Can I ride Tower of Terror?

[GrimGrinninAnna]

Leaving for Disney soon and my boyfriend is basically dragging me kicking and screaming on Tower of Terror. Granted, he's usually right when I'm scared and he drags me unwillingly onto rides, but I have a slight heart condition that results in severe palpitations when I'm nervous, and ocassionally panic attacks. For example, I can handle *mild* looping roller coasters but not wooden ones... I cannot handle Splash Mountain, but love Mission: Space, BTM & can handle Space Mountain (with a few nervous screams here and there).

I'm a lil worried about TOT because it's a drop without ending. Anyone have a similar deal and ride on TOT without issue? I'd love to be a big girl and do it.

 

[dandaman]

I'd be a little worried of a drop without ending, too. :lookaroun

While no one can tell you for sure, I think you can go for it. Heck, if you can handle Mission: Space without heart problems, you'll probably do fine. :lol:

 

[lilclerk]

I went on alone because my boyfriend and friend were too scared, and I was determined to go. I was terrified through the 30 minute queue. I almost chickened out.

Then they seated me next to a 4-year-old who had clearly been on several times that day. It was his favorite ride. I wasn't scared anymore, and now it's one of my favorites.

BUT I also don't mind drops on coasters, and Splash Mountain is my very favorite. I actually find Splash to be more intense.
So I really don't know if you'd like it, but you might want to at least try it. The drops themselves are over very quick, and the theming in the ride is top notch, especially if you like The Twilight Zone.
I would agree that if you can handle Mission: Space, you can probably handle ToT. But I'd see how you feel when you get there, if you're too nervous, definitely don't go.

 

[Lucky]

My guess is if the splash mt. drop is too much for you, ToT is also.

 

[Eljay]

I hate to be a downer, but ToT is the one ride I just can't do.
The one time I rode it, I thought I would die. :dazzle:
Ever have a dream where you are falling...and falling...and falling.....
Yeah, that's ToT. Not a sensation I like.
BTW, I used to have a condition that sounds like the one that you have. Notice I said I used to ?
Ask your cardiologist about a cardiac ablation. A minor procedure that just might cure your palpitations and anxiety.

On the other hand, the queue is really worth experiencing. I have walked the queue with friends that were riding, told the CM at the loading area that I wasn't riding and met my party in the photo viewing area in less than 5 minutes.
Good luck! :wave:

 

[disneyfankev]

i'm doing it for the 1st time 3 weeks from now. doing it at least once

 

[SDav10495]

My guess is if the splash mt. drop is too much for you, ToT is also.

Ain't necessarily so...I absolutely love ToT, but for years I would panic about the Splash Mountain drop. Two totally different sensations. I'm fine with Splash now, but I'd still argue that the sensation of the drop on ToT is actually more fun. As strange as it sounds, you feel much more in control dropping in that elevator than you do sitting in a log feeling like you could just tip out of it.

I understand what you're feeling, Anna. I had the same fears about ToT before I first rode it (the only reason I did it at all was because I'm a huge Twilight Zone fan and forced myself to try it once). I was a little bit of a wreck before I boarded the elevator, not to mention before the thing dropped. I was expecting a real jerky, gut-wrenching, and (as you say) never-ending experience. To my surprise, it was so smooth and just so darn FUN that by the time our elevator was headed back up the shaft--so what, about a second after we first dropped?--I was already laughing at what a good time I was having.

So I say your boyfriend is probably right again this time--go for it. Just keep in mind that, no matter how terrifying the ride's theming (and ToT's is the best at freaking you out), Disney would not create a ride that's really meant to be too much to handle. It's all in good fun.

 

[Craig & Lisa]

As you said, you have a mild heart condition. With that said, think about the warnings either stated or there for all to read. If you have a heart condition, not certain types of but a heart condition, you should not ride. Your nerves and fears will make it more than it is. My advice, watch you BF and have fun with him on other attractions.:animwink:

 

[doop]

My thought is that if you can handle Mission: Space with a heart condition, then you can probably handle ToT. But if the condition depends on whether you are nervous or not, then that really depends on if you have an issue with freefall. IMO, like I said, I think you could probably handle it.

