What rides may spook a recently returned soldier?

[Jynohn]

When my dh came back from Afghanistan we went on a WDW trip as well. He wasn't very bothered by the fireworks or rides since the surprises weren't at unexpected times - but the crowds tended to bother him. Every once in a while he'd just have to walk away from a line or something. I also made sure to tell my kids not to "sneak up and surprise daddy" for awhile.

This was my husband's experience as well. The fireworks and loud noises didn't bother him at all as he knew what they were and knew to expect them. The crowds, however, were a different matter. He was used to always having to be on the lookout for danger, and in a crowd, danger could come in any direction. All in all though, he adjusted very well and we had a great trip!

Have fun, and thank your SIL for his service for me!

 

[DepCor0311]

I am a former Marine, and combat vet (Desert Storm and Somalia). First off, pass on my gratitude to your SIL for his service.
As to the PTSD issue, everyone deals with their experience differently. When I went to WDW after returning to the States, I had no problem with any rides, or attractions. In my mind I could seperate the fantasy from the reality. That being said, I did not like the feeling of being packed tight in a crowd and tried to avoid very crowded areas. Unexpected fireworks did (and still kind of do) make me jump a little. To this day I do not react well when I am "startled" awake.
Other than that, I am sure that he will enjoy the precious time with his family, wherever he is.

Semper Fi.

 

[tc]

Well, I just checked this post today, and I am hurt and saddened by the idea that I think my SIL is "unstable."

goofyernmost, FYI, when our soldier came home in March, he was very nervous in large crowds, riding in the car and loud noises. Therefore, since he's never been to WDW, he thought knowing ahead of time about any loud surprises would make him more at ease. He asked me to let him know what to expect. He has no idea how he may react. I give him a ton of credit and have no plans to treat him like he has a mental illness, I am merely giving him the "heads up" he requested in order to make this an enjoyable trip for him. You said, "Fireworks, PoC, HM, etc. are expected and therefore not problematic." However, they could be problematic if you've never ridden them. He's never been to WDW, so has no idea what to expect. He wants to make sure he's got all the information he needs, so he can be as relaxed as possible. You have absolutely no idea what our soldier does in Iraq, and I am shocked that you would take his concerns so lightly and be offended by them. Different people react to each situation differently, and I applaud our soldier for getting all the information he needs to make this a wonderful and memorable vacation for all of us. Maybe you had no PTSD from experience, but as a person who does suffer due to an assault, I assure you, his request is neither out of line nor uncourageous.

Thank you, Mosmom and all the rest of you for understanding my request. I didn't think I'd need my flame retardent suit, when asking for this kind of information.

 

[aztecgoods]

I would think things to worry about would be war related things, or shoot-out type things. I think most of the rides would be fine, some may be a "little" scary as in the Haunted Mansion, but I don't think that is the type of scary that you would have to worry about. Probably just anything with any loud bangs, or people shooting blank guns. I think most war vets are just not into loud explosions/guns shooting off. Its not the same thing as a scary roller coaster. Not the same kind of thing. They would probably really be into a Disney trip to take their mind off of the war. I'm not thinking of anything that would qualify unless the stunt shows have explosions or loud bangs.

 

[RyMickey]

Well, before this thread gets closed (whodathunk that would've happened?), here's some that I don't think have been mentioned. Obviously, some of these descriptions contain spoilers to the rides/shows.

- Kilamanjaro Safari - there is a sound of a plane going overhead chasing after the poachers and there are gunshots heard in the bushes

- Soarin' - You may think I'm nuts, but there are fireworks that go off in the end. Nothing major, but since you're worried about fireworks...

- Universe of Energy - I would think that there's nothing to worry about except the "big bang" portion of the ride which is just a loud noise

- Hall of Presidents/American Adventure - I would doubt that these patriotic attractions would affect him, but I believe that there are sounds of gunshots in some scenes depicting various wars

- Backlot Tour - stages a war recreation on water, along with Catastrophe Canyon

- Muppets 3D - There is a cannon used...but it's for such comedic effect that I don't think it would affect him. However, there are fireworks sounds made in the grand finale.

