Please help me relax about Flight of Passage!

[Angeliki19]

Hi! I very luckily scored some FP's at less than 30 days out for FOP (leaving in 10 days!) I am so excited to ride this after reading all the reviews. However, I have mild claustrophobia/fear of heights/panic issues. I have been on Soarin several times and have decided after the last time that I just don't care to do it anymore. The simulation is fine, its the fact that you ARE actually high in the air that makes the experience unpleasant for me. I can get through it, but its just not "fun". Which sucks b/c its such a cool ride.

I LOVE Star Tours and HATE Mission Space, so I guess I am divided on simulators. MS I mostly hated b/c of the claustrophobia, not the simulation. Our FP is in the evening, so I hope that having a pre-ride cocktail or two will help calm any nerves I have. I also like the strategies mentioned by other people in other threads of sitting a little more back to not have the restraint be too tight and closing my eyes if things get too intense!

I am riding this one way or another, so any words of encouragement from fellow anxiety sufferers would be welcome!

 

[hopemax]

Flight of Passage, you are loaded into a small "room", and then one "wall" comes down revealing the screen. That's a lot different than Soarin's contraption where you feel yourself take off and there is nothing below your feet. There is a solid floor beneath you at all times, and in that way makes it like the Star Tours simulators. It's more like looking out from a balcony or deck or something.

 

[disneyseniors]

I feel your pain!!!!
I had exactly the same response to Soarin. I suffered through it with white knuckles and the feeling that I was going to fall to my death off the mountain (LOL) from those skinny little seats that tilt frontward. I finally said, enough is enough, and haven't ridden it since. I don't miss it at all, and wish I would have done this earlier to save myself the frustration, sweaty shakey hands, etc.
Then, there is the dilemma of the new FOP. Everyone loves it. Everyone says to just ride it, it will be fun. BUT, I am like you and very apprehensive. I do NOt like the feeling of falling and flying. Every thread I've read about this recommends you to just try it, it will be okay.
But I feel that there is not an easy pat answer for everyone.
So, I am going with my gut feelings and past experiences, and will" ride" this one out. (or not ride it, haha)
I can bet all the other comments will be to encourage you to ride it.
I just say, you know how you feel and what you can stand. Good Luck! I won't be riding it in Feb.

 

[Pembo]

Your feet stay on the ride thingy not at all like Soarin.

 

[LSUmiss]

You can close your eyes if it gets too intense. You aren’t really moving much.

 

[Chirple]

Hi! I very luckily scored some FP's at less than 30 days out for FOP (leaving in 10 days!) I am so excited to ride this after reading all the reviews. However, I have mild claustrophobia/fear of heights/panic issues. I have been on Soarin several times and have decided after the last time that I just don't care to do it anymore. The simulation is fine, its the fact that you ARE actually high in the air that makes the experience unpleasant for me. I can get through it, but its just not "fun". Which sucks b/c its such a cool ride.

I LOVE Star Tours and HATE Mission Space, so I guess I am divided on simulators. MS I mostly hated b/c of the claustrophobia, not the simulation. Our FP is in the evening, so I hope that having a pre-ride cocktail or two will help calm any nerves I have. I also like the strategies mentioned by other people in other threads of sitting a little more back to not have the restraint be too tight and closing my eyes if things get too intense!

I am riding this one way or another, so any words of encouragement from fellow anxiety sufferers would be welcome!

My husband feels your pain! He is absolutely terrified of heights; I won't even let him on Soarin' unless I want to become a widow. I convinced him to ride FOP with me when our Disney cruise stopped in Port Canaveral. We waited on a long line, and he mentally had to psych himself out of being scared. Once we got on the ride, he enjoyed it a lot, didn't feel anxious, and never felt like he was "high up" because he was firmly planted on the ground. The handle grips help make you feel stabilized, and the cool air blowing on you helps with claustrophobia. Star Tours makes us both want to hurl, and neither of us had an issue on Mission Space (mild side). However, we did realize that we cannot do simulator rides back to back. FOP shut down on us about 2/3 through the ride, and they moved us to another room. Riding it twice that closely left me with a headache for hours.

 

[Angeliki19]

My husband feels your pain! He is absolutely terrified of heights; I won't even let him on Soarin' unless I want to become a widow. I convinced him to ride FOP with me when our Disney cruise stopped in Port Canaveral. We waited on a long line, and he mentally had to psych himself out of being scared. Once we got on the ride, he enjoyed it a lot, didn't feel anxious, and never felt like he was "high up" because he was firmly planted on the ground. The handle grips help make you feel stabilized, and the cool air blowing on you helps with claustrophobia. Star Tours makes us both want to hurl, and neither of us had an issue on Mission Space (mild side). However, we did realize that we cannot do simulator rides back to back. FOP shut down on us about 2/3 through the ride, and they moved us to another room. Riding it twice that closely left me with a headache for hours.

