Terrified about the Incredicoaster... Sensory Processing+Autism+Anxiety

[Rilli]

Keeping this brief, sorry if wording is harsh just want it short as possible! ^^

DP is on the spectrum. Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety, and a few others. Most rides were "we're riding this 900 times" "i refuse to even look at it" or "one and done". There were a handful of meltdowns and we got through it but now the question bodes:

The Incredicoaster. To ride or not to ride? There was a huge interest in riding it but also a lot of fear - meltdown right before park close on our last day right in front of the ride. We have plans for every other obstacle of a ride, but we can't seem to find a plan for this one.

We had an entire day set up to "work towards" DP getting on last time we went, or at least trying, but everything worked against us - including the ride breaking down when DP did feel ready to go on. When it came back up, DP was having a really tough time with a meltdown and we decided it just wasn't the time to try. There were so many clear signs that it was a "Don't go on it!" and we just gave up.

But this time there's more interest. I'm still worried though. Our plan was for a friend to ride all of DP's favourite and least favourite rides and then ride Incredicoaster and give the final yay or nay, but unfortunately, they're not able to make it and DP is upset. So, I'm asking here, can anyone else who has ridden (I haven't, myself) maybe provide a bit more feedback than "it's fast, high in the air, and there's a loop" because that seems to be about all the feedback we can get. The loop scares DP - but DP has an inversion table at home and loves to be upside down on it.

Does day/night make a difference for the light sensitivity? Is it better to go at night for pretty lights being a distraction from everything, or is that a headache and a sensory overload? I don't want to force DP to go on or not be doing well after, but DP's also worried about missing out.

In case it helps for general as to what goes over well/what doesn't:

Loves: Mator's, Space Mountain (but felt very spacially aware of the person next to DP and didn't like that. DP will sit alone next time), Pirates (first drop in the dark especially), Peter Pan (the feeling of flying), Ariel, Indiana Jones (bumpy, being thrown, loved how "even" everything was), Grizzly River Run,

Dislikes: Big Thunder (DP rode in the front, thought it was too slow and not bumpy enough. We'll be trying the middle row next time), Mickey Fun Wheel (terrified of Ferris wheels), Jumpin Jellyfish, Guardians (we rode a kids-version of a SuperShot at a fair before going to DL originally and that was a no-no so we didn't even try for Guardians as we had to leave the fair after the SS), Gadget's Go Coaster (rated almost as scary as Splash Mountain.. except DP would go on Splash again and not Gadget!),

"One and Done"/it's scary and uncomfortable or not liked but worth 1 ride: Soarin', Splash Mountain (this was a very huge deal the drop was a big problem but DP does want to try it again), Radiator Springs (DP's favourite was the bunny hills and going fast, everything else was considered boring), Goofy's Sky School (didn't like the hairpin turns and feeling like DP would fall over the edge. DP is worried about feeling like this on the Incredicoaster)

IF we do ride it, our plan is to ride it just before a breaktime. We're packing lunch, so we'd go sit in the World of Colour viewing area with a weighted lap pad and then ride Ariel after we co-regulate and get some food, - and in worst case scenario, we'd hopefully be able to leave the park through the Grand Californian and head back to our hotel to cool off for a couple hours. I'm not sure if we can transit through Grand Cal if we're not staying there, but it's the quickest exit out of the park we're aware of if it's too much. DP was hoping to be able to bring an iPod on the ride but I'd be worried about it being lost or damaged - and I doubt music would be heard over the wind and ride audio. DP doesn't like earplugs very much.

But is it worth even trying? Or is it just going to put DP in an uncomfortable situation? DP doesn't want to ruin their vacation or feel like an amazing ride was missed out on, and is very anxious about withholding the rest of us from riding, but also does want to try it and they've been working up to it but feel very overwhelmed around it. We've repeatedly expressed DP doesn't have to ride, we can do rider swap if DP doesn't want to be left alone. DP can also ride Ariel endlessly, play the Pier games, or do something else while we ride Incredicoaster if we even feel like riding it - we can skip it completely, too. There are lots of ways we can work around it but they're not sure what to do, DP is very upset about it and has cried many times over the situation and I suggested posting here about it in hopes of getting some insight.

so much for keeping this short! worry got the best of me.

