If you get panic attacks, you should stay away from:

[addicted_to_WDW]

The only panic attack I've ever had at WDW was on a ride I absolutely love....Soarin. I don't know why, but as we were ascending I thought, "It would really hurt if I fell out and face planted onto the concrete down there." Then I couldn't shake the feeling that I was going to slip out of my seat and fall. I've been on Soarin many times before that and several times after, but on that one trip I was panicked the whole time. I'm not afraid of any of the rides, but that trip scared the poo out of me (not literally, don't worry).

 

[duckylady]

I have social anxiety and I've had 1 or 2 panic attacks at the park - but that was because of the people I was with. sad2 I just took breaks every once in a while by myself to calm down during the day and I was fine. :] You just have to know your own limit, really. Follow that and you'll have a great vacation.

If your question is directed more towards the rides, how about looking some up or watching YouTube videos? There are some where your personal space is sort of invaded (Stitch's Great Escape, Mission Space, etc.), and I can see how that would cause panic. Just watch some walk-throughs and if you have any doubts, go ride something else. :]

 

[CathrynRose]

I too have struggled with very bad and often panic attacks, although I have gotten them almost completely under control over the last five or so years.

FYI, Panic attacks are an autonomic nervous sytem problem that sets in motion your "Fight-or-Flight" reaction for no good reason. Basically, any place that you can't get out of (and therefore cannot burn off your fight-or-flight energy) can be bad during a panic attack. No one knows better than you how you will handle a ride. Basically if you have any doubts, just don't do it.

It depends on your triggers. My panic attacks have nothing to do with people, at all. They have to do with death. So if my heart skips a beat, or when I get off a roller coaster and Im light headed - THAT will set me off.

I cannot reccomend enough, coming to terms with your panic, and getting yourself a medication to deal with it - when necessary.

Thats why, earlier in this thread I mentioned - XANAX! I had seriously, the best trip Ive ever had EVER this past January because I finally wasnt thinking I was going to drop dead every rush of adrenaline I had.

 

[branv]

Rrrr...the airplane to and from WDW? No seriously -- nothing like being on a late airplane being very aware you may miss your connecting flight to make your head pop off.

I actually had some issues with the muppet movie. I think because there is no real seating, it's dark, people tend to get into your space more. And while it's never happened to me, and I love the ride very much, that dark queue in Space Mountain can be very oppressive when you start realizing how boxed in you are.

I had a bit of a "moment" at the end of my first Maelstrom ride. You know how it drops you off in that little "city" before the doors open to the theater for the Norway movie? It being my first time, I didn't know what was supposed to happen. All I knew was that we were standing there, and there was no clear way to get out, no signs that we could see. More people on boats started getting out, and I swear not a one seemed to know what the heck was going on. Sort of a twilight zone feeling...I'm going to be trapped in this tiny city forever! Despite my best sense of rationality, that feeling, added to a desperate need to use the restroom, a headache, and a growing crowd started to make me rev up. DH just held my hand and had us sit down with our backs to a wall. Helped a lot and finally, of course, the doors opened. *Whew* who knows what the trolls might have done to us

 

[maxiesmom]

I had a bit of a "moment" at the end of my first Maelstrom ride. You know how it drops you off in that little "city" before the doors open to the theater for the Norway movie? It being my first time, I didn't know what was supposed to happen. All I knew was that we were standing there, and there was no clear way to get out, no signs that we could see. More people on boats started getting out, and I swear not a one seemed to know what the heck was going on. Sort of a twilight zone feeling...I'm going to be trapped in this tiny city forever! Despite my best sense of rationality, that feeling, added to a desperate need to use the restroom, a headache, and a growing crowd started to make me rev up. DH just held my hand and had us sit down with our backs to a wall. Helped a lot and finally, of course, the doors opened. *Whew* who knows what the trolls might have done to us

I hear you on that one! They either need to put in an exit, or put a real working toilet in that little town! I hate pulling up to the dock, and watching the doors to the theater close.

 

[Schmeck]

The boats I'm fine with, they have open areas - the monorails are electric, so the AC doesn't turn off, but after that ordeal, it takes a heck of a lot to get me on a WDW bus.