Thank you!!! That's great to know that someone who is very scared of heights did not find this scary!! Good for your husband for going for it!

 

[ShadeDK]

As you know, the FoP ride system is completely different than Soarin, and you're not dangling up in the air on a bench. That being said, there are a couple of things to be aware of about FoP given your concerns. The FoP "banshee" is connected to the floor, but it sits close to the edge that looks out on the theater. There are three levels of ride chambers stacked on top of one another, with upper two levels being some distance off the ground (you won't really notice this unless you look around - but you will "feel" that there is nothing below your banshee since you can't really see the floor from the normal viewing angle). This adds to the level of immersion to make it feel like you're flying (but isn't going to help if you don't like heights). Which is another consideration - the first thing that happens when the ride starts (spoiler alert) is that your banshee jumps off into a dive that feels very real - your mind tricks you into thinking it's actually happening. The ride levels out and calms down, but there are a number of intense movement/dive sections like the one at the beginning. Two ways to overcome this are to either close your eyes, or just relax and go with the ride (my belief is that the imagineers intentionally embraced the avatar concept/problem with the opening dive by having you fight against it before giving into the idea and going with it - it's the most brilliant part of the ride in my opinion).

All things considered, I strongly recommend at least giving it a try - the ride mechanics are not as intense as Soarin (being up in the air), but the ride experience itself is much more intense. Whether that's too much for your comfort levels is an individual thing - but don't know until you give it a shot.

 

[cassie58]

If you do not like the feeling of falling and flying (within the simulation) this is may not be for you. I love Soarin, and felt like this was Soarin on steroids, but was thinking it could be tough if you have a fear of heights - it is good to hear previous poster didn't, so I guess it depends on the person - As PP mentioned, you are firmly on the ground on your motorcycle-like vehicle, so not suspended like Soarin, so no fear of real life falling. The room is not super small like an elevator, so I don't think it would bother people with mild claustrophobia, but it is for only six people at a time in each I believe, so much smaller than Soarin theater. I was worried about feeling nauseous, which I did not, but did close my eyes when I felt the Banshee going into a slight corkscrew where it seemed to be going upside down, which I don't do well with. So much smoother than Star Tours ,which was good for me because that always does me in. But within the simulation, you go through many drops down as the Banshee dives from high nest down low toward the ground(stomach drops), then swoops back up and around, with pauses where you soar over the scenery,etc.

 

[Angeliki19]

As you know, the FoP ride system is completely different than Soarin, and you're not dangling up in the air on a bench. That being said, there are a couple of things to be aware of about FoP given your concerns. The FoP "banshee" is connected to the floor, but it sits close to the edge that looks out on the theater. There are three levels of ride chambers stacked on top of one another, with upper two levels being some distance off the ground (you won't really notice this unless you look around - but you will "feel" that there is nothing below your banshee since you can't really see the floor from the normal viewing angle). This adds to the level of immersion to make it feel like you're flying (but isn't going to help if you don't like heights). Which is another consideration - the first thing that happens when the ride starts (spoiler alert) is that your banshee jumps off into a dive that feels very real - your mind tricks you into thinking it's actually happening. The ride levels out and calms down, but there are a number of intense movement/dive sections like the one at the beginning. Two ways to overcome this are to either close your eyes, or just relax and go with the ride (my belief is that the imagineers intentionally embraced the avatar concept/problem with the opening dive by having you fight against it before giving into the idea and going with it - it's the most brilliant part of the ride in my opinion).

All things considered, I strongly recommend at least giving it a try - the ride mechanics are not as intense as Soarin (being up in the air), but the ride experience itself is much more intense. Whether that's too much for your comfort levels is an individual thing - but don't know until you give it a shot.

So do you think that requesting to be on one of the bottom levels would help at all?

I did watch some POV videos so I know what to expect about that first drop. The thing is, I love drops on coasters (Disney coasters, not like the Hulk haha), so hopefully I will find it fun. I think Soarin bothers me b/c yes, I am up in the air dangling and the fact that its so "slow" gives my mind more time to think about the fact that I am high up.

 

[annemce118]

You sound like me, and I almost chickened out of going on the ride, but made myself. I’m glad I did it, but I am not in a hurry to do it again. Lol! It didn’t make me sick, and when I started feeling funny I closed my eyes! I was really nervous too!

 

[Angeliki19]

If you do not like the feeling of falling and flying (within the simulation) this is may not be for you. I love Soarin, and felt like this was Soarin on steroids, but was thinking it could be tough if you have a fear of heights - it is good to hear previous poster didn't, so I guess it depends on the person - As PP mentioned, you are firmly on the ground on your motorcycle-like vehicle, so not suspended like Soarin, so no fear of real life falling. The room is not super small like an elevator, so I don't think it would bother people with mild claustrophobia, but it is for only six people at a time in each I believe, so much smaller than Soarin theater. I was worried about feeling nauseous, which I did not, but did close my eyes when I felt the Banshee going into a slight corkscrew where it seemed to be going upside down, which I don't do well with. So much smoother than Star Tours ,which was good for me because that always does me in. But within the simulation, you go through many drops down as the Banshee dives from high nest down low toward the ground(stomach drops), then swoops back up and around, with pauses where you soar over the scenery,etc.

