Disney adult, mom of 6, vlogger for The Lee Crew. Find tips, tricks & inspiration for your Disney vacation no matter the size of your family or age of your kids.
Disney World is filled with magical experiences, but for those of us prone to motion sickness, there are a few rides that can leave you feeling less than magical. As someone who’s personally experienced the worst of it—yes, I ended up in the ER from vertigo after a ride—I want to share which Disney World rides to avoid or take caution on if you’re prone to getting motion sick. I’ll also give my top tips for preventing it!
1. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
This ride is 3D with screens, which is usually a recipe for motion sickness. Personally, I’ve had mixed experiences on this one. I rode it once without any issues, but another time I felt so ill that I ended up in the ER (check out my vlog for the full story!). Some people manage by not wearing the 3D glasses, but for me, this ride is one I avoid now. While it’s a fun and immersive experience, if you get motion sick easily, you may want to avoid this ride.
2. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Smugglers Run is another ride that relies on screens and is a motion simulator. This ride can get particularly bumpy depending on who’s piloting, which can make motion sickness worse. The last time I rode it, I needed a recovery break after! If you still want to experience the inside of the Millennium Falcon (which is amazing), you can go through the line and ask to exit before the simulator starts. However, Smugglers Run makes the top of the list of rides to avoid to prevent you from getting motion sick.
3. Soarin’
Unlike the others, Soarin’ doesn’t use 3D glasses, and the motion is much gentler, simulating a hang-gliding experience. For me, this one is generally okay, though there is one scene in Soarin’ Over California—the LA traffic scene—that tends to make me feel a bit woozy. That being said, most people prone to motion sickness can handle Soarin’ just fine. Plus, most of the time it is Soarin Around the World in Disney World.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
This ride comes with a lot of motion sickness warnings. It’s a roller coaster with a twist—literally, as the ride cars spin (though not 360 degrees). I personally managed fine, but it’s something to be cautious about. If you’re okay with coasters like Space Mountain, this one might work for you, but take heed if you’re sensitive to spinning.
5. Hollywood Tower of Terror
The Tower of Terror is an elevator drop ride, and although it feels like you’re free-falling, you’re actually being pulled up and down. The rocking motion after each drop left me feeling woozy, though it may have been partly due to the sheer terror I felt from the ride itself. If you don’t like the feeling of your stomach dropping, you might want to avoid this one.
6. Mad Tea Party (Mad Hatter Tea Cups)
This classic ride involves spinning in large circles, but what makes it worse is that you can control how fast your individual tea cup spins. I’ve found that I’m okay riding this once per trip, as long as I don’t spin the cup too quickly. If you or your kids can’t resist spinning as fast as possible, you might want to think twice about hopping on this ride with them.
7. Dumbo and Similar Rides
Rides like Dumbo, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and similar attractions have you spinning in circles. I’m usually fine on these, but the circular motion can be troublesome for some people prone to motion sickness. However, on a scale of rides to avoid to not get motion sick, these are on the lower end.
With this list, you may be thinking visiting a Disney park isn’t a great idea. If you’re still up for tackling the parks but want to keep motion sickness at bay, here are my top tips:
1. Take Non-Drowsy Dramamine Every Morning
This has been a lifesaver for me! Non-drowsy Dramamine helps keep motion sickness at bay without making you feel tired. I take one each morning on park days (and even on my travel day).
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Dehydration can make you more prone to motion sickness, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. I also love using Liquid IV* for extra hydration—it helps replenish electrolytes and keeps me feeling my best. Plus, with the Florida heat, you’re going to really want to be drinking extra fluids.
3. Eat Regularly
It’s easy to lose track of time at Disney and forget to eat. Keep your energy levels steady by snacking often and having meals at regular intervals. An empty stomach can make motion sickness feel worse.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to miss out on the fun of Disney because of motion sickness. By knowing which Disney World rides to avoid and preparing ahead with these tips, you can enjoy the magic without getting motion sick. Whether it’s choosing to skip certain rides or taking preventative measures, a little preparation goes a long way in making your Disney trip the best it can be.
Follow along on YouTube for more DisneyWorld tips and vlogs of The Lee Crew Adventures. Find more tips on the blog.
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