See, I hate the boats because there are alligators in the water, and if the electricity went out while you are in the middle of the monorail track, what do they do? Orlando just had a power outage...

So far the only time I had a panic attack at WDW was in the hotel room - only because I was stressed about the beginning of our vacation But I have been close to having one on the monorail and on the boats. It really depends on each person's triggers!

 

[ZoZo]

Mission Space. Hated it. Felt very closed in and claustrophobic. Plus, I had heard so many warnings about "keep your eyes facing forward - don't look to the side" that I freaked myself out a little! I didn't get nauseous, but didn't enjoy this ride at all.

To help me with my anxiety, I use yoga breathing (really deep belly-breathing). This has helped me with my phobia of the dentist. I also try to educate myself as much as possible about what I'm afraid of, so that I feel like I have more control of things. If I were you, I'd get a detailed guide book like the Unofficial Guide and read the ride sections carefully. You'll get a much better idea of what you're in for!

Good luck!

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Panic attack inducing rides at WDW... where do I begin?...
Ok, if any ride shuts off/gets stuck mid-ride, that can make me anxious depending on the ride. If I think I can get out, I am not so bad. If I think I'm stuck.. whew - talk about sweating bullets. I have to talk myself into calming down. I find it is so helpful if I can see stairs, even if it's a dark ride. I figure all will be ok. If I feel trapped, it's not an easy time for me.

I felt an attack coming on on Alien Encounter due to the harness. Is Stitch like that now?
There is no way I will go on MS, not even the tame version. I was in line, saw the film, asked the CM about Claustrophobia, she nodded, so I got out of line and went through the chicken escape.
I know there are more, but I'm drawing a blank.

 

[tecdavidt]

Back in 2000 we were with another family at the parks (we were having an AAU 16 and under baseball tournament). The mom had panic attacks and we never new about it until MGM. She was on Startours, they were getting ready to shut the door and she told the castmember she had to get off NOW. What is sad, her daughter was picking up on the panic attacks at age 11 and she was starting to copy her mother. I feel for all who suffer from them.
Kathy

 

[te2077]

i think it really depends on what your triggers are. My brother (15) has panic attacks. Crowds of strange people standing too close to him make him uncomfortable. He even has trouble with school because its overcrowded. Too crowded of buses bother him. If the bus is really crowded and we are standing, I just put a little space in between me and him which seems to help or we just wait for the next bus. The only ride that really bothered him was Shrek at Universal. When you stand in the que they really pack you in there. He was ok on the Haunted Mansion as they didnt put too many people in that rising room at one time. ONe thing we do at the closing of the park is take our time and go through the stores and linger around the park. That way he isnt caught up in the mess of people. We skipped parades this time, but have seem them at less crowded times of year.

 

[henrylovespooh]

Loud noise brings on panick attacks in me. If I as much see a band setting up I want to run.

 

[steffali]

I also suffer from Panic Attacks. I have not had one at WDW but I can not bring myself to do certain rides, like ToT.
I saw the mention of Xanax on here, do you take it every day or just every day that you are at WDW?

Does anyone take daily meds to control or help with the anxiety attacks?? I hate getting these attacks and most of all not being able to do everything I know that I can. This is why I won't fly anymore

 

[joenan88]

I suffer from Panic attacks once in a while...The only ride I had an issue on was The Safari at AK...I felt very trapped and the ride took forever..the thought of not being able to get off just freaked me out....

I had a bit of a "moment" at the end of my first Maelstrom ride. You know how it drops you off in that little "city" before the doors open to the theater for the Norway movie? It being my first time, I didn't know what was supposed to happen. All I knew was that we were standing there, and there was no clear way to get out, no signs that we could see. More people on boats started getting out, and I swear not a one seemed to know what the heck was going on. Sort of a twilight zone feeling...I'm going to be trapped in this tiny city forever! Despite my best sense of rationality, that feeling, added to a desperate need to use the restroom, a headache, and a growing crowd started to make me rev up. DH just held my hand and had us sit down with our backs to a wall. Helped a lot and finally, of course, the doors opened. *Whew* who knows what the trolls might have done to us

and by the way, that dissertation on the ending of the Maelstrom ride..was hilarious!! I am with you my friend! My husband and I couldn't stop laughing so it distracted me from having a panic attack...all we were focused on was making sure we didn't get stuck watching the Norway movie before the doors shut on the other side..NOW that would have triggered a panic attack for me

 

[unknownname]

Its' Tough to be a Bug 3D

I thought I was going to die when the fog came. :[[

 

[inkkognito]

I saw the mention of Xanax on here, do you take it every day or just every day that you are at WDW?

