having soarin' anxiety already

[buffettgirl]

I can't ride Soarin'. Just can't do it, even in the 3rd row. I can do any other ride in the park, but on Soarin, I feel like I'm going to fall to my death, not because of the movie but because of the seat itself - that top row is HIGH and even the bottom is about 6-8 feet off the ground, so it's pointless for me even to go there again - I have tried it and as soon as we have liftoff I panic and want to get out. So my question is this, why don't they have seats that sit closer to the ground and rest maybe 1 foot off the ground? just enough for your feet to dangle so you can get the sensation. Sim rides are fine for me, the the actual physical knowing that I am off the ground, even 6 feet off the ground.

What do people in wheelchairs do? Or is this simply not accessible to them?

 

[Timmy Boy]

People in wheelchairs must be able transfer to the ride vehicle. Some people in wheelchairs can walk the couple feet from the wheelchair to the ride, but if walking is out of the question, usually the family members assist in getting them to the ride. Cast Members aren't allowed to touch the guest during this situation. So guests in wheelchairs ride along with everyone else, just without their wheelchair.

As for a 4th row to the ride, it would require a tremendous amount of re-engineering and time. Just remember that the seat you're sitting in is held up by tremendous lifting mechanisms that go through tests every morning and throughout the night. You're not going to fall.

 

[bdcp]

1 foot off the ground would not get the same "view". 6-8 feet off the ground is nothing. How could you possibly fall out? The ride won't operate unless the seatbelts are clicked shut and you cannot undo it by yourself so falling is impossible. The ride is not hanging by a chain or rope. It's pretty much impossible for anyone to fall off the ride or get hurt in any way. It's very safe and it extremely sturdy.

We've ridden the ride at least 10 times (2 trips) and love every minute of it. I prefer the top row because of the lack of danging feet in front of the screen.

 

[buffettgirl]

I know ...I feel like I"m going to fall OUT of the seat though. It's irrational, it's silly, but I just can't ride it.

 

[Tazicket]

I'm terrified of heights, but really love Soarin. The first few times I rode it, I threaded the seatbelt through that center strap thing they have on the seats for "smaller aviators that don't measure up to the height mark on the seat." It really made me feel safer until I got to where I was comfortable in the seats and no longer felt like I was going to fall out.

 

[buffettgirl]

1 foot off the ground would not get the same "view". 6-8 feet off the ground is nothing. How could you possibly fall out? The ride won't operate unless the seatbelts are clicked shut and you cannot undo it by yourself so falling is impossible. The ride is not hanging by a chain or rope. It's pretty much impossible for anyone to fall off the ride or get hurt in any way. It's very safe and it extremely sturdy.

We've ridden the ride at least 10 times (2 trips) and love every minute of it. I prefer the top row because of the lack of danging feet in front of the screen.

it's a bit like saying the "easy" side of mission space isn't the same. but if you're a person who gets sick then it's better than nothing, right?

 

[imthatgirl]

The point of the ride is the sensation, not so much the movie. Having a seat on the ground is like having an alternative to rockin roller coaster that doesn't go upside down or fast. Why bother? Not everyone will like every ride, that doesn't mean they should make accomodations for each one, kwim?

 

[SueM in MN]

People in wheelchairs must be able transfer to the ride vehicle. Some people in wheelchairs can walk the couple feet from the wheelchair to the ride, but if walking is out of the question, usually the family members assist in getting them to the ride. Cast Members aren't allowed to touch the guest during this situation. So guests in wheelchairs ride along with everyone else, just without their wheelchair.

As for a 4th row to the ride, it would require a tremendous amount of re-engineering and time. Just remember that the seat you're sitting in is held up by tremendous lifting mechanisms that go through tests every morning and throughout the night. You're not going to fall.

It’s actually one of the easiest rides to transfer into from a wheelchair. For those who can walk, the CM shows where to park the wheelchair or ECV to the side and it stays there during the ride.

If the person can’t walk, they can position their wheelchair pretty much where ever they need it to be in order to transfer. When my DH is along to lift DD, he likes the wheelchair put far enough away that he can lift her. When it’s just me, I put the wheelchair to the side touching the ride seat. I stand DD up, we pivot to turn and she’s at the ride seat. Once DD is on, the CM moves her wheelchair out of the way.

 

[bdcp]

it's a bit like saying the "easy" side of mission space isn't the same. but if you're a person who gets sick then it's better than nothing, right?

Then, don't ride it.

 

[Suellen]

I know ...I feel like I"m going to fall OUT of the seat though. It's irrational, it's silly, but I just can't ride it.

Can't you use the center strap that they have for the little ones? I can't see how anyone could fall out... but I get the anxiety. I'd just skip it if it caused me too much anxiety. not worth it on vacation!

 

[Sugar Jones]

Awww if it causes you that much anxiety don't ride it. No ride is worth getting worked up over!

 

[spacemountainmom]

I am absolutely terrified of heights and I do Soarin' every trip. I use the between the leg strap (like it actually would help) and grip the handles with the "death" grip through the entire ride. I have to sit in between family members because no one is using the handles but ME!

I spend the whole ride freaked out, but love the end over DL so I just do it.

 

[Pembo]

I cross my legs and sit Indian style in the seat. My legs dangling makes me nervous. I did better in the top row where I couldn't see feet.

 

[bumbershoot]

I know ...I feel like I"m going to fall OUT of the seat though. It's irrational, it's silly, but I just can't ride it.

