help with rides

[laurenC325]

I'm planning a trip to WDW in Sept 2008 for a honeymoon. I'm claustrophobic and was wondering if there was anything I shouldn't ride. TIA

[wjrhw]

Don't ride Mission Space. They even warn you not to ride in the preshow if your claustrophobic.

[2Epcot]

Don't ride Mission Space. They even warn you not to ride in the preshow if your claustrophobic.

I would agree with Mission Space. Even if you are doing the "green" version (non spinning) it is a very tight and closed up space. I would say the worst of all the Disney attractions in that respect. I can't think of anything else that comes close, most of the others are at least open on the sides or top, even if it is a small space. On Mission Space they close the door and bring the contol panel right to your face and lap.

[CrazyStitch]

I'll 3rd the mention of Mission:Space. As great a ride as it is, it is definitely not for those that are claustrophobic. It is a tight space, with the screen maybe six inches or so away from your face. You can look to your left or right, but you'll get sick if you do (on the spinning version, anyway).

The only other attraction I can think of would be the roller coaster simulators at Disney Quest, since you have to get in the enclosed capsule.

[laurenC325]

Thank you! I will stay away from misson space and go shopping while DF rides it. This puts my mind at ease that I won't be missing much.

[poeticeclipse]

Agreed! Misson:Space would be a definate no-no for you. I don't know how you are with being pinned down in overhead restraints. Some attractions that have overhead restraints would be... Stitch's Great Escape, Rock 'n' Rollercoaster, and... well I can't think of anymore. haha. But, I will say that Tower of Terror might not be the best idea because the elevator isn't that big. You might want to look into that one before you ride/don't ride.

[Jared]

Besides Mission: SPACE, consider skipping Stitch's Great Escape! Although you are not enclosed in a tight space, you are restrained by a shoulder harness. Unlike most theater-style attractions, you will not be able to move throughout the show. Many claustrophobic people cannot handle that particular sensation.

You might also want miss to Stitch's Great Escape! because it is a lame attraction.

[bleukarma]

I hate to say it but the first thing that came to my mind was the Haunted Mansion. I would never want to tell anybody to skip the HM because its one of my favorite rides in all of WDW, but that stretch room gets to me sometimes…and I’m not claustrophobic. I just don’t have the heart to tell you to skip it though. I would suggest getting all the way against the wall and if it gets to you close your eyes. You’re only in the confined space for a minute and then they let you out to the huge mansion. :mickey:

[CM~Mserrano]

I would hate to see someone miss Mission Space but it is definately not for the claustrophobic, however, it depend on just how claustrophobic you are. While working there I had many people tell me they were claustrophobic and I would walk them onto the ride, close the capsule and open it back up for them and see if they were okay. If they weren't I would simply release the restraints and escort them out. If you are even interested in riding Mission space, I would suggest doing that, and it normally doesn't have a very long line, so you should have to wait very long for nothing if you choose not to ride. Also, the ride is just shy of 4 minutes long, so you aren't kept confined for too long.

[Belle619]

My mom has claustrophobia - she can't even stand to be on a plane - so I thought of her when writing this.

The begining of HM may cause you some distress, I can't lie, but it is over quickly and the rest of the ride should be ok for you. Carosel of Progress closes the doors and the audience is moved around the center stage - this is different because you have room to move and there aren't as many people in close proximity, but I just wanted you to be advised.

As for Mission Space - I've never been on that, so I can't comment. Most rides are relatively short and try not to psych yourself out before going on - just remember to take deep breaths and try to focus on something relaxing if you start to feel stressed on a ride.

Good luck and remember to have fun - that is what Disney is all about!

[dumbo ears]

um.. I would say missionss space because its the only one i can think of now.

[baby minnie's mommy]

While working there I had many people tell me they were claustrophobic and I would walk them onto the ride, close the capsule and open it back up for them and see if they were okay. If they weren't I would simply release the restraints and escort them out.

Disney castmembers are very nice, and are used to dealing with all sorts of guests. If you get up to a ride and start feeling concerned, let them know and they can help you decide what to do.

Rockin' roller coaster has shoulder restraints, as does Stitch. When the restraints lock over me I always get a bit of a tight feeling in my chest and shortness of breath, but I just take slow, calm breaths and try to mentally relax. My problem is just a minor thing, so it doesn't keep me from riding things. Actually I prefer shoulder restraints as they make me feel safer on roller coasters. By the way, Rockin' is awesome! It's a very smooth, fast ride. The room is dark, but the neon signs give light and make it seem like a big place.

I haven't been on Mission Space, but I agree about Stitch. Not one of the better shows, so don't be bothered about missing it.

[Tygger7]

I may be the only one, but "Bug's Life" at Animal Kingdom was the only time in my life I've ever been claustrophobic. It's not so much the ride, as it is the waiting area to get into the theater. It's under the Tree Of Life, and some of the pathways going in are quite narrow. But the worst part is when you get in to the pre-loading area. The ceilings are low, and if there are a lot of people in there, it's horrible. I literally almost freaked out and started having a panic attack. If they hadn't opened the doors when they did, I would have ran out of the place screaming. I even tried going in again last year when it wasn't as crowded, and even without a long wait, I almost had another panic attack. BTW, I also agree with the comment about Stitch's Adventure...I went on that when it was Alien Encounter...maybe it would be less intense since the show isn't as terrifying, but the restraints were VERY confining. Hope this helps!

[Meteora]

I'm can be a little claustrophobic, but I'm usually okay in WDW.

One thing that sometimes bothers me that no one has mentioned yet is Star Tours. There's something very final about them clicking that hatch door shut. I do it anyway, and I am fine as soon as the film starts, but that moment where the door closes is not my favorite.

Also, if any rides stop while you are on them, relax yourself by finding the nearest exit door. Just knowing there's one nearby calms me greatly.

[Sean Riley Taylor's Mom]

I can't believe I am going to say this, I have a hard time on Spaceship Earth. :blush: I am okay if we do not get stuck for people boarding, etc.
If we get held up at all I start to panic. I start feeling it at the end of the ride too. Thankfully my DH knows that and talks to me to keep my mind off it.

I will say this...I would NEVER sit out a ride on SE!! As much as it can bother me, I really love the ride!!

I am really bummed it will be closed for refurb while we are there in September.

Good luck to you!