I had a traumatic experience on the Tower of Terror as a child. My very well-meaning family tried to convince me that I would love Tower of Terror, and, despite my vehement protests, we all rode the ride. I was scared silly and turned so green. Honestly, I think I worked myself up more than anything, and that’s what made me feel sick – it was definitely more mentally traumatizing than physical!
Stubborn Thrill Rider
That was over twenty years ago, and I haven’t ridden the ride since. Now, I’m just being stubborn. I know that Tower of Terror isn’t that bad. In fact, my four-year-old LOVES it. But that experience did make me super squeamish when it came to thrill rides and roller coasters. I always make my husband try new rides before I go anywhere near them. It took me YEARS to ride Expedition Everest (now it’s one of my favorite rides at Walt Disney World). I still have never ridden Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
New Coaster at Disney World
When Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened up, my husband instantly loved it and begged me to ride it. I wouldn’t do it. I saw several reviews about it giving people motion sickness and how multiple trash cans surrounded the ride’s exit for those who literally couldn’t stomach the ride.
Finally, a year and multiple visits to Disney World after the ride opened, only because it was his birthday and he swore I wouldn’t get sick, I anxiously agreed to ride it with my husband.
And… I loved it.
Each car comes with an individual lap bar, so you can secure yourself in for your personal comfort. I asked the cast member at the loading area to give us a less intense row, and he directed us to Row 6, right in the middle of the train. I have heard that the back is the most intense, so if you’re afraid of experiencing motion sickness, you may want to avoid it.
Backward Launch
Knowing the backward launch at the beginning was coming, but it was still a rush. I closed my eyes the first time I rode it for that part but kept them open the second. I was afraid the screens combined with the backward motion would make me feel sick, but it didn’t.
Smooth Coaster
The coaster itself is incredibly smooth, and I honestly was shocked that it really isn’t that fast. It’s not slow, but it does not feel excessively speedy. When I heard it spin, I wasn’t excited. I was thinking of turning like the Teacups, which makes me queasy. But the cars don’t really spin. If anything, they almost swing. It will turn you around to see something else on the screens, but you’re never actively spinning around in circles.
I described the movement of the cars as they almost felt like they were dancing, which is fun because of the classic rock music playing in the background.
After the Ride
When I got off the ride, I wasn’t nauseated at all. I did feel slightly off balance, I think just because of the combination of the swinging motion and the motion on the screens. This didn’t last long, though, and by the time we were in the gift shop, I was back on balance.
With this ride, you are entirely surrounded by screens. The entire environment, except for the cars and track, is screened. So, if simulator-style rides make you queasy, this may be one to avoid. However, I was convinced this would be a high-speed, spinning, rough ride, which certainly was not. If you enjoy simulator rides and roller coasters, you will LOVE this ride.
Take it from a chicken like me: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is worth it!
Author: Ashley Hunt
Ashley co-founded The Midwest Mouse, a Disney Instagram account and blog she started with her husband, Braden. Ashley lives in Indiana with her husband and their two daughters. They are Walt Disney World annual pass holders and visit Disney parks as often as possible. They look forward to crossing more things off their Disney bucket list while continuing to share their adventures on their Instagram (@the_midwest_mouse) and website.
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