Avoiding Motion Sickness
Disneyland is known for its magical attractions and thrilling rides. However, for some visitors, the excitement can come at a cost—motion sickness. I speak from experience when I say there is nothing that can ruin a day at an amusement park like a quick two-minute trip on a ride that makes you sick!
What causes motion sickness?
Motion sickness occurs when there is a conflict between the senses (particularly the inner ear and the eyes) leading to nausea, dizziness, and discomfort. To ensure a pleasant and sickness-free visit, it's helpful to be aware of which Disneyland rides have the potential to trigger motion sickness.
In this post, we'll explore some of the rides that may pose a challenge for those prone to motion sickness, hopefully allowing you to plan your magical adventure with greater comfort and confidence. Read through the following list and take note of which styles of rides you may want to avoid on your upcoming visit, and which ones you'd like to to give a try!
Disneyland
-Space Mountain
Embark on an interstellar adventure aboard Space Mountain, a high-speed roller coaster that takes you on a thrilling journey through the cosmos.
Motion Sickness Potential: This iconic attraction combines darkness, sudden turns, and sharp drops, making it a potential trigger for motion sickness. The dim lighting and fast-paced nature of the ride can disorient individuals sensitive to motion changes. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider avoiding this one.
-Star Tours – The Adventures Continue:
Join the Rebel Alliance and journey through the Star Wars galaxy in this immersive 3D simulator.
Motion Sickness Potential: While Star Tours provides a captivating experience for fans, the simulated motion and visual effects may induce motion sickness. The combination of synchronized motion, visuals, and simulated turbulence can be intense for those susceptible to motion-related discomfort.
-Indiana Jones Adventure:
Unleash your inner adventurer and accompany Indiana Jones on a thrilling expedition filled with surprises and excitement.
Motion Sickness Potential: Indiana Jones Adventure ride incorporates a multitude of sudden turns, rapid accelerations, and simulated rough terrain. These intense movements, combined with the darkness and special effects, can be disorienting for individuals susceptible to motion sickness.
-Mad Tea Party:
Experience the whimsical joy of spinning teacups on the Mad Tea Party ride. This classic attraction allows guests to control the spinning speed of their teacup, resulting in a whirling adventure.
Motion Sickness Potential: The circular motion and spinning can lead to dizziness and disorientation, making it less suitable for those with motion sensitivity.
-Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run:
Step into the iconic Star Wars universe and take control of the Millennium Falcon on this immersive interactive experience. As a member of the flight crew, you'll pilot the ship, operate its systems, and navigate through space.
Motion Sickness Potential: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run utilizes a motion-based simulator to provide an authentic Star Wars adventure. The ride simulates the movements of the Millennium Falcon, including sharp turns, sudden accelerations, and drops. The interactive nature of the ride requires guests to focus on their assigned tasks and monitor the simulated flight, which can be disorienting. These dynamic motions can potentially trigger motion sickness in susceptible individuals.
California Adventure
-Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!:
Prepare for an electrifying experience as you help the Guardians of the Galaxy escape from the Collector's fortress.
Motion Sickness Potential: This thrilling drop tower ride combines sudden free-fall drops, fast ascents, and dynamic movements. The rapid changes in altitude and speed can be challenging for individuals prone to motion sickness.
-Incredicoaster:
Join the Incredibles on a high-speed roller coaster adventure featuring twists, turns, and inversions.
Motion Sickness Potential: The rapid changes in direction, combined with the coaster's intensity, can be disorienting for some riders.
-Radiator Springs Racers:
Race through the picturesque town of Radiator Springs on this thrilling attraction inspired by the Disney-Pixar film Cars.
Motion Sickness Potential: While the ride is visually stunning, it incorporates sudden accelerations, sharp turns, and dips. These movements, coupled with the immersive theming, can trigger motion sickness for sensitive individuals.
-Soarin':
Embark on a breathtaking aerial adventure as you take flight on Soarin'. This simulated hang gliding experience treats riders to stunning panoramic views of famous landmarks and natural wonders from around the world. Suspended in a multi-passenger vehicle, you'll soar high above the ground, feeling the wind in your hair and the sights below.
Motion Sickness Potential: Soarin' is a gentle and smooth ride that creates the sensation of flying. While it generally doesn't induce intense motion, it's important to note that the ride utilizes a large IMAX-like screen and synchronized movements to simulate flight. These simulated movements, combined with the immersive visuals, can potentially cause mild motion sickness in sensitive individuals.
The ride vehicle gracefully lifts and tilts, creating a sense of movement and elevation. While the motions are generally slow and fluid, the synchronized transitions and the sensation of gliding through the air may affect individuals who are prone to motion sickness.