 

[mamabunny]

FWIW, I am one of those “don’t ride it if you feel at all uncomfortable” people.

There is no rule that you *have* to ride every.single.ride when you go to a theme park (any theme park, Disney or Six Flags, or wherever!) Some folks do - it’s important for them to “complete” that. For our family, we would rather spend our time riding our favorites, and not worry about rides that are uncomfortable, scary, overwhelming, or some combination thereof.

So, my advice would be to talk about how important it is to ride this ride - and just as significantly - *why* it is important to ride something if we are not sure it is going to really be fun to ride. If it’s just curiosity (for example “I won’t know unless I actually ride it”) that’s different than someone who feels like they have to “collect them all” and check off a list of all the rides as they go.

Given the amount of hesitation you describe, I’m thinking that maybe DP needs “permission” to NOT ride… could that be the case?

 

[SueM in MN]

I have not been to Disneyland since I was little, so have not ridden it.
There are a lot of full ride point of view videos on YouTube. If DP hasn’t watched any of those, I’d recommend watching. Obviously, they don’t give the sensations, but you do get the sounds and sights. This seems like a pretty good one.
Incredicoaster POV video

Watching it, you do get an idea of how many hills, how many dark tunnels and times when the coaster will be banking. It also gives an idea of how high it goes.
This is a link to a POV video at night. It‘s hard to say whether night would be more of a challenge - the lights could either be a distraction or sensory overload. Another factor at night is not being able to see what’s ahead as well or possibly how high it goes.
Incredicoaster night POV

If DP didn’t like the hairpin turns on Goofy’s Flying School, the turn areas on Incredicoaster may be a ‘no go’. But, this POV video of Goofy’s Flying School shows how many and how tight the turns on Goofy were. Incredicoaster doesn’t seem to have the same Intensity or number of turns. It may be helpful for DP to compare the video of Goofy with the ones of Incredicoaster
Goofy Flying School POV

 

[SueM in MN]

I’m almost certain DP would not be able to use an iPod on The Incredicoaster. Because of the turns and inversion, it could easily fall out. I would prepare that in ear foam earplugs could be worn, but not anything else.

If DP really wants to try it, but is not sure, I’d suggest talking to the CM at the attraction to see what options they might have.
We‘ve done it before at WDW with things we were unsure of our daughter riding. We explained to the CM that at least one of our party needed to ride to check whether our daughter would be able to ride. After riding, if it was one she couldn’t ride, it was pretty much handled like Rider Swap and the person who waited with her rode.
If we decided she could ride, she went on with the person who had stayed with her.

 

[Baytothemax]

I really can’t help with the decision to ride/not ride, but I can help you with the person sitting next to DP issue. There is a wheelchair transfer seat that literally is a single seat. It’s a permanent slide transfer so nobody can sit next to them. This could guarantee a single ride.

 

[livbeatles]

It's been several years since I was on the Incredicoaster, but I think I would opt for daytime over nighttime if light sensory response is a concern. I think there's a tunnel where lights kind of dash in front of you, and I think those are more dull during the day (due to the sunlight)?

 

[tobikaye]

Definitely watch the POV videos if you have not yet. I do agree that I think day would be better for a first attempt over night. If DP has any issues with sound, this one does seem to be loud to me. I felt like the loop was quite quick so out before you really process you are upside down. Also, once the fast portion of the attraction is over, it is not an immediate back to the station, I think it stopped or slowed down a couple of times. Something to remember if DP does not like the attraction, it is not a quick off the ride once the main portion is over.

 

[Evita_W]

Ok, first off on a side note, for Big Thunder, ask for the very back row based on your comments, the experience will be much wilder there than the middle rows and definitely much better than the front.

As for Incredicoaster, there are bunny hills, so that part will likely be a big hit, sensory wise, during the day time it isn't bad, you will have more sensory items at night. There aren't the hairpin turns that Goofy's Sky School has, DH is right there with not liking that feeling. The big item I would watch is the fact that it does go upside down, if they are ok with that, I think based on the other items listed, Incredicoaster will be a big hit and you may end up having to ride multiple times. One thing to be aware of is if you don't like heights, I would avoid the front two rows, as even DH gets a bit queasy with that, but likes the feeling of the front two rows, so will put up with it. Also, if leg room is an issue, sit in the front row of any of the individual cars, that back is a bit more cramped. And it does go pretty high up.

