Waiting in the ride lines but not riding

[tomato]

I have a tailbone injury that isn't healing fast enough and I fear that I might not be able to ride too many rides on our visit in two weeks.

I've already resolved myself of the disappointment of not riding but I can't get past how much time I will sit and wait on my own while my family waits in the line-ups and then rides the actual rides. (On our last trip I opted out of the second-time-'round on Splash Mountain and sitting and waiting for them was excruciating.)

Then there's the fact that the line-up time is often half the fun! I was thinking that there are many that you could walk through and just go right out again (Space Mountain and Indiana Jones come to mind ...) but which ones do NOT allow for that? (I had a friend TRY to do it for Tower of Terror -- she specifically told the cast member she could not ride because of a bad back, but could she walk through the line-up with her hubby and they said yes ... next thing she knew she was ON the ride and really hurting her back because there was no place to get off/out before it started).

So which ones should I avoid? Other than Tower of Terror ... (which breaks my heart because I LOVE the ambiance in there!!!!!!!!)

 

[DisDancerina]

I'm just gonna say this: There's pretty much a chicken coop (for little kids to freak out and leave) for every ride as far as I know.

So, I'm pretty sure you can get out.

They just might be worried for counting on ToT.

 

[Disneylvrforever]

There is definately a way out for ToT w/out getting in the ride vehicle. I've seen many kids start to freak out once they sit down, so then they would be let out w/out any hassle. When I went on the Halloween tour this past year, my DM didn't want to ride ToT, but still went through the line w/ us & saw us leave to the Twilight Zone.

 

[DisDancerina]

I'm sure Disney could accommodate you for that. And if anyone doesn't, try talking to Town Hall?

 

[Disney Dreams]

You absolutely can exit Tower of Terror almost at the end of the queue. I stood at that stood for about 3-5 minutes debating whether or not I was going to ride. I am guessing your friend got in the actual ride vehicle (which is not a traditional "car" on ToT) and may not have known it. If you need the "last out" exit, keep your eyes open for it if it's important to you. There is always a way not to ride, if you catch it.

- Dreams

 

[roxy72]

The Haunted Mansion also has an exit. It's not visible, so you'd need to ask a CM to lead you out. It's in the area while you're waiting to load the buggies...there are freaky portraits and stuff on the walls. The CM can lead you past a rope, through a door, then you follow printed 'exit' signs and boogie out of there.

 

[wdwfan22]

Like others have said, you can chicken out of any ride at the last minute. CM are used this. Just ask.

Other than ToT, I think the obvious ones are Maliboomer, California Screamin, Star Tours the and the mountains. I'm sure I am not remembering them all.

But the great thing about Disney is that there are so many gentle rides that are not any worse than just sitting on a bench. Unless you need to sit on something soft. Maybe you could carry a donut around to sit on on the rides?

 

[Peri]

I like to go through the Tower of Terror queue but not ride and I assure you that there is a chicken exit both at DL and WDW!

Just before you enter the elevators, tell the cast member you cannot ride and they will (glumly, and in a scary manner), send you off in a different direction. The alternative route is a little scary but perfectly free from sitting, falling, etc., you just exit down a somewhat creepy passageway.

Enjoy!

 

[tomato]

But the great thing about Disney is that there are so many gentle rides that are not any worse than just sitting on a bench. Unless you need to sit on something soft. Maybe you could carry a donut around to sit on on the rides?

You laugh, but I'm sitting on a donut pillow as I type, LOL! And I am definitely bringing it with me!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Just stand in the lines... when you get to the end tell en you don't want to ride... If they give you trouble, tell em you feel like throwing up! Trust me, they'd rather show you the exit than clean up vomit!

 

[Dizneydaz]

I can't think of any ride where you can't exit at the last minute. As PP have said you definitely can on ToT. My DD was all set to ride ToT (not her first time) but at the last minute, as we were waiting to board the elevator, she changed her mind. I told the CM and we were taken out the door that actually leads to the exit. You can do this and then wait for the rest of your party in the viewing room at the exit. Then you can see your group's picture at their first drop. You'll know they'll be out shortly.

I've also exited HM at the last minute as well. This time was just before we boarded our "Doom Buggies" there's a door they'll take you through off to the side.

Honestly, I don't think there's any ride you can't change your mind on. We even had to exit ToT at WDW after being seat belted in. DD changed her mind and was panicing to get off. I got the CMs attention and they released us.

Just so you know the incidents with ToT took place over a span of a few years. DD was certain she wanted to go but then changed her mind at the last minute. She did ride it sometimes but then would change her mind next time. Now it is one of her favorite rides and she wouldn't miss it.

I was just thinking about rides like Star Tours and even though I don't think they have a last minute exit door, all you have to do there is be at the front of the line to enter your Star Speeder and then walk all the way through to exit. You could even tell the CM that your are going straight thru so the doors will remain open long enough for you to get out.

 

[Gisele]

First off, I sure am sorry that your in pain. I hope a speedy recovery for you, and that you will be one hundred percent in time for your trip, preferably even sooner from that.
Pirates, the Haunted Mansion, and the Jungle Cruise will be gentle on your tushy. Definitely not Indy, or Matterhorn, nor BTMRR. And of course the Enchanted Tiki Room is always a safe bet for one's bottom. I love all of these rides and shows. Especially Pirates and the Haunted Mansion. And yes Jose..... you too and always and forever!

You have a magical time now ya hear, while visiting the land! No ifs ands or sorry cannot help myself (Oh no not again ) wait for it .............. butts! ...... he he!

 

[iKristin]

I would seriously just brought a nice donut pillow so you can ride on a bunch of the rides and still be somewhat comfortable...and excedrin extra strength for the pain

 

[tomato]

Thanks for the tips, everyone! I'm very, very sad that I can't ride Indy as that is by far the family favorite. I was thinking I would console myself by getting extra rounds on the Jungle Cruise while the family is on Indy, LOL.

My chiropractor is working extra hard to get me ready but I fear one wrong move and I'll be back where I was. Sigh. But I know I'm going to enjoy myself even without every single ride.

So when you see someone wandering through the park with a donut pillow, say hi to me! LOL!

 

[mybestieismickey]

You can definitely just walk through on Star Tours. My mom does it every time because her back is so bad. The last time we were all there together, they even held the doors open long enough for her to take a picture of the remaining 8 of us. Mom's back has improved but there are just some rides that she just can't go on. We've had a lot of experience with the chicken exit and we've never met a CM who was anything but accommodating.

 

[disney-inspired]

Is it possible for you to get a special cushion to use on the less bouncy rides?

Every ride has a "chicken exit", even TOT. I'm semi-ride weenie so I walked through with my family and the CM walked me out.