Soarin': For Those With Acrophobia

[tarheelmjfan]

Unfortunately, I have severe acrophobia. I tired Soarin' once. We were placed in the front row. As soon as they moved the seats off the platform, I panicked. From the front row, the drop-off was too much from me. I kept my eyes closed the entire time hoping for the ride to end. I'd love to actually experience the ride at least once. For those of you who also have a fear of heights, do you find the back row less scary? I'm really strange. The coasters & TOT don't bother me, but this ride terrified me. I felt like I was going to fall out the entire ride.

 

[hugApug]

DBF is very sensitive to heights and did not do well when we were placed in the front row of Soarin (his first ride on it). He also closed his eyes for the most part, and felt sick afterwards.

Fast forward to our visit to CA Adventure this Christmas. We asked to be placed in the last row, and he did much better. He was able to actually focus on the screen, instead of the height that we were physically at. That being said, Soarin will make you feel like you are *very* high up in the air. Our mind plays some pretty amazing tricks on us, so even with your eyes open, you might not fare well on Soarin. I'd say it's worth a try in the back row, and if need be, you can close your eyes again.

Good luck!

 

[gk90]

I have moderate acrophobia (can't even look at AstroOrbiter without shuddering) but surprisingly Soarin' doesn't really bother me. The first couple of times I used the "kiddie" belt that goes between your legs to minimize the fear of falling out but after that I didn't really feel I needed it.
My sister (also acrophobic, according to WebMD it runs in families) rode in the bottom row her first time, has ridden the higher rows but still prefers the bottom row--she feels that it makes a difference to her comfort level.

 

[HadesTX]

I have no problem on Soarin in the front row... unless I am on the end. The last time I rode it I was seated there & accidentally looked to the side & saw how high we were. I felt myself falling & almost freaked flat out. I settled myself as best as I could & tried to just watch the screen. Never again will I have an end seat.

 

[spacemountainmom]

I hate, hate, hate heights....can't go above the second step on a ladder. I do all of the roller coasters at Disney, but would never go on the AstroOrbiter. I was dragged on Soarin' a couple of years ago and spent the whole time in a panic, but sort of liked it.

I have been back on it, but do use the center strap. I don't know why that seems to make it better for me. I still have a bit of a panicky feeling, but I feel it is worth it for the overall experience.

We have always sat in the 2nd or 3rd row...just works out that way.

 

[kapoof]

I am very afraid of heights, but I do love soarn. I have been on it about six times, last trip was the first time I've been able to keep my eyes open the whole ride. Try it again, and keep building up to were you can really enjoy it. Each time you ride you'll be less and less afraid.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have been on Soarin a few times, because I was with other people who wanted to ride it. The first couple of times it didn't bother me so much, my legs were a little like jelly when I got off, but that was all. The third time did me in for some reason. I've been on twice sense then, but both times rode with my eyes closed, and clutching the family member next to me. The worst thing is I start to shake uncontrollably.

I know my fear is silly, as I am constantly on ladders at work that are taller and I have a lot better chance of falling off of them than I do falling out of Soarin. But nope, I won't ride it anymore.

The back row didn't help me, as I don't like the wooshing sensation you get when they pull you forward before they lift you up.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks to all of you for the feedback & understanding. I didn't realize there was a safety belt you could wear. That's definitely good to know. I will be asking the CM to assist me in assuring I find & secure it.

I made the mistake of looking down, when we left the platform. Now, I know that was a mistake. I try to fight the fear, but it always wins. It gets worse as I age.

I can't walk on steps that are open underneath. My DH had to physically carry me to the top of a water ride once. I made it half way up & my legs locked & wouldn't move. That was the last water ride that had steps leading to it that I've tried to ride. I hate that my fear dictates what I can do.

I really want to try Soarin' one more time. Should I ask for the 2nd or 3rd row? I've never made a special request on a ride, but I'd never let them put me in the front row again. I'd just walk out.

I'm trying to imagine what the swooshing in the back row would feel like, but it's not computing. If I'm not far from the ground yet, I could probably make it through that.

 

[pammypooh]

I am afraid of heights...but this is my favorite ride. My first time riding though I had my eyes closed for this first bit...especially on lift off until we were above the SF bridge...then I kept opening, then closing as I would get scared. My suggestion is to watch the you tube clips so you know what to expect, and also to listen to the music, knowing what is coming next helps me. I still close at the very beginning, but just love this ride. Good luck!