-Beauty and the Beast show - I don't remember on this one...but does anyone know if they shoot off fireworks or confetti at the end?

- It's Tough to Be a Bug - some scenes take place in total darkness and then you get "attacked" by dropping spiders and "poked" with "bee stingers"

- The show in front of the castle often shoots off daytime fireworks during the grand finale. However, the show is changing and this may not be the case anymore.

- If you go to the grand opening of MK, they shoot off confetti during the show. I'm not sure about other grand openings.

If I can think of any more, I'll be sure to post them. Personally, I think that there's no reason why he shouldn't be prepared for these things. It's not that he's not going to enjoy them, but if he's prepared, your trip should have no issues. I am sure that everyone's experiences with their role in the military are different and we shouldn't look at everyone's experience as the same. Once again, tell your brother thanks for all he's doing to protect our country...and I hope he (and you, as well) enjoy your trip to WDW!

 

[tc]

RyMickey, thank you for your thoughtful response. Yes, all I am trying to do is prepare him so nothing catches him off guard, just like he asked. You list is full of information I'd forgotten about.

Thanks

 

[nephthys43]

I'm sorry, but am I the only one that finds this topic degrading to service men and women. I mean after all, they have just been through experiences that most cannot even imagine and somehow you think that anything in WDW will cause Post traumatic stress to develop.

I am a Vietnam veteran and I will tell you right now that you are treating these people like little children. It is insulting and silly. Oh, let's not go to the Muppet's because the Swedish Chef fires a cannon at the end. Believe me when I tell you that nothing compares to war except war. You might get startled by loud explosions but only if caught off guard and in a situation that normally wouldn't have loud noises. Fireworks, PoC, HM, etc. are expected and therefore not problematic.

I didn't want to offend anyone because I know that your expressions of concern are sincere but as a veteran I will also tell you that they are totally unfounded. These people have found courage from within that most of us can only imagine. Please give them more credit than that.

i think the OP is more worried about keeping her SIL comfortable. my father has PTSD from Vietnam and we avoid certain things that can trigger flashbacks, like fireworks. he knows what he can be around and what he can't. we are not treating him like a child, by avoiding those triggers. that's just the way it goes sometimes. everyone deals differently and the OP's SIL just wants to be prepared.

OP, please give your SIL my thanks for his service.

 

[tc]

i think the OP is more worried about keeping her SIL comfortable. my father has PTSD from Vietnam and we avoid certain things that can trigger flashbacks, like fireworks. he knows what he can be around and what he can't. we are not treating him like a child, by avoiding those triggers. that's just the way it goes sometimes. everyone deals differently and the OP's SIL just wants to be prepared.

OP, please give your SIL my thanks for his service.

That is exactly right. For the most part, WDW is an escape from reality, but it's also a place where loud noises and flashes are everywhere. How can one be prepared for it, if they've never been? My son-in-law may have no issues regarding what happens at WDW, but he wanted to be prepared, just in case.

 

[vonpluto]

Well, before this thread gets closed (whodathunk that would've happened?)

Wouldn't surprise me, may we at least agree that this topic is far more serious/important than whether or not the DDP is affecting menu choices.

That is exactly right. For the most part, WDW is an escape from reality, but it's also a place where loud noises and flashes are everywhere. How can one be prepared for it, if they've never been? My son-in-law may have no issues regarding what happens at WDW, but he wanted to be prepared, just in case.

tc,
As a Vietnam Vet, I agree in general with goofyernmost's thought's and understand where he's coming from. YM obviously varies. Try not to take it to heart, combat effects us all in different ways.

If you will, pass on a hearty "Welcome Home" and well done to your SIL from me.

If you wish, tell him this:

The bangs, booms, and whatever at WDW are not aimed at him.

