Good starting rides for ride chickens?

[Nicoleclaw]

We will be visiting this March and I would like us to try some rides that we can handle. My husband goes on anything. I don't go on much due to being a chicken and getting motion sick easily. I can get the typical nausea or dizziness in a car if trying to read too much. I don't particularly like spinning or big drops either... My 9 year old has done some beginner roller coasters and the big spinny ride that goes up on the side and you stick to the wall. She does tend to get carsick as well. My 5 year old is just starting to do some bigger rides like the regular sized scrambler and Himalaya (goes around in a large circle quickly).

From your experience, what might be good to try? No star tours my husband and I both do not like it! How is the newnTest Track for people who might get carsick? We have been on Soarin and did like it. That's probably the scariest ride for us so far! Thanks for any advice!

 

[~Tonga Wingo~]

At MK, try Splash Mountain. The drop looks much scarier than it is and has a bunch of little drops to build up to it. My five-year-old nephew loved it as did my eight-year-old niece. I also just love the story. If you can't go on it because of the drops, I'd encourage your husband to take your children on it. I also really like Peter Pan although I hate heights.

I'd stay away from Dinosaur in AK. Scared all of my nephews and niece (12,8,5). It's also quite bumpy so if you get car sick, I'd avoid. I like Kali River Rapids as did my niece and nephews. It was my five-year-old nephew's favorite ride the whole trip.

In Epcot, one of my favorite rides is Maelstrom. It's in Norway.

In DHS, it's not a ride, but I would check out the Animation Studio. It's wonderful. Each class gets to draw an animated character with a real Disney animator as in instructor. They provide the paper/pencils and you get to take the drawing home. It's also FREE! I cannot draw at all but managed a wonderful Goofy. Aside from Toy Story, Star Tours and the Great Movie Ride, I don't find much at this park to ride. I can't do roller coasters and Tower of Terror would make me sick. I do love the shows though and the little extras like the Animation Studio.

 

[tophatgirl]

MK - Goofy's Barnstormer has re-opened in Fantasyland, although they renamed it. It is a 'beginner kids coaster' and DD went on it 4 times when she was nearly 3!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is pretty tame and fun, we especially love it at night!

Everything else at MK is pretty tame too except for Space Mtn and Splash Mtn.

DHS - only thrill rides are Rockin' and TOT. I don't like a free fall so won't do TOT. Love Rockin!

AK - You would likely like the Safari, it is bumpy but if you go in the am when it is cool outside, you may see some gorgeous lions! EE is amazing but is a real coaster, minus any loops.

Epcot - TT is pretty intense at the end for a non thrill person, but otherwise tame. Soarin is just a great experience. DD (when she was 5) did Team Orange but if you don't want to feel that G force, you could go Team Green, although I cannot tell you what it is like.

 

[Nicoleclaw]

At MK, try Splash Mountain. The drop looks much scarier than it is and has a bunch of little drops to build up to it. My five-year-old nephew loved it as did my eight-year-old niece. I also just love the story. If you can't go on it because of the drops, I'd encourage your husband to take your children on it. I also really like Peter Pan although I hate heights.

I'd stay away from Dinosaur in AK. Scared all of my nephews and niece (12,8,5). It's also quite bumpy so if you get car sick, I'd avoid. I like Kali River Rapids as did my niece and nephews. It was my five-year-old nephew's favorite ride the whole trip.

In Epcot, one of my favorite rides is Maelstrom. It's in Norway.

In DHS, it's not a ride, but I would check out the Animation Studio. It's wonderful. Each class gets to draw an animated character with a real Disney animator as in instructor. They provide the paper/pencils and you get to take the drawing home. It's also FREE! I cannot draw at all but managed a wonderful Goofy. Aside from Toy Story, Star Tours and the Great Movie Ride, I don't find much at this park to ride. I can't do roller coasters and Tower of Terror would make me sick. I do love the shows though and the little extras like the Animation Studio.

Thanks so much! We have done Norway and will do again. Kali we have done, depends on the weather when we are there. I was JUST reading about the Animation Studio. We have never done it and my daughter is really into drawing so I know she will love it. Splash mountain....one oof my friends just went on it (she gets vertigo at times) and had problems with it...not the drop, she is fine on that part, but she said the rest is like a water roller coaster....thoughts? Thanks again!

 

[Nicoleclaw]

MK - Goofy's Barnstormer has re-opened in Fantasyland, although they renamed it. It is a 'beginner kids coaster' and DD went on it 4 times when she was nearly 3!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is pretty tame and fun, we especially love it at night!

