Roller coasters for people who don't like roller coasters?

[DiannaVM]

A question for those who have said they don't really like roller coasters but still go on the few you named. How do you feel about Tower of Terror? Do you stay away from that as well? This one I'm asking for my own sake! I'll go on any roller coaster but the thought of the tower of terror with it's drops makes me a little anxious.

Never been and never will. Those are some serious drops and I am terrified lol. My DH came off of it saying he felt queasy and had an unsure look on his face (although he says it wont stop him from going again) and that alone was enough to further convince me that I made the right choice not to ride.

 

[Oneanne]

Big Thunder is the roller coaster that got me to liking coasters, so that is the one I would recomend.

 

[richmo]

I'm definitely not a coaster person, but I enjoy Big Thunder Mountain and 7DMT.

 

[TJA]

I am NOT a coaster person, but I do enjoy SDMT. However, this is a must: we always request 1st and 2nd rows. The ride is much more tame up front because it goes really slow when it begins to go down a "hill," almost like the brakes are on. But then it gets going so if you're sitting in the back part, you get whipped around more.

I will go on BTM if my family wants to, but I don't love it but I can handle it. Used to do Space Mountain and Splash Mountain, but have gotten so I don't like drops at all, so those 2 are out.

I would NEVER go on ToT or Everest. I've been on Rockin Roller Coaster, believe it or not, by mistake when it first opened and I didn't do any research on it . I've never been on it since then -- I can remember shaking when it was time to get off and I almost started to cry lol. However, one thing I can say is it was a very smooth ride. Even though it went upside down, I would probably choose that over Space Mountain because Space used to whip me around too much and the seating is one person per seat.

 

[gap2368]

Agree with this. I'd also recommend starting her on Thunder Mountain before any of the others. If she enjoys that, I'd take her on Barnstormer and then 7DMT. If she likes all of those, then I'd do Space Mountain. I'd definitely leave that one for last, though. Then, if she likes all of those, you can see how she would feel about Everest on your Animal Kingdom day. Make sure she knows it will go backwards, though. Rock n Roller Coaster is the last one I'd take her one. The start can be pretty scary if you aren't used to roller coasters plus the ride is in the dark so it's harder to see what is coming.

I could not agree with this more and if she like it then she has found that she like rollercoasters if not then the 2 barnstormer ( what is really for 6 and under like the 2 of you will have a hard time fitting in, but I see a lot of adults going and you can see the whole track) and if she like 7DMT ver smooth not big drops the maybe try big thunder ( sit up front less bumpy ) space has not really big drops a few I think the biggest is 30 ft but you sit one in front of the other and it is almost dark you can see a little you can not tell where you are going at all

also towel of terror may not be a good one if she dose not like the drop rides

 

[Moonwolf]

I think it depends on what one doesn't like about roller coasters. My friend and I don't like roller coasters but for different reasons. I don't like steep drops. I hate the stomach in your throat sensation. While my friend's biggest issue is loops and spinning. The pressing sensation has never agreed with her. Both issues has us saying that we don't like roller coasters but we were each able to ride certain attractions while avoiding the ones that pertained to our certain weakness.

Here's a basic list of the more intense rides at Disney (ordered by park) and basic ride details.
AK-
Everest - Looks steep but the drops curve so you don't really get a big dropping sensation. There is also a backwards spiral portion in the dark that disorients people and give a looping sensation though no actual loops are done.

EPCOT-
Test Track - Speed and a bit of jerky movement. Theoretically no more intense than driving around with the windows down but being a ride can make it seem faster and less in control than it is.
Soaring - Not a very intense ride movement-wise, just slight tilting other than the initial lift and final decent, but it does take you up off the ground and makes it seem like you are even higher.
Mission Space - A motion simulator. It has 2 sides a less intense version that simulates a rocket takeoff and landing and a more intense version that follows the same motion as the less intense side but also spins you around to replicate G-forces. The ride also has 4 people in an enclosed space during the duration of the ride.

HS-
Star Tours - 3-D Motion simulator that take you through random scenarios.
Rock'n Rollercoaster - A launching coaster with no big drops but 2 inversions. The ride is also in the semi-dark so it's hard to anticipate what is coming up next.
Tower of Terror - Ride that is pure drops. The number of drops and the length of each drop is also randomized.

