I'm not even going to try to hide it: our family will use any excuse to visit a Disney park. Whether planning for real or only daydreaming, thinking about a Disney vacation just brings out the little kid in us. But what if your inner child is also prone to motion sickness?
That description actually fits my husband quite well, so I speak from experience when I say that a little planning ahead (plus bringing along your favorite pair of Blisslets!) is key to making sure you'll have a great time and feel well throughout the day.
Without further ado, then, here's our own guide, based on our own experience and that of others, to the most nauseating attractions at Disney World!
(In all that follows, keep in mind that due to the pandemic, Disney requires all guests to wear masks, something that may exacerbate nausea for some. For that and other reasons, it may be wise to postpone a Disney trip until the world goes back to normal.)
1. Mission Space (EPCOT)
This is likely the closest you'll ever get to experiencing spaceflight (unless you happen to be a tech billionaire). But look, we'll put it simply: the barf bags in this attraction aren't just for decoration. Thankfully, you do have an option of riding on the less intense version of the ride, so if you're not sure how you might fare make sure you use the Green Line (and don't leave your Blisslets in your pocket).
2. Star Tours (Hollywood Studios)
Our runner up for most nauseating ride at Disney world is another space-themed simulator. If that kind of ride tends to make you feel queasy, beware. Star Tours is a venerable attraction, offering six simulator experiences based in the Star Wars universe. Unfortunately, the older technology this ride uses often triggers motion sickness. The newer Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run may be a better bet, though still potentially nausea-inducing. Same goes for Avatar: Flight of Passage (included below).
3. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios)
This is perhaps Disney World's most intense roller coaster, starting with an intense acceleration that takes you into a loop and upside-down twist. If not knowing where the floor is triggers your motion sickness, proceed with caution and make sure to wear your Blisslets.
4. Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom)
A much tamer ride wins our forth spot. When my husband was a kid, he was not even allowed to ride it because his father had once ruined his whole day at Disney World after getting a little carried away in spinning the tea cup he was riding. The saving grace for this ride is that you do have some control over how much and how fast you will spin, so if you do decide to ride, try to keep it reasonable.
5. Avatar: Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom)
This is such an innovative, magical ride, that for most people I'd recommend riding it, even at the cost of paying with motion sickness. Last time we were there, my husband forgot to put on his Blisslets and felt quite queasy on the way out, though thankfully the feeling subsided quickly after he put them on. Motion sick or not, however, the experience of soaring through the planet Pandora in what is perhaps the most convincing simulator anywhere on the planet is absolutely worth it.
6. Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom)
This is one of our family's favorite rides at Disney World, both because of the thrills and the intricate theming, such as only Disney imagineers can accomplish. However, the ride does involve fast turns, a big drop (by Disney standards), and a significant portion where the ride goes backward at a fast pace. We're usually fine after one ride, but the problem (if you want to call it that) is that queues for this ride are often short (especially when using the single rider line), tempting you to ride repeatedly, which can end up having an unsettling effect.
7. Honorable (?) Mentions
While these are the rides that typically give people the most trouble, if you're especially prone to motion sickness, there are several more you should approach with care. Among them you should especially keep these in mind:
- Toy Story Midway Mania! (Hollywood Studios)
- Alien Swirling Saucers (Hollywood Studios)
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios)
- Soarin' Around the World (Epcot)
- Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
If you're tackling any of these rides during your next visit to Disney, remember to take it easy, keep hydrated, and get your Blisslets in place five to ten minutes before getting on the ride.
Wishing you peace and bliss,
Katie from Blisslets