So you have a fear of heights. Lucky for you, there are plenty of amazing attractions in Disney World that you can enjoy to the fullest without having to leave the ground. But which ones should you look out for?
I’ve ranked the 5 Disney rides to avoid if you’re afraid of heights so you’re totally prepared. Ready to dive into the specifics? Read on!
5 – Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest is a one-of-a-kind thrill ride that brings you deep into the mountains and face to face with the fabled Yeti. With a height requirement of 44 inches, it has the same restrictions as Space Mountain over in Magic Kingdom. There are also warnings for those with back or neck problems as well as pregnant riders.
How Intense is Expedition Everest?
Expedition Everest is certainly scary – albeit, in a very fun and campy way. Most of the spooky theming centers around the mythical “yeti” depicted in drawings, statues, artifacts, etc. throughout the queue. Some of these depictions are scary – featuring what is essentially a “bigfoot” with large, snarling teeth and wild eyes – but it all fits into the ride’s lore perfectly.
When you finally do come face with the Yeti, he looks nothing like the pictures – but is certainly a terrifying and intimidating presence regardless. Standing at a very imposing 25 feet tall, he looks very realistic with his matted brown fur and incredible detail. Unfortunately, the train is moving so fast while passing him (not to mention he’s in the dark and lit by strobe lights) that riders don’t get a great look at him for long.
In addition, Expedition Everest goes very fast. With a max forward speed of 50 mph, this coaster is only 7 mph slower than Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. In addition, there is a significant backwards section of the track – hurtling riders backwards at 30 mph for about 20 seconds. For reference, that’s faster than Space Mountain‘s top speed going forward. It’s thrilling, without a doubt.
The 80 foot plummet seen from the front of the mountain is easily its highlight thrill. While this is nearly 30 feet longer than Splash Mountain‘s drop, it doesn’t seem much more intense to many riders due to its very smooth track and the fact that it’s over quickly.
This coaster also features a backwards helix – think of it as an inverted drop, sending you up an incline instead of down. Many riders think this is a drop in the backwards section as it will definitely give you that stomach-in-your-throat sensation, but you are actually being pulled upwards instead of dropping. Regardless, it’s still intense.
Why Avoid Expedition Everest with a Fear of Heights?
Expedition Everest does involve significant heights. If you have a fear of heights, this ride may not be your cup of tea. Its 112 foot lift has an exposed track – meaning you can look on all sides of you and see every inch of space below you.
If the slow climb to the mountains wasn’t enough for you, there’s also a moment where the ride comes to a full stop (for about 10 seconds), leaving you overlooking the vast Florida landscape from over 100 feet up. While this view is particularly astonishing in the front row, passengers seated further back in the train may not see much of it – which may be good or bad depending on the rider.
For more specifics on Expedition Everest, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
4 – Tower of Terror
The Tower of Terror is a randomized freefall ride exquisitely themed to The Twilight Zone. It has a height requirement of 40 inches. For reference, these are the same restrictions you’ll find on Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain over in Magic Kingdom.
How Intense is Tower of Terror?
Tower of Terror is very scary. Whether it’s the intentionally spooky theming immersing you in the haunted hotel or the randomized freefalls you’ll encounter, this ride is unsettling to many riders.
In the first half of the ride, you’ll find disorienting visuals, spooky ghosts, crackling lightning, many moments of complete darkness, and a haunting soundtrack beckoning you deeper into the Twilight Zone – not to mention, you’re trapped in a small elevator with 20 other guests! While these effects are truly stunning for those who may appreciate them, they might not be suitable for some younger riders or those prone to sensory sensitivity or claustrophobia.
With 4 different possible drop patterns, this ride really leans into its riders’ anticipation and the fear of the unknown. Almost all drops take place entirely in the dark and pull you up and down at a speed faster than gravity could take you. This makes for a very intense ride and even those who don’t mind drops on other attractions (like me), may have difficulties with this one.
Personally, this is my least favorite ride in all of Disney World due to the intensity of its drops, the claustrophobic ride vehicles, and the randomized aspect leaving me wondering when the ride will be over. That being said, many people adore this ride and – even I – still ride it every trip because of its amazing theming and truly iconic experience.
Why Avoid Tower of Terror with a Fear of Heights?
Tower of Terror involves some major heights. Most notably, when the doors are flung open at the top of the building, riders are left staring down the entirety of Hollywood Studios from 131 feet up. Fortunately, this only lasts for 3 seconds before you plummet towards the bottom of the hotel. While each ride is randomized – meaning you don’t know which drops or how many you’ll get – every ride includes the full drop spanning 13 stories.
For more specifics on Tower of Terror, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
3 – Flight of Passage
Avatar Flight of Passage is a breathtaking flight simulator that puts you on the back of a banshee as you soar over the land of Pandora. It has a height restriction of 44 inches. In addition, those with back/neck problems (or those who otherwise may not be in good health) should not ride.
How Intense is Flight of Passage?