I call it "trusting gravity a bit too much". I developed some anxiety about driving in mountainous terrain back in '02 and it rears its ugly head sometimes. We were driving down from WA to CA, and as we were going through the passes, even though the driver (sometimes me, sometimes DH) had perfect control of the situation, I kept feeling like gravity was just going to draw us over to the edge of the road and plummet us down. 'cuz gravity controls steering wheels ya know.

If it's important for you to ride, I'm sure over time you'll figure out some tricks to help you. I get a bit nervous during the film sometimes, and I find that being in the middle or bottom helps because seeing the feet reminds me that I'm NOT actually hangliding. And I look to the right and left of me, to remind me that everyone else in there, including 4 year olds is having a great time, no worries, no one is going to fall out. That's my trick.

But if it's not important for you to ride it, then forget it and be happy to not deal with the lines!

The point of the ride is the sensation, not so much the movie. Having a seat on the ground is like having an alternative to rockin roller coaster that doesn't go upside down or fast. Why bother? Not everyone will like every ride, that doesn't mean they should make accomodations for each one, kwim?

Well, over at Universal there's a non-moving section for Jimmy Neutron, and considering just how much movement there is in the regular section, one might wonder "why bother", but there were people lined up to sit there, so....

Or at Disneyland there's the non-submarine viewing room for Finding Nemo where you just watch the movie...

So they certainly *could* have a viewing room, and I'm sure there would be some that would enjoy it.

 

[LaurenT]

They couldn't seat you thsat close to the floor without compromising the extent of your field of view.
Noone has ever fallen our of their seat. If you really are that frightened, have you tought about using the strap that they recommend for shorter kids?

 

[buffettgirl]

I call it "trusting gravity a bit too much". I developed some anxiety about driving in mountainous terrain back in '02 and it rears its ugly head sometimes. We were driving down from WA to CA, and as we were going through the passes, even though the driver (sometimes me, sometimes DH) had perfect control of the situation, I kept feeling like gravity was just going to draw us over to the edge of the road and plummet us down. 'cuz gravity controls steering wheels ya know.

If it's important for you to ride, I'm sure over time you'll figure out some tricks to help you. I get a bit nervous during the film sometimes, and I find that being in the middle or bottom helps because seeing the feet reminds me that I'm NOT actually hangliding. And I look to the right and left of me, to remind me that everyone else in there, including 4 year olds is having a great time, no worries, no one is going to fall out. That's my trick.

But if it's not important for you to ride it, then forget it and be happy to not deal with the lines!


Well, over at Universal there's a non-moving section for Jimmy Neutron, and considering just how much movement there is in the regular section, one might wonder "why bother", but there were people lined up to sit there, so....

Or at Disneyland there's the non-submarine viewing room for Finding Nemo where you just watch the movie...

So they certainly *could* have a viewing room, and I'm sure there would be some that would enjoy it.

see, you get it. I know nothing is going to happen. I KNOW it. But I still think it will. LOL. I'll probably just let dh and the kids go and maybe I'll take the time to spend some money in the larger gift store .. LOL.

And yes, I have used the baby strap thing. Doesn't help. Even a lap bar would help something in front of me or shoulder harnesses like on roller coasters, which I can do just fine...

I'm not really expecting anything, just trying to see if anyone else minds this ride as much as I do.

 

[ars0525]

I don't think of myself as having height issues, but Soarin' does get to me.

What I do is strap myself in as much as I can (including the between your leg strap) & try to seat as far back as possible (lean back too). Then I foucus on the scenery & sit still (no swinging my legs). I have found that helps me. If I start thinking about falling out & crashing to the floor (which I know can't happen but that darn imagination ) I have anxiety.

My mom laughs at me (why ride it?? she asks), but I really do love the ride & it is amazing! I just have to turn off the brain, sit back & watch the scenery.

 

[boysmom5150]

I am absolutely terrified of heights and I do Soarin' every trip. I use the between the leg strap (like it actually would help) and grip the handles with the "death" grip through the entire ride. I have to sit in between family members because no one is using the handles but ME!

I spend the whole ride freaked out, but love the end over DL so I just do it.

Are we the same person....maybe long lost sisters!!!LOL
my hands get sweaty and numb from holding on so tight!!!

 

[maxiesmom]

see, you get it. I know nothing is going to happen. I KNOW it. But I still think it will. LOL. I'll probably just let dh and the kids go and maybe I'll take the time to spend some money in the larger gift store .. LOL.

And yes, I have used the baby strap thing. Doesn't help. Even a lap bar would help something in front of me or shoulder harnesses like on roller coasters, which I can do just fine...

I'm not really expecting anything, just trying to see if anyone else minds this ride as much as I do.

I feel the same way. I have been on it many times, and it feels worse to me each time. I hate the leg dangling thing, and I don't think I am flexible enough to sit cross legged for the whole thing. I hate the swooping, it makes me dizzy. I agree too that a bar in front would make me feel more secure, but I don't see Disney adding one. For most people the swooping feeling is the point of the ride. But it makes me dizzy.

If you don't like it, don't force yourself. Don't be silly like me and end up almost having a panic attack over it. Go get yourself a brownie from Sunshine Seasons and relax.

 

[CTmommyx3]

We rode it the first time last spring. I thought all the seats were just a bit off the ground.
OMG i almost died when my son says hey look down and see how high we are. we were at the top and i could thought i may die. i hate heights and the only reason i went on was that i was thinking we were just enough off the ground to get the feeling!
The kids are wanting to do it again but with me, not sure!