Ha, and see that description actually made me want to ride it more! I do like drops for the most part.. I can handle ToT ok and love coasters. So I don't mind the stomach dropping... its really more about "real" height I think that will make me freak out.

ETA- Minus the corkscrew. That sounds a little too intense ha!

 

[NY Pirate Princess]

OP, I love the drop in Everest, am mildly afraid of heights and more than mildly claustrophobic. Both times I rode FOP I was on the end, which helped with not getting much of the physical sensations of the ride (not sure what else to say to not spoil the effect for you). The corkscrew part was tough, but not intolerable. I was a little uncomfortable but at no time did I feel anxious or panic. I didn't have to close my eyes at all, but I did have to will myself to keep them open! I think you will be fine.

 

[Dumbo7]

Hi! I very luckily scored some FP's at less than 30 days out for FOP (leaving in 10 days!) I am so excited to ride this after reading all the reviews. However, I have mild claustrophobia/fear of heights/panic issues. I have been on Soarin several times and have decided after the last time that I just don't care to do it anymore. The simulation is fine, its the fact that you ARE actually high in the air that makes the experience unpleasant for me. I can get through it, but its just not "fun". Which sucks b/c its such a cool ride.

I LOVE Star Tours and HATE Mission Space, so I guess I am divided on simulators. MS I mostly hated b/c of the claustrophobia, not the simulation. Our FP is in the evening, so I hope that having a pre-ride cocktail or two will help calm any nerves I have. I also like the strategies mentioned by other people in other threads of sitting a little more back to not have the restraint be too tight and closing my eyes if things get too intense!

I am riding this one way or another, so any words of encouragement from fellow anxiety sufferers would be welcome!

It’s not an intense ride. It’s exillerating!

 

[Ciandella915]

I honestly didn't realize until I purposely looked around that I was in a huge theatre. You won't even know. You're always in your little bay on solid ground.

 

[cassie58]

Ha, and see that description actually made me want to ride it more! I do like drops for the most part.. I can handle ToT ok and love coasters. So I don't mind the stomach dropping... its really more about "real" height I think that will make me freak out.

ETA- Minus the corkscrew. That sounds a little too intense ha!

Yes, it really is like a smooth coaster with awesome scenery! If you can handle ToT, you should be fine - that was one and done for me!

 

[srwarden1928]

1. I am scared of Soarin. I attach the center loop to the belt that is recommended for small children--it will fit adults--I am 250# plus. I am still scared I am going to fall out and hold tight to the handles on either side of the seat. FOP does NOT scare me like Soarin. I am sitting on a motorcycle-like contraption. I know that if I were to fall, it would be like falling out of a chair. You are NOT high up on FOP.
2. Mission Space is a very enclosed space. FOP is in an open room. It does not feel enclosed. It is more like Star Tours in the space in the room where you are. It does NOT shake you around like Star Tours does, however.
I highly recommend FOP. It is the most amazing attraction I have ever experienced anywhere. Congrats on getting the late FP. I understand that is difficult. I have been fortunate to ride FOP several times, always with FP. It is the highest priority FP for me on a WDW trip with the way things are today. Have a great time.

 

[THEDISNEYTHREE]

If you love Star Tours I really think you'll love FOP too! Have a great trip!

 

[ShadeDK]

So do you think that requesting to be on one of the bottom levels would help at all?

I did watch some POV videos so I know what to expect about that first drop. The thing is, I love drops on coasters (Disney coasters, not like the Hulk haha), so hopefully I will find it fun. I think Soarin bothers me b/c yes, I am up in the air dangling and the fact that its so "slow" gives my mind more time to think about the fact that I am high up.

I would think you could request to ride on the lower level (just like Soarin) - you may have to wait a cycle but I would think they'd accommodate you. Here's a hint - if you have to go up stairs to get to the pre-show video chamber then you'll be on the second or third level. As a PP mentioned though - you won't notice what level you're on really unless you look around. If you're focused on the screen it won't even register for you that you're in a theater with everyone else.

FoP is not slow (except in the cave with the floating, glowing jellyfish-like creatures) - and the stomach drops aren't nearly at ToT levels. I'd say go for it. Also - unlike Soarin - you're moving fast and there's so much to see and keep up with that there's no time to really take in the scenery (literally or figuratively) and overthink it.

 

[CleKait]

Honestly, the first time I rode it, I didn't even notice all of the other people on the different levels. There's so much to look at and experience on the screen, there isn't much time to think about much else!