It should also be noted that the ride is generally very smooth, a friend of ours who can't do a lot of rides these days due to various issues still loves this ride because of how smooth it is and that they can still enjoy it.

Ultimately at the end of the day only they can decide if it is for them or not, but honestly, no one should ever feel like they need to cry about not wanting to go on a ride, let them know it is ok to not go and everyone can still have a great time either way. Also let them know it is ok to try to go on and chicken out (many people do) and that it is ok to go and have a hard time with it and that no one will be upset if they do. In short, help them to know that no matter what, it is ok.

 

[Lisa_lvspplmvr]

Incredicoaster is very similar to Rockin Rollercoaster . It’s smooth , fast and fun . The ending is weird because you kind of jerk to a stop so keep your head back .

 

[fabfemmeboy]

I'm not sure I understand why there is so much debate. Every sign is pointing to "no, not going, too much." So don't ride it. I was the kind of kid who got overwhelmed/terrified by new rides, and I spent so much time panicking at theme parks that I could barely enjoy it. Now I can ride a lot more than I used to (yay for anti-anxiety medication that lets me actually feel the endorphins!)...and I love Incredicoaster and ride it all the time. But there's no way in the world I could have ridden it before. One thing I didn't see in any of your lists were rides that go upside-down and how DP feels about those. Incredicoaster has a loop if that's a factor. It's very smooth, but it's also more intense than the ones you've listed. I just don't know why you would want to push it if everything points to no-go/meltdown. Go re-ride things they like instead, or try something new that doesn't look like it will cause a meltdown.

 

[Rilli]

Thank you everyone for such great responses!

DP doesn't feel the need to ride every single ride and has no issues saying no if something is way too far out of their comfort zone. We're just not sure if Incredicoasters test their boundaries too much. They don't want their disabilities and meltdowns to control what they can and can't ride (within reason, they won't push anything they feel is unsafe for their body or clearly not right for them - such as Guardians, Webslingers is also a clear no, as is the Nemo ride.)

Their main concern is, "Parts of this ride look like a lot of fun. I love Incredibles. I love bunny hills. I love going fast. I could very much like this ride as much as Indiana Jones." (Indi is a family favourite.) But there's also negatives: "I'm worried about the smell being pumped through the tubes. I'm worried about how I will feel after and if I will need to leave the park. The loop scares me. The height scares me. I'm scared I'll be missing out on a ride I might really love."

It looks incredibly fun to DP overall, but it's nothing like DP's really ridden before and so there's a lot of uncertainty and fear from not knowing what the sensations would be like on it. A lot of the fear comes from the last time we went when DP saw the coaster go up one of the ramps, then instantly drop back down and the ride was shut down. We've watched the POVs lots of times in both day and night and weren't sure which would be better. The day seems more sensory-friendly, the night seemed more beautiful and maybe a nice distraction from the scary parts of the ride - but with everyone's recommendations, we'll try it in the daytime first!

Either way, we have no intention of pushing DP one way or the other. DP fully understands, there's no pressure to ride or not ride - whatever they choose is totally OK. They're just not sure. They want to try it but are just terrified about the aftermath and if it's going to be pushing too far - but it also looks like fun. Sensory is a huge part of it, but with all these tips we've come up with a few things to try!

We'll try the earplugs maybe on Goofy's first to see if they're tolerable during a coaster. We knew about Rider Swap, but we'll talk more closely with CM's on the day of to see what can be done - we didn't know about the wheelchair transfer seat, that was news to us and might be super helpful.

Also, once the fast portion of the attraction is over, it is not an immediate back to the station, I think it stopped or slowed down a couple of times. Something to remember if DP does not like the attraction, it is not a quick off the ride once the main portion is over.

This is something to keep in mind too. We knew it wasn't instant off, but it didn't seem too long in the POV videos. And there's how long it actually is, vs how long it feels like. This was a great thing to be thoughtful about, thank you so much.