The great thing about Xanax is that you can take it situationally. It doesn't have to build up in your system. I am a doctor of psychology and know all the non-drug techniques, but sometimes you just need a little more help (I know I do with flying!). Ask your doc. about Xanax for sure.

 

[KorieDWnut]

I get pretty intense panic attacks at times. I've been fine with rides, but if I get in a big crowd I have a hard time holding it together. Last year we were trying to get out of the parks right before spectro started and we could not move an inch and I was starting to get the dreaded panic feeling, but my husband managed to talk me down. So my advice stay away from large crowds.

I don't get them bad, or maybe they are something else, but I also get really anxious, irrittated beyond normal, uneasy, edgy, etc when I am in a sea of people. I am fine in lines or going from pre-show to ride/show BUt I used always go nuts when wading through a sea of people to get to the busses, or being pushed and jostled when trying to get to the parade, or out of a park RIGHT at closing.

I stopped trying to watch the parades. I give up, I don't need to see them anyway and being anxious about standing around hundreds of other people is too much for me.

At park close, I no longer rush for the gates. I just park myself on a bench and have a nice relaxing sit. or I browse through stores. I wait until about 45-60 mins after close, and THEN I head to the busses. It took me SOOO long to figure that one out.

 

[attackwithnorth]

I also suffer from Panic Attacks. I have not had one at WDW but I can not bring myself to do certain rides, like ToT.
I saw the mention of Xanax on here, do you take it every day or just every day that you are at WDW?

Does anyone take daily meds to control or help with the anxiety attacks?? I hate getting these attacks and most of all not being able to do everything I know that I can. This is why I won't fly anymore

The meds you are talking about are Benzodiazepines. They are central nervous system depressants, some are sedatives, some are hypnotics etc. There are a ton of them. They are also habit forming. I happen to be a therapist at a drug treatment center and I haven't seen much worse than a detoxing xanax addict...

On the other side of it, Xanax and benzos in general are very helpful for those who don't generally have an addictive nature. It depends on you...

 

[RhodyJim]

I also suffer from Panic Attacks. I have not had one at WDW but I can not bring myself to do certain rides, like ToT.
I saw the mention of Xanax on here, do you take it every day or just every day that you are at WDW?

Does anyone take daily meds to control or help with the anxiety attacks?? I hate getting these attacks and most of all not being able to do everything I know that I can. This is why I won't fly anymore

I know I could go into a long explanation of what works for me, and I'm sure other people could too. If you suffer from panic attacks with any amount of regularity, I would strongly recommend that you talk to your doctor. There are a number of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. What's most important is that it works for you and you are comfortable with it. There are so many options for treatment that if one doesn't work, you can try something else. If it is affecting your life negatively, there is no reason not to look for some type of treatment.

I can tell you that I was embarrased to talk about it to almost anyone for a long time because I was afraid they would think I was "crazy." But, I finally talked to my doctor about it and it has absolutely changed my life for the better.

 

[livndisney]

The only one I really have had a hard time with is The Little Mermaid "pre-show". That dark windowless room that they keep packing people into......

 

[atpatt]

I completely forgot about it until I was almost finished reading the 1st page, but I had a panic attack on the Great Movie Ride, of all things. During the Bugsey Malone shootout, the noise and claustrophobia just became too much. I don't do any type of thrill ride, btw, not b/c of panic attacks but just b/c I don't like them!

Generally speaking (outside of WDW), mine are completely spontaneous...I don't need a trigger. On the other hand, about 5 years ago I took Effexor for about 6 months and that pretty much took care of the serious ones, you know, the ones that make you think you are dying. The doc put me on Atavan first and it didn't do a bit of good. I used to take xanax for flying, I still don't like it, but I no longer need the meds.