 

[GingerJay]

I think the worst part for me is the initial take-off and at the end when you "fly up" above the castle for the fireworks....just breathe deeply and try to remember that it's not real. I hate heights, too...just like another poster, it seems to have gotten worse with age.

 

[delaneyc52]

Maybe I'm being very simplistic about all this...but why would anyone go on any ride that causes them distress in any way shape or form? Skip it. Go on to something that makes you happy.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks to all of you for the feedback & understanding. I didn't realize there was a safety belt you could wear. That's definitely good to know. I will be asking the CM to assist me in assuring I find & secure it.

I made the mistake of looking down, when we left the platform. Now, I know that was a mistake. I try to fight the fear, but it always wins. It gets worse as I age.

I can't walk on steps that are open underneath. My DH had to physically carry me to the top of a water ride once. I made it half way up & my legs locked & wouldn't move. That was the last water ride that had steps leading to it that I've tried to ride. I hate that my fear dictates what I can do.

I really want to try Soarin' one more time. Should I ask for the 2nd or 3rd row? I've never made a special request on a ride, but I'd never let them put me in the front row again. I'd just walk out.

I'm trying to imagine what the swooshing in the back row would feel like, but it's not computing. If I'm not far from the ground yet, I could probably make it through that.

Just so you are aware, every person has a seat belt, but there is an extra loop that the seat belt can be threaded thru before fastening the seatbelt. It is meant for children who are not tall enough to reach the marker on the back of the seat I have been on many times when the CMs have announced it is meant for children and asked adults to not use it. Just putting that out there so you are aware.

I would probably ask for the lowest row. You will still be off the ground (I won't say by how much), but a lot of the 'whoosh' forward is just a little off the ground while you are getting into position in the dark.

My MIL has the same problems with steep stairways, open stairways and steep escalators. The first time on Soarin', she didn't like it at all, but she kept going until she built up a tolerance for it and even watches the whole movie. Biggest thing is to not look down.

 

[fostrmom2mny]

I am VERY afraid of heights! Strange, I can mostly walk up stairs and escalators, but going down takes many tries and I have to hang on to the rails and go down sideways.

Like you, I can ride the coasters with no problem at all. It seems silly, but that's just how it is. I think for me, riding Soarin is just one of those rides that I make myself ride each trip. I ride on the back row, use the strap, and still close my eyes in a few places. I refuse to let my fear of heights dictate the enjoyment that I get from this ride. (A Farris wheel would be a complete different story!!) Don't ask me why. I always wanted to hang glide when I was younger, and it almost seemed like when I was around age 38 or 39 I started being afraid of heights and yes, it has gotten worse as I have aged.

The entire enmeshment of your sense of sight, movement, and scent makes you really feel as though you are riding on a hang glider. This is as close as I'll ever come, so I take a deep breath and suck it up every time. I can't miss Soarin!

It gives me a feeling of victory as I walk off the ride!

 

[BrettS]

The first couple of times I used the "kiddie" belt that goes between your legs to minimize the fear of falling out but after that I didn't really feel I needed it.

I didn't realize there was a safety belt you could wear. That's definitely good to know. I will be asking the CM to assist me in assuring I find & secure it.

The kiddie belt is simply a red strap that goes between your legs and has a loop that goes around the regular belt... it's there to stop kids from sliding out under the regular belt.

However, they aren't meant for adults and I've seen several occasions where an adult put it on and the CM stopped and released everyone's belts (because once they're latched you can't undo them yourself) and made the adult remove the kiddie belt... for some reason they don't want adults to use them.

If you do want to use it then I'd try not to mention it to the CM as they will probably prevent you from using it.

 

[kathleendsm]

The kiddie belt is simply a red strap that goes between your legs and has a loop that goes around the regular belt... it's there to stop kids from sliding out under the regular belt.

However, they aren't meant for adults and I've seen several occasions where an adult put it on and the CM stopped and released everyone's belts (because once they're latched you can't undo them yourself) and made the adult remove the kiddie belt... for some reason they don't want adults to use them.

If you do want to use it then I'd try not to mention it to the CM as they will probably prevent you from using it.

Really? I wonder why. I've used it on Soarin' because even though I know I'm completely safe, it still makes me feel better. The first time the CM kind of smirked at me and said, "You know that's for kids, you don't need it." I grinned and said, "But can I have it?" and he laughed and said sure.