 

[MagliteL13]

I'd strongly suggest not riding the elevators. It does mention heart problems in the warning signs--and they're there for a reason. With that being said, you can definitely still experience the rest of the hotel (if you haven't already done that). You're more than welcome to come into the library and even go through the entire boiler room...just steer clear of the service elevators. Your boyfriend could always take the service elevators and you could always...take the stairs to your room? Either way, I'm sure we'll definitely make sure you're taken care of. :lookaroun

Jeremy
Bellhop at the finest hotel in Hollywood-- The Hollywood Tower Hotel

 

[GrimGrinninAnna]

Thanks for the advice. I'm young and healthy, but you always hear about "freak accidents" and I'd hate to be one.

I guess as you all mentioned, I should see how I feel. My palpitations are only as bad as I let them get, so if I feel totally cool I'm gunna go for it!

Thanks so much.

 

[natalia1681]

I think that if you can handle the dark drops in Space, then you would be okay with the dark drops on ToT. Also, if you did Mission Space, I think it to be a more intense ride, but that could just be me.

Whatever you decide, I hope that you have a great trip!:wave: You know your limits better than anyone here does, so do whatever works for you!

 

[H20Babie]

I guess I'm weird, but I find that everything leading up to the drop on ToT makes me more nervous, ok - scared - than the drops themselves. I've ridden it dozen of times, but it's the storyline combined with the anticipation - and those few seconds hanging there - before the drop!

 

[Rob562]

Thanks for the advice. I'm young and healthy, but you always hear about "freak accidents" and I'd hate to be one.

I guess as you all mentioned, I should see how I feel. My palpitations are only as bad as I let them get, so if I feel totally cool I'm gunna go for it!

Thanks so much.

I think you've pretty much summed it up for yourself. Your palpitations are only as bad as you allow them to be.

As a thrill ride junkie, I say that Mission: Space (the full-blown Orange side) has *the* most intense forces of any ride in Disney World. Nothing you'll experience on Tower is close to that. In fact, a lot of the increased sensations you get are due to special effects like strobes, sound effects, etc. That's what makes it so good! So if you came through Mission Space with flying colors, you'll probably be just fine.

-Rob

 

[sknydave]

I had open heart surgery and I ride all the time. Different "health conditions" will only limit you if you allow them to.

 

[DKampy]

Well...If you think you can handle the drop at all...I say go for it at least once. as someone mentioned the "Themeing is top notch." It is worth the trip once just for that...You won't regret it even with the scary drop. I should know. I hate free fall drops..or just big drops of every kind...but manged TOT once..survived and glad I did it. I will never do it again however...sorry to add to your worries..but for me the drop was more intense then Mission space and even Rock & Roller Coaster, but it could be my irrational fear of heights.

 

[Unplugged]

While you decide, keep in mind that TOT rarely if ever does a complete drop (top to bottom). Since it randomizes the ride each time, it essentially is bouncing around between the high and low points for a short period of time. As others have stated, since you can handle and enjoy Mission: Space, I wouldn't worry much about TOT. The thrill is in the theming and illusion of "a big drop". You'll most likely enjoy TOT, though I'm sure the quality theming in "the basement" will get your nerves going.

Also, for the sake of all of us....if you decide to ride it, please let your loved ones know you're on it by choice of your own incase you do have an issue. We'd hate for you to be featured in "The Sentinal" as any health issue becoming the fault of Disney. :lookaroun

Above all, enjoy the Magic! It's WDW and there for fun! :wave:

 

[Since1976]

It's the Tower of TERROR. It's supposed to be scary. Conquering that fear is part of the fun and adventure. You'll be so proud of yourself when you do it.

EDIT: Just re-read your post. Heart issues? Hmmm, please see a doctor!

 

[janni518]

If you're are going to do it, it may be best if you know exactly what happens on the ride ahead of time.


Not going to ruin it for those that don't want to know..

 

[DisneyFan722]

I have a heart condition that is pretty much the same as that. When I get nervous it flares up. I was terrified to go on that ride and when I finally got on, I was fine. See how you feel during the wait, if you are too nervous at the end...don't do it!