MK-
Barnstormer - "kiddie coaster" short ride with small drops with a bit of speed
7 Dwarfs Mine Train - Step up from barnstormer. The drop is bigger but it's curved so not big dropping sensation.
Big Thunder Railroad - Another step up from 7 Dwarfs. Longer and faster but no real big drops.
Space Mountain - Similar to Big Thunder but it's in the dark so you can't anticipate what is coming up next.
Splash Mountain - Has 3 drops altogether each bigger than the last with the biggest being visible from outside the ride.

Personally with my fear of drops I'm able to do everything but Tower and I can usually just do Splash once. My friend didn't like Everest and Tower and stayed away from the more intense Mission Space but was able to do everything else. If you don't know which part of a coaster is the issue start small and work your way up.

 

[lustergirl]

How is 7DMT for bigger people? I am worried about fitting okay. I have a fast pass for my upcoming trip, have never rode this one before. I am scared of roller coasters but willing to give this one a try.

 

[Mikie]

How is 7DMT for bigger people? I am worried about fitting okay. I have a fast pass for my upcoming trip, have never rode this one before. I am scared of roller coasters but willing to give this one a try.

I'm having trouble linking from my phone, but there's a long and helpful thread here called "fitting in 7 dwarfs" or "fitting in mine ride". In summary, it is a bit less size friendly than most WDW rides, but many (most?) can still do it, with a bit of discomfort

 

[Cynister]

I would start small & work your way up. Check in with her after the first to see what she did or didn't like. That will give you an indication of what to steer clear of. For instance if she says it was too jerky, or she's a little motion sick, you'll know to stay away from those types. I'd start with Splash Mountain. It is mostly a slow moving, level log ride. There is 1 large drop that you see from the walkway (even though it looks bigger from the walkway than it actually feels in the boat), & 1 much smaller "bump" drop at the end.

These are some characteristics of some rides...
Big Thunder Mountain - Probably my favorite ride. A little jerky, lots of tight turns, only minor-medium drops.

Space Mountain - all in the dark, very jerky, seating is 1 behind the other, drops feel bigger because of the dark, speed feels faster because of the dark.

Mission Space - you are fully enclosed inside a capsule with a body var over your shoulders locking you in like RNR. The capsule moves with the movie, the intensity will vary depending upon the level you choose. Although the screen is very small (probably 12"), this is a simulator ride & may trigger those who are sensitive to motion sickness.

Test track - jerky only in 1 spot. Fast, open air ride going around a race track a few times.

Tower of terror - mostly in the dark drop ride. Very jerky. You will feel like you are coming out of your seat briefly.

Barnstormer - very tame roller coaster, pretty fun for a little kid ride. Seas are very bumpy & your back will hurt from them after.

Primeval whirl - pretty tame, but lots of quick turns & spins (like a teacup) so it can trigger those sensitive to motion sickness.

Expedition Everest - there is 1 climb that seems very high & you there is nothing on either side of you. The actual drops & turns are medium. The ride will seem fast speed at times. There are portions in the dark & backwards that give you the feeling that you are going to go upside down, though you don't.

Seven dwarfs - short roller coaster with a handful of sharp turns & a few minor-medium drops. Pretty smooth ride & enjoyable, yet quick.

There are many others that are more rides than rollercoasters. If you think motion sickness or back issues might play a role, we can provide more info on those.

 

[dmc6469]

A question for those who have said they don't really like roller coasters but still go on the few you named. How do you feel about Tower of Terror? Do you stay away from that as well? This one I'm asking for my own sake! I'll go on any roller coaster but the thought of the tower of terror with it's drops makes me a little anxious.

I like thrill rides for the speed, but if they go upside down I refuse. Therefore, last month I would not go on RNRC. As for ToT, I LOVE it! One of my favs. The drops will get to you because you never know how many you will do, how fast, how high and your feet and body literally catch air but I love it

 

[Bullseye]

Disney is a great place for starter coasters too as they are less intense.

Now, if someone has tried it and just really doesn't enjoy them, I can accept that.

This! WDW is great place to break in new coaster riders of any age. Most of the coasters are relatively tame and none of them are what would be considered a mega-coaster by most standards.

