Ride chicken needs help!

[platypus67]

I'm planning my next trip for October. Just my dd14 and I. Normally my dh goes on all the rides with her and I'm happy watching. Last trip ( just dd and I for the first time) I got up the courage to go on GRR and it wasn't so bad. I decided instead of holding my breath for the drop I would scream and it really helped.
Prior to that trip I wouldn't even go on the coaster in Toontown. I went on that as well and was ok
I love POTC and although somewhat frightening I cope with the drops ok. I think it is because I can't see them prior to riding.
Now my problem is Splash Mtn is my daughter's favourite ride. Because of the dark bits so won't go on that one alone. She went on Mulholland and Thunder Mtn herself no problem. I would like to surprise her and go on with her. But the drop looks so big!!!! I read somewhere it is the same height as POTC just 5 degrees bigger angle. How does the drop compare to GRR? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I am not being flippent but go see your doctor and get an order for Ativan 1mg P.O< 30 minutes prior to starting your rides. You we be relaxed enough to enjot the rides and be a bit carefree. This medication is prescribed for many folks who have a great fear of flying so they can relax.
The rides are what helps make DLR so much fun.

Jack

 

[DizNee Luver]

You sound a lot like me..... I'm not big on drops either!!

BUT, I love GRR & POTC..... these don't bother me..... hate to be the bearer of bad news, by Splash is way bigger than those. There are 3 total drops on this ride..... small one in the light, a bigger one in the dark & the huge one everyone walks by. I rode this once & haven't gotten back on it.

That's just my experience...... hopefully others will sound off on this.

 

[pixiewings71]

Ok, I have a MAJOR fear of heights and falling and I love Splash......I am always really really tense as we start to go up and then as the log starts to tip but by the time it's over and I'm at the bottom my throat is hoarse from my big huge scream (that I'm sure they can in DCA lol) and I'm cracking up! It truly is a lot of fun. I do think the drops on Pirates are much smaller than that last Splash drop but really, it's so worth it. The whole ride itself is themed so neatly!!

 

[DangerMouse]

Well, I just checked, and you're right Splash's final drop is 52 1/2 feet and PoTC's is 52 feet. I think the build up (climb up) and the fact that you are splashing down makes it just so much more ummm . . . exciting!

IMO Splash is one of DL's best themed attractions, so I love Jack's idea mentioned above!

 

[DizNee Luver]

So I was intrigued that the drops were the same heighth, so I had to go investigate it...... the one on POTC doesn't seem that extreme....this is what I found:

Wikipedia Facts:

First drop length: 52 ft
First drop angle: 21°
Second drop length: 37 ft
Second drop angle: 21°

That is on Pirates.

This is Splash Mtn:

Big/Last drop: 52 1/2 ft
Drop Angle: 47 degrees

I think that explains the difference.....at least for me when riding the 2.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Well, I won't ride GRR, I love Pirates, I got coaxed (if that's the word for it) into going on Tower of Terror and will NEVER EVER EVER do it again. I don't go on Splash.

I would love to experience the theming inside, but that final drop is just too much for me to think about it. I won't do it.

Maybe this is a great opportunity to take pictures of you DD whiie she is on the ride and you are being a wonderful mom letting her experience something without mom being right there... yeah, that's it.

Seriously, I won't go on it. And if you are fearful of it - why force yourself?

 

[TamiV]

Ok, I've got to chime in here! I am a complete weenie and I loved it! I haven't been on GRR yet, will think about trying it in June , so I can't offer a fair comparison. I don't do any of the roller coasters and will never do TOT!

As for SM, I was scared to death, I kept thinking the drop was coming around every turn so I couldn't really enjoy the ride. Finally the drop came...I guess I closed my eyes, but it wasn't really that bad! It's pretty quick, like POTC, just hold on to the seat in front of you and you'll fee ok. I did it and plan to do it again. Hoping to get my 11 year old on it with me, I told him if I can do it, he certainly can!

Anyway, I say try it, I think you'll like it!

 

[platypus67]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I may just have to bite the bullet and go for it. I guess it really isn't a fear it's just I know I hate that feeling I get in my stomach and I would rather avoid it if I can. My husband assures me the difference in degrees at that height will be so little that it will seem only slightly more than POTC. ( I read 41 on POTC and 47 on Splash, but will have to look again as it was a different site than mentioned above) I wouldn't believe him if he were trying to get me on the ride as he would say that just to see the look on my face, but since he isn't going he has no reason to lie to me
I'd be quite happy to just go on the "baby" rides but if I want dd to go on IASW I'll have to compromise.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I always thought Splash was a longer drop, but even the DL website says 52 feet. Although the angle does make a HUGE difference!

I can't handle that angle at all, that straight down. AHHHHH LOL Haven't been on it yet, which is a shame because it looks so cute on the inside (from what I've seen on Youtube).

 

[Eeee-va]

How funny; I've been on Splash Mountain but was always scared to go on GRR...after watching a YouTube video of it I guess it's not so bad.

