Roller Coaster Phobe goes to WDW
Walt Disney World: I'm going on my first trip to WDW this summer. The problem? I'm terrified of roller coasters. HELP.
I'm going on my first trip to WDW this summer, and I'm really, really looking forward to going to the Animal Kingdom. The problem? I'm terrified of roller coasters. I know the Everest ride is out; my question is about the Dinosaur ride. Is it more like Pirates of the Caribbean (an occasional up and down) or is it, in fact, a roller coaster? Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. TIA, Cat
Whether you would be okay on Dinosaur or not depends on what bothers you about roller coasters. Dinosaur is a bit rough and bumpy, with a good bit of motion, but there aren't really drops or hills.
It's really not at all like a coaster, but it's not like Pirates, either.
From James Rao
Posted April 6, 2008 at 6:47 AM
Not sure if you being terrified of coasters should apply to Disney coasters, which, for the most part, are very family-oriented attractions, and fairly tame by most coaster standards. Sure, they are thrilling and fun, but they are not the same as the iron behemoths at parks like Cedar Point and Magic Mountain. You might want to at least give Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom a try (it has a top speed of like 35 mph). Everest is also a thrilling coaster, but again, no loops or huge drops, just lots of twists, turns, and expertly themed moments.
As for Dinosaur, it is a very intense attraction. It is extremely loud and dark, with nasty Dinosaurs jumping out at you at every turn. My four year old and six year old rode it once, but did not want to ride again. My nine year old loved it and rode it several times.
The ride itself is a combination track ride and motion simulator. In addition to moving along a mostly hidden track, your jeep-type vehicle bounces and lurches in sync with the visuals and special effects.
I think the attraction should not be missed, but in many ways it is far more intense than any of the Disney coasters.
Hope that helps!
Dinosaur isn't like a rollercoaster that much. It is tame the whole ride and one or two scenes of sudden speed and turns, it's pretty tame.
From Karin S
Posted April 6, 2008 at 8:40 AM
Cat - I realize this wasn't part of your question, but if you want to get over your coaster phobia, WDW is the place to do it...take it from me. I was TERRIFIED of coasters - for years I was the one waiting while everyone else went on the rides - but I have done all the Disney coasters many times, plus I was finally able to do Kraken at Seaworld. Now, I'm getting ready to take on Busch Gardens Africa.
As James said earlier, Disney coasters aren't like other coasters. They're family friendly and fun. If you can handle speed, and you want to try a coaster, I agree that Big Thunder Mountain might be a good start. No big dips or drops - just twists and turns.
Dinosaur isn't a coaster at all - just bouncy, dark and intense with loud dinos suddenly appearing. Actually, my coaster crazy daughter finds it more intimidating than any of the coasters. That doesn't mean you should skip doing Dinosaur - it means you should try a coaster.
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful time.
hi
when i was in ak last year i dont anything about dinosaurs , i just rode it waiting for a big drop or something, but there is nothing about this is just dark, dinosaurs, and shake.
so dont worry is not a roller coster, ride and enjoy your visit to wdw.
From Rob P
Posted April 8, 2008 at 3:46 AM
The Dinosaur ride is fine.The vehicle does rock back and forth simulating a furious off road ride in a 4x4 but it isn't a coaster.
Also give Big Thunder Mtn Railroad at MK a try too. It's an excellent "entry level " coaster.
If you really can't face coasters then ride things like Kali River Rapids. These are bags of fun without the falling.
It would help if you explained what is it about coasters that scares you.
That being said, Disney coasters are among the mildest, as compared to monsters like The Incredible Hulk at nearby Universal IOA. Just enough thrills to complement the theming. The Rock n' Roller at Disney Hollywood might be a little too intense, though, because it has a breathtaking 0-60 launch.
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