 

[Dr Gunnie]

I might be alone on this, but I almost consider both 7DMT and BTM to be more calm than Barnstormer. Maybe my expectations for the Barnstormer were lower than the other two (and I was a little surprised how quick it was for a kids coaster) or maybe it's just that the other two are much smoother, but I would recommend 7DMT and BTM over Barnstormer.

Both 7DMT and BTM are great to start off with, I would lean toward 7DMT because you have the other slower parts mixed in with the fast parts of the ride.

 

[sheila <3 WDW]

A question for those who have said they don't really like roller coasters but still go on the few you named. How do you feel about Tower of Terror? Do you stay away from that as well? This one I'm asking for my own sake! I'll go on any roller coaster but the thought of the tower of terror with it's drops makes me a little anxious.

I rode ToT for the first time Christmas week. I get motion sick often, never physically sick but it's been close a few times. I loved ToT! No motion sickness for me.

I can't do upside down or spinny rides or coasters that go too fast. Rode Space Mtn once, never again. Had to sit down for like 20 minutes after.

Test track was another I just went on for the first time and it was a little faster than I expected, but I was ok.

I love Barnstormer, 7DMT, BTMR, Splash, EE and Dinosaur. If EE were longer, I probably couldn't do it. Right when I start to feel sick it's over. Lol

Took my kids on all the coasters they were big enough for (4 year/40 inch DS, 8 year/50 inch DD). DS did better and loved the rides more than his sister. Lol

 

[NYHeel]

ToT is great. Anyone who enjoys coasters even a little should go on it. Tons of fun.

I'm really not a theming guy. I think Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh are terrible rides because i don't care at all about the theming. But the theming and storyline at Tot are great and really add to the ride. It's really more than a ride that just rises and falls. It's really great and would strongly recommend anyone that can tolerate thrill rides even a little to try it.

 

[lustergirl]

I'm having trouble linking from my phone, but there's a long and helpful thread here called "fitting in 7 dwarfs" or "fitting in mine ride". In summary, it is a bit less size friendly than most WDW rides, but many (most?) can still do it, with a bit of discomfort

I will just have to work on losing more weight, lol.

 

[Shellyb84]

I'm not a big roller coaster fan either, but all of Disney's are tame enough for me. If she's never been on a coaster, like the PP said, I would start off with the Barnstormer (I know it's a kiddie coaster but it's one of my favs) and work up.

Tower of Terror is my all time favorite ride!!! Scares the crap out of me every time but I love it.

 

[Jess30]

I am not a fan of roller coasters but over the past few trips I have tried (and enjoyed) all of the rides at Disney.

Big thunder is just really fun, not scary.

I would start there and then try the other coasters at the other parks.

I still won't do the bigger coasters non-Disney parks.

 

[Lisa R]

Actually - I hate roller coasters - always have - they scare me - but I love Rock and Roller Coaster - it's now my favorite ride! It took my husband 3 years to convince me to go on it - but it is the smoothest ride of almost all the ones listed that there is. I feel secure in it - and it's the only ride I have ever gone on (or will go on) that goes upside down. Those moments happen so fast - you can't really tell. The mine train is great - but I don't like either Big Thunder Mountain or Space Mountain because they are rough and knock you around - IMO. I also hate Tower of Terror - but will go on it once per trip because my daughter and husband love it. I'm not a heights person - which is why I won't do any of those outside coasters at universal, either. I would say to start out with the Mine Train, and then go to Big Thunder Mountain - but I would do Rock and Roller Coaster before either Space Mountain or Everest - its much smoother and less scary than either one of those.

 

[MaC410]

Just spoke with my fiancee again about her feelings on roller coasters. She said the last time she was on a roller coaster was when she was 6 at Hershey Park and she remembers not liking the speed.

I hate convincing people to do something they don't feel 100% comfortable with but I can't help myself from thinking that she could possibly have a completely different outlook 20 years later haha. Everything seems faster and bigger when you're 6! I think maybe she will try Barnstormer and see what she thinks from there.

 

[bc7ate9]

My husband hates all rollercoasters - he's not afraid of them, just finds them terribly uncomfortable - and he's fine on everything at Disney. Compared to other amusement parks that specialize in coasters, Disney is extremely mild.