WDW Attractions for the ride phobic, staunchly (think Footloose) religious?

[Luv4Disney]

My ideas:

Magic Kingdom:
WDW Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (you don't have to spin it) - there are small cute alients)
Carousel of Progress
People Mover
Tomorrowland Speedway (Don't worry about speed in the name, lol)
Winnie the Pooh
Carousel
Small World
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Peter Pan's Flight (off the ground, but nothing alarming - you do have to look down through most of it though)
Hall of Presidents
Country Bear Jamboree
Tom Sawyers Island
Liberty Belle Riverboat
Jungle Cruise
Shows/Parades/Fireworks

Epcot:
Living with the Land
Soarin' (maybe. My mom is scared of heights, but she loved this!)
Movies in the countries
The American Adventure
Innoventions
Spaceship Earth
Maelstrom (are trolls okay? folklore type stuff in this though)
Three Caballeros Grand Fiesta (Dia de Los Muertos celebrated though)
Behind the Seeds Tour (extra cost - not too much though)
Nemo
Illuminations

Animal Kingdom:
Finding Nemo
Festival of the Lion King
It's Tough to Be a Bug
Kiliminjaro Safari
Pangani Forest Trail
Maharaja Jungle Trek
Rafiki's Planet Watch
Flights of Wonder
Parade

Hollywood Studios:
Check out the street performers
Beauty & the Beast
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
One Man's Dream
Backlot Tour (Pearl Harbor - like "recreation" in the beginning though)
Toy Story Mania (light spinning)
Lights Motors Action
Muppets 3-D
Indiana Jones Stunt Show

Also check out the Boardwalk at night and Downtown Disney!

 

[goofy4tink]

Oh we'll be fine, thanks (my eyes will be a bit sore from rolling I expect, but).

But it's not going to be very exciting for her, that's for sure.. Alot of sitting around with our backpacks and reading (guess what?).

I'll have to work in some stuff for us all to do besides eat..

Are you up in the air in Soarin'? I'll see if I can get good u tubes of some of these rides.. Kali I was hoping might be ok.. As long as we're close to the ground..

I love Soarin'. BUT, I did bring a friend on it with me. She was concerned about vertigo and her teenage daughter. Well, the dd was fine..but mom??? OMG!!! She was pasty when she got off Soarin'!!! She looked at me and said..'You didn't tell me it goes up in the air!!!!' So yeah, it rises up to about 30' if you're seated in the first row, then the middle row is a bit lower with the third row being the lowest...maybe about 15-20' up. And it can rise somewhat quickly, with some side to side movements that can be offputting if you don't expect it.

It's up to her what she should do. If she chooses not to do an attraction, then fine. Is she okay with you and the kids doing something she might find offensive??? Or is it a case of she thinks it's bad, so no one gets to do it, or are you all of the same opinion???

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

This sounds like a good idea.. I'll have to figure out how to make a cell phone work in the US (I'm from Canada).

Is there anywhere inside the Park where you can get cheap prepaid phones? (we're not renting a car)

I use Tracfone and it works very well - I just did a search on the Tracfone website and it says they are available at Hess gas stations on Disney property - Hess at Downtown Disney is listed for example and it would be fairly easy to get to - now I haven't actually looked for Tracfone there so it may be that they just sell the cards and not the phones - I don't know but it may be worth looking into. I might give them a call - or if you want to avoid international charges call them from a skype account. Anyway - I know there have been lots of post from visitors from the UK who use Tracfone here - so there is probably more information available here on the DIS if you do a search.

I even think some people may have ordered their phones and have them delivered to their hotel.

Have a great trip - I think there is lots to enjoy!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

This sounds like a good idea.. I'll have to figure out how to make a cell phone work in the US (I'm from Canada).

Is there anywhere inside the Park where you can get cheap prepaid phones? (we're not renting a car)

Call your provider. I have friends from Canada who have them add International calling/texting for the month that you are there. Just double check that it is turned OFF at the end of that billing cycle to avoid a suprise for the next one. If I remember correctly, it ran them about 10-20 per phone, so cheaper than looking for a prepaid. Also, I suggest texting over calling....there are "dead spots" in some of the parks where I have found a call won't come through. At least if you get "meet me outside of Casey's Corner" 5 min late, it's no big deal.

You have great suggestions on rides, so I won't add anything there. I think that there will be plenty that she will enjoy. I don't know if anyone suggested it already but the "Unofficial Guide to WDW is a great resource in addition to Youtube. It has some pretty good descriptions of the rides, especially scary elements and will cover some of the witches/aliens, etc. DO NOT go on the Great movie Ride. There is a scene from Aliens where they pop out at you...freaks me out every time, and I know it is coming. The book is full of tips like that. (check out the tips for travelling with young kids section, too, as you will find a lot more of that stuff in there)

Have a great trip!

