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

[kaytieeldr]

... Haunted Mansion on a Saturday afternoon when they're using both Stretching Rooms...

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.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..

You know, you can use that extra strap - the one that Guests under a certain height HAVE to use? The only people who might give you a hard time are the other members of your party

 

[shadybabysmom]

It is so refreshing to hear of other's experiances dealing with having panic attacks in the parks. I have suffered for about 10 years from them some years worse than others. Years ago when Alien Encounter was around I was very familiar with the ride as I had gone on a few times but then all of a sudden one day I just panicked and freaked out I felt so restrained in the harness and was trying to squeeze myself out but it was too tight. I managed to sit through it but it was a horrible thing to go through as one of my remedies was always to get fresh air and walk around but I was stuck there! One a funny side my brother in law was sitting beside me and knew I was having one and when the lights went out and the alien spits and you get sprayed with water he thought I had gotten sick and it was all over him. LOL he sat there the entire time thinking ewwwww that he had it all over his face and stuff

 

[anewvance]

The only problem I have had at disney was waiting for the Lights Motor Stunt show at Disney Studios. They shove SOOOO many people in such a tiny space and even though it was in the shade, it was humid and hot. And if we weren't stuffed close enough, they came on the speaker and said to move closer together to make room for more people. At that point I said forget it and we left. They weren't running fast passes that day so maybe that would help in the future?

 

[lizzytizzy]

Its' Tough to be a Bug 3D

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

I agree! I hate that part. What I do is go to the end of the rows and sit there. I notice that most of the fog is in the center of the room. That helped alot!

 

[FloraFauna]

I had a panic attack on TOT eight years ago. I love the theming on this ride, so I walk through with my family and stand in line. When we get to the front, I ask to take the "chicken" elevator. There are usually other people who take that elevator with me.

I sometimes panic when the Rock N Rollercoaster is finished with the roller coaster part, and you go into that dark concrete hall. You just stop there for a few seconds, but I can't help but panic.

 

['OhanaMama]

SOARIN'!

The first time I was on it, we lifted up, to the very top, and I started to panic! I had to push the thought of ripping off my seatbelt and jumping for safety (yeah right) out of my mind over and over. I had to stare at the ceiling (because it was white and wasn't moving) and take deep breaths.

I thought it was a one time coincidence. So the next trip we are there I rode it again, and the same thing happened. Needless to say I don't ride it anymore.

 

[deej696]

As someone mentioned earlier, its nice to hear from others about the same experiences that I seem to have with anxiety and panic attacks. I've dealt with it now for a couple of years, and its something that I have not talked with very many people about, outside of my fiance. In the beginning, there were a lot of triggers that caused it, but as time has gone on, those are getting fewer and fewer. As far as at WDW, ToT is one ride that always gets my anxiety going as well as the coasters. As someone else mentioned earlier, death is one of my triggers for sure, so those rides seem to cause me the most issues. All in all however, the anxiety doesnt seem to cut into my day like it used to. I think being able to say "you've felt like this before, it'll go away, it always does" defnitely helps. In the beginning, my biggest problem was that I thought I would be like that every day FOREVER. Once I was able to put that kind of perspective on it, I found that things started to get a lot better fast. Now I rarely have a full on attack, even though I have many nervous moments. But heck, I'm human, who doesnt get nervous right

 

[jetprincess]

I have my own hand held fan that I use when places get tight and it helps move the air right around me. I'll be taking it even in December! The noise so close to my face also serves as white noise and it helps to drown out other things. Also, I keep a pair of earplugs in my pocket! I also close my eyes when there are strobe lights. I hate feeling disoriented.

They should have a "Panic Room" at all of the rides! Wouldn't that be hilarious? It could serve as an attraction itself! Actually, it would probably be funny because everyone would eventually be laughing at themselves!

to my fellow panic stricten DISER's!!

 

[gatorgirl2]

No panic-inducing attractions at WDW, IMHO.

BUT, if you are prone to panic attacks, stay away from:

Dinosaur
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience 3D
Its' Tough to be a Bug 3D
ToT
EE
Space Mtn.
Heck- ALL the "thrill rides."

