Which rides are violent/rough?

[devjam]

Need some help with identifying the really "rough" rides. We've never been to US/IOA. My daughter had a concussion a few months ago. She was cleared to resume activities but I'm concerned about too much violent bouncing around of her head. We plan to skip RRR, Hulk, DC, and DDF. Seems like almost all the remaining rides are labeled as having "sudden and dramatic movements" too. So which ones would you say are worst in terms of whipping your head around, and in what order? Maybe we can try the less violent ones first.

 

[wdwfan51]

Just a quick suggestion for something that was helpful for
me in the past. Look online for POV videos of the rides. I found videos for most, if not all rides,done from the point of view of the front seat passenger. They will give you and her a much better idea than anything we can say. YouTube is great for this. I'm sure you will get many helpful suggestions from the board. Have a wonderful vacation.

 

[sam_rogers]

Another one I find can be a bit rough is the mummy ride so worth checking this out on YouTube.

 

[tinydancer09]

Need some help with identifying the really "rough" rides. We've never been to US/IOA. My daughter had a concussion a few months ago. She was cleared to resume activities but I'm concerned about too much violent bouncing around of her head. We plan to skip RRR, Hulk, DC, and DDF. Seems like almost all the remaining rides are labeled as having "sudden and dramatic movements" too. So which ones would you say are worst in terms of whipping your head around, and in what order? Maybe we can try the less violent ones first.

I had a pretty good concussion back in October of last year. I did not seek medical help as I knew what it was and knew the dangerous signs to look out for. I did have "slow" symptoms and fatigue for about 2 weeks. After that time I felt mostly normal.

With that said I went to Universal in December and had no problems whats so ever. I never even though about it. However, I understand your concerns with your daughter. I would definitely teach her to make sure to keep her head back-ON ALL RIDES! I have chronic headaches which sometimes lead to migraines with certain triggers. This helps me avoid rattling and sudden movements. Strong back and hold your head back against the seat.

All rides do have the potential for sudden and dramatic movements. They say that to cover their butts haha! The mummy has a very sudden stop that, if not prepared, can cause you to bang your head. I know where it is and have practiced the whole neck holding thing so much I control it better.

I'm trying to go through all the rides in my head and think of the ones that sometimes trigger headaches for sudden and shaky movements.
The hulk used to, but that should be fixed with it opens.
Dragon Challenge makes me very dizzy.
RRR has some very sudden stops.
Mummy has very sudden stops.
Gringotts goes very fast and then slows down fast, but I don't remember it jerking me around. This is one ride I ride over and over.
Simpsons makes me sick, but not for jerky reasons.

If DDF is Dr Dooms Freefall I think you'd be completely fine on this one. It doesn't jerk your head just throws you straight up in the air and you come off your seat a little. My head never hits against any of the restraints. Just gives you the losing your stomach feeling. I LOVE this ride and it doesn't make me sick or have a headache at all!

Anyways, all of that is just my personal experience. Obviously try to judge on your own and if she feels exhausted or over exerted make sure she rests. After too much activity right after I could tell that I needed to stop and slow down.

 

[devjam]

Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Very helpful. I tried looking at the youtube videos but couldn't really judge how bad they'd be in real life. From what I read on the board, Mummy keeps coming up as one that jerks your head around more so than some others. Are the simulators like spiderman and transformers like that too? I'd love to hear others' perspectives on this topic. Anyone else out there post-concussion and have issues with any of the rides?

 

[sam_rogers]

I find spiderman to be Ok, it is a little jerky at times but not too bad. I haven't been on transformers before so can't comment on that.

 

[Disxuni]

From least to roughest
- The Simpsons (simulator)
- The Mummy (coaster)
- Flight of the Hippogriff (simply for the fact of it stopping abruptly at the end) (coaster)
(I'd say the three below are about in the same range of roughness)
- The Dragon Challenge (coaster)
- RRR (coaster)
- Hulk (coaster)

I was going to write Kong, as the least, but I felt the need to explain why a little more instead of just listing it. While when I rode it, I didn't necessarily feel as if the vehicle moved back and forth, which forces your head to jerk around, but due to everything surrounding you, you have no choice, but to quickly jerk your head back and forth in order to try (key word, try) to see everything as this is a "360" experience. However, I rode this once during soft openings and while everything seemed to be working perfectly, for all I know the ride itself might have been more gentle than what it could be normally. The best way to see everything without having to jerk your head around is probably to sit in the back.

That being said, when it comes to simulators sitting in the back is actually the worst place to sit. Therefore, I would suggest sitting in the middle (as that is the central part of where the vehicle is being controlled) and while you still move, it is more neutral compared to the back and front.

