First time to Disney - Clausterphobia?

[OctDisney]

I just got back and will tell you I get real anxious and do not like being in certain situations. I have not flown for 5 years due to this condition.

There are definitely certain rides that will affect someone who is claustrophobic. let me outline the ones I think would give you trouble by park.

AK
Dinosaur - You are seat belt strapped in and it is dark. If you go, ride in front since you will not have as much of a feeling of being enclosed.
Everest - If you ride up front, you should be fine. You are seat belt strapped in, but it is not that bad.

Mk
Space Mountain - It is dark and you are seat belt strapped in. Sit in seat 1 or 4 and it will not be as bad.
Stich Ride - I would avoid this since it is very dark and you are strapped in over the shoulder and can not move. You will not like this.
Haunted Mansion - You go into an enclosed room with everyone else, could cause you problems, but did not for me. Ride is very dark and recently it has stopped, so be prepared to sit in the dark.
POTC - I do not think this would be a problem though it is dark.
Thunder Mountain - Seat belt strapped in, but should not be a problem.

MGM
Star Tours - Seat Belt strapped in, but the doors do close. I did have trouble and did not go, though I was tired that day and when I am tired it affects me more.
RNRC - Strapped in over the shoulder, so this could cause problems. I did not do it this year, since my oldest does not like it, but it is a short ride and once you get going, not bad. I have problem, but can handle it.

Epcot

Mission Space - Stay away from it if you are clautrophobic
Test Track - Seat belt strapped in. Sit in front row and you should be fine.
Soarin - Seat belt strapped in. If afraid of heights, chose row 3 since it is only about 5 ft off the ground.

Those are the ones I would have had trouble with and the only two I have never done are Mission Space and Stich, and will probably not do them until I get better or they change the ride.

 

[steffali]

I also have some sort of anxiety attacks ( I don't fly either)
I was wondering what meds. some of you were talking about? DO you take them daily?
I have not tried Soarin yet but I plan to in Jan. I hope I don't freak out Also, does anyone know about Spaceship Earth? I heard that could be a problem, that is why I avoid it.

 

[koobs]

I had the worst time in Drew Carey "sounds dangerous" in MGM. It is pitch black for the longest time and I started to feel ery clausterphobic. As I was about to get up and desert my family I found a crack of light that was around the door across the room. That made me feel better because I knew if I had to, I could get to that light to get out.

Oh my goodness, I was just about to type that exact same thing. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who felt that way. I spent the whole time just staring at that crack of light and hoping I woudn't embarrass my family too much if I ran screaming to the door.

 

[steffali]

Oh my goodness, I was just about to type that exact same thing. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who felt that way. I spent the whole time just staring at that crack of light and hoping I woudn't embarrass my family too much if I ran screaming to the door.

I embarrass my family often especially when I run off of an elevator if I feel uncomfortable. When my DH makes fun of me I tell him, Listen what can I say I have issues

 

[BobMar]

I used to have a problem on Spaceship Earth on the first uphill climb until they added the TV monitors and some fresh air vents. It used to be a long, dark, hot tunnel but now they have changed it and no more problems.

 

[Momof4girls]

I know it sounds weird, but Muppets 3D in MGM - they put you all in a room to watch the TVs before you enter the theater. The doors, I believe, all close and I started to feel very panicky in there. It wasn't a small room per se - just the general feeling of "what if there's a fire - how would we get out and how many people would trample us?" type of panic.

I also felt that way in the entrance to Tough to be a bug's entry way - it feels like you're under ground.

I also looked up pictures of the new Nemo ride and that first area when you walk in freaks me out.

 

[pbnjrockette]

Enclosed spaces don't bother me...I DON'T go on rides (back/neck problems) but CROWDS bother me---A LOT! I turned green when caught in a crowd of over 100,000 once. Sure hoping the Disney crowds aren't as big!!!

I have found that looking UP does help.

 

[Makua]

Wow all this time I thought I was the only one! I do alot of "breathing exercises" but sometimes I just totally freak out! It's so embarassing. I agree that after getting through a ride once the next time isn't so bad. My dd wanted to ride Dinosaur, it was just her and I at the park, and I didn't want her to ride alone. I just about passed out waiting in the line just from thinking about it! Or maybe it was too much breathing! I was really kicking myself after because the ride was so short and over so fast...I was fine. I just never know what's going to trigger it. I do take Zanax if I'm going to a park or flying. Something else I learned from a Dr in the middle of the night is that Benadryl has a sedative in it and can be enough for some people. Do you have a problem with people thinking it's "all in your head" or you just need to calm down? They don't realize just how much I'd like to!!

 

[mom22boys]

If you do not like feeling trapped I wouldn't ride Spaceship Earth. I sware that ride stopped ten times while we were riding it. Some of the times we were waiting for a good 3-5 minutes before it would start back up.

