Ride Chicken Cure Thread for Universal Fans

[Mtnman44]

I see so many here in the universal forum that are self described "ride chickens" or are otherwise afraid or bothered by thrill rides, coasters, etc. In this thread, we welcome any of you ride chickens that have a desire to be cured. Ride chickens that have no wish to change need not defend themselves here as this is not a critisim, this is simply a thread for those looking for a cure.

There are many, including myslef, who have made this journey into the light. We have found that our fears are mostly exaggerated and that one misses out on so much park fun by avoiding certain rides. We convinced ourselves that a "tummy tingle" or a bit of speed somehow equates to illness or the inabilitiy to tolerate. Luckily, this is almost never the case. The saddest part of Ride Chicken Syndrome, RCS, is that in some cases it is passed down from parents to children.

In this thread, RCS sufferers as well as RCS survivors can share their experiences and provide hope for those that want to change.

My very first suggestion, one that I've given often, if for an RCS patient to commit to a small leap of faith. Select at least one "scary" ride and go on it three times (in a row if possible). This is a powerful cure in many, many cases of RCS. My six year old was recently cured of roller coaster RCS after only two treatments in a row. This was a big looping roller coaster. If the RCS patient has significant fears of getting ill, the real and legtimate offer of a reward for not becomming ill beforehand often helps prevent this "physical" malady. For example, the real promise of a $10 bill for not getting sick aftwards usually will work. This incentive is normally only needed once or twice.

I recently cured my own Dr. Doom's Fearfall RCS by raw peer pressure from my boss who was with me.

 

[Lou Holtz]

I agree with you. You can be cured even by going on more mild rides that you are scared of several times in a row. Then when you realize it's not what you had built up in your mind, you'll want to try bigger and bigger rides.

 

[Lucky4me]

I will take this into consideration next month when I'm standing in front of the Hulk, shaking in my boots.
Three times? Really?!

 

[Lou Holtz]

DO NOT try to ride the Hulk three times in a row. Your head will hurt for a week. That's one to ride once and then move on. I mean something like Everest at Disney.

 

[bartola]

DO NOT try to ride the Hulk three times in a row. Your head will hurt for a week. That's one to ride once and then move on. I mean something like Everest at Disney.

OMG! It happened to me...

 

[brenda1966]

LOL on the Ride Chicken Cure!

I'm not above offering DD $20 to spend in the gift shop to get her on a roller coaster. The funny thing is that after California Screaming she kept wanting to ride over and over and over and I had to say "stop -- I'm old -- 3 times in a row is all *I* can handle!"

 

[ladeedeb]

Here's my problem: I don't mind the ride, I just feel ill for a few hours after some rides. I don't do rides that go upside down due to this feeling sick for awhile after (it ruins those hours after). I was so excited when I got to ride Everest for the first time and loved the ride, except that the part that went backwards ended up making me feel horrible for a few hours after the ride. I have a similar problem with spinning (although if I can spot, I can alleviate it or limit it to just a few minutes, so I try those rides and can do some of them). Thus, I have stayed away from rides that go upside down and some that spin. We are going to Universal Orlando for the first time next month and I want to try most of the rides, but I will not be doing Hulk or DC. Not sure how I will do on Mummy (does it go backwards fast &/or at an angle?). I am hoping to be able to deal with MIB spinning. I am usually okay on simulators, but don't know how these particular ones will affect me. Will have to see. Hopefully I won't have a problem. So, what do you suggest to prevent spending a few hours afterward feeling ill? Oh, I will be using dramamine and will see if that helps. Any other suggestions?

 

[Lucky4me]

LOL on the Ride Chicken Cure!

I'm not above offering DD $20 to spend in the gift shop to get her on a roller coaster. The funny thing is that after California Screaming she kept wanting to ride over and over and over and I had to say "stop -- I'm old -- 3 times in a row is all *I* can handle!"

We once offered our four year old anything she wanted in the whole park if she'd go on Tower of Terror. After traumatizing our child for life, she really took her time picking out her prize. I think we went into every gift shop there.
We thought we were doomed and had the credit card out, ready to take a beating.
She finally picked a $4 all day sucker.
I would not suggest offering this deal to anyone over the age of 4.

 

[Metro West]

The best advice I can offer is...don't over think the attractions...especially the coasters. To quote Nike..."Just do it!" and don't stand outside looking at the coaster. I've had several friends over the years who actually psyched themselves out of riding a coaster for the first time because they watched it too many times. It's the same with other attractions...just take a deep breath and walk through the queue.

 

[ducky_love]

Here's my problem: I don't mind the ride, I just feel ill for a few hours after some rides. I don't do rides that go upside down due to this feeling sick for awhile after (it ruins those hours after). I was so excited when I got to ride Everest for the first time and loved the ride, except that the part that went backwards ended up making me feel horrible for a few hours after the ride. I have a similar problem with spinning (although if I can spot, I can alleviate it or limit it to just a few minutes, so I try those rides and can do some of them). Thus, I have stayed away from rides that go upside down and some that spin. We are going to Universal Orlando for the first time next month and I want to try most of the rides, but I will not be doing Hulk or DC. Not sure how I will do on Mummy (does it go backwards fast &/or at an angle?). I am hoping to be able to deal with MIB spinning. I am usually okay on simulators, but don't know how these particular ones will affect me. Will have to see. Hopefully I won't have a problem. So, what do you suggest to prevent spending a few hours afterward feeling ill? Oh, I will be using dramamine and will see if that helps. Any other suggestions?

