

[arizonacolbys]

I put my patch on the night before the first day I'll need it (park day, sail day, whatever). I figure, and this is just my own reasoning that may or may not be true, that it gives my body a little time to adjust to it. I've had minor side effects like (mild) dizziness that happened when I A. put on the first patch and B. took off the last patch of a trip.

I combatted issue A by starting the night before. If I'm dizzy when I'm asleep did it really happen?? And for issue B, I leave the last patch on for a day or so past the 3 day effectiveness. Again, a very non-scientific approach, but I feel like it helps slowly wind down as the effectiveness lessens rather than an abrupt stop.

ETA: I've also 'pressed my luck' by doing a park day on Day 4 of a patch and didn't have any issues. It was our last day and I didn't want to put on a patch just for one day of usage. I brought it with me to the parks figuring I could swap it out if needed, but I didn't need to.

Spinning is my #1 enemy and simulators are a close #2. I was able (BARELY) to do the worse (orange?) side of Mission Space while on the patch. I'll never try that again, though lol.

I tried Dramanine, Non-drowsy Dramamine, Bonnine, and prescription Meclazine (that I have for non-ride induced vertigo lol) and all of those turn me into a zombie and put me to sleep if I sit down for more than about 5 minutes.

The Scop patch, for me, is a great solution. I've had very minor side effects (aforementioned dizziness, slightly blurred vision and dry mouth once or twice). I have an adult step daughter that gets bad headaches while using the Scop patch (in addition to blurred vision and dry mouth). She also will skip some rides - like FJ and Simpsons. Even with the side effects, she'd rather use the patch (and add in some Tylenol) and ride most rides than not have the patch and have to ride the park benches all day

Thanks for more great info! We're spending a couple days at the beach ahead of US, so I'll be sure to place the patch at bedtime the night before my first US day. We'll be in the parks Tues thru Fri, with a possibility of 2 hours in the parks Sat morning before our flight. I'll need to decide how to address switching out the patch after day 3. Probably a bedtime plan again, I'd say.

Hoping I don't get a headache from the patch - I tend to get a lot of headaches in general, so I'm sure it's possible! LOL I have also tried all the meds you mentioned above with no real help & agree they make you feel so much like a zombie! You've given me some hope for our trip - thank you!

 

[cschaaf]

Thanks for more great info! We're spending a couple days at the beach ahead of US, so I'll be sure to place the patch at bedtime the night before my first US day. We'll be in the parks Tues thru Fri, with a possibility of 2 hours in the parks Sat morning before our flight. I'll need to decide how to address switching out the patch after day 3. Probably a bedtime plan again, I'd say.

Hoping I don't get a headache from the patch - I tend to get a lot of headaches in general, so I'm sure it's possible! LOL I have also tried all the meds you mentioned above with no real help & agree they make you feel so much like a zombie! You've given me some hope for our trip - thank you!

I really hope it works as well for you as it does for me!

I swap out at night just because it's easiest for me.

Do make sure to avoid touching the skin side with your fingers and wash your hands well after. Give it a good rub when you put it on to make sure it's well stuck. I usually put a tissue or washcloth over it and rub in a circle to make sure it's on there well.Probably unnecessary, but seems like it can't hurt.

I've heard some people try out a patch, or any of the medicines, at home first. Seems like a smart idea if you have the opportunity, but I didn't do that.

I hope you report back and let us know how it worked - and what you and your family felt about Universal!