 

[chartle]

Are you up in the air in Soarin'? I'll see if I can get good u tubes of some of these rides.. Kali I was hoping might be ok.. As long as we're close to the ground..

Yes, there are 3 levels or rows of seats the highest is maybe 30 - 35 feet off the ground. The lowest only 10. So if you go ask for the third or lowest row.

Oh and I feel for you on multiple levels.

 

[katilac]

I'm pretty afraid of heights - I detest the Ferris Wheel, get a little faint looking out the window of tall buildings, don't like looking over the second story balcony at the mall - but there are plenty of rides that I like. It has a lot to do with how the ride is set up and so on.

Indoor and dark roller coasters are better than outdoor ones; I guess it's the visuals I don't like, not the sensation! The reassuring click of a heavy harness holding one down is better than a skinny hold bar.

I love Space Mountain and like Rockin' Roller Coaster well enough to endure it with my kids.

Outdoors, I love Big Thunder Mountain (it's really pretty mild) but can't even try Expedition Everest. Just watching that long, slow climb makes me shudder.

Soarin' is fine. I close my eyes sometimes, but more because it makes me feel motion sick. Again, maybe feels safer b/c it is a large car with a heavy bar, people on either side of you . . .

Can your wife isolate factors that make certain rides worse than others? It's possible she might enjoy some thrill rides!

Edited to add that I can do Kali River Rapids with no big problems. I also do Splash Mountain but only to please my youngest; I really dislike the big plunge and the buildup to it.

Did you say when you are going? She would probably love the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT; it tells the nativity story with a narrator, singers, and chorus. It gets excellent reviews. We have it scheduled for the first time this visit, with the guaranteed seating dinner package.

 

[mdsoccermom]

You could always drop her off at the Holy Land Experience.

 

[ttintagel]

Would she be bothered by depictions of other religions? I'm thinking of the Jewish and Muslim scholars scene from Spaceship Earth, and the temple in the Jungle Cruise.

 

[Glennie5]

I just wanted to say that I have a terrible fear of heights but the only rides I cannot do at Disney are Astro Orbitor (MK), I have ridden it twice and think I may have actually cried the 2nd time I rode it and Tower of Terror (HS), I can be talked into riding Tower of Terror but I really don't enjoy it.

 

[bookgirl]

Nope, that one is out, because I think in the Mexico part of the ride, they show the kids depicting the Day of the Dead (sorry, I can't remember the true name).

Your wife sounds ~ fun. I think it is going to be a very long trip for you and your boys.

Carousel of Progress, maybe?

Day of the dead is on the Three amigos ride in Epcot Mexico or as I call it It's a small world Latin Edition. I took pictures of it this year.

I'd say People Mover (don't look down).

Winnie the Pooh?

 

[doug74]

My ideas:

Magic Kingdom:
WDW Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Space........

Thanks, Luv. They're on the u tube review list!

Is she okay with you and the kids doing something she might find offensive??? Or is it a case of she thinks it's bad, so no one gets to do it, or are you all of the same opinion???

She's trying to brow beat them into not going on the haunted house stuff, etc..

But like I say, I'll talk with everyone before we get into each park on what THEY want to do, and no hand-wringing or pestering later!

Would she be bothered by depictions of other religions? I'm thinking of the Jewish and Muslim scholars scene from Spaceship Earth, and the temple in the Jungle Cruise.

Nope, should be ok.

I love Big Thunder Mountain (it's really pretty mild)

Gotcha..

Can your wife isolate factors that make certain rides worse than others? It's possible she might enjoy some thrill rides!

Pretty much anything with 'thrill' in it is a no..

Call your provider. I have friends from Canada who have them add International calling/texting for the month that you are there. Just double check that it is turned OFF at the end of that billing cycle to avoid a suprise for the next one.

I don't have a plan, just a 'pay and talk', but I'll see what they can do for me (Telus)..

I don't think my phone can text, but I'll check..

Did you say when you are going?

Jan 15-23 2013.

 

[TDC Nala]

The queue at Kali has a lot of statuary that she might consider idols. Don't know if that's a consideration.

There are ghosts in the Tower of Terror. I don't think she'd ride it anyway.

 

[Angebee]

You've already gotten lots of suggestions, so I'll just add a couple of tips.

On Soarin', try to be in the back rows when you first enter the room as those will be on the lowest tier of the 'glider' and closest to the ground. If you're lucky to be near the edges, tell her to glance over at the 'Exit' sign to remind her she's in a safe environment and not actually flying over California. Those things helped me immensely as I am seriously afraid of heights as well.

My mom feels she will not be able to do a lot of the thrill rides when we visit again and plans on using her "bench time" to "enjoy the atmosphere of Disney and catching up with family". Make sure DW remembers your cell phone and has a good book and you should be fine. (If you don't mind roaming charges anyway).