Flight of Passage could definitely be a bit scary to some riders. This is mostly due to the large – sometimes threatening – creatures and moments of peril you’ll experience throughout the ride. While I would definitely call this ride more thrilling than intentionally scary – it is full of loud noises, wind effects, piped-in smells, and your bike actually “breathes” underneath you, which could be disconcerting for some.
In addition, this attraction could be highly claustrophobic to some riders. While you’re not actually leaving the loading platform/theater, you are definitely locked in for the duration of this ride. In my experience, a cast member will even say before boarding that if you can’t remain seated for the 4 and a half minute duration, you shouldn’t ride.
This is a pretty standard ride duration and may not seem like a long time to most people. However, this ride does take a considerable amount of time to load (all floors and rows have to be set and ready before the ride begins), so the hardest part for me was being locked in for a few long minutes, waiting for the ride to start.
In addition, the restraints that swing up against your back and calves to lock you into a seated position can feel pretty restricting and unfamiliar, as no other rides in the 4 parks use this system. However, if you think you can stomach all of that, I highly recommend giving this one a try, as it’s an experience like no other.
Why Avoid Flight of Passage with a Fear of Heights?
Flight of Passage does involve heights. As a flight simulator, you truly feel like you’re soaring hundreds of feet above the ground. However, your bike remains stationary on the floor of the theater at all times. If you look to the left and right of you once the ride has started, you may see other rows above and below you – but they are actually all on different floors of the building. Your bike doesn’t leave the ground.
It’s also important to note that this is a more thrilling ride compared to Soarin’s gentle swaying, and there are a couple of moments that make you feel as though you’re plunging downwards at a high speed. As mentioned before, the actual floor is right below you the whole time (no dangling feet, like Soarin’) but those with a fear of heights might want to take a moment to consider this one.
For more specifics on Flight of Passage, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from LMG Vids:
2 – Astro Orbiter
Astro Orbiter is a high-flying spin through Tomorrowland. It has no height requirement or official warnings from Disney. However, I would personally caution riders who have any aversion to heights or who might not be up for a moderately thrilling ride.
How Intense is Astro Orbiter?
Astro Orbiter could certainly be scary for some riders, especially those with a fear of heights. While lacking any spooky theming or dark settings, this attraction still packs in the thrills with its accelerated speed (compared to Dumbo and other spinner rides) as well as its significant heights.
It’s also worth mentioning the faster speed of this spinner ride, which could catch many riders off guard. For reference, Dumbo the Flying Elephant completes 1 full rotation in approximately 10-15 seconds while this attraction is at least twice as fast, rotating in less than 6 seconds. This unexpectedly high speed could certainly surprise many guests – especially considering the lack of Disney warnings or height requirements.
While not altogether a super thrilling ride, I would definitely caution riders who assume this attraction is just like Dumbo or the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. If you hop on thinking this is just another kiddie ride, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Why Avoid Astro Orbiter with a Fear of Heights?
Astro Orbiter reaches a maximum height of 80 feet above ground. The entire attraction is situated approximately 3 stories high and then allows riders to fly even higher if they so desire. While you, of course, have the choice to ascend all the way up to 80 feet, it’s important to note that you will still be at least 50 feet above ground at the ride’s lowest setting.
While the actual loading platform is fairly wide and doesn’t feel particularly precarious, being on the actual ride gives you a wide open view of the ground far below you. If you or anyone in your party is has a significant fear of heights, you may want to consider skipping this one.
For more specifics on Astro Orbiter, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
1 – Soarin’ Around the World
Soarin’ debuted as a truly one of a kind attraction that amazed guests with its gentle yet thrilling ride experience. It has a height restriction of 40 inches. However, there are additional restraints for younger riders – so you can rest easy knowing that everyone in your party is secure.
How Intense is Soarin’ Around the World?
While not technically scary, Soarin’ could definitely be claustrophobic to some riders. The suspended seating does have the potential to make some riders feel trapped with no way down or off the ride. As a claustrophobic rider myself, I was worried about this initially, but once the ride began, I was so blown away by the experience that I didn’t feel trapped at all. There is also good air flow and so many smells and sensations coming at you that it’s pretty easy to forget you’re actually indoors.
Of course, not everyone’s experience will be like mine, but if you’re someone who can be easily distracted from feelings of claustrophobia, you might want to give this one a try.
Why Avoid Soarin’ Around the World with a Fear of Heights?
Soarin’ definitely involves heights. As a flying simulator, you are not only suspended (and lightly swinging), but you’re also given the illusion of flying several hundred feet in the air. I recommend that those with a fear of heights take a moment to consider this one – even if it’s only simulated.
The seats are actually suspended in the air – between 30 and 50 feet depending on which row you’re on – so keep that in mind as well.
One important thing to note is that you can request a seat on the third row, which would put you closest to the actual ground – just ask a cast member if that might be helpful to you.
For more specifics on Soarin’ Around the World, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
What do you think? Do you agree with my Top 5 Disney Rides to Skip if You Hate Heights? Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know!