Ok, first off on a side note, for Big Thunder, ask for the very back row based on your comments, the experience will be much wilder there than the middle rows and definitely much better than the front.

As for Incredicoaster, there are bunny hills, so that part will likely be a big hit, sensory wise, during the day time it isn't bad, you will have more sensory items at night. There aren't the hairpin turns that Goofy's Sky School has, DH is right there with not liking that feeling. The big item I would watch is the fact that it does go upside down, if they are ok with that, I think based on the other items listed, Incredicoaster will be a big hit and you may end up having to ride multiple times. One thing to be aware of is if you don't like heights, I would avoid the front two rows, as even DH gets a bit queasy with that, but likes the feeling of the front two rows, so will put up with it. Also, if leg room is an issue, sit in the front row of any of the individual cars, that back is a bit more cramped. And it does go pretty high up.

It should also be noted that the ride is generally very smooth, a friend of ours who can't do a lot of rides these days due to various issues still loves this ride because of how smooth it is and that they can still enjoy it.

Ultimately at the end of the day only they can decide if it is for them or not, but honestly, no one should ever feel like they need to cry about not wanting to go on a ride, let them know it is ok to not go and everyone can still have a great time either way. Also let them know it is ok to try to go on and chicken out (many people do) and that it is ok to go and have a hard time with it and that no one will be upset if they do. In short, help them to know that no matter what, it is ok.

Yes! We heard the back was much more wild, but we're gonna try the middle first and slowly move our way back. Last trip it was a "one and done I don't want to touch it" but we'll try it again a time or two knowing more about the ride this time.

That's exactly it for Incredi; parts of it are likely to be huge hits, but other parts prove scary and maybe too much. And we don't know. This was so very helpful with the ridecars. We'll probably ask for row 3 then. After reading your comment and going back to watch a POV again, we noticed the first row "hangs" over the edge for a second and nowe we can hopefully avoid that.

Thank you all so much this is so wonderful. We'll take everything into consideration. I really appreciate you taking the time to help out. We want DP to be as comfortable as possible!

 

[Evita_W]

Umm, there are smells pumped through the tubes? Thst is news to DH and he has ridden several times, so I probably wouldn't worry too much about it.

DH really can't handle Goofys sky school at all, for various reasons and loves Incredicoaster. Seriously, either way DP will have a great time, just make sure they know that there is no pressure and to enjoy.whatever they decide.

 

[Rilli]

Yeah, we were told there was the smell of the Jack Jack Cookie Num Nums pumped through one of the tubes. Glad to hear it shouldn't be an issue!

DP will have a fantastic time, we were just looking for some insight for the final decision. Thanks!

 

[DLgal]

OP, don't push this. DP should ride once the time comes that DP has NO reservations about the ride. None. Otherwise it will be a miserable experience.

I have 2 teen sons with autism, ADHD, and Anxiety. One is 17 and had been on Incredicoaster back when it was CA Screamin when he was like 11. He rode twice but has since refused. The other one won't even consider it. He's 15. He WANTS to, but he knows he can't handle it YET. We don't push. The older one made me take him on Tower of Terror when he was 5 and then spent the next 12 years so traumatized he wouldn't even look at the building. He is NOW saying he is ready to try ToT next time we go to WDW, but has NO desire to try Guardians Mission Breakout because those screen scenes will make him motion sick. He can't watch screens like that when he's moving fast without getting sick.

Let your DP lead you and don't put any pressure to ride anything in particular.

But also, be supportive if your DP DOES decide to go for it and if it's a disaster, be ready with a Jack Jack cookie num num to distract from the trauma.

 

[Rilli]

I think there was some misunderstanding ^^; I'm not pushing at all.

DP is very interested in riding but is very concerned, and doesn't want the outcome to ruin their vacation if it does go south. I can't offer insight personally. I offered to make this post so we can get information to better help DP's decision. DP is not being pressured or forced to at all, we would never pressure that. We can walk right up to the ride vehicle with DP and have them say, "No, I don't want to ride anymore" and we would make sure DP can leave. DP's not being forced.

