Fear of Heights. Which rides to avoid?

[Chelley00]

We're taking my mom for her first trip in Oct. She has a major fear of heights, so I'm just looking for advice from other fear of height people on which rides she should avoid.

I know Soarin is completely out of the question (she actually passed out on a ski lift ride once ) BTMR, EE, RNR, Splash are probably no go too. Anything else we should skip that I wouldn't think of?

 

[free2div]

Then Tower of Terror and Everist will also be on your list of what to avoid and depending on just how afraid, you may want to avoid Space Mountain and Splash Mountain

 

[neile45]

TOT, Everest, and maybe Splash Mountain (because of the drop). Astro Orbiter, also.

 

[jgplimdesign]

I think you pinpointed the big ones. . .I'm guessing Tower of Terror should be added. . .

I don't necessarily have a fear of heights per say. . .but I happened to notice how unsteady I felt once walking up and taking my seat into the stadium seating for the Lights, Motors, Action, Extreme Stunt Show at DHS. (maybe the steepness more than the height) Of course there is the obvious option of staying down low. However. . .shows like Beauty and the Beast and Indiana Jones at DHS, we always enter from the top and have to walk down. Now they must have a lower access for wheelchairs and such---so might be wise to inquire and enter from a lower level to avoid any anxiety and discomfort.

There of course are far more attractions and shows that keep your feet on the ground so I'm sure you Mom will have plenty of fun!

 

[neile45]

Soarin might be one, also.

 

[Blanche_Neige]

-Robinson family tree house

-peter pan flight (maybe)

-tower of terror

-Soaring

-light motor action

-Evrest

 

[Amysita]

I am VERY affraid of heights myself (knees knock when I stand on a chair to change a lightbulb)...and agree with rides listed here. However, I will try Soarin' and ask to be seated on the bottom row. The drop on Kali Rapids is my limit as far as drops goes if that helps put things into perspective.

 

[Nadjalu]

BTMRR is not a high coaster. I don't know the specific, but I think at it's highest point is something like 35-40 ft and there is no drop.

I myself am scared to death of heights and the only thing I don't do at WDW is TOT.
EE scares me but I manage to do it, don't suggest others that have passed out (which I have done) try it but I forced myself.

I can do Soarin, as you really don't see or feel that high up, at least for me. I can "talk" myself thru it, as I am not really flying.

 

[POB14]

-peter pan flight (maybe)

Don't snicker at this. My wife has height issues and was bothered by Pan the first time she rode (it's now one of her favorites), because the "Disney Magic" makes you think you're a lot higher up in the air than you are.

Other side of the coin: My wife was able to handle Soarin' with a back row seat, near an end so she could sight the edge of the screen, and a lot of preparation. It's a true Disney classic, but obviously you know your mom best.

 

[WDWprincessloyola]

My mom has a fear of heights and doesn't enjoy the falling sensation. We have been to WDW enough times there isn't anything she has not tried before and she will ride anything. She still doesn't like TOT or the drop on Splash Mt, but she reminds herself that the overall experience outweighs everything else. But she definately did not start out on these rides!

Her favorite has been Space Mt. because it is a dark ride. She know's she is high up, but she can't see how far. This holds true for RNR, now her favorite ride. It's dark and fast so she doesn't have that falling sensation in the loops. Now if I show her a similar ride in daylight she refuses to go anywhere near it. She also loves BTMR. Yes there are two steep inclines but you don't fall straight down.

My suggestion would be finding videos on Youtube of the rides, such as Space Mt (with the lights off), BTMR, or any ride you think the height might be an issue and have her watch them. Also watching BTMR in person from the walkway can be helpful.

There are plenty of things to do where heights are not going to be an issue. I just know for my mother she likes to be locked in (another reason she doesn't like the two drops in Splash Mt) and prefers dark rides.

If your mom is intersted in trying a ride, I would suggest Space Mt. or BTMR to start. Not to mention they are over VERY quickly regardless.

I hope that helps!

 

[Pirate4Ever]

Definitely skip Astro Orbiter. I'm not afraid of heights, but the sensation of going around in circles high above the rest of Tomorrowland was enough to make me wanna barf. ToT would probably be OK if you don't look out the open elevator doors and see how high above DHS you really are- you probably won't like that!

 

[Alesia]

BTMRR should be fine. There aren't any drops at all, it's just fast.

Definitely skip the Astro Orbiter. I think it's the scariest ride in WDW.

 

[feezle]

One thing I love about Disney is that I can ride most of the rides without dealing with drops. I love roller coasters but I hate the drops. I typically avoid TOT and Splash Mountain and I'm fine. I will do those rides if I'm coerced, but I prefer not to(I've also rode Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point....not because I wasn't afraid but apparently because I'm stupid). So obviously my fear is not as bad as hers.