I also might avoid POC. I am not a big fan of that one. I do not like dark, dingy basements and that is what POC reminds me of! I definitely feel trapped on that ride.

Have you checked out the ride descriptions at allearsnet.com yet? There are even some good pictures on there. Good luck!

By the way, I hate crowds, they really "freak" me out. That is when I feel trapped. I think we all have our secret fears.

 

[AnnR]

If you ask at Guest Relations I believe you can get a guide for people with disabilities. My sister-in-law had it for my autistic nephew. It has info on all the rides including how long they take. I can't remember what else it said but I have thought about getting it for myself -I also panic when I can't get out. Sometimes closing my eyes and breathing deeply thinking of a soothing scene helps. You need to practice it a bit.

The only ride I really had a problem was star tours. When I go into the theater type shows I try to pick a row that no one is in and move all the way to the far side. That is usually near the doors out. I also look for exit signs -I know that I can get out if I have to through those doors. Knowing there is a door helps me. I have even found them in the Haunted Mansion.

I do take Zoloft -it helps with the panic attacks. I also take compazine when necessary- since I tend to get nauseous with panic attacks this helps that plus it is a sedative.

I am sorry that so many people suffer with this but I am glad I am not alone!

Ann

 

[phantom728]

Enclosed spaces don't bother me...I DON'T go on rides (back/neck problems) but CROWDS bother me---A LOT! I turned green when caught in a crowd of over 100,000 once. Sure hoping the Disney crowds aren't as big!!!

I have found that looking UP does help.

Hi pbnj - this sounds similar to me and we'll be at WDW same time. I don't have problems with the enclosed spaces, but feel the anxiety in a crowd. My DH and DD watch me when we are in a crowd and try to distract me because they know I'll be feeling the effects.
I'm also use music as a relaxation technique, so usually carry my ipod and headphones. It helps me focus on something other than the crowds.

I'm sure hoping that the crowds won't be too bad while at WDW, but will do my best to avoid them.

Enjoy!

 

[SuperTink]

I also suffer from a bit of claustro.

What about that old Alien Adventure ride? I went on that with no problem. Do you think I will still have a problem with the new Stitch ride?

TIA

 

[KittyKitty]

I too use to have anxiety, panic, over worry attacks. This was most of my life.

I started talking to my doctor about this, because I had used xanax, and discovered a calming feeling it gave, tho it is highly addictive.

I started using anti anxiety medications, and it opened up a new world for me. I could actually enjoy normal situations.To be able to relax, and go with the flow!!!

Now I'm still an A type personality, tend to want to control,but now can also let go when needed.

It is a chemical imbalance, we aren't crazy. I realized that when a doctor told me that it runs in families. That it can be genetic. My mom and sister both are like this.

So go to your doctor, talk ro him about it, and if they don't give you the answer you want, go to another doctor. You will need to find out which is the best for you.

Good luck

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

I wouldn't say that I am claustrophobic but sometimes I do feel trapped and have to focus on relaxing. Maybe I have a touch of it I guess.

In the beginning of Haunted Mansion you are in a small room, usually packed, and the lights go out for a few seconds. It doesn't last long at all but just be warned.

The only ride that really bothers me is Stitch. I haven't been on it since it was Alien encounters but I'm guessing its similar. As others have said, there is a harness put over your shoulders so you can't move. That freaks me out. I don't like being trapped, especially in the pitch dark. So I always make sure I sit up as tall as I can when it's coming down. Then it lock into positions a little higher than it would have. That way I feel like I could easily slip out the bottom if I needed. Of course I never have needed to, but it makes me feel better knowing that I could. LOL

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[SuperTink]

Thanks, #1Poch

I'm gonna go for Stitch. I'll need to preview it anyway, for my 10 year-old twin girls who get freaked easily, (not sure if they have any claustro issues yet, but I guess I'll find out on this trip). DH and I will ride while grandma's with the kids. If I freak, DH is great at calming me down.

Jury is still out (for me) on Mission Space (green version). The girls probably won't ride that one, either way. That's OK.

I already can't to TOT, or any of the big coasters because of motion sickness. Unless I want to be totally grounded on the trip, I feel I need to get a grip on the claustro issues.

We'll see...hope you don't read about me in the news.

 

[Snoozan]

The worst "ride" that bothered me wasn't an actual ride, but a show. It was It's Tough to be a Bug in AK. The waiting area for this is underground, underneath the big tree. I have to be sure I'm standing near an Exit sign and the last time I saw this, I stood near the entrance where I could see daylight. When they tried to make us "move to your right" to let in my people, I stood my ground and would have explained the situation to the CM had they tried to force me to move.