I was going to list Transformers and Spiderman, however, I do not find them that rough, especially compared to the Simpsons and if you're able to control where you get to sit. As with the Simpsons, it seems rough no matter where you are sitting. I do not know if it's due to the age of the attraction (as it's the base of, BTTF, an attraction that was built in 1990), or the fact that the vehicle is small in comparison to Transformers and Spiderman and therefore, there is not really a chance to have a more natural, or less rough place to sit. However, if you want to be safe, you might want to consider crossing Transformers and Spiderman off your list.

That being said, sitting in the perfect place is key and it's always best to sit either in the middle, or at least the front of a ride vehicle (except Kong, Kong is in the back). And while the people who work there typically decide where you get to sit, if you do not use single rider, you can request to sit in a certain place and state that you're willing to wait for the next ride vehicle if necessary.

Another suggestion is to do child swap. Child swap is traditionally when a family has someone who has a baby, or young child who cannot, or doesn't want to go on a ride. Someone stays with the child, while other people wait in line regularly. One they complete the ride, they go inside, the person who just rode stays with the child, while the other person who stayed with the child now gets to go on the ride without a wait. While it's traditionally used in that sense, perhaps you can ask do to child swap along with explaining the situation of your daughter? On the rides in question, you can go on the ride, along with other people perhaps (do not know how many people are going), keeping someone with her, and if you think your daughter can handle it, then have your daughter go on the ride? It's a stretch, as that is traditionally not what it's used for, but you can perhaps ask due to her certain medical condition.

 

[tinydancer09]

Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Very helpful. I tried looking at the youtube videos but couldn't really judge how bad they'd be in real life. From what I read on the board, Mummy keeps coming up as one that jerks your head around more so than some others. Are the simulators like spiderman and transformers like that too? I'd love to hear others' perspectives on this topic. Anyone else out there post-concussion and have issues with any of the rides?

Now, are you worried about impact or are you worried about neck moving around too? On spiderman, transformers, etc my head moves around a considerable amount but it never hits the headrest one bit. It's not like you grab someone and shake them, but more they're sitting on a chair and you're moving it side to side.

 

[disneyseniors]

Need some help with identifying the really "rough" rides. We've never been to US/IOA. My daughter had a concussion a few months ago. She was cleared to resume activities but I'm concerned about too much violent bouncing around of her head. We plan to skip RRR, Hulk, DC, and DDF. Seems like almost all the remaining rides are labeled as having "sudden and dramatic movements" too. So which ones would you say are worst in terms of whipping your head around, and in what order? Maybe we can try the less violent ones first.

We are struggling with kind of the same thing with my husband. He had back surgery 6/20 and we had reservations made for November of 2016 already at WDW. I would suggest that you check with a doctor first. I know, I know, you didn't go in the first place, but I think it is important when going to a place known to have rough jerky rides to have a doctor okay it.
We are going back to our doctor 8/l and I will have a whole lot of questions about our upcoming trip to WDW. I will be very specific as there is no way he won't get jostled by the crowd, jerked around on even the mildest of rides and walk for hours. we will follow the doctors advice, and might have to hold off on our vacation. I know back surgery is not the same thing as a concussion, but I would still check it out. Hope all goes well

 

[tinydancer09]

We are struggling with kind of the same thing with my husband. He had back surgery 6/20 and we had reservations made for November of 2016 already at WDW. I would suggest that you check with a doctor first. I know, I know, you didn't go in the first place, but I think it is important when going to a place known to have rough jerky rides to have a doctor okay it.
We are going back to our doctor 8/l and I will have a whole lot of questions about our upcoming trip to WDW. I will be very specific as there is no way he won't get jostled by the crowd, jerked around on even the mildest of rides and walk for hours. we will follow the doctors advice, and might have to hold off on our vacation. I know back surgery is not the same thing as a concussion, but I would still check it out. Hope all goes well

I didn't go to the doctor. I'm nearly positive the OP did.

 

[devjam]

Now, are you worried about impact or are you worried about neck moving around too?

It doesn't have to be impact. Strong enough whiplash can bruise your brain. Roller coasters are a no-go with their g-forces.

Is Gringotts a coaster? How is the HP FJ ride in terms of jerking you around, sudden stops, etc.?

 

[Disxuni]

It doesn't have to be impact. Strong enough whiplash can bruise your brain. Roller coasters are a no-go with their g-forces.

Is Gringotts a coaster? How is the HP FJ ride in terms of jerking you around, sudden stops, etc.?

Gringotts is in my opinion the most tame rollercoaster out of all of them, including the Flight of the Hippogriff (however I cannot say for the Woody the Woodpecker one as I've never been on it) even though it's considered a "kiddie" coaster.

