Drops on POTC for a non-rider?

[zanzibar138]

I'm taking my parents to DLR for the first time in September. My mum is very much a non-rider, won't ride anything that spins or drops. I'm not sure whether I should encourage her to try POTC or not. I think she'd really enjoy it, but I'm a bit concerned about the drops at the start. I personally think those drops are so tiny no one would even notice them, but I love rides that drop, so I've got a bit of a different perspective! Has anyone had any issues with the drops?

FWIW we've been to DLP and she enjoyed Peter Pan, Phantom Manor, IASW and Buzz.

We are going to dine at BB early in the trip, so at least if she doesn't want to ride it, she'll get to see some of the theming

 

[Kittyskyfish]

Tell your mum that POTC has two dips that are gentle and it feels just like going down playground slides. It's a very different and comfortable experience than what she fears are "drops". This is something small children can do easily without any complaints afterwards.

If she still hedges on the idea of riding, remind her that this is a landmark attraction and the most detailed and fascinating ride in the park (jmo). And she spent years when you were a child encouraging you to do things you were afraid to do. Now it's her turn to put on her big girl britches and try something new.

 

[sheetz]

Also note that POTC has no height restrictions at all.

 

[Xenorye]

You guys are much more gentle with your moms than I am with mine. I wouldn't tell her at all.

 

[kaci]

I'm not a drop person. POTC is at the very threshold of what I can tolerate without getting sick for the rest of the day. I wouldn't downplay the drops. I would be very honest with her and try to help her with strategies to make it more tolerable for her to try.

If she decides it's not for her I would not shame or guilt her (not that I think you would) in any way. I can't speak for everyone, but I avoid drops because they cause me serious physical pain that can last for days afterwards.

ETA - I looked up the drops, both are at 21 degrees, the first is 52' long (not high) and the second is 37'. I don't know if that sort of info helps your mom...

 

[kaci]

You guys are much more gentle with your moms than I am with mine. I wouldn't tell her at all.

Someone did that to me once with what he considered a "baby" roller coaster. We aren't friends anymore. It took me weeks to not have muscle spasms every time there was a dip in the road.

 

[GRUMPYJUAN]

My mom is 91 years old can't see and loves potc
first ride i went on 40 years ago with her
will be there turkey day she'll be 92 years young

 

[figment_jii]

I agree that the best possible suggestions is to be honest with her and tell her that there are two drops in PotC. While neither drop is like those on Space Mtn or the last drop on Splash, they are still drops. The first drop is longer than the second, and it is totally in the dark. The drops are in succession, which means they are over and done with pretty quickly. Unfortunately, nothing else comes to mind as being similar where she could try it out first before embarking on drops in the dark.

I would recommend having her sit in the middle of the boat to help reduce some of the effects of the drop (and to avoid getting wet as much as possible). I tend to sit on the edge and I've often gotten splashed (sometimes just misting, sometimes full on splashes where half my leg was wet).

 

[Cheshirecatty]

My mom is 91 years old can't see and loves potc
first ride i went on 40 years ago with her
will be there turkey day she'll be 92 years young

Love, love, love this!!!!

Hope you and your Mom have a wonderful trip!

By the way……WELCOME to the Disboards!

 

[LisaT91403]

My mom (in her mid-70's) is not a roller coaster person at all, but loves POTC. But everyone's idea of a "drop" is different, right? To put things in perspective...my mom has no issues at all with POTC, but went on Gadget's once and said never again, and went on RSR twice and said never again. I was surprised she went on Gadget's and RSR, but I think she was trying to be the cool grandma for her grandsons ;-)

 

[luulu1999]

You guys are much more gentle with your moms than I am with mine. I wouldn't tell her at all.

Haha my boyfriend is most def not a ride person and that is exactly what I did to him...it was our first trip so I just acted like I didn't know about it even though I did

 

[YukonMommy]

I personally would not call it a drop. To me a drop is what happens on the tower of terror. I feel what happens on POTC is more of a glide downwards. I would just be honest with your Mom, the rest is up to her.

Have a magical time!

 

[Cholula]

I hate drops with a passion and was nervous going on POTC after so many years. After the first one I was like "oh? that's it?"

The fact that it's not a steep angle helps a lot. I would be honest with her about the drops but once those are done with she gets an awesome ride.

 

[GatorChris]

Tell here there's a few dips to get underground, but that's it. If she'd been on Soarin', it's no worse than that initial take-off.

 

[Midnightred]

I think your Mom will love it. POC is the best ride at the Parks IMO. My boys have sensory issues, both have Autism, and have a hard time with thrill rides. They both love POC and have no issues. I think your Mom will be fine!

Midnightred

 

[figment_jii]

Tell here there's a few dips to get underground, but that's it. If she'd been on Soarin', it's no worse than that initial take-off.

It probably depends on the person, but to me the take-off on Soarin' is completely different than the drops on PotC. I think it's partially because you're going up on Soarin' so there is no sense of falling (i.e., the take-off on Soarin' feels much more controlled than the drop on PotC). In general, to me, anything that involves going up feels markedly different that falling/sliding down.

 

[sgtdisney]

It probably depends on the person, but to me the take-off on Soarin' is completely different than the drops on PotC. I think it's partially because you're going up on Soarin' so there is no sense of falling (i.e., the take-off on Soarin' feels much more controlled than the drop on PotC). In general, to me, anything that involves going up feels markedly different that falling/sliding down.

I would agree to this. I absolutely hate water chute style rides that drop. Long story, but was made to go on one at Knots Berry Farm at 10 years old and it really, REALLY bothered me so i just won't go on them anymore. I just refuse any kind of water chute ride. It's something about the feeling of falling. I love Soarin'. It's just not the same feeling to me. Maybe it's the darkness etc.

However I do LOVE POTC both at WDW and DL so I make an exception for those. Honestly I can't say I really like the drops, but I can and do tolerate them. The ride is so worth it and it's over fast, and as others have said they are shallow, but dark.

I do understand how your mother feels. Maybe just let her know, there are some videos out there that sort of show the drop. I think it's better to be up front than risk really upsetting someone and ruining the rest of the day.

 

[purple figment]

Could you and your father ride it first (maybe early in the morning when the line is short) and perhaps between the 2 of you, you can determine whether it will be too much for your mother. The 2 drops come at the start of the ride and the first drop is longer and steeper. The second drop is a very short gentle slope.

If she decides to ride I agree with the previous suggestion that she sit in the middle and avoid the first row to reduce the chance of getting wet.

 

[pixiepirate]

POTC is my favorite ride but I am not a fan of the drops. I have found that the further back in the boat the less steep the drops seem. Perhaps this will help. I would definitely not have her sit in the front row.

 

[Drusilla99]

I would go with the "2 dip" story. My youngest went on it for the 1st time at 6 months, facing forward in one of those baby packs; she didn't make a peep. So from a different perceptive, it can't be that bad...