HELP!! 3 weeks to go and I am a big huge ride CHICKEN!!

[canadianmom2three]

Ok, I have to get over this. DD is wanting to go on all the big rides, ToT, EE, Rockin Roller Coster etc, etc, etc. I was determined to get on Splash mountain last year, walked determinedly past the chicken exit, but then bailed out just as I went to step on the boat . Skipped the teacups, astro orbiter, test track, anything that indicated motion sickness really. The 'scariest' ride I went on was maybe a tie between Soarin and Kali. Can someone please rank the big rides (the mountains and other thrill rides) in order of scariness, and tell me where I should draw the line. I don't want to be unreasonable, and spoil her fun time, so I think I will force myself on Splash, and Big Thunder Mountain, Test Track and whatnot, but really, I know I will be a nervous wreck even with those. Any other ride chickens been on any of the 'big' rides and actually liked them? TIA

Oh btw, there are 3 other adults in our party, so it's not like DD won't get to go on the rides she wants, I just want to be able to experience them with her, (and not have a nervous breakdown while waiting in the line ).

 

[OU1247]

Hello to my SOULMATE!!

Just got back from our first trip and like you I am afraid of everything.

I really hate things with DIPS....So...I promised them I would do ONE ride.
I did TEST TRACK...Yes it was very fast but NO DROPS. I about passed out in the waiting area. My heart was beating 1000 beats a minute. I sat in between my, I am not afraid of anything boys and they tell me that they have sort of regained use of their hands.

See below:

Now...I am glad I did it but I could of never done any of the other big rides.

I also did Gusher...Yes..see the fear...IT HAD DROPS

Now I could of never done the other rides. However they were happy I did a few rides. Good luck and let me know how it turns out. My husband joke that I was the most expensive photographer in the parks...giggle

OH YEAH Pirates of the Caribbean has a drop the Popped up on me. Yes I screamed.
Unless you are really scared of rides...You'll never understand.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Ok, I have to get over this. DD is wanting to go on all the big rides, ToT, EE, Rockin Roller Coster etc, etc, etc. I was determined to get on Splash mountain last year, walked determinedly past the chicken exit, but then bailed out just as I went to step on the boat . Skipped the teacups, astro orbiter, test track, anything that indicated motion sickness really. The 'scariest' ride I went on was maybe a tie between Soarin and Kali. Can someone please rank the big rides (the mountains and other thrill rides) in order of scariness, and tell me where I should draw the line. I don't want to be unreasonable, and spoil her fun time, so I think I will force myself on Splash, and Big Thunder Mountain, Test Track and whatnot, but really, I know I will be a nervous wreck even with those. Any other ride chickens been on any of the 'big' rides and actually liked them? TIA

Oh btw, there are 3 other adults in our party, so it's not like DD won't get to go on the rides she wants, I just want to be able to experience them with her, (and not have a nervous breakdown while waiting in the line ).

Ok...are you actually scared of the rides themselves or scared you are going to get sick??? I love rides but started experiencing motion sickness on all the big rides a couple of years ago. I started taking one non-drowsy dramamine a day and it worked like a charm. BUT my advice is to still avoid the teacups and Mission Space...I don't think any amount of Dramamine would help with those. I consider MS the "scariest" ride at Disney.

 

[GrumpyMom25]

Oh Regina, those photos are priceless. I love them.
I've gone on Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain (which I would consider a pretty tame rollercoaster). Forget Tower of Terror, I've told my son to forget about me EVER going on that one (he also has sisters that can go with him). He's working on getting me onto Splash Mountain this trip ... I absolutely hate rides where you get wet, and the drop isn't something I'm interested in either.

 

[Tootles]

I enjoy rides (even though they scare me!) and so does my hubby.

Our DS9 is scared of EVERYTHING! That's why he loves WDW so much. He says there is so many things he can "ride" there. He even hates the drop on POTC ride! Come on!

My just turned 6 year old, at the time, hated roller coasters. His favourite rides were: Mission Space, Soarin and especially Test Track-he did THAT one 9 times in two days! It's FAST but there are no drops, loops etc. Give it a try! We had to push our little guy to ride it, 9x's later, we were begging him to stop.....and my hubby wanted to skip Epcot??? Crazy man!

 

[Tootles]

Oh, BTW: My DS6 agreed reluctantly to ride Splash Mountain with his Dad while me and "big" brother watched. He got off, turned to his Dad and said, "I am NEVER going on THAT ride again in my ENTIRE life!" I wish DH had thought to buy the ride picture, because we'll likely never get him near that mountain again....

 

[OU1247]

Test Track scared the snot out of me....I am glad I did it.
Oh I forgot...I did do Dinosaur at AK. Funny loud and things jumping out really don't bother me. It's the dropping sensation that sends me over the edge.
I don't even mind heights.

My DH and DSs did Summit Plummit at BB. I almost passed out watching them.

I have always been afraid of rides. When I was in the 4th grade my parents made me ride the mini mine train at 6flags of Texas. I ripped my dads shirt off.
I am really not making this up. You just have to be honest with the people your with. Some people just don't understand the fear. I don't get sick. Trust me I wish I was one of the people that could ride rides. It sucks waiting all the time.

I am really happy my boys love to ride things.

 

[Stan's MaggieMouse]

I don't ride a lot of the rides either. It's just not worth it to me to make myself miserable on vacation. I love Buzz Lightyear, Small World, Cinderella's Carousel ... yeah, I'm just a big baby. I did ride the Spiderman ride at Universal once, I didn't want my son to have to go alone. Don't ask me anything about it though because I had my eyes closed the whole time. I feel bad sometimes that I can't ride with my son but I feel like it would be worse if I went and then wanted to leave the park because I was sick or upset. He's 14 now and just starting to get brave about the rides himself so he understands when I can't ride with him.

Maggie

 

[RandFamily]

I used to be like you and try to push myself to go on the "scary" rides. Then one day I decided that the vacation should be fun for me, too. So now we have a routine where I go and do things (like get snacks for the group, or go to my favorite shops) while the kids go on the scary rides. I'm fine with it, and so are they now.

I do go on test track, because what scares me are drops, hanging, and darkness, not speed. There are no drops, and it's light the whole way. But, I'm too scared of Soarin (I tried it and thought I'd die...) Peter Pan (maybe I'm the biggest scardy cat here???) and even spaceship earth. I don't even try the roller coaster rides. One of the reasons I LOVE DWD is that you can have such a good time without ever going on thrill rides. My best advice is loving self-acceptance!!

 

[sardanem]

I so agree with all the posters who do not like rides. Most people just don't understand. I have NEVER liked rides. Not as a kid and not as an adult. I hate dips, I hate the speed and I hate heights and darkness. I love Disney because there is a lot I will do. I will do most things at Epcot in Future World and most in WS. I will not do Maelsstrom and you can't make me. My older kids are 16 and 13, so they can go on whatever they want and my DD6 will be happy with whatever we take her on. I have gotten used to being the person who watches the strollers and gets the snacks for everyone and I am very happy siting in a bench in the shade and people watching so everyone else can go on whatever they want to. I would never rain on anyone else's parade due to my craziness.

Lisa

 

[canadianmom2three]

I think it is more the anticipation - I was terrified in line for Soarin, but ended up loving it. I don't want to miss out on other rides that I might enjoy (and enjoy experiencing with my kids) just because I THINK I won't like them. I am a bit prone to motion sickness, but really, aren't most of the rides so quick that you don't really have a chance to feel sick? Like Splash mountain, the drop is over so quick, I imagine you would hardly have a chance to feel queasy, and it would be over, but the anticipation would ruin the enitre ride for me as I would be a nervous wreck! I just want to know from other "chicken's" which rides you have been scared of, but made it through in one piece.....

 

[ChristaDeVil]

My guys and I are pretty fearless. But Dinosaur scared the bejeezus out of me. I can go upside down, be dropped from outer space, go really really fast, but put me in a jumpy, rickety jeep with a giant fake dinosaur jumping out at me, and I turn into a CHICKEN. My 7 yo still makes fun of me.

 

[OU1247]

Isn't it just funny how different things scare different people.
I loved Soarin' Test Treck and dinosaur...but you couldn't catch me DEAD on any roller coaster or Tower of Terror. It's all about the dips for me.

Just go and enjoy..

 

[Chedstro]

I am a total ride scared person! But I adore Soarin! I could do it all day. But I did it first at DLR and had no idea how far off the ground I was

Can't do Tower of Terror, or any roller coasters. I did Everest to prove to my DF (now husband) that I was not a woos. Never again - the picture shows me trying to climb under the seat!

We were at Animal Kingdom today and I was all ready to do Kali River Rapids; but the wait time was 80 minutes - sorry it was 95 degrees - no way.

I totally feel for your situation.

 

[proteus]

Ok, I have to get over this. DD is wanting to go on all the big rides, ToT, EE, Rockin Roller Coster etc, etc, etc. I was determined to get on Splash mountain last year, walked determinedly past the chicken exit, but then bailed out just as I went to step on the boat . Skipped the teacups, astro orbiter, test track, anything that indicated motion sickness really. The 'scariest' ride I went on was maybe a tie between Soarin and Kali. Can someone please rank the big rides (the mountains and other thrill rides) in order of scariness, and tell me where I should draw the line. I don't want to be unreasonable, and spoil her fun time, so I think I will force myself on Splash, and Big Thunder Mountain, Test Track and whatnot, but really, I know I will be a nervous wreck even with those. Any other ride chickens been on any of the 'big' rides and actually liked them? TIA

Oh btw, there are 3 other adults in our party, so it's not like DD won't get to go on the rides she wants, I just want to be able to experience them with her, (and not have a nervous breakdown while waiting in the line ).

Ok, I'm not as big a chicken as you, probably just a level below. First I'd just like to say that you have advantage. For those people who have no fear and ride everything, there is nothing new to experience or "conquer". I'll give you my chicken guide:

Test Track - This was a piece of cake because it is like riding in a car, I really enjoyed this one. Zero motion sickness and pretty standard stuff, bumps, breaking, high speed (that was fun!).
Mission to Mars - Didn't know what to expect here. Somewhat entertaining, the motion started to make me nauseous and I told my DD "if there is a return trip to Earth I may not make it". The ride ended at that moment. I came out with perspiration and needed 10 minutes sitting slumped against a wall to get rid of the queasiness. Glad I did this once, but no interest in it again, thank you very much.
Splash Mountain - The anticipation was the worst part, the actual ride and drop was quite easy, zero nausea. Would do it again without thinking.
Tower of Terror - I was alright until I found out that you look OUTSIDE before you drop. I also didn't know it went up and down 3 times. Nearly had a heart attack on this one, very unpleasant though no sickness. Would do again only if with someone who has never been on and also because I forgot over the years how this was.
Space Mountain - Not that much fun, have done it twice. Fairly tame as coasters go but has lots of quick little movements.
Big Thunder Mountain - Easier than splash mountain and I enjoyed this one!

I make it a point to do just about every ride in an amusement park though I don't feel that way about coasters. Once you have done triple loop de loops, hung upside down, etc. there isn't much left to experience.

This year on my WDW list:

Everest - Not nervous about this at all, by roller coaster standards this is way below the really scary rides (thank you Disney!)

Summit Plummit - Ok, I've been avoiding this one for 9 years. I'm absolutely terrified of getting on this slide. So this is where logical brain tells emotional brain, "see anyone dying or getting injured?". Even little kids go down, come on! So this I'm going to take the plunge, once I make up my mind I don't ever turn back.

 

[proteus]

Hello to my SOULMATE!!

Just got back from our first trip and like you I am afraid of everything.

I really hate things with DIPS....So...I promised them I would do ONE ride.
I did TEST TRACK...Yes it was very fast but NO DROPS. I about passed out in the waiting area. My heart was beating 1000 beats a minute. I sat in between my, I am not afraid of anything boys and they tell me that they have sort of regained use of their hands.

See below:

Now...I am glad I did it but I could of never done any of the other big rides.

I also did Gusher...Yes..see the fear...IT HAD DROPS

Now I could of never done the other rides. However they were happy I did a few rides. Good luck and let me know how it turns out. My husband joke that I was the most expensive photographer in the parks...giggle

OH YEAH Pirates of the Caribbean has a drop the Popped up on me. Yes I screamed.
Unless you are really scared of rides...You'll never understand.

Loved your pictures, I have one on the Tower of Terror and my face is scrunched so tight that I look like I've been shot.

The bonus part of being fearful is the intensity of the experience. Some people get on a water slide and are bored.

Anyway from a vicarious point of view riding with someone like you is great fun, kind of like a kid suprising grandpa with a scary ride then giggling at his reaction, lol.

 

[3mickeymom]

Another chicken here. I am afraid of big drops. Even Pirates makes me nervous.
Test Track - Just Fast, not scary
Big Thunder Mountain-sideways turns, loud but fun
Goofy's barnstormer-the perfect roller coaster for chickens. You have to be brave when you are riding with four year olds.
Expedition Everest I promised my son I would do it and I did. I was very scared but it was over in two minutes. I kept telling mysel , its just two minutes. I will do it again next time. I will be scared but I will try it again.
Don't ruin your trip worrying about doing things that might make you ill. But if you are just a little scared, maybe challenge yourself to try something new. Hve fun!!

 

[SherylWrites]

Don't force yourself on to anything! It's your vacation too, remember?
I'm not a big ride person myself, I am terrified of heights. However, last year I did attempt a few rides that ordinarily I wouldn't have. Mostly because my husband kept hounding me or using his "reverse psychology" and the fact that I can't let him best me.
So, here is a list from a chicken, of what I went on (for the most part, I might forget a few) with a rating for each.

Pirates of the Carribean - NOT scary. Even the unexpected dip, which did make me cry out "whooa", was really not scary, just unexpected.
Tower of Terror - Okay, I spent the whole ride consoling my terrified daughter. All of the pictures that they show you after have me keeping her from freaking out. It IS a scary ride, there's no doubt about it. I don't like the big drops. However I did survive and bought everyone a t-shirt afterwards because we were all brave enough to do it.
Dinosaur - IS intense, but that's the dinosaurs not the ride itself. It's bumpy, shaky, etc. but I don't recall any huge drops or speeds. It was a very cool ride.
Expedition Everest - SCARY but exhilerating. This is the first roller coaster I'd been on since I was 13 (which was my very first time on the biggest coaster in Canada at the time at Wonderland). How they ever got me on it I'll never know, but I did. And yes, it was scary. But I was glad I did it. That was one I was proud of myself for going on.
Test Track - NOT SCARY in the least. It was cool, no major drops. Just some speed.
Soarin' - NOT SCARY and I'm terrified of heights. It was quite relaxing.
Space Mountain - Kinda Scary cause it's in the dark. Actually, the swift turns hurt my neck! My kids went on this about 10 times. Once was plenty for me.
Astro Orbitor - SCARY. And ONLY because of my height thing. The ride itself is quite tame. It's being on the roof of a building that I didn't like.
Buzz Lightyear - Loads of fun, not scary at all. We did it a couple of times.
Mission Space - I didn't do this. I like my lunch where it belongs, in my tummy! My husband did the high impact one, not realizing there were two to choose from. He loved it but said he'd never do it again. It was too intense on his body.
Peter Pan - NOT SCARY. A relaxing and whimsical little ride.
It's A Small World - VERY VERY SCARY. It's like a little bit of hell that ride. Not because of the boat or anything. It's the creepy little dolls that sing without moving their lips and the constant repetition of the song that drives you insane.
Thunder Mountain - NOT SCARY. If anything, you'll get whiplash but you won't be scared! Very fast, so fast you blink and it's over.
Splash Mountain - I didn't do this but my son and husband did. My son (9 at the time) thought it was the scariest ride he'd been on at WDW. And since he rode just about everything including every mountain, I'd say it's scary!

Fortunately, there are so many neat things to do at WDW that keep your feet on the ground you'll have a wonderful time whether you conquer every mountain or ride. Just have fun and stick within your comfort zone. It's a vacation, not a life or death challenge!

 

[Brer Fox]

I am the worlds worst chicken but I absolutely ADORE Splash Mountain.
My son got me to go on Expedition Everest and I'm afraid I felt quite sick after that though.

But as a family we also go on Soarin, Buzz Lightyear, Pirates of the Caribbean etc. although my wife will not go on Tower of Terror.

If you aren't sure don't go on.

 

[mpetti]

I was very young and one of my girlfriends insisted I go on. OMG!! It was so fast and dark and I just remember screaming . When that ride was over I was so happy. However my girlfriend was in shock. I think though she had been on it before she forgot how fast and dark it was. Never again for me. My DH went on it in the 90's (without me...yah) . He never went back on again. You should only do what rides you feel comfortable with. Enjoy your Disney trip. Can't wait to go back August 2009.

Maryann