While I wish I wasn’t anxious in Disney World, it’s a part of who I am and I live every day with it, so being in the Most Magical Place on Earth doesn’t change that!
In fact, some parts of being in Disney World make my anxiety worse but I’ve learned how to adapt to enjoy myself while knowing I have to do things a little differently. I use earplugs to dull down loud noises, I stay away from crowds when I can (and brace myself when I can’t), and choose not to meet many (okay, any) characters because I have yet to master the art of having a successful interaction without massive levels of panic (but I’ll get there someday!). If you struggle with some anxiety like I do, I have to warn you — while I love this Disney World ride, it does cause some anxiety!
Over in EPCOT, the icon of the park is Spaceship Earth…aka the giant golf ball. But this golf ball actually contains a ride! It’s a slow moving omnimover attraction that takes you through the history of humanity and how language and technology have advanced throughout the years.
It’s a longer attraction that I, and many others, find super relaxing. Not to mention it is pretty iconic, being an opening day attraction. While the ride itself isn’t anxiety inducing (to most people), the loading and unloading process is a different story.
Since this is an omnimover attraction, it means that you step onto a constantly moving platform to board the ride…that’s also moving. Cast Members can slow the ride and platform down, or stop it entirely, to help someone get on or off, but injuries can happen in seconds, before a Cast Member makes that call.
With that being said, it can be very nerve-wracking and anxiety inducing for someone who may not move as well/quickly, or someone who needs a little time to prepare mentally before moving quickly like that. Sometimes Spaceship Earth doesn’t have a long wait, and things can move fast when you make it up to that platform — suddenly you’re standing still in line and then BAM you’re at the front, stepping onto something that’s moving, then trying to get into a moving vehicle before it continues on the rest of the track.
In fact, Disney World has reported two injuries on Spaceship Earth this year, which count as something that caused someone to have to have a 24+ hour stay in the hospital — if guests have fallen but not been injured getting on or off the ride, that’s not included in these reports.
So what does this mean for you? Well, if you’re someone who needs more time boarding or you’re traveling with someone who does, let a Cast Member know as you’re approaching the loading area and before you disembark. This way, they know to slow or stop the ride before you/your travel party steps onto the walkway. If your anxiety stems more from the mental side of things, the rush of getting on or off, you can watch videos of the attraction online to see the speed of it and better prepare yourself before you go.
AllEars is always here to help you plan your upcoming Disney World vacation by giving you all the latest tips and tricks, so stay tuned to our blog and YouTube Channel!
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What’s a ride that makes you anxious in Disney World? Tell me in the comments!
We were on it when it stalled without AC for over 40 minutes. That weekend mulitpal attractions had problems after lines were waiting or loaded. I don’t known if it was the heat, the number of people or…one cast member told us one of the trains in Animal Kingdom was dead. Just lost its power suddenly ..When we got up to the remaining train I asked if it was back in operation.and the cast member just out lied that they both were running. I tend to believe the mature man who told us the truth originally. There were not two trains running. We went in on one and the same one out
For me it’s always been going backwards to get back down on Spaceship earth and the haunted mansion. I definitely feel the anxiety with meeting characters though. I would love to have the interactions with Mickey or Donald Duck But would get too anxious, and the lines are long enough that it would suck the entire time.
Spaceship earth is my favorite ride. I love it. I like the pictures they take to fit into the story during the ride about the future. Only problem is they used to use a picture of each passenger and now it only shows one. Lots of fun and laughs
I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets anxious meeting characters! It was easy when my son was little, because all the attention was focused on him, but now I chicken out if there’s a character I want to meet
What stresses me out is feeling trapped near the top with the overwhelming scent of fire or incense or whatever it is.
The anxiety written about in this article concerning Spaceship Earth could be attached to any omni-mover attraction. If omni-movers give you stress, ask the castmember to stop the ride vehicles or at the least slow them down. There is no shame in it. When a ride stops briefly, people know that someone needs help getting on/off.
Maybe stay off rides that you feel you cannot handle? I have not been afraid of Rollercoaster rides since my father reassuring presence with a ride along. Curbed me of such anxieties. I get anxiety over things that others would not. Therefore, I just stay away and don’t put myself in the situation. Taking responsibility for my own actions, I waould suggest you do the same & not ruin it for others who might enjoy themselves on it.