Being afraid of heights is no laughing matter, especially when you’re faced with the real fact of “what happens if…” thoughts going through your head.
Even worse, is if it’s not your fear but instead is a fear of a travelling companion (or family member) who didn’t know that they had the fear before walking down Sunset Blvd and seeing Tower of Terror right in front of them.
Let’s take a look at what experiences you should be avoiding AND what you can do to prepare in case you’re faced with the fact that your kid may not want to go up 400ft in Characters in Flight!
CHARACTERS IN FLIGHT BY AEROPHILE
Disney Springs is home to an attraction that allows guests to get inside a tethered hot air balloon and then hover over Walt Disney World around 400 feet in the air. Even though you’re in a secured basket, there’s always the fear of a simple gust of wind that will drive you into a panic!
TOWER OF TERROR
Imagine getting into an elevator and then having it go up and down with no pattern and no end in sight. Well that’s the feeling that you get when you don’t mind heights…now put yourself in the shoes of someone who is afraid of heights. Yup – skip it!
EXPEDITION EVEREST
There are actually two parts of this attraction that will knock your socks off, and the first come comes out of no-where. When you go on a rollercoaster, you have to get some speed…and Expedition Everest isn’t a jet-propelled or a linear induction motor (Rock n Rollercoaster), so you have to get high first.
The second thing that can freak out anyone is actually at the very top, right before you go backwards. That view is breathtaking…and down-right scary if you’re putting together the heights and knowing that your train is about to go back down a mountain.
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FLIGHT OF PASSAGE AND SOARIN’
I was going to put these in two different listings, but they are both kind of the same thing. You’re going into a simulator that will put you in front of a giant screen. The realism is breathtaking, but it’s also a style of experience that can make you believe that you’re flying!
SKYLINER
I’ve been known to be a little freaked out when riding a gondola, and it’s less about the structure itself and more about the weather factors. There’s also that section where you go from a regular height and then slide down in the station that can really put someone into an uncomfortable position if they’re afraid of heights.
WATER SLIDES AT THE WATER PARKS
Walking up flights of stairs in order to slide down is perfectly fine, but the more adventurous that ride manufacturers are…the more that those thrills may translate into situations that will turn guests away from the slides and right into the lazy river!
HOTELS WITH ROOFTOP RESTAURANTS / BARS
This is a hidden one, because you wouldn’t think about a dining experience like California Grill as being scary, but you’re on the 15th floor with amazing views – aka amazing anxiety if you’re already on edge from the heights. Just know that some of the restaurants aren’t on ground level, and maybe do a little YouTube adventure if you think that it could affect someone in your party.
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MISSION: SPACE IN EPCOT, STAR TOURS AND SMUGGLER’S RUN AT STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE
Basically, if you’re getting into a flight simulator and part of the attraction is “realistic”…just know that heights are included and can make even the best of us motion sick! All three of these take place in space, so to get into space…you have to either go to lightspeed or have a rocket blast you up.
PETER PAN’S FLIGHT
This is a hidden one, but I’ve had friends who suggested that this is something to put on the list. Peter Pan’s Flight is a ride that families of all ages can enjoy, but remember that you’re in a pirate ship that is flying (the track is on the roof), but it can still throw off your enjoyment of the experience if you’re afraid of heights. I almost didn’t put it on, but knowing beforehand is always better than having a child freak out because you’re flying.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
- The Monorail
- Your Flight into and out of Orlando International Airport
- Splash Mountain
- Okay, any of the mountains (Big Thunder, Space Mountain, etc)
- Astro Orbiter
- Dumbo, Triceratops Spin, Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Rock n Rollercoaster
- Slinky Dog Dash
Hope this was helpful! It was an eye opening topic to discuss, as there are so many different aspects to think about when you’re thinking about a fear of heights. If you have anything to add, please feel free to reach out via social media @StepsToMagic!