I must confess that when it comes to fairground rides, I’m a complete wimp. I have no idea why people seem to think it’s fun to go spinning upside down in some gravity defying position whilst being held “safe” with a few bits of plastic. Nor do I understand the need to get off, throw up, and then get back on to go around again. I do however appreciate that many people get a lot of joy from this kind of activity.
It was therefore with some trepidation that I first approached the Disney rides, even the ones that had 5 year olds screaming with excitement. I really wanted to go on these attractions that were noted in all of the guidebooks, but on the other hand I was afraid that once I got on, I’d hate it and be unable to get off again until the ride stopped. This is where independent travelers have it tough – we have no-one to encourage us to confront our fears and try something new!
Grabbing my courage with both hands, I approached the Thunder Mountain ride. Standing in line I was thinking, it’s OK, if you don’t want to get on when you get to the front, you can just back out. But by the time I got to the front of the queue I found myself encouraged into a seat by a smiling cast member. I held on tight and closed my eyes (this before the ride moved away from the platform!). In a few moments it was over and I’m proud to say that I’d even managed to open my eyes once or twice to see what the park looked like from above.
Having had this small baptism of fire, I then proceeded to try out a number of rides around the Disney parks, and I slowly became aware of something. The more intricate the safety bars are on the ride seating area, the more intense the ride will be. For example, if there was just a front bar to hold onto as you sat in a moving booth, the ride wasn’t going to get too scary. If however, they started to strap you in, or a safety harness came across the top of your shoulders – that’s the time to run if you’re at all like me!
So, if you aren’t comfortable on scary theme park rides, and don’t like the ones that dangle you upside down, or rush you up and down in a small wagon on a sparse track at a tremendous speed, check out what the safety procedures are on the ride before you get on. Watch other people getting onto the ride, and if it looks as if they’re being locked in to withstand a tidal wave, give your place to someone else and find a less intense ride to enjoy!
My Favorite Attractions Disney Worlds Magic kingdom
Fun and Excitement at Six Flags
Help Your Child Triumph Over Irrational Fears