IED at WDW would translate as "Intentional Entertainment Delivery"

Have him keep those extra senses he discovered in combat finely tuned and on, they will help keep him sharp (And as you said, prepared)


For those of you who taken aback by the thoughts of some of the vets in this thread I offer the following for your consideration

"From the inside you can't explain it,
from the outside you can't understand it"


Garry Owen

 

[shellybaxter]

As an alternative to watching Wishes from a very crowded, very noisy, Magic Kingdom, I would recommend a Wishes cruise. We went with a family who had two young children who were scared of loud noises so we booked a
Wishes Cruise and it was wonderful. We had the music piped in and could barely hear the fireworks sounds. It was a neat expirience and one I would gladly pay for again. It might be a great idea for the OP's son-in-law

 

[tc]

As a Vietnam Vet, I agree in general with goofyernmost's thought's and understand where he's coming from. YM obviously varies. Try not to take it to heart, combat effects us all in different ways.

Which is exactly why I was so taken aback by his comments. Combat does affect each soldier differently. Therefore, he had no right to accuse me of babying or treating my soldier like he had a mental illness. I was just doing as he asked. All this was just for precautions. This was his first tour, and he has no way of knowing what will affect him and what won't. I am desparately proud of him, and equally amazed at his courage and frame of mind through all of this. I felt as though both my SIL and I were being attacked merely for wanting to be as best prepared as possible.

 

[Nicoal13]

When my BIL returned from deployment to Afghanistan, he went with SIL to WDW. SIL didn't mention much about the rides spooking him, but she said he was just on edge with the crowds. All those people made him nervous.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[cleo]

It isn't just war that traumatizes people and dealing with PTSD isn't the same as dealing with a mental illness. In the case of PTSD, the person is traumatized, not menatally ill. It's different.

I went through a horrific experience and suffered with PTSD afterwards. Although there were no loud noises involved, loud noises became a trigger. Although crowds were not involved, crowds became a source of fear for me. So did big, open spaces. And dark movie theaters. So I guess you can't tell what will be a problem for a traumatized person, but you can offer what little comfort there is and I applaud the OP for her kindness in doing so.

I can understand the idea that it might look like treating someone in a way that suggests you think they are in a precarious condition. They are. But not forever, and it's a huge relief to have your loved ones looking out for you when all of your emotional resources are being put toward healing. Isn't that sort of kind consideration the greatest gift you can give?

OP, please thank your soldier from me and from my family. We wish you all a lovely, relaxing vacation.

PS: There's no reason to close this thread, unless the OP wants it closed. It's been mostly respectful and certainly informative.

 

[tc]

...

I can understand the idea that it might look like treating someone in a way that suggests you think they are in a precarious condition. They are. But not forever, and it's a huge relief to have your loved ones looking out for you when all of your emotional resources are being put toward healing. Isn't that sort of kind consideration the greatest gift you can give?

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I suffer from PSTD stemming from a violent crime, and understand how it works too. I don't think our soldier is unstable, but he will have been home for a little over three weeks when we go to WDW. Not a lot of time to get readjusted. Again, just trying to give him all the info he needs to feel comfortable.

I don't want this thread closed, but I am still shocked and dismayed by, what I consider, an attacking comment.

 

[MosMom]

Well, if anything at least this thread has let you know that crowds have been a problem for many recently returned vets. I think this thread on the most part has been very helpful and definitely worth it.

 

[poohs_hunny]

I have another one that no one has mentioned yet. It may sound silly, but it was the one I thought of right away. In Mickey's Philharmagic at the end of the "Be Our Guest" song, corks from champagne bottles shoot out at the audience with strong blasts of air. It is very shocking at first. I hope you and your family have a wonderful, memorable trip!

 

[BarbaraK]

We stayed a Saratoga Springs last year. Our room was close to Pleasure Island and I can't remember hearing the fireworks. I think Pleasure Island has stopped the New Years Eve fireworks . There is a lot of rehab being done.

 

[BarbaraK]

I forgot to say how greatful I am to your SIL, and I wish him all the luck in the world. Have a great vacation.

 

[tc]

Thank you for your comments.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

My Fiance served during the Gulf War on an aircraft carrier. He has a real hard time with the fireworks, we normally watch them from afar, if everyone would still like to see them but without the noise check out Ohaha. It's a great place for a family dinner and you can see the fireworks from their windows as well as they play the soundtrack inside. He also had a hard time with Indiana Jones and the Stunt show at MGM, the guns really bother him. Best wishes to your SIL and glad to here he is home safe.