Everything else at MK is pretty tame too except for Space Mtn and Splash Mtn.

DHS - only thrill rides are Rockin' and TOT. I don't like a free fall so won't do TOT. Love Rockin!

AK - You would likely like the Safari, it is bumpy but if you go in the am when it is cool outside, you may see some gorgeous lions! EE is amazing but is a real coaster, minus any loops.

Epcot - TT is pretty intense at the end for a non thrill person, but otherwise tame. Soarin is just a great experience. DD (when she was 5) did Team Orange but if you don't want to feel that G force, you could go Team Green, although I cannot tell you what it is like.

Thanks! My husband will probably take my 9 year old on goofy's. We have done the safari. That's about my speed. Thinking about green but not sure about the motion simulator aspect. Hmmmmm we will have to debate about TT. We have watched the video, and it does seem to go for quite a bit at the end! Debating on Big thunder mountain railroad...

 

[mhnewcomb]

Thanks! My husband will probably take my 9 year old on goofy's. We have done the safari. That's about my speed. Thinking about green but not sure about the motion simulator aspect. Hmmmmm we will have to debate about TT. We have watched the video, and it does seem to go for quite a bit at the end! Debating on Big thunder mountain railroad...

I am like you--not a fan of heights, and I even get carsick just by not being the driver! I am seriously a person who did NOT enjoy the silly little baby coaster at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I've done Space Mountain (NEVER EVER AGAIN...) and wouldn't dare even think about Everest or Mission Space.

That being said, BTM made me a tiny bit shaky the first time, but I rode it again (peer pressure!) and LOVED IT...now it's my go-to for "thrills". I think I could get over the drop on Splash, but the little one is not interested, and someone has to stay with her. I'm hoping to try that next trip...

And Test track is AWESOME! Just don't try to read while you're on it. It really is fun, not scary at all. Believe it or not, you will find yourself wishing the end was a much longer portion of it!

 

[KrazeeK120]

I think Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is the perfect beginner roller coaster. I, too, am a "ride chicken," although I find I like most rides once I'm on them. I get motion sick very easily and have had some bad experiences with motion simulators, so I would advise staying away from those if you get motion sick.

BTMRR jostles you around a bit, but it wasn't nearly enough to make me motion sick. I think the front is better than the back as far as getting jostled around. There are no drops, no going upside down, and it really doesn't travel all that fast. If you find you like that ride, you can then move on to some of the "bigger" rides.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I think Barnstormer/Great Goofini/whatever thry call it now is rougher than BTMRR. I'm a recovering ride chicken too, and I love BtMRR now. I can't handle Tar Tours, I felt bad the rest of the day after I rode that. I rode ToT once, and probably won't need to do it again, but it didn't make me feel sick.

 

[PlutosUnDr8d]

Thanks so much! We have done Norway and will do again. Kali we have done, depends on the weather when we are there. I was JUST reading about the Animation Studio. We have never done it and my daughter is really into drawing so I know she will love it. Splash mountain....one oof my friends just went on it (she gets vertigo at times) and had problems with it...not the drop, she is fine on that part, but she said the rest is like a water roller coaster....thoughts? Thanks again!

My DS, who, at 2.5 years old, had ridden Barnstormer 14 times in one night, had just turned six this year when he decided he was brave enough for Splash Mountain (he was more worried about getting wet at the end). The last time I had been on it, there was no restraints on the ride, so I was relieved to see a lap bar!
IMO, the rest of the ride has small slides, preparing you for the "bigger" drop towards the end. I actually enjoyed it MUCH more with a lap bar!
My DS decided he wanted to go again, and again, so I was able to "get used to it" by the third time.
As a prior MAJOR ride chicken, I thank my DH's "non-pressure" attitude, that there is always a way out (before there isn't!) and that it really IS better to ride it again right away, while the thrill of "I am so proud of myself" is still high! I can't believe how scared I was to go on Splash that first time with my son--I just keep looking at the tiny 40" tall kids saying, "if she can do it, so can I!"
FWIW, I still get car sick in the back seat. And DH CANNOT ride the Tea Cups with DS, so that falls to me, and somehow I don't mind!
Good luck--I agree that BTMRR is a great "starter" coaster.
If you can, ride it at night while the fireworks are going off overhead-- best ride on it EVER!
Enjoy! My policy is, if it's Disney I will ride it at least once!

