Rides to avoid for those scared of heights

[kisertn]

First off, I have noted the obvious rides that someone who is afraid of heights should avoid. What I am looking for are any cautions concerning rides that "may" not be so obvious challenges to those with a height fear. My mother is coming with us on this trip and she evidently has difficulties with anything beyond a second-floor height (~10' in the air).

We are going to the 4 major parks, and other than having been to Magic Kingdom once before, we're all newbies to Disney World. Again, if it's obvious, I have noted it. One, for example, that came to mind, but which I am not sure about, is Peter Pan's Flight (can't remember how high up it was), another that I am fairly certain she can't ride is Soarin' at Epcot.

Any words of caution, or specific rides you'd like to warn me about, I would appreciate.

Thank you

 

[mom2of2]

Peter Pan's flight? really? that's not high at all for me and I'm terrified of heights. Dumbo is higher then PP. Soarin' isn't bad if you look out and not down.

 

[lovetoscrap]

My mother was fine with most every ride in the parks including Prim. Whirl, Dinosaur, Splash, Big Thunder etc...(she doesn't do big thrill rides) but was terrified on Dumbo, Magic Carpets and Tricer. Spin. They are such "little kid" rides you wouldn't think they would be scary but the height is so much more obvious on them, and with nothing underneath (like a track) she hated them. You really do feel like you are pretty high up, even if it really doesn't look that high from the ground.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

keep her away from the tower of terror.....

 

[kisertn]

Peter Pan's flight? really? that's not high at all for me and I'm terrified of heights. Dumbo is higher then PP. Soarin' isn't bad if you look out and not down.

Well, that's my question.... I can't really remember Peter Pan's Flight. But the word "Flight" implies to me some height. Honestly, I'm not even sure I have been on the ride before, can't remember.

It's all in perception I know. So what would be good to know is how high off the ground we *actually* are, and also how high the *perception* can be. Sorain, I imagine, is a good example of a ride whether the actual height is not very, but the perceived height is great.

Honestly, I had no idea she had a fear of heights until yesterday. I expected she wouldn't come on the thrill rides, but I am concerned that by the time she avoids any ride that has a hint of height to it, that all I am left with is "It's a Small World" I have never been, to my knowledge, on Peter Pan;s Flight. And I have definitely never been on Soarin'. So, that is what I am looking for, is people's opinions. In the end, it's my mother's opinion that most counts - but sometimes it is not possible to tell in advance what the ride is like. Even a gentle ride, at height, is something she will not go on. For example, she is not interested in ferris wheels!

 

[Sylvester McBean]

I could see where Soarin' could wig her out, I used to have a strong fear of heights. (I've been to the observation decks of the Sears Tower and Hancock building and wouldn't leave the center of the room) even though you're strapped in, you're still on a giant swing 30 ft. over the ground.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Keep her away from Astro Orbiter! That's the one where my fear of heights showed most. I hated that ride!

 

[Cplofdisneynutz]

DH has trouble with heights and absolutely loves Peter Pan's Flight. There is some slight swaying on the ride, but you do not feel like you are "high in the sky."

Spaceship Earth in Epcot may be okay as well. You can see how high the ball is, obviously, but once you are inside, you do not really feel like you are that high up. Near the end of the ride, you do go down backwards, but it is very slow, and after the rest of the ride, she should be calm enough that it doesn't affect her.

Stay away from Maelstrom in the Norway pavillon in the World Showcase in Epcot. Near the end your "boat" comes to a stop at the top of a waterfall, and for a split second you feel like you are going to drop.

may have some trouble on the Backstage tour in MGM. At one point you are on a bridge in a "crevice" and you are looking out at a set, and you kinda feel higher up.

Star Tours at MGM may be okay, if you look into the motionless seats. You watch a "film" and the seats move to make you feel like you are flying through space. She may be able to enjoy the storyline, like watching a movie, if she doesn't have the motion to feel like she is flying. You can talk to a cast member at the ride to see about these seats.

Lots of shows at MGM that she may enjoy. And no worry about heights, unless you end up sitting in the top of the stadium seating at the Beauty and the Beast show!

Lots to do at MK. Carousel of Progress, Winnie the Pooh, the Carousel, Snow White, the Tiki Room, the Jungle cruise.
If she only has problems with heights, then you will be fine. Lots to see and do, and she can still have fun!!!

 

[kisertn]

Lots to do at MK. Carousel of Progress, Winnie the Pooh, the Carousel, Snow White, the Tiki Room, the Jungle cruise.
If she only has problems with heights, then you will be fine. Lots to see and do, and she can still have fun!!!

Thank you! That's very helpful. And to everyone else as well, I appreciate your help. Also glad for the warning about Tower of Terror, wouldn't have guessed that one would be a problem!

 

[kmebee]

My niece doesn't do heights well. Didn't think Primeval Whirl would phase her but the way you sort of hang off the edge really got to her. Kept her eyes closed the whole time. Wouldn't think about getting on Soarin'. Maelstrom didn't bother her. Coming down backwards in Spaceship Earth at Epcot did a little. Backlot Tour didn't bother her and she was on the side where she could see off the "bridge". Those are the only ones that I can think of that bothered her and her fear of heights but obviously we didn't do Tower of Terror.

 

[Enchanted]

Pirates has a small drop in the dark, but it'll be closed from March through July, so you may not have a chance to ride it anyway. Haunted Mansion also has a portion where the entire car tilts backwards and slowly goes downhill. That freaked my brother out a little bit the first time he rode it. I don't think Peter Pan would bother her either. Some other rides she will enjoy:

Buzz Lightyear - (MK)
Mad Tea Party (spinning teacups) - (MK)
The Great Movie Ride - (MGM)

And she might enjoy the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Yes, it's higher up (like riding a story above the rest of the World), but it's enclosed by railings, goes slowly, and rides on a track unlike Dumbo and such. Something you could ask her about once you got there.

 

[pennylynn]

Peter Pan's Flight uses forced perspective to make it seem like your going higher in the sky. BUT, your never more than three feet above the floor. Maybe if your mother knows that she won't have a problem with it.

 

[CheezDoodle]

I think she could probably handle Soarin', and you could ask to be placed on the bottom row.

 

[TinkGirl]

Expedition Everest. I'm not afraid of heights, but that one creeped me out a little. You can actually see the tall landmarks from the other parks from the top of the mountain. The ride is great, though. I guess it was an obvious high ride.

 

[disnut8]

I have a big fear of heights if I'm not completely surrounded by sturdy stuff. I can handle an airplane flight just fine. But my last ferris wheel ride was a disaster. My husband and I got into the seat ("I'm fine honey, it's not that high"), went one car back for the next people to board and I froze. Absolutely the worst hour of my life. Well, it seemed like an hour.

That being said, I have handled everything at Disney World except for Astro Orbitors. Just looking at the loading platform gets me itchy. Space Mountain does things to me but that's because I've seen it with the lights on and know how high it is. I don't relax until I'm at a thudable level. I loved Peter Pan.

Soarin' was not so great my first time. I couldn't relax. That one might not be a good choice. Twilight Zone still freaks me out (after about 50 times riding it) but it's because of the mind games. Primevil Whirl isn't that great for me either. It's fast which helps but it's still a bit high for me (and more open than I like).

Don't attempt the Swiss Family Treehouse, especially if it's crowded. You're stuck behind people and can't escape.

With most of the attractions, you can see what's going to happen before you board. If your mother wants to bail at any time, she can. I did that once at Space Mountain when I looked up and just couldn't deal with the height.