Is it a policy that you can't use the strap, or is it CM discretion? I can't imagine why it would be a problem.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

I have moderate acrophobia (can't even look at AstroOrbiter without shuddering) but surprisingly Soarin' doesn't really bother me. The first couple of times I used the "kiddie" belt that goes between your legs to minimize the fear of falling out but after that I didn't really feel I needed it.
My sister (also acrophobic, according to WebMD it runs in families) rode in the bottom row her first time, has ridden the higher rows but still prefers the bottom row--she feels that it makes a difference to her comfort level.

Same here - mild fear and the sight of AstroOrbiter makes me shudder as well! The first time I tried Soarin a couple of years ago, I was scared to death and shut my eyes for the start. Once I was coaxed into opening them, I fell in love.

On our last trip in August, we rode it about 3 times. The first time we were in that top row - it seemed more realistic to me (and thus a bit "scarier" from the acrophobic perspective.) The other 2 times we were lower and I kept noticing the legs from those above me, so it made it seem less real and thus less "scary." So I'd have to agree that the lower rows aren't as height-scary.

 

[Joe Buck]

I have been on all of the 3 rows and the 1st row(top) definitely shook me up. Since then I have requested the bottom row and never have had a problem. It's a case of the more you do it, the more you get used to it. I actually sometimes look down to see one of the cast members at some control booth on the left side and for some reason it makes me reassured that he or she is there. From the 3rd row it doesn't feel so high to me. I have gone on the second row a few times and had a problem once but I was fine the last time. Again the more I do it, the more I get used to it. And am slowly working my way back to the top.

Another thing that may help is to go on to YouTube and check out some of the videos so that you know where you are in the ride. When I see the Naval vessel and the helicopter, i know it's almost over. The worst part for me is when Patrick says, "if you have a fear of flying or heights you might want to wait for your party at the arrival gate." Wish he wouldn't say that! LOL

 

[SueM in MN]

Really? I wonder why. I've used it on Soarin' because even though I know I'm completely safe, it still makes me feel better. The first time the CM kind of smirked at me and said, "You know that's for kids, you don't need it." I grinned and said, "But can I have it?" and he laughed and said sure.

Is it a policy that you can't use the strap, or is it CM discretion? I can't imagine why it would be a problem.

I have heard CM say that it is not meant for the weight of adults. My youngest DD is disabled and we do use it for her, but she is barely 5 feet tall and is about 82 pounds.

 

[jaceraden]

Well, my palms are getting sweaty just reading this thread.

I was in the back row when I went on Soarin' this trip. Unfortunately, I was also seated at the end and with my 4 year old daughter. As we were being lifted up, I could see right down beside me and it scared the $%($ out of me. My daughter had already been on it once with Daddy and was super excited for it. I tried closing my eyes for a while but she noticed and got mad at me. It didn't help though - the damage was already done when I looked down at the beginning.

There is no way I could go on this ride again. I am starting to have a panic attack now just thinking of it. I also still have nightmares. Oh, and for reference - I can do rollercoasters, etc. without problems. It's the mid level heights that scare me the most. (or as I call them, the maiming heights)

 

[gk90]

Now that I think of it I only used the kiddie belt once, on my 1st ride. I didn't know it wasn't meant for adults, but I tried to do it discreetly since I was a bit embarrassed about it, so maybe that's why the CM didn't spot me. Also I'm not very big (5'3"), and quite possibly I was wearing colors that the belts blended in with, khaki shorts and a dark t-shirt.

I just looked at one of the pre-show videos on Youtube and seeing the rows of seats rising up into the air made my acrophobia kick in--it gave me the creeps! But when I'm there in the seats looking forward to the beautiful ride and listening to the music, I don't feel that same fear at all. However, the idea of being on the end is too challenging so next time I ride it that's the spot I'll avoid--somehow after at least 10 rides on it I haven't been on the end.

As to delaneyc52's question, "why would anyone go on any ride that causes them distress in any way shape or form?" I know that I feel that trying to get over the slight discomfort and distress was well worth it. I felt better about myself for not giving into the fears and pushing myself a bit. And once I got beyond the fear I really enjoyed the ride. My sister said the same after her 1st couple of rides. To sum it up, "no pain, no gain".