 

[MissMouseInTheHouse2]

I understand exactly what you mean, I am a huge ride chicken myself! I was too afraid to ride Splash Mountain in MK for several trips, but when I finally rode it, I loved it, and now it is my favorite ride in WDW! Other rides in MK I would recommend are Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Jungle Cruise, and most all of the Fantasyland rides. They are tame, but very fun In Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania and the Great Movie Ride are great; and in AK, Primevil Whirl is a fun beginner rollercoaster, but it is a bit jerky. In Epcot, most all of the rides are gentle, I especially enjoyed Spaceship Earth in the 'golf ball'. Test Track is the same as it was before the renovation, just with a new theme; the Maelstrom has a small hill, but is still very fun; the only ride that is jerky and a bit claustrophobic is Mission Space. I hope this helps and have a great trip!

 

[Brook1099]

I am like you--not a fan of heights, and I even get carsick just by not being the driver! I am seriously a person who did NOT enjoy the silly little baby coaster at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I've done Space Mountain (NEVER EVER AGAIN...) and wouldn't dare even think about Everest or Mission Space.

That being said, BTM made me a tiny bit shaky the first time, but I rode it again (peer pressure!) and LOVED IT...now it's my go-to for "thrills". I think I could get over the drop on Splash, but the little one is not interested, and someone has to stay with her. I'm hoping to try that next trip...

And Test track is AWESOME! Just don't try to read while you're on it. It really is fun, not scary at all. Believe it or not, you will find yourself wishing the end was a much longer portion of it!

I am a big chicken, and my DD talked me into HP little baby coaster ( it did not look bad) well the first turn and I felt the pressure and started to do deep breathing like I was in labor...lol!! After that drop, turn was over the rest was ok but I will never get back on it.My teeth on my left side actually hurt all day.
I also agree with BTM, that is was really fun and also is my THRILL RIDE!

I have not got myself to do TT yet, but may try it, because its not speed that bothers me but pressure drops I do not like, at all.

 

[Harambe]

I am the chicken in my family. Rides I LOVE but still make me nervous when I go on them:

Dinosaur - this is the only WDW ride photo I ever get in! LOL!
Pirates of the Caribbean - just the big dip in the front, but it is water - same as Norway
Kali River Rapids - again, going down in water feels less scary.

While my family goes on Space Mountain, I always go on the Transit ride which I love. It is a nice little ride, never a line, and it goes thru Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear.

And if you want to know about the best "exit" areas of rides, just let me know. Lots of AC'd areas with couches, benches, gift shops, things to look at, etc. I used to stand by the entrance to rides waiting for the family, then I discovered the exits - ahhhhhh . . . .

 

[MrRomance]

I am not a ride person at all. I have done every ride at WDW but I only do them once so I can say I did it! I don't get too much motion sickness, I'm just a panic person when I'm not in control of what will happen.

My suggestion would be that you take some travel sickness pills (if you can tolerate them) and try a few of the bigger rides. These would be my tips to avoid...

MK - Teacups & Space Mountain, the rest should be OK if you take motion sickness medication.

AK - Expedition Everest and Dinosaur

HS - Rockin Roller Coaster, Star Tours & Tower of Terror

EP - Test Track and Mission Space (either of them!)

The rest of the rides are definitely doable if you can take something to halt motion sickness.

Splash Mountain looks worse than it is to be honest and inside it's really tame and cute. Big Thunder Mountain isn't too bad either. They might be good places to start.

 

[Herfnerd]

I am not a ride person at all. I have done every ride at WDW but I only do them once so I can say I did it! I don't get too much motion sickness, I'm just a panic person when I'm not in control of what will happen.

My suggestion would be that you take some travel sickness pills (if you can tolerate them) and try a few of the bigger rides. These would be my tips to avoid...

MK - Teacups & Space Mountain, the rest should be OK if you take motion sickness medication.

AK - Expedition Everest and Dinosaur

HS - Rockin Roller Coaster, Star Tours & Tower of Terror

EP - Test Track and Mission Space (either of them!)

The rest of the rides are definitely doable if you can take something to halt motion sickness.

Splash Mountain looks worse than it is to be honest and inside it's really tame and cute. Big Thunder Mountain isn't too bad either. They might be good places to start.

I agree that motion sickness pills will help - I am prone to it and it definitely helped, especially when I visited US/IoA a couple of years ago. Try Bonine (generic is Meclizine) as it is less prone to make people drowsy and lasts up to 24 hours.

