Mission Space: Why my claustrophobia will not allow me to ride it again

[siouxi31]

I actually forget that I have claustrophobia until it effects me. It's so mild that I don't think about it when I'm in elevators or cleaning under the bed. The last time I had any problem was about 5 years ago when I went for an MRI. It's still difficult to talk about because the feeling comes back all over again. To make a long story short, I had to re-schedule it for what they call an "open" MRI. I would call it "Slightly Larger" MRI because I still had an issue with claustrophobia when I was in there.
Anyhow, while standing in line for Mission Space, I heard over the speaker that if you have motion problems or claustrophobia that you should bow out before it's too late. As soon as the announcement was made I recalled that I did have claustrophobia but thought that the ride didn't look too limiting when I saw it on TV. I stayed in line with my husband and two kids (ages 8 and 12). We were really looking forward to this ride. Actually, I was more worried about my husband's motion sickness than I was my claustrophobia. Well, once it was our turn to ride, we each sat inside the unit, placed our loose articles in the bin before us and buckled up. I didn't even notice that the doors on either side had shut but suddenly the panic set in. I couldn't understand what was wrong. There seemed to be enough room, and Disney was kind enough to blow air on your face (something that usually helps). However, I was losing it. My eyes grew wider and I was beginning to look for cameras or some sort of panic button that I could hit. My adrenaline was flowing, heart was racing, and breathing was quickening. I thought I was either going to faint (something I've NEVER done in my life), have a heart attack, or vomit. If there were cameras I was going to motion that they get me the heck out of there. This was pretty bad because I'm not usually a big weenie. When the ride begins, it tilts back similar to a recliner. I don't know why but as soon as the ride reclined my claustrophobia began to disappear--it was instant relief.
I will NEVER ride Mission Space again. This is something I can safely say because I have had the opportunity to ride it once. There is only one other ride that I will not go on and that is the Rotor (the one where the floor drops as it spins so you stick to the sides).
My info is here for my fellow semi-claustrophobic comrades. What a shame that I couldn't enjoy it and even tell you what happened. I was concentrating on not moving my head so that I wouldn't have motion sickness in addition to claustrophobia.

 

[walt's assistant]

Don't feel too badly...I rode it last week and easily understand why you'd feel this way. Hey, I told my wife not to do it even though I liked it. She doesn't like closed in spaces either and also doesn't do well with the kind of motion you get on Space.

For those who haven't seen Mission:Space yet, you are loaded into a capsule about the size of an actual Apollo capsule with three other people...no windows and a control console right in your face. Not a good place to be if you are claustrophobic!


WA

 

[Micca]

I seem to have become a bit claustrophobic over the past few years. I do think I can handle MS knowing that I won't be there for very long. I would panic if I got stuck in there

 

[Kallison]

Dh and I were just discussing about what a shame that Disney put all that money into a ride that a lot of people have commented they will never ride again. Neither one of us will go on it again. The first time I was ok, but the second, I got that panicky feeling too. The fact that the other three people in my pod were freaking out, probably didn't help either.

 

[dgaston]

siouxi31: I think you were having a panic attack. At least riding M:S is something you never have to do again.

I feel bad reading about people who got dizzy, or felt too closed in because I really have enjoyed the attraction the 4 times I've been on it. I was pretty nervous the first time, and can understand how scary this is if you have anything they keep warning you about.

You can say you've done it and never again! LOL

 

[crabmeal]

You are brave for gettting on that ride. I am clausterphobic and would never dream of trying to ride it. Im glad you came through it okay though. Thanks for the honest feedback too.

 

[kirstyfly]

I don't normally have a problem with closed in spaces although for a while i used to walk and not use elvators more so for the fact of getting trapped.

However when they keep repeating the warnings of motion sickness etc.. you start to doubt yourself and think what is this ride about.

Anyway I got in there and made sure i sat near the door, all was fine when first in there and then low and behold the screen came closer. That was a bit close for me but i managed it.

To begin with i thought we were going in something like the big wheel that turns at the entrance, i was about to turn and go when i saw that thing.

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

I'm not really claustrophobic, but I'm afraid to ride it because I have this weird phobia that I won't be able to breathe with the G-Forces.

Glad you made it through without fainting or anything, but sorry you didn't get to enjoy it!

 

[NTDIANE]

HOW BACK IS MS I HAVE BEEN ON SPACE MOUNTAIN AND ROCK N ROLLER COASTER AND BOTH MADE ME FEEL VERY SICK BUT NOT ACTUALLY GET SICK. IS MS MUCH WORSE. MY DAUGHTER LOVES THESE RIDES AND HAS NO ONE BUT ME TO GO ON WITH. DO YOU THINK I SHOULD LET KER GO ON ALONE ??

THANK YOU DIANE

 

[Tulip]

This is really disappointing to hear. The last time DH and I were at DW they were just starting construction on M:S and now he's really excited to ride it when we go back. The thing is he has really bad claustrophobia. I just don't think he'd make it.

 

[MinnieGi]

Niether I nor my DH like being "closed in" so I was having real concerns about riding MS. I made DH do it first!!!! He came back with a big thumbs up and said the air constantly blowing on his face helped immensely and let him enjoy the ride. I then went on with my in-laws. I was very concerned still, but just wanted to try it once. I thought it was awesome! The piped in air helped me too! I thought the the sensations and pictures were wonderful and I'm looking forward to riding again.

siouxi31 - sorry it didn't go well for you. At least you never have to go on it again!