Fear of elevators and TOTWL

[SL6827]

I was thinking about using the TOTW lounge on our last night to see the fireworks, which also happens to be my birthday. I know my family would just love it, but I am terrified of elevators and I am not sure I could do it, but I keep thinking about it. I think it would be a spectacular end to our trip and my birthday.
Any advice, tips, encouragement?

 

[LittleFishy101]

The fireworks are spectacular and the elevator ride isn’t very long.

 

[maxiesmom]

I hate elevators too. In fact there is one at work that I refuse to use, and have been know to send packages on the elevator, run down the stairs, and pull the packages off.

But I love seeing the fireworks from the California Grill. I just tell myself the ride is short, and there will be many people to distract me from the ride. It is over super quick, and the view well worth the stress. Please don't let your fear keep you from your view of the fireworks. If I can do it, you sure can!!!!!

 

[DizBub]

There is always the stairs........

 

[disneynutz]

If you decide not to take the elevator ride, the view from the bridge between the Contemporary and BLT has a good view with music.

Bill

 

[CarolMN]

How do you manage at the resorts? .

Just close your eyes and think about all the people who rode that elevator and got off safely before you. It will be over quickly and the view of the fireworks will be worth it!

 

[SL6827]

There is always the stairs........

 

[SL6827]

Please don't let your fear keep you from your view of the fireworks. If I can do it, you sure can!!!!!

Ya, this is what is aggravating me the most. My fear. Well, I have to get on my first plane ride this month, so I may be willing to give it a try. How soon do you have to arrive at the lounge say on a Saturday night in June to get a spot?

 

[CraigInPA]

For your first plane ride, close your eyes before take off and think of it as the opening 30 seconds of rock'n roller coaster.

For your elevator ride, look at the doors, not at the display of the floors as they count up or down.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If all you are going for is the fireworks, the bridge between the Contemporary and BLT have a better view to me. The parking lot is even better, but the MK is the best. I didn't like the way the fireworks looked so disjointed from TTOTWL. One here, one there. All spread out. Unless you plan to get an adult beverage and perhaps a light snack in the lounge, you would just be standing on the outside balcony. It was a one and done for me. You could show up a half hour before the fireworks and be fine if all you plan to do is watch the limited view of Happily Ever After (you won't see the castle displays at all).

 

[SL6827]

If all you are going for is the fireworks, the bridge between the Contemporary and BLT have a better view to me. The parking lot is even better, but the MK is the best. I didn't like the way the fireworks looked so disjointed from TTOTWL. One here, one there. All spread out. Unless you plan to get an adult beverage and perhaps a light snack in the lounge, you would just be standing on the outside balcony. It was a one and done for me. You could show up a half hour before the fireworks and be fine if all you plan to do is watch the limited view of Happily Ever After (you won't see the castle displays at all).

Hmmmmmm, perhaps I might change my plans.

 

[DenLo]

The elevator is an enclosed elevator, not a glass elevator and it is very quick. As to the stairs, I think you might be blocked on getting into the 16th floor because the elevator is blocked for that floor except for guests staying in rooms on the 16th at BLT.

 

[Spartan86]

When you fly, poke your head in and say hi to the pilots. Sometimes a quick chat with us can allay some of your nervousness. I’m always honest as to what we can expect in terms of ride comfort etc. I think that will help.

As to TOTWL, we love it. But I have to say the hub is best for MK fireworks viewing. Just incredible. And sometimes a little crowded LOL. Good luck with the elevator. If it is a claustrophobic kind of thing you can probably ride up in a relatively empty car. Just let the CM(s) know. Down may be harder to control as it is first come first served.

 

[bumbershoot]

When you fly, poke your head in and say hi to the pilots. Sometimes a quick chat with us can allay some of your nervousness.

We probably should chat with a flight attendant before doing that though.

And I help myself with flight nervousness by watching the FAs. If they get nervous I’ll get nervous. If they are “business as usual” I try to chill.

 

[monorailmom]

As far as flying goes, you should really read the book SOAR by Tom Bunn. (it's available on Amazon). We are a family of nervous fliers since one rather difficult flight, but this book has helped us so much.

I also dislike elevators, but to get to TOTWL you need a CM to let you up there. The CM keys the elevator to allow access, and somehow that makes me feel better. You go straight up to the lounge, no stopping. It is less 30 seconds to get from boarding the elevator to arriving at TOTWL. The SOAR book has some excellent strategies for dealing with anxiety, which you could easily apply to this short elevator ride.

We like to arrive at least an hour before fireworks are scheduled. Don't miss the pretzels and cheese dip, they're the best!!

Good luck, and I hope you have a magical trip!!!

 

[Eswift]

Considering you're questioning taking something that is almost a necessity in the modern world, I'd assume you're used to stairs. I'd ask there, they must have a staircase and even if maybe it's for emergencies only they'd let you take it? I know many need keys at the bottom to get in, but not up higher and not to get out. So it's useable in a fire and you can always go down them but not up without a key. Anyways, I'm sure they'd let you in if you asked and explained. I looked it up, it's only 15 floors which really isn't bad at all. Not like it's something unmanageable like 50.

 

[Networth]

I’ll just leave this here....

Elevators are not held by one cable but usually five; one in the center and one on each corner. Each cable is air cord, which is a single rope made out of a bundle of cables, and each of those bundles are made of several steel cords. That stuff is ultra-strong. All the cables would have to fail for the elevator to fall, and even if that happened, there are emergency brakes that would kick in. And even if those failed, the elevator safeties would kick in. Safeties are mechanical and gravity-operated, meaning there is almost no chance of failure. Their being activated would rip up the elevator guide rails, requiring the entire elevator to have to be reinstalled and laser aligned before it could be used again, but they would stop the elevator almost instantly.

In other words, it is almost impossible for a properly-installed elevator to go into free-fall, and even then without stopping immediately.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

I'll just leave this here...
Elevators at one time made almost everybody tense. They are crowded. You are in other people's personal space, and they are in yours. You don't know where to aim your eyes or whether to make eye contact. You don't know whether to face forward, backwards, or sideways. You are nervous about inadvertently touching people.

The way they solved this was genius. They just put a mirror in the front of the elevator, usually on the doors. So now, everybody just makes eye contact with themselves. They are all facing forward. And there is a lot less tension.

 

[Splashboat]

The 7 layer cake is the best cake I ever ate. If it was my birthday I would go just for that.

 

[ElevationNotice]

Elevators aren't that scary, hence my username. (-: