Help me put my scaredy-cat DH on a roller coaster.

[ChrisParker]

So DH has sort of almost mostly and probably agreed to do one (*ONE*) roller coaster at DL. The tamest he says. The least scary.

The last time I tried to put him on TMRR at MK it was a white-knuckle failure. But he's brave. Once more into the lap restraint.

I need some advice!

 

[bcla]

Gadget's Go Coaster is about the tamest coaster in all of Disneyland. It's a kiddie ride though. I took my kid on it at the age of 2 since it had the lowest minimum height requirement.

 

[Congo Queen]

Well I would keep him away from Space and Screamin for sure. My DH is also not that crazy about coasters, yet he really likes BTMRR b/c he can see the track, there are no big drops and no loops. If you are attempting to ease him into the coasters-not-such-a-scary-thing mindset then maybe Gadget Go Coaster??? He will be able to watch at least 50 toddlers ride it before him. Good luck

 

[Arnir]

I think it depends on what is it about coasters that he doesn't like? For me it is my fear of heights, so coasters like TMRR don't really bother me too much. Dark coasters like SM may work because you can't see what to be afraid of, but probably not.
All that said, the older I get even non-height issue coasters get to me because of my lower back. They are just too hard on me. I do love the Seven Dwarf Mine Train in WDW though. It is so smooth.

 

[zenjenn]

I second the suggestion of BTMRR. It's pretty tame but it's a *real* ride. But maybe you don't want to repeat the experience you had at MK. BTMRR is almost identical at both parks.

Another thought is Radiator Racer Springs if that's included on his NOPE list and if DCA is in your plans. I've actually never been on it but I understand it uses the same technology as Test Track at EPCOT. Lots of SPEED and SUPER fun but no drops, loops, or other coaster features that make coasters harrowing for some people. Test Track was always a first thrill ride for even my itty bitty kids.

Also another non-coaster coaster -- Indiana Jones.

Both those ride techs are legit non-kiddie "thrill rides" but are much more grounded and lack the sensations a lot of people hate about roller coasters.

 

[Niltiac]

I was a scaredy-cat for years, at least when it comes to big coasters. To get through my first time on Screamin' I watched a ride-through on youtube so I would know when the big drops are - maybe that would help?

I think you'll be looking at BTMRR or Matterhorn. Matterhorn is more tame drop-wise IMO, but also more rough.

Also if he does ok encourage him to ride a second time because it's more fun when you know you can handle it.

 

[BellsFam]

So DH has sort of almost mostly and probably agreed to do one (*ONE*) roller coaster at DL. The tamest he says. The least scary.

The last time I tried to put him on TMRR at MK it was a white-knuckle failure. But he's brave. Once more into the lap restraint.

I need some advice!

DONT... Why would you want to do this? "White knuckle failure"... Let's see, what's the one thing you white knuckle over, oh now go do it!

 

[bcla]

Another thought is Radiator Racer Springs if that's included on his NOPE list and if DCA is in your plans. I've actually never been on it but I understand it uses the same technology as Test Track at EPCOT. Lots of SPEED and SUPER fun but no drops, loops, or other coaster features that make coasters harrowing for some people. Test Track was always a first thrill ride for even my itty bitty kids.

RSR has bunny hills though, which result in a momentary feeling of weightlessness. I've actually had a similar feeling on roads that hug the terrain.

 

[SMD]

DONT... Why would you want to do this? "White knuckle failure"... Let's see, what's the one thing you white knuckle over, oh now go do it!

I agree. Even the title of the thread sounds like a bad idea.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Gadget's is the easiest- but you'll be bored!

 

[PunkPrincess]

My mom and dad tricked my brother onto splash mt by saying at the last second the ride stops and people can just get out who are too scared and then it continues

 

[PunkPrincess]

Gadget's is the easiest- but you'll be bored!

Who says!!? I'm a pretty tough girl but I'm still not above taking a spin on it now and then

 

[casagray]

I don't like coasters - I don't like heights, sudden drops, going mega fast, or super-bumpy/jerky rides.
The last time I visited - and on the last day of the visit before that - I gave myself a personal challenge of trying a new ride each day that were on the outside of my personal comfort zone because I wanted to expand the rides I could go on, and maybe I'd find they weren't as bad as I thought. Both times I was traveling solo, so if I chickened out the only person who would know is me.

So here is what I tried:

• Matterhorn - bumpy, had a few moments of sudden weightlessness, and about four times I thought for sure I was going to be the first person whose car was going to leave the track. Would I do it again scale: 3/10 (probably not, unless one of my kids really wanted to)
  
• Indiana Jones - wins the will give you a back ache even if you've never had back trouble award - extremely bumpy/jerky ride, but redeemed if you know and like the movies. Would I ride it again scale: 7/10 (if the line were short enough)
  
• Radiator Spring Racers: twisty and weightless moments, much less bumpy, and overall the "race factor" adds to the fun. Would I ride it again scale: 9/10 (yes! and I did that trip).
• Splash Mountain: For me, like Matterhorn, but wet. Would I do it again scale: 3/10 (see matterhorn).

I agree with the "Why would you make someone who was white knuckled in fear go on a ride" posts, but I also know sometimes it's good to take on a small challenge. Am I ever going to get to the big coasters? Probably not - heck, I closed my eyes through out most of Soarin over California years ago - but I now know there are a few more rides I can enjoy ... well two.

Without knowing what it is that makes him not like coasters (as others have said) it's hard to know what to suggest, but for me RSR was a good next step.

 

[whoever]

I have not good answers for you other than just to lie about it and get him on. Maybe call on his masculinity and tell him to "man up". Only thing I can think of does he suffer from motion sickness? Could be an inner ear thing for him.

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't consider Indy to be a coaster.


Put him on Gadget if he'll agree.

 

[DahliaRW]

While gadget is tame, it's also usually a really long wait for a 30 second ride and totally not worth it, IMO. I'd not waste my time there.

 

[bcla]

I don't like coasters - I don't like heights, sudden drops, going mega fast, or super-bumpy/jerky rides.
The last time I visited - and on the last day of the visit before that - I gave myself a personal challenge of trying a new ride each day that were on the outside of my personal comfort zone because I wanted to expand the rides I could go on, and maybe I'd find they weren't as bad as I thought. Both times I was traveling solo, so if I chickened out the only person who would know is me.

There's only one coaster enthusiat's ride at Disneyland and that would be California Screamin'. It's clearly the biggest and baddest coaster at Disneyland and was a pioneer in linear induction motor coaster propulsion. It literally accelerates up the hill, while traditional coasters would be slowly pulled up by a chain.

None of the other coasters at Disneyland go faster than 30 MPH. They seem like they're faster though. They have tighter turns though. Space Mountain uses tricks with the lights to make it seem faster. If you can convince yourself of these things, it's not so bad.

 

[Astylla]

I was terrified of fast rides and coasters from a yopung age until i was in my mid 20's. I'm turning 38 next month and regret letting fear control my enjoyment so long.

HOWEVER - the most vital point of me conquering my fears was having a support system in those I went with.
My husband has been amazing with me since we met in 2009 and back then you had to drag me on Screamin' , Tower of Terror and even Splash Mountain. My big fear was drops , and in turn speed.

It took small steps , it took support and understanding at my own pace and let me break down and cry if needed and each time I rode these rides I did something new. I now love these rides but classic coasters do still intimidate me but everyone is different. Fear is irrational often but sourced from an experience that sparked it.

It might not sound like a big deal but really being supportive and explaining that you understand their feelings and fears can be the most powerful thing to help.

 

[PunkPrincess]

There's only one coaster enthusiat's ride at Disneyland and that would be California Screamin'. It's clearly the biggest and baddest coaster at Disneyland and was a pioneer in linear induction motor coaster propulsion. It literally accelerates up the hill, while traditional coasters would be slowly pulled up by a chain.

None of the other coasters at Disneyland go faster than 30 MPH. They seem like they're faster though. They have tighter turns though. Space Mountain uses tricks with the lights to make it seem faster. If you can convince yourself of these things, it's not so bad.

I swear space mountain also blows air in your face to enhance that as well. can anyone confirm this?

 

[msr709]

I've got to go with don't make him do anything he doesn't want to. You enjoy yourself as you like and let him choose what he wants to ride. Fooling him or lying to him might ruin your day and DL is just too expensive to ruin over that. I say compromise and see some shows and ride the tamer rides with him and enjoy your day.