Are you or a family member afraid of heights? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! At StepsToMagic.com, we understand that not everyone’s ready to conquer their fears on vacation.
Let’s explore which attractions might make your knees wobble and how to prepare for unexpected altitude adventures.
Sky-High Thrills: Attractions to Approach with Caution
1. Characters in Flight by Aerophile (Disney Springs)
- What to Expect: A tethered hot air balloon ride, 400 feet in the air
- Anxiety Factor: That pesky “what if” voice in your head might start chattering about wind gusts
2. Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios)
- What to Expect: An unpredictable elevator ride with sudden drops
- Anxiety Factor: Imagine an elevator with a mischievous mind of its own
3. Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom)
- What to Expect: A high-speed coaster with two height-related surprises
- Anxiety Factor: The climb up is just the beginning – wait until you reach the top!
4. Flight Simulators
- Attractions: Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom), Soarin’ (Epcot), Mission: SPACE (Epcot), Star Tours and Smuggler’s Run (Hollywood Studios)
- What to Expect: Realistic flying experiences with giant screens
- Anxiety Factor: Your brain might forget you’re safely on the ground
5. Disney Skyliner
- What to Expect: A gondola ride with varying heights
- Anxiety Factor: That moment when you slide down into the station? Yikes!
6. Water Slides (Disney Water Parks)
- What to Expect: Climbing stairs for thrilling descents
- Anxiety Factor: The higher the climb, the more tempting that lazy river looks
7. Rooftop Restaurants and Bars
- What to Expect: Dining with a view, often 10+ stories up
- Anxiety Factor: Your appetizer comes with a side of vertigo
8. Peter Pan’s Flight (Magic Kingdom)
- What to Expect: A gentle family ride, but you’re “flying” above scenes
- Anxiety Factor: A sneaky one that might catch you off guard
Honorable Mentions
- The Monorail
- Your flight to Orlando
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (coming soon)
- The “Mountain” Coasters (Space, Big Thunder, etc.)
- Astro Orbiter
- Dumbo, TriceraTop Spin, Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Slinky Dog Dash
Tips for Conquering Your Fear (or Supporting Someone Who’s Afraid)
- Do Your Research: Watch POV videos on YouTube to get a feel for the attraction
- Start Small: Try less intense experiences first to build confidence
- Use Distraction Techniques: Focus on breathing or play a mental game during the ride
- Know Your Limits: It’s okay to skip an attraction if it feels too overwhelming
- Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge every step towards facing your fear
Remember, even the bravest adventurers have their limits. Whether you’re conquering Tower of Terror or sticking to It’s a Small World, the magic of Disney is for everyone!
Have you faced your fear of heights at Disney World? Share your experiences with us on social media @StepsToMagic!