I think that is the common misconception - that we are just scared to ride. I feel awful after riding a roller coaster. So I don't do it. I'm there to have fun and a headache / tummy ache is not fun at all!

Mummy was too much for me (and it does go backwards) but I think that had a lot to do with the fact that my DH lied to me so I wasn't prepared and went on a full stomach. We went before it opened and there were no reviews. I wanted him to go first and tell me if I could handle it. He came off and told me it was practically a dark ride and I couldn't miss it! We hadn't been married very long and he still thought I would like roller coasters if I "just tried it". Luckily I made it to a trash can before getting sick...

That said I do believe everyone should try it all once and make their own choice. I still would have tried Mummy.. but maybe I would not have had a big lunch first!

 

[tlinus]

The backwards portion on Mummy is nothing compared to Everest. It is short and sweet.

The only three rides I haven't tried yet are Hulk and DC. something about loops get to me. And Dr. Doom....no thank you. Maybe December will be different. I think with the rapid takeoff, I will be able to handle Hulk....the slow climb is what gets to me. Two trips ago I conquered my fear of Jurassic Park River Adventure and although it took two shots of "liquid courage", I went on Mummy with my oldest daughter. I could kick myself for what I had been missing

As for the literal ill feeling after rides, I have seen where others have taken Dramimine. Maybe that would help? One dose the night before and one in the morning?

Whatever you do, have no fear. We are or have been in the same boat. I am glad that I have been able to overcome that "I can't" feeling and would love to help others do the same

 

[Mtnman44]

For those that feel ill, there is no way anyone can say for sure except you, but I do know that in many cases, this can be one's own mind, fear, nervousness, and expectations manifesting as physical symptoms. I do know that intolerance can also be a real thing, so no offense intended. I cannot do spinning rides very well (no teacups for me). However, I should point out that I handle mission space quite well. What is the difference? If anything, mission space is much more intense of a spin. I think the real difference is that my mind doesn't quite realize I'm spinning.

This is why I've found the three times in a row (or same day) to be effective. The first time, all of the fear and expectations are there. The next time, much less so and a more "true" ride experience is had. By the thrid time, it is nearly all fun and no fear and ta da, a cure! It is a leap of faith though. If you have experienced becomming ill before, this can be a challenge.

If you want to test yourself, the reward idea might work, but it has to be a "real" reward. Something the person wants, and won't otherwise get. I've seen this work amazingly well for everything from car sickness to hiccups.

 

[Mtnman44]

Hulk really is a great, fun coaster, and smooth. I was always scared of things like upside down loops, but I have to say that for me, they are really not nearly as big of a deal as they seem. I feel more sensation on some space mountain turns than I do on the hulk loops.

If you try this, I'll bet that by the time you are standing in line for your third ride, you'll be totally having fun and no longer shaking.

I will take this into consideration next month when I'm standing in front of the Hulk, shaking in my boots.
Three times? Really?!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Here's my problem: I don't mind the ride, I just feel ill for a few hours after some rides. I don't do rides that go upside down due to this feeling sick for awhile after (it ruins those hours after). I was so excited when I got to ride Everest for the first time and loved the ride, except that the part that went backwards ended up making me feel horrible for a few hours after the ride. I have a similar problem with spinning (although if I can spot, I can alleviate it or limit it to just a few minutes, so I try those rides and can do some of them). Thus, I have stayed away from rides that go upside down and some that spin. We are going to Universal Orlando for the first time next month and I want to try most of the rides, but I will not be doing Hulk or DC. Not sure how I will do on Mummy (does it go backwards fast &/or at an angle?). I am hoping to be able to deal with MIB spinning. I am usually okay on simulators, but don't know how these particular ones will affect me. Will have to see. Hopefully I won't have a problem. So, what do you suggest to prevent spending a few hours afterward feeling ill? Oh, I will be using dramamine and will see if that helps. Any other suggestions?

Mummy in FL has one backwards drop. It's a quick (less than two seconds), straight-back drop of about 10 feet. It's just enough to scream. Mummy in Hollywood, CA has a much longer backwards section (comparable to Everest).

The rest of the rollercoaster section is forward motion, banking turns, drops/climbs. No inversions.

Also, I suffered rollercoaster RCS until I was 13. I didn't mind most rides, but hated coasters for their drops and was afraid of coasters with inversions. My sister convinced me that "riding the ride will help dry off" (we were @ Busch Gardens and got soaked on the Congo River Rapids). After the first time on Python, I was like "it wasn't that bad." So we went on again. Then went on Scorpion twice. I was cured.

 

[brenda1966]

For anyone contemplating Dramamine, I'd suggest the "no drowsy" kind, also sold under the brand name Bonine. I've felt no ill effects from it when taken for a boat ride. Regular dramamine nearly puts me into a coma.

Yes, there are times when I think DD psyched herself into carsickness. I have to remind her often that she hasn't been car sick in 4 years because she still wants to psych herself out! But for people with bad motion sickness, I'm afraid there really is no cure. Things like: making sure you've eaten, but not a lot and not right before the ride; making sure you're hydrated; making sure you're not overheated. Those can all help avoid that sick feeling. If it's 100 degrees and I'm hungry and thirsty and hot, I can't do spinning rides.

 

[ladeedeb]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I keep Dramamine in my purse, since I fly as a passenger with my husband in our small plane & I tend to get sick unless I focus really hard on the horizon. Sometimes the Dramamine works & sometimes it doesn't. I will try using that, but it sounds like I will be fine at least on Mummy. 4 weeks from tomorrow for our 1st UO visit!
Thanks again everyone!