Pirates Drop vs. Maelstrom Drop

[Meteora]

I hate drops. When I was in Epcot a few years ago I asked a CM in Norway about the drop in Maelstrom, and he asked me if I had been on Pirates, then told me their drop was maybe a foot longer. As others have said, though, it's not as steep. I think the Pirates drop is worse, personally, and I'm very sensitive to drops. Maelstrom is no biggie. I don't think it will bother your son too much if he got through Pirates okay.

 

[bytheblood]

Both drops are very mild, but I think the pirates ride drop may be a little more frightening for kids since it is totally dark and you have no idea what is coming.

 

[Tinker_Belle]

Thank you all so much! I never thought about the angle, but I guess that really is the bigger deal.

Thanks again!

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Both are fine. What I miss most about POTC is the pirate that would say "There are rough waters ahead, etc...." right before you dropped.

After the refurb, it was gone! Anyone remember this too?

 

[izzie-wizzie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z05WeWfs7tw

thats a video someone took on maelstrom - if you dont want to ruin the ride - the drop is at 3:10

should give you a good idea what to expect

 

[VegasMike21]

The drop on Pirates is 6 feet only according to Wikipedia but I think it might be a little more maybe 8-10 feet and on Maelstrom the drop is around the same maybe a couple of feet more. The only problem you might encounter with your child is that at the beginning there's somewhat of a big chain lift but it doesn't drop you but those 8-10 feet or so.

 

[Tinker_Belle]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z05WeWfs7tw

thats a video someone took on maelstrom - if you dont want to ruin the ride - the drop is at 3:10

should give you a good idea what to expect

Thank you! That doesn't look bad at all!

 

[wdwislife]

I think they're very comparable.
My DM is quite the coward when it comes to rides, and she found both of these rides to be very manageable.
Your DS should be fine.

 

[Debbie-TN]

Maelstrom has two small drops. The first one drops backwards, then it looks like you are going to drop to the outside, but the boat stops and you go down the second drop forward. Both feel about like Pirates to me. I hate drops but manage these ok. I discovered that if I turn your head to the side when going down the drop, it doesn't make my stomach feel funny. I think it might be because the wind doesn't take you breath.

 

[Tinker_Belle]

Maelstrom has two small drops. The first one drops backwards, then it looks like you are going to drop to the outside, but the boat stops and you go down the second drop forward. Both feel about like Pirates to me. I hate drops but manage these ok. I discovered that if I turn your head to the side when going down the drop, it doesn't make my stomach feel funny. I think it might be because the wind doesn't take you breath.

Great strategy - I'll definitely suggest this!

 

[kadesha]

I chickened out of Maelstorm last year. Pirates doesn't bother me at all but Splash definetly does! I hope to try it this year but who knows!

 

[disney777]

I chickened out of Maelstorm last year. Pirates doesn't bother me at all but Splash definetly does! I hope to try it this year but who knows!

Maelstrom is nothing like Splash, so you should be ok. I feel that it's a slightly bigger drop than POC, but not by much.

The first drop on POC Disneyland is a lot bigger than either of those drops, but also nothing compared to Splash.