The roller coaster portions are extremely short. For the most part you're riding relatively slowly through the each 3D portions of the ride, occasionally stopping (half of the duration of the ride itself is probably watching the 3D scenes), with very minor movement of being eased left, right, or downward, in your vehicle. You spin during one portion of the ride. Which is relatively gentle. The actual rollercoaster portions last less than 10 seconds. While I thought this might be an exaggeration, I watched a video online to count the seconds and each part (there's only two) are only a duration of 7, or 6 seconds. As for sudden stops, once again, out of all the coasters, this rollercoaster is more gentle with it's stops. As each time it is stopped, it's easing into a scene.

The most intimidating part of the ride, is the fact that before you go during the first rollercoaster portion, the track and vehicle is tilted downwards, which makes it seems as if you're going down a dramatic drop, which you really are not and the fact that the rollercoaster portions are pitch black. Other than that, it's the most tame, "thrill seeking" ride at either park. It's one of those rides where if someone is unsure of how they feel about rollercoasters, or are intimidated by them, that this is a good ride to introduce them to.

 

[devjam]

Gringotts is in my opinion the most tame rollercoaster out of all of them, including the Flight of the Hippogriff (however I cannot say for the Woody the Woodpecker one as I've never been on it) even though it's considered a "kiddie" coaster.

The roller coaster portions are extremely short. For the most part you're riding relatively slowly through the each 3D portions of the ride, occasionally stopping (half of the duration of the ride itself is probably watching the 3D scenes), with very minor movement of being eased left, right, or downward, in your vehicle. You spin during one portion of the ride. Which is relatively gentle. The actual rollercoaster portions last less than 10 seconds. While I thought this might be an exaggeration, I watched a video online to count the seconds and each part (there's only two) are only a duration of 7, or 6 seconds. As for sudden stops, once again, out of all the coasters, this rollercoaster is more gentle with it's stops. As each time it is stopped, it's easing into a scene.

The most intimidating part of the ride, is the fact that before you go during the first rollercoaster portion, the track and vehicle is tilted downwards, which makes it seems as if you're going down a dramatic drop, which you really are not and the fact that the rollercoaster portions are pitch black. Other than that, it's the most tame, "thrill seeking" ride at either park. It's one of those rides where if someone is unsure of how they feel about rollercoasters, or are intimidated by them, that this is a good ride to introduce them to.

Thank you for the detailed description on the movement of the vehicle. How would you describe Forbidden Journey?

 

[Disxuni]

Thank you for the detailed description on the movement of the vehicle. How would you describe Forbidden Journey?

The Forbidden Journey is not a problem with me and a lot of people love it, but I have to say I've heard some people proclaiming of having motion sickness due to the ride.

However, if you want a description of the movements itself, there is obviously a lot more motion to this ride, as it's a simulator, not a rollercoaster. The movement throughout the ride is always moving at all times and is at a slow, gentle pace. The vehicle moves you forward to each scene, as well as side to side and also upwards, sometimes feeling as if you're almost going upside down, but you never do. Unlike other simulators, each movement is graceful and does not feel abrupt, or forceful when you move side to side, or up and down. For example... Minor spoiler? Even in the moment when you're "attacked" by the Whopping Willow, your ride vehicle hesitates before slowly moving away when you're "hit" before going to another scene.

With the combination of movement, the screens, and closeness to the creatures you face, it might be that as the reason why people experience motion sickness. It might be mainly the screen, as I've heard with the addition of 3D at the Hollywood version, people supposedly have been getting more sick on that ride than Orlando's version. However, I'm not an expert on it, so I wouldn't know the cause as I've never experienced motion sickness in my life.

 

[wdwfan51]

Sorry the online videos didn't help very much. please check with her Doctor before you leave for vacation. I would imagine he will be able to give you the best ideas, most Dr I know love amusement parks and will know best. Due to some medical problem my limitations are similar to hers right now and this is what I did. I would avoid Spider-Man, Dragon's Challenge, Ripsaw Falls, Forbidden Journey, Hulk, Bilge-rat Barge, Storm Force, Gringott's, RRR, Twirl and Hurl, Men in Black, Mummy, Simpson's, Transformer Ride, Woodys Coaster. They all have jerky motions, spinning or Gforces. The most tame of these are probably the water rides, Mummy and Simpson's (if you want to try them first)

Not so sure about Dr. doom Fear Fall, Flight of Hippogriff, Cat in Hat, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Pterandon Flyers, they all have a little movement or G-forces. Maybe you or someone can ride it first: just keep in mind you are to focus on the movement of the ride-not just the fun factor. She will probably be fine with all of these