Tips to lessen your chances of motion sickness: Ask for a center seat, focus on the horizon on the screen.
Grizzly River Run:
Prepare to get wet and embark on a wild river rafting adventure on Grizzly River Run. This thrilling attraction takes you on a whitewater rafting journey through the untamed wilderness of Grizzly Peak. Brace yourself for twists, turns, drops, and unexpected encounters with rushing waterfalls.
Motion Sickness Potential: Grizzly River Run is an exciting water-based attraction that simulates the experience of rafting down a fast-flowing river. While it doesn't involve intense motion in the traditional sense, it's important to note that the ride features sudden changes in direction, rapid accelerations, and the potential for getting splashed or soaked. The sense of disorientation that can arise from the twisting and spinning motion, as well as the sensory experience of water, may contribute to feelings of nausea or discomfort.
-Pixar Pal-A-Round:
Take a spin on the Pixar Pal-A-Round, a towering Ferris wheel featuring familiar faces from beloved Pixar films. The ride offers two different ride experiences: swinging gondolas and non-swinging gondolas. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of Disney California Adventure while experiencing the joy of this classic amusement park attraction.
Motion Sickness Potential: The Pixar Pal-A-Round has the potential to induce motion sickness, particularly in its swinging gondolas. The swinging can be more intense during the ascent and descent, as well as when the gondolas pass each other.
While the non-swinging gondolas provide a more stable experience, it's important to note that even they involve some gentle swaying due to the rotation of the Ferris wheel. This subtle motion may still affect individuals who are susceptible to motion sickness.
WEB SLINGERS:
A Spider-Man Adventure: Join forces with Spider-Man and put your web-slinging skills to the test in this action-packed interactive attraction. As a recruit of WEB (Worldwide Engineering Brigade), you'll team up with Spider-Man to capture rogue Spider-Bots and save the day.
Motion Sickness Potential: WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure is a screen-based interactive attraction that incorporates 3D visuals and simulated movements. While the ride itself does not involve intense physical motion, it's important to consider the potential for motion sickness due to the combination of visual effects, rapid movements on screen, and the need to visually track and interact with the targets.
Silly Symphony Swings:
Take a whimsical spin on the Silly Symphony Swings, a classic swing ride inspired by the animated musical shorts from Disney's Silly Symphony series. Hop into one of the swinging seats and enjoy a gentle, circular motion as you soar through the air.
Motion Sickness Potential: The Silly Symphony Swings provide a classic swinging experience that moves in a circular motion. While the ride generally does not involve intense motion, it's important to be aware of the potential for motion sickness, especially for individuals who are sensitive to spinning or swinging rides.
Tips for Minimizing Motion Sickness
-Come to the parks armed with the following: Non-Drowsy Dramamine, Excedrin, a neck fan, and you could even give these motion sickness glasses a try.
-Choose your rides wisely: If you are susceptible to motion sickness, consider opting for slower-paced attractions or shows that don't involve intense movements or virtual simulations.
-Take breaks: Plan regular breaks throughout the day to rest and allow your body to recover from any potential motion-related discomfort.
-Focus on the horizon: When on a ride, try to look at the horizon or a fixed point in the distance to help stabilize your visual perception.
-Stay hydrated: Drinking water can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, so remember to stay hydrated throughout your visit.
-Medication or remedies: If motion sickness is a significant concern for you, consult with your healthcare professional about potential over-the-counter remedies or medications that can help alleviate symptoms.
-If there's a ride you'd really like to try, but are worried it could cause you to feel motion sick, consider saving it for the end of your park day. That way, if it does take you by surprise and make your stomach upset, you haven't spoiled a whole park day and can plan to sleep it off at the hotel!
Although as a person susceptible to motion sickness, I have never personally experienced motion sickness on the following rides, I feel they deserve a mention as attractions with the potential to make someone with a particularly weak constitution feel queasy:
-Mater's Junkyard Jamboree:
-Golden Zephyr:
-Emotional Whirlwind:
-Toy Story Midway Mania:
-Goofy's Sky School:
-The Matterhorn Bobsleds:
-Jessie's Critter Carousel:
-King Arthur's Carousel:
-Rise of the Resistance:
-Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway:
While Disneyland offers a diverse range of enchanting and thrilling rides, it's important to consider the potential for motion sickness when planning your visit. By being aware of the rides that may trigger discomfort, you can make informed decisions and take appropriate measures to ensure a magical and enjoyable experience. Remember, your well-being comes first, so don't hesitate to explore alternative attractions or take breaks if needed.
Happy and sickness-free adventures!