 

[bigbabyblues]

Splash - when you get to the drop, count to 3 and it is over. I was too scared to ride it until my 4-yo was so excited that he was tall enough. Read that tip online and it worked. The rest of it has a couple really small hills, but nothing big until the drop. The story is cute.

 

[Nicoleclaw]

Thanks so much for all the info! Dramamine (reg and non drowsy)and bonine both make me tired so I'm going to try to avoid taking them. I don't even want to try teacups, Aerosmith, ToT, space mountain, EE, star tours or any if those bigger rides! So that's good I won't be upset to miss them! Based on all your info am debating on BTM, splash mountain, TT, barnstormer....it will be nice to do some new rides. Rides you all have mentioned that we've done and will do again are Norway, jungle cruise, safari, pirates. My daughter may try space mountain and a few more. Thanks again for all the info! Any other thoughts?

 

[married2mm]

I think Barnstormer/Great Goofini/whatever thry call it now is rougher than BTMRR. .

I totally agree!

another big chicken here,my ds is also, so at least I have company.

I rode barnstormer under the advisement of a deranged cm, who told us on our first (complete rookies- no planning) trip, it was a "mild" ride.
well, was it heck?! I think not.
another "helpful" cm told us splash mountain was a gentle ride,again,delusional cm!!

both of these scared the beejus out of me and ds.

fast forward 8 years,and dd convinced me to try btmrr,promising it was gentler than barnstormer. she was right, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

btw- I love dinosaur and star tours,always find it amusing when there are tales of little kids on tower of terror,rock n rollercoaster,etc and yet they don't go on dinosaur!

 

[Princess Katherine]

Hmm...

One of my favorite rides at Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean. It's fun, with only a minor drop. The Haunted Mansion. It may scare younger children, but once you get used to it you can enjoy and sing along. No big drops or anything. It's a Small World is a good one. A calming boat ride if you have a little time to spend in between fast passes. No drops, you don't get splashed. Bring pennies, it's always fun to throw pennies. You can throw them anywhere, except for the characters and vignettes.

In Hollywood Studios, Toystory Mania. Although I don't particulary like it. It's like a whole bunch of carnival games in one ride with The Toystory characters. Any shows. Some of my favorites are Beauty and the Beast and The Muppet Show. The Muppet Show is great if you want to sit in a cool air-condition theatre. Beauty and the Beast is very entertaining. For children, a bit too loud like Indiana Jones. Hot though, not very well air-conditioned.

Animal Kingdom is very low key. Just go for a walk and look at the animals. Or you could go Killimanjaro Safari and sit and be driven around in jeep type vehicles. Kali River Rapids is... wet. A white-water raft ride. With little water falls going around near you when you least expect it. It does have quite a large drop at the end which gets very wet. YOU WILL GET WET.

In the park Epcot there is Soaring like you said, but also Maelstrom. Which is a ride in The World Showcase in Norway. Filled with trolls, polar bears, and vikings. One little drop at the bottom. The Ellen Ride. Takes you through Ellen's Mind to help her learn about energy.

 

[married2mm]

Hmm...

One of my favorite rides at Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean. It's fun, with only a minor drop. The Haunted Mansion. It may scare younger children, but once you get used to it you can enjoy and sing along. No big drops or anything. It's a Small World is a good one. A calming boat ride if you have a little time to spend in between fast passes. No drops, you don't get splashed. Bring pennies, it's always fun to throw pennies. You can throw them anywhere, except for the characters and vignettes.

In Hollywood Studios, Toystory Mania. Although I don't particulary like it. It's like a whole bunch of carnival games in one ride with The Toystory characters. Any shows. Some of my favorites are Beauty and the Beast and The Muppet Show. The Muppet Show is great if you want to sit in a cool air-condition theatre. Beauty and the Beast is very entertaining. For children, a bit too loud like Indiana Jones. Hot though, not very well air-conditioned.

Animal Kingdom is very low key. Just go for a walk and look at the animals. Or you could go Killimanjaro Safari and sit and be driven around in jeep type vehicles. Kali River Rapids is... wet. A white-water raft ride. With little water falls going around near you when you least expect it. It does have quite a large drop at the end which gets very wet. YOU WILL GET WET.

In the park Epcot there is Soaring like you said, but also Maelstrom. Which is a ride in The World Showcase in Norway. Filled with trolls, polar bears, and vikings. One little drop at the bottom. The Ellen Ride. Takes you through Ellen's Mind to help her learn about energy.

potc-I can handle the drop,however my ds doesn't like it.
he will ride once per vacation,but then that's him done.