What rides are out for a non-riding DGrandma?

[WDWfor5]

So, we're down to 53 days to go before our 1st MNSSHP trip and we're bringing my DMom who has never been to WDW except for a 1/2 day visit to Epcot years ago with a friend who drove her crazy

We're thrilled to have a chance to show my mom the wondeful world of Disney along with our 3 kids who can't wait to show grandma everything The only problem / concern I have is that my mom doesn't do rides. My DD 8 has told her that most of the rides at WDW aren't scary rides and that she'll like them (this coming from the kid we dragged on Dinosaur, screamed her head off and declared it the best ride in the whole park )

But - my mom is not a child and I don't want to annoy / upset her by telling her a ride is okay if it won't be. She is terrified of heights and doesn't do fast or big drops (mostly sahe's a complete chicken). I realize the roller coasters are out as is Soarin' and the flume rides, etc. but was hoping anyone who is afraid of rides can post and tell me if there's others that could be a problem that i might not think of since DH & I love all rides.

TIA

 

[K and K's Mommy]

My mom doesn't like heights or drops either. She did do Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and was fine with that. She went on Dinosaur with my DS and liked it. DS would not go on it again with Dad! She also did Test Track but sat with the little ones during Mission Space. My mom is okay with fast so I am not sure if these will work for your mom or not. She missed our MGM day, but I think Star Tours would have been fine. If your mom is okay with getting wet, I would think Kali River Rapids would be okay. Have fun!

 

[WDWfor5]

Thanks K&K's Mommy - it sounds like your mom is braver than mine though. When I say she's afraid of heights I mean she isn't going to get in Dumbo because it leaves the ground and she'd be terrified I've given up trying to change her and instead just want to avoid telling her a ride is okay and having her not trust me again after that.

It's actually harder than my kids since if I misjudge a ride for my DS's or DD they'll eventually forgive me and trust me again in about 5 minutes since as a rule I don't pressure them too much. My DMom on the other hand would never trust my judgment again.

The rides I'm especcially wondering about are Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White, Stitch, Pirates of the Carribean, etc. Clearly not roller coasters but more intense that IASW.

Any non-riders out there with opinions? I'd love to hear what you think.

Thanks

 

[twinspluscade]

I'm a total ride chicken. Although I will ride Dumbo, I admit it makes me a bit nervous when it's up all the way. .

As for your Mom, I would explain to her exactly what happens on each of the rides you mentioned (Peter Pan, Pirates, etc). Also, have her watch the Youtube videos of the rides. They have literally every single ride from WDW on their site; it's a great way for someone who doesn't like rides see if they'll enjoy it or not. Then let her decide if she wants to ride or not.

I think Peter Pan would be fine; since you're not high up. Dumbo made me more nervous than Peter. I haven't ridden Snow White in about 20 years, but I think that one would be fine too. Pirates is such a fun ride; if you tell her about the little drop a head of time (make sure to let her know she won't get that stomach-dropping feeling!) I think she would be fine. Same with Maelstrom, although you'll want to mention that it's dark and loud in spots.

 

[bubba]

We took my mother when we went last year with DH, DS(8) and DS(3). My mother who has never, in living memory, gone on so much as a carousel. She told us before we left home that she would NOT be going on any rides and would be content to people watch while we rode. Soarin' ended up being her favorite ride, although she enjoyed Kali River Rapids (twice in a row), Tower of Terror, Star Tours ...

 

[hebbynan]

"The rides I'm especcially wondering about are Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White, Stitch, Pirates of the Carribean, etc. Clearly not roller coasters but more intense that IASW"

I think your mom would be okay on all of them except maybe Peter Pan, because the cars don't glide along the track on the floor like they do on Snow White. You do feel like your 'flying', so that one might not be a good idea. Pirates is very mild except for maybe the small drop in the beginning, but it's so quick, she might not mind. And it's dark, so you can't really tell. A good rule of thumb (and we'll be doing plenty of this with my FIL in October), tell them about the ride, what it does, etc while you are in line. If she decides not to ride, she can always use the 'chicken exit' when the rest of you go to board. I bought a book at Borders by Birnbaum called WDW For Kids By Kids. It spells out the rides along with scare factor, intensity, etc. It might be helpful for her. Just a thought! Good luck!!

 

[WDWfor5]

Thanks for the suggestions. And thanks , hebbynan - I'm going to buy the new birnbaums kids book tommorw. My kids loved that book and gave it to a friend but it will be perfect for my mom. Then she can decide for herself and I'm not the one who told her it would be okay if she ends up not liking it.

Thanks again,
Jennifer

 

[myAAbatteries&aTD]

Pooh is fun - she should like that one! Haunted Mansion doesn't move fast and is more funny than scary. I think she'll find several that she will be okay with. We're trying to talk my parents into going w/ us next year since they've never been. I really think they'd enjoy it, esp. w/ 6 grandkids... just don't know if they could keep up w/ us!

 

[NJtoATL]

My grandmother's favorite ride is Star Tours....
Go figure I know for a fact she has never seen the movie.