My first time on Splash Mountain I found the drop absolutely terrifying...but it is over quick, if you want to do it just to say you can. If you think you're going to be scared, I think you'll find it scarier than if you think it won't be so bad. Really, the drop on Splash Mountain is not so bad, but I'm with you--I don't really like that drop feeling in my stomach. I found that on my last trip to WDW I didn't mind drops as much as I usually do, so I don't know if I'm getting more mature or if it was just a happy trip so I was less nervous.

I didn't find the other two drops mentioned to be very bad at all--it's just the big one that takes your stomach a bit.

(I don't know if I'll ever make it on Tower of Terror! One drop, I could grit my teeth and do it, but several???? )

 

[dismsn]

First of all, I LOVE all the rides at Disney so keep that in mind when reading my post.

I'm shocked that POTC and Splash Mountain are the same length of drop. I do realize the angle makes the difference but in my opinion, there is no comparison.

The first time I rode Splash I was very nervous about the drop and, like other posters, thought it would be around every curve but it wasn't . You will definitely know when you get to the drop so you won't be surprised by it. Just hang on and scream and you'll be fine.

Splash is one of my favorite rides (right behind California Screaming--I LOVE that one) and a trip to Disney wouldn't be complete without riding on Splash.

If you do end up riding it, enjoy!!!!

 

[reynmagsmom]

I am a big wimp but I'll try most things once....I have done every ride except for the Sun Wheel (of Death) and Maliboomer...it is my terrifying fear of heights that keeps me off of these, but as others have said the drop goes so quick on Splash that it is over before you know it...and Tower I rode it once and wasnt fond of the multiple drops but I will most likely ride it again as it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be... i say try it once if you don't like it you never have to do it again but if you love it you have found another way disney makes you happy....Have you ever ridden Screaming, or Matterhorn Bobsleds?
Both great rides they just look scarier than they really are.... and Big Thunder is alot of fun also they all go so fast that they are over before you know it.....
Good luck, and Have fun!!! I'm trying to talk hubby into a August trip for my 40th B-Day... but not going as well as I hoped LOL

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I'm scared of heights. So much so that I can't go in my own attic, or climb on my roof when my cat got stuck up there. She had to wait for DS and DH to come home and get her down. But I go on all of these rides and I love them! It wouldn't be a trip to DL w/out a few rides on Pirates, Splash and GRR. I even go on TOT - just can't ride in the front row. Try it once and if you hate it you can say you did it once and hated it. But if you end up loving it, like me, you'll never regret it. DS used to be afraid of heights, and the fall associated w/ heights, but I forced him to go on another similiar ride at US IOA in Orlando (Duddly do Right, now that's a drop!); he ended up loving it, and now he goes on all the rides and even crazy ones I can't do. You just have to experience it once to find out for yourself. A lot of times these phobias are things we blow up larger than life inside our heads and once we try it we find out it's nowhere near as bad as we thought it was. Good luck!

 

[Kayla's Mom]

I'm shocked that POTC and Splash Mountain are the same length of drop. I do realize the angle makes the difference but in my opinion, there is no comparison.

I agree! I LOVE Splash, but to me that drop doesn't even compare to POTC!

 

[lntsmom]

My older son has always had sensory issues. Like many people here, he is okay with rides that allow him to see what's coming.

What I did before our last trip was have him watch ride-thrus on YouTube. He'd seen each of the rides I wanted him to ride on at least a couple of videos before our trip.

On the first day of the trip he was very cautious. He still didn't want to ride Mission Space, for example. After riding several other rides he decided he was ready to give Space a chance...and loved it!

So, my advice is:

1. Watch the videos
2. Ride the smaller rides first and work your way up!

BTW...I would much rather ride BTM or even SM than that Gadget coaster. It through us around much more than the bigger rides!

 

[nannyz]

I went to DL several times after Splash opened but my family could not convince me to ride. I finally did, and was so mad at myself for being so afraid. It was wonderful! The last drop is scary the first time but then you want to get right back on.
But I do change my shoes and wear rubber flip flops on Splash because your feet will get wet!! And your clothes too!

 

[platypus67]

I've never been on matterhorn or screamin and have no desire to go on either. I'm really not into the "big thrill" rides at all. The only one that has me curious is Splash. I did some more searching and found that the drop on GRR is only 22 feet. Doesn't sound right to me, but that is what it says. Maybe it seems higher because I've managed to go backwards both times I've been on it.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Oh man, my 4 year old LOVED this ride! Little daredevil! I don't have ride fears (but I avoid circular rides like teacups..pukey) so this one isn't an issue to me, but I HIGHLY suggest trying it ONCE. You will be safe!! Just..close your eyes. I hear that helps LOL

 

[WannaseePooh]

I am also terrified of heights and hate that "stomach feeling" when falling. I just told myself "it's only 3 seconds, it's only 3 seconds." and I rode it. It was actually okay. It goes by so fast, that by the time your scared, your at the bottom. I also found that with big thunder, that if you're at the front, it is a slower ride than at the back. the front cars get lowered down the hills somewhat before the train starts rolling down it, but the rear cars get pulled up and over the tops of the hills and feel much faster and rougher.