And any and all CROWDS... Uh-Oh!

Don't forget the worse--"Small World" LOL

 

[steffali]

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.

I agree with you I thought everyone would think I was crazy.
I do take daily meds but sometimes something will still set me off.
I feel like I have panic attacks about having a panic attack

 

[MAGICFOR2]

You can see your doctor and get a prescription for Xanax just for your trip. That's what DH does.

 

[Robo]

 

[FeralCatRogue]

I have anxiety and my doctor allows me if needed to take extra medication when needed. I don't have panic attacks though just generalized anxiety disorder. I have found certain rides set it off, especially when you get stopped for others being disembarked off Haunted mansion. When I was there during MVMCP and tried to watch the castle show and got boxed in that was bad too. I mainly use different techniques such as breathing exercises and grounding if you need any specific ideas feel free to pm and ask questions.

Sorry I missed this was a necromancer thread....that zombie is AWESOME!

 

[Ress76]

Honestly, the most anxious I get at WDW is exiting crowds, fireworks crowds and the post-stretching room part of the queue at HM. The dark and the pushing/shoving is the worst.

Mission: Space (for me) was more about my clautrophobia than anything else.

 

[lovethattink]

The OP asked the question back in 2008. But I'll keep it open because it may be helpful to someone planning their trip.

My son has panic attacks. Deep breathing, therapy putty, bean bag tapping are techniques he uses since his doctors don't want him taking benzodiazepines at such an young age.

 

[Napria]

Get your own transportation. I'm not one for panic attacks on a normal basis - heck, MS is one of my favorite rides in all of DW. But I flipped out to the point of almost passing out when our bus ran out of gas, the ACs all turned off, and the driver refused to open any doors (windows are all sealed). It was high 90's that day, so we were cooking, and I was freaking.

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.

My son is epileptic. Heat can bring on seizures. This would have been a very bad situation for us.

I tend to have panic attacks when I feel trapped. The different movies at Epcot used to freak me out, until I realized you can leave if you want to. I won't go on Ellen's Energy Adventure, that ride is too long and there is no way to leave, unless you want to stop the whole ride and ruin everyones experience. There is no way I would ride Mission:Space.

Even waiting in line can set me off, but I just tell myself I can leave at any time.

This is exactly my problem and the reason I can't get in a plane. Although I was very proud I actually rode Ellen's Energy Adventure the last trip and didn't totally panic!

I find my panic levels depend on my overall mental outlook (i.e. stress levels, etc.)

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Going with the theme here, I'd like to know about this. How do you control anxiety at the parks?

I don't get panic attacks, but I do have anxiety.

The egress from Fantasmic really bothers me. So I just don't go.

It's tough to be a bug, now that I know about the stinger--I sit on the edge of the seat. But I to prefer not to go. (Needle phobia and while it is much bigger and way duller than a needle, the idea of it disturbs me. Yes, this is irrational. I'm okay with that.)

In general I avoid big crowds unless I properly mentally prepare for them or find a work around. So you won't see me in front of the castle for parades and fireworks. You will find me on the very edge, or in an area of the park fireworks where nobody is (behind mine train was great!). The only way I would be "in" those crowds is with a wishes FP and only at the very back of the section where we had room to stretch our arms.

The rest really depends on what your triggers are. If you are aware what actually sends you into a panic attack, people can better inform you on what will likely be best for you to avoid.

Despite anxiety, I love TOT. That would cause my brother (who also has anxiety but much more severe) to hyperventilate and panic.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Oh man!!!

 

[willieT]

Wow. A 7 year old zombie thread. Hopefully it's return provides worthwhile info to someone. The discussion of taking anxiety medication to visit the Happiest Place on Earth is a little unsettling... but understandable after 100+ visits and witnessing 1,000+ nap-deprived meltdowns...

 

[FeralCatRogue]

Sometimes the nap-deprived meltdowns are completely cute. Saw this kid maybe 4 years old suddenly drop down to the floor and go "I'm done with this place take me home." a few days ago. It was just the cutest i'm to tired to go on tantrum ever.