If you and your boys are still into meeting characters then grab one of the Character Times sheets along with a park map and see how many characters you can meet while you're there. Some of our best pictures/memories are from doing this even as my sister and I got older.

Catch Phantasmic at Hollywood Studios if at all possible. In my humble opinion it's one of the best shows! A couple of mythical creatures do show up but they properly represent evil and are fought against by the good guys so maybe she'll deem this to be okay?

I hope your family has a great trip and you find something for everyone!

 

[doug74]

The queue at Kali has a lot of statuary that she might consider idols.

Nope, should be ok, too.. She might roll her eyes, but no falling to the ground and hissing..

There are ghosts in the Tower of Terror. I don't think she'd ride it anyway.

Nope, and nope, unfortunately..

Make sure DW remembers your cell phone and has a good book and you should be fine.

Oh, she'll have her Good Book all right..

Catch Phantasmic at Hollywood Studios if at all possible. In my humble opinion it's one of the best shows! A couple of mythical creatures do show up but they properly represent evil and are fought against by the good guys so maybe she'll deem this to be okay?

I'll have to show her some clips on the internet and she can decide for herself.. I'm thinking the sorcerer bit will get her spidey senses in a huff, though..

I hope your family has a great trip and you find something for everyone!

Me too, thanks!!

 

[goofyintoronto]

Thats really sad. Im so sorry. I would honestly not go to Disney if your wife is pretty much against going on anything fun or thrilling. There will be NOTHING for the kids to ride. Would she object for the kids to go on the rides like Pirates, or is it just herself?
Sorry i didnt read the whole thread.

 

[luvsJack]

I don't like a lot of rides but find plenty to enjoy while ds and dd hit the big ones. While they are riding Test Track and Soarin', I explore the World Showcase. I love, love, love having the time to explore as much as I want on my own for a little bit. When they finish riding, they call me and we meet for whatever is next.

While they ride splash mountain and thunder mountain, I shop and explore through Liberty Square and Frontier Land. While they ride Astro Orbitor and Space Mountain--I enjoy exploring around Tomorrowland and Fantasy Land. Or any of that time gives me the opportunity to spend some time on Main Street, which I love.

AK--while they ride EE, I explore every little trail I can find.

DHS--I just love taking in all the atmosphere of "old Hollywood".

There are always some kind of street preformances going on all over the place.

Now, I am not sure on the whole religious thing but several are talking about seeing other religious things and you only mention magic, pirates, aliens and such. WDW is pretty much ABOUT magic so not really sure how that's going to work but its not "evil" magic. On that note: I only see a few things really being a problem. Pirates, Stitch, and Haunted Mansion come to mind in the MK. Does she consider Peter Pan to be "magic"? The ride doesn't really show anyone waving a wand around just a "little bit of pixie dust", lol.

Maybe the best thing for you to do is to get your wife a book with descriptions about all the attractions and let her decide what she wants to stay aways from. You decide for you and the kids and show her what she can do while ya'll go to whatever attraction.

 

[doug74]

Thats really sad. Im so sorry. I would honestly not bother going to Disney if your wife is going to be like that. There will be NOTHING for the kids to ride.

Don't worry about us.. It's her hang up, we'll be going on everything (unless it spins.. ugggh) while she sits with our stuff.

I explore the World Showcase. I love, love, love having the time to explore as much as I want on my own for a little bit. When they finish riding, they call me and we meet for whatever is next.

As long as I can figure out the cell phone situation this is probably what's going to happen..

Does she consider Peter Pan to be "magic"?

No, and hopefully the ride isn't too 'scary'..

Maybe the best thing for you to do is to get your wife a book with descriptions about all the attractions and let her decide what she wants to stay aways from. You decide for you and the kids and show her what she can do while ya'll go to whatever attraction.

Yup, see above re: U tube (you tube?)

 

[Texas Barbie]

Personally? I'd find a nice comfortable stationary church pew, leave her off and head to WDW. Glad you love her!

This

 

[Random Ninja]

You could always drop her off at the Holy Land Experience.

I'm surprised it took 4 pages to mention this place. You and the kids are dragging your wife around Disney, why not take her to the Christian park. There are some really good shows and unique shopping opportunities (think Epcot type shopping). It does kinda lack in the rides department but it's fun for a few hours. Why not spend a day at the HLE and then have a nice dinner at one of the resort restaurants?

 

[doug74]

I'm surprised it took 4 pages to mention this place. You and the kids are dragging your wife around Disney, why not take her to the Christian park

We're flying in and staying on site.. And who says she's Christian?

She's a Jehovah's Witness, so they hate.. basically every other religion (including catholic),..