No matter if DP decides to ride it or not, rides it and has a bad time, rides it and has a good time, we're there. But part of not having reservations is being prepared, which is why we made this thread and are asking for insight because DP has 0 experience with anything similar. We're making plans so no matter what DP can be accommodated - and part of that is us needing to be aware too, what things could overload DP on the ride, so we know how to help and what to prepare for!

Like I said before, if DP said outright no as they did with Guardians, there'd be no issue with that. DP wanted to ride the smaller SuperShot at the fair before we went to Disney last time to determine if Guardians was an outright no or yes - SuperShot was a bad idea, so we knew Guardians would be. We're just doing the same here to keep DP as comfortable as possible.

Thank you so much for your care and comments! <3

 

[Evita_W]

I think there was some misunderstanding ^^; I'm not pushing at all.

DP is very interested in riding but is very concerned, and doesn't want the outcome to ruin their vacation if it does go south. I can't offer insight personally. I offered to make this post so we can get information to better help DP's decision. DP is not being pressured or forced to at all, we would never pressure that. We can walk right up to the ride vehicle with DP and have them say, "No, I don't want to ride anymore" and we would make sure DP can leave. DP's not being forced.

No matter if DP decides to ride it or not, rides it and has a bad time, rides it and has a good time, we're there. But part of not having reservations is being prepared, which is why we made this thread and are asking for insight because DP has 0 experience with anything similar. We're making plans so no matter what DP can be accommodated - and part of that is us needing to be aware too, what things could overload DP on the ride, so we know how to help and what to prepare for!

Like I said before, if DP said outright no as they did with Guardians, there'd be no issue with that. DP wanted to ride the smaller SuperShot at the fair before we went to Disney last time to determine if Guardians was an outright no or yes - SuperShot was a bad idea, so we knew Guardians would be. We're just doing the same here to keep DP as comfortable as possible.

Thank you so much for your care and comments! <3

Just a comment, DH won't do Supershot or anything like it, but LOVES guardians, they are definitely different, but only DP knows what is ok and isn't.

 

[Rilli]

Just a comment, DH won't do Supershot or anything like it, but LOVES guardians, they are definitely different, but only DP knows what is ok and isn't.

REALLY? That's so interesting! I thought for sure they would be comparable! It was very much the being lifted/dropped sensation and sort of "hanging" that DP was nooot interested in at all, we have lots of family who said it was not a good idea either so we were able to X guardians based off those. Jumpin' Jellies was another one that didn't go too well. Gosh that's so shocking to see.

Can I ask if you know what about Guardians DH likes? I'm so glad you commented! It's so hard to get a solid hold on what would or wouldn't go over well until you ride it.

Thanks for sharing, have a great day! <3

 

[DisTXMom]

1) the launch is intense and can be intimidating to shoot out and up the first hill, which is fairly high. After the first hill, the rest of the drops are more moderate, though there are loops.
2) the tubes have lights and animations in them. Look at the videos and see what you think/ if the lights and flashing will be an issue.

we like this ride, but it’s intimidating- especially the first time.

 

[Evita_W]

REALLY? That's so interesting! I thought for sure they would be comparable! It was very much the being lifted/dropped sensation and sort of "hanging" that DP was nooot interested in at all, we have lots of family who said it was not a good idea either so we were able to X guardians based off those. Jumpin' Jellies was another one that didn't go too well. Gosh that's so shocking to see.

Can I ask if you know what about Guardians DH likes? I'm so glad you commented! It's so hard to get a solid hold on what would or wouldn't go over well until you ride it.

Thanks for sharing, have a great day! <3

If Junpin Jellyfish didn't go well, do not do Guardians, unless it is like DHs issue with Jumpin Jellyfish, he just has a very hard time getting and out of the ride, he did it once with his little brother, but also sees no need to do it again.

As for what he likes, he really.likes airtime (me, not so much) and gets lots of it on Guardians, especially if he asks for the transfer seat and the theme is fun.

 

[DLgal]

Just a comment, DH won't do Supershot or anything like it, but LOVES guardians, they are definitely different, but only DP knows what is ok and isn't.

*I* would not do supershot. That thing is terrifying. I've done all manner of scary theme park drop rides, but I draw the line at that thing.