You should be fine with: High in Sky Trolley, Hogwarts Express, 1fish,2fish, Shrek 4-D,Despicable Me(maybe do stationary seating first), ET, Caro-Seuss-el, Terminator 2-3D show

Don't forget the shows, parades and playground areas: Poseidens Fury, Sinbad, Jurassic Discovery Center, Blues Bros show, Fear Factor, Animal actors, Horror Makeup show, olivanders wand show, frog chorus, etc

If she is into Harry Potter an interactive wand would be great. Lots of spots to do spells. Butter beer, pumpkin juice, chocolate frogs, Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks are fun. There is a lot to enjoy not just the roller coasters. At 9 years old she will have lots of opportunities to ride roller coasters so maybe err on the side of caution this year.

Have a great trip!

 

[Disxuni]

Sorry the online videos didn't help very much. please check with her Doctor before you leave for vacation. I would imagine he will be able to give you the best ideas, most Dr I know love amusement parks and will know best. Due to some medical problem my limitations are similar to hers right now and this is what I did. I would avoid Spider-Man, Dragon's Challenge, Ripsaw Falls, Forbidden Journey, Hulk, Bilge-rat Barge, Storm Force, Gringott's, RRR, Twirl and Hurl, Men in Black, Mummy, Simpson's, Transformer Ride, Woodys Coaster. They all have jerky motions, spinning or Gforces. The most tame of these are probably the water rides, Mummy and Simpson's (if you want to try them first)

Not so sure about Dr. doom Fear Fall, Flight of Hippogriff, Cat in Hat, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Pterandon Flyers, they all have a little movement or G-forces. Maybe you or someone can ride it first: just keep in mind you are to focus on the movement of the ride-not just the fun factor. She will probably be fine with all of these

You should be fine with: High in Sky Trolley, Hogwarts Express, 1fish,2fish, Shrek 4-D,Despicable Me(maybe do stationary seating first), ET, Caro-Seuss-el, Terminator 2-3D show

Don't forget the shows, parades and playground areas: Poseidens Fury, Sinbad, Jurassic Discovery Center, Blues Bros show, Fear Factor, Animal actors, Horror Makeup show, olivanders wand show, frog chorus, etc

If she is into Harry Potter an interactive wand would be great. Lots of spots to do spells. Butter beer, pumpkin juice, chocolate frogs, Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks are fun. There is a lot to enjoy not just the roller coasters. At 9 years old she will have lots of opportunities to ride roller coasters so maybe err on the side of caution this year.

Have a great trip!

Agree with everything, but the Mummy. That one stop during the middle of the ride even takes me a moment to collect myself.

 

[tatersalad]

I seem to be in the minority but my husband and I both find Despicable Me one of the roughest ride there and will never ride again unless we use stationary seating. I find it worse than Transformers but find both of them very rough and jerky.

 

[PSN]

I agree with the prior mention of the Mummy, which can be quite jarring

also the Forbidden Journey for its sudden stops and starts and change of direction

 

[Disxuni]

I seem to be in the minority but my husband and I both find Despicable Me one of the roughest ride there and will never ride again unless we use stationary seating. I find it worse than Transformers but find both of them very rough and jerky.

Just about any simulator is going to be like that. So, honestly, it's best to stay away from just about anyone who can't handle stuff like that, but if I had to pick the worse of the worse, it would still be the Simpsons. And like I said, sitting in the right place always makes a huge difference (however it doesn't matter on the Simpsons) as sometimes on certain rides I'll feel jarred up, down, or left, right, but sometimes I'll feel the impact, but not too rough. Always try to sit in the center, or if you want a good view, the front.

I agree with the prior mention of the Mummy, which can be quite jarring

also the Forbidden Journey for its sudden stops and starts and change of direction

It's not nearly as sudden, or dramatic, I do not think as other simulators. I feel as if it's change of direction are quite graceful and slow compared to other simulators, probably due to the more control and fluid nature the technology they are able to use on the ride. They use a different technology than they do on the other simulator rides. The ride vehicle of Forbidden Journey never stops during the duration of the ride, as it is always moving, like the omnimover at Disney. Even at the end of the ride, it merely slows down, not stop, for you to get off your ride vehicle.

 

[devjam]

Doctor said to use our discretion, which is why I'm trying to get a sense of how much head-whipping /shaking /jarring is involved with each ride. Of course we'll avoid the roller coasters. My daughter is cleared to run, jump, exercise, etc. and does so regularly. So I'm looking for those movements that are more forceful than you would encounter in just a normal day of being a kid.