It’s no secret that I don’t normally get on the more thrilling attractions at Walt Disney World – even though the scariest ride at WDW doesn’t hold a candle to some of the white-knucklers at IoA.
But here’s a secret I’ve kept to myself for a while now: I’ll show you where I hide while my family and friends are on Tower of Terror.
The video I linked to in the previous post seemed to bring back the uneasy feeling I get when I wander too close to the Tower of Terror. In all the times I’ve visited Walt Disney world, I’ve only been on the Tower of Terror twice. The first time was with my friend Kevin. I don’t know if he was aware of my chicken status at the time, so I felt like I had to just man-up, keep my mouth shut, and do it. I was glad I did. As almost everybody knows, it’s a great attraction – too good to miss just because of the quease-inducing drops.
The second time was with my friends J, Deb and Walt – three of the original Mousejunkies. It’s a bit of a long story, but let’s just say that the phrase “I shouldn’t have done this. I shouldn’t have done this…” kept coming out of my mouth as I was strapped-in. I gripped the sides of the seat for all I was worth, and when it came time for the drops, it looked like this:
AAAHHHH!!! (Front row, left to right: J, Deb, me, Walt.)
That’s me in the front row with the wicked unflattering look on my face. I’ll give you a second to catch your breath from laughing at that disturbing expression.
OK, in all honesty, I was trying to make a face for the camera, only it caught me just as I transitioned from ‘making a weird face’ to ‘Oh my God I’m going to die.’ The timing could not have been more perfect.
So that was the last time I went on the Tower of Terror. I’m officially retired from that attraction. For now, anyway. I think the drops on that day lasted about 4 and a half hours. It just never seemed to end.
I’ve since staked out a great spot to hide my shame while everyone else enjoys this attraction. It’s not exactly a secret spot, but it’s always empty when I scamper back there with my tail between my legs.
Here’s where my sanctuary is: Behind the Tower of Terror Coffee Stand. See visual aid:
Safely ensconced in the coffee castle.
Just outside the exit gift shop there’s a coffee stand. I grab a frozen coffee, head to the right and then follow the covered bench area around back. From there I can feed my brain caffeine and keep an eye on the exit for the rest of my party.
It’s restful, rejuvenating and best of all the seat stays still.
If you’re ever at the Studios, take a quick peak behind the Tower of Terror Coffee Cart. If you see a stubby, bearded guy looking warily up at the ToT, it could be me.
Also, feel free to mock me. Because this is nothing compared to my fear of Everest.
Read, set… Mock!
Don’t leave me alone in this shameful confession – do you habitually steer clear of any attractions?
Discussion
YES! Same with ToT – did it once and won’t do it again!!! Rock and Roller Coaster – I used to LOVE this but as I’ve gotten older, my stomach can’t handle it. BUT, I do love Expedition Everest and I think you should try it Bill!
Disney can drop me and launch me all they want but I REFUSE to be spun in circles until I puke (and I will). Before my first WDW trip in 1975, I went to the now defunct Astroworld in Houston, TX with my cousin. That was the first time that I experienced a teacup ride and I almost lost what little dignity I had. To this day, I won’t go near the teacups nor to Mission Space. Yes, I know that one side of Mission Space doesn’t spin anymore but why take a chance? Bring on the Disco Yeti (long may he wave) but keep me away from the Mad Tea Party.
Have never done ToT and never will not my cup of tea. But I now must steer clear of quite a few other rides in my twilight years due to repetitive vertigo. I will forever miss SM one of my all time favorites but I will never miss the MTP much to the laughter of my 7 children.
I hate the MTP lol! But I do love the sign at the ride with the Quote from Randy Plausch “Be Good at something it makes you Valuable Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome” Amazing man and amazing life. 2nd favorite book next to both Mousejunkies they are tied for first. So Bill I consider you very valuable for the laughter and joy you bring to all mousejunkies. Thank you and Happy New Year!
I love tower of terror, but my stomach doesn’t. Sadly when we were at “The Studios” this past November we were not able to carve out time for TOT, much to my teenager daughter disappointment, But I would love to share with you MY Proudest TOT picture from 2010, that I think was so awesome the cast member working at the picture desk was so impressed he gave us a close up of us in an 8×10 as well as 2 5×7′s of the group for FREE ;o)
I went from bench to bench sick and dizzy the only time I rode Mission Space in 2005 before they “tamed” it down. It took at least a couple hours before I felt normal again. I tell everyone I know that the ride can kill you!! The only ride I’ve never been on is Rock n Roller Coaster but once was enough for Everest, Space Mountain and ToT. I also avoid Kali River Rapids because I don’t like getting that wet!
My first scare on a roller coaster took place at Cedar Point in Ohio. I can’t remember the name of the coaster, but it was at the front of the park. I am very thin, and the “seat belt” could have accomodated myself and the entire family in line behind me. I was in jr. high and for as long as I thought my arms were, they still barely reached the bar in front me, which I had a death grip on. At the top of the highest hill I couldn’t even keep my butt on the seat, I literally rose out of it. I truly was convinced that I was gone to die. Sadly, many years later someone actually was thrown out of this coaster and did perish.
Fast forward to early thirties and a sailboat trip from MI to WI for the 4th. Not the first time I sailed and the trip out was no problem. Fast forward to the end of the trip, add in drinking the night before, a Swisher Sweet or 2 (I don’t typically smoke anything!), and add in one wicked storm complete with rough seas. In my defense 5 of the 8 of us got sick, but I definitely took the brunt of the storm full on. We only sailed 20 min. out of port before we had to turn around and head back. 5 of us rented a car and drove home.
My equilibrum is now completely messed up as far as rides go. I actually got in line at the wimpy version of Mission Mars and after listening to 2 old ladies go on, and on, about how this version of the ride had better not be as bad as the original version, I exited. I used to love the tea cups….no longer an option. I’m reduced to the bench seat on the merry go round. So if you see a tall, skinny Farrah Fawcett blonde on It’s a Small World or the clamshell Nemo ride, it’s me.
And for all of you aggravating jerks who try to insist that if we just go on the scary ride we will “be glad we did”…NO we won’t and next time I hope it’s your shoes that I throw up on!
Rotten, stinkin’, teacups, Oh how I loath you.
Friend: Yay, I love the teacups, here we go!
Me: Slow down, I think I’m gonna throw up!
Friend: I’m not spinning it yet…
Me: Slooowww Dooowwwn!
And for some reason simulators have been causing me problems lately… Now that I’ve been able to check out the new Star Tours, the experience may not be repeated any time soon.
I was going to suck it up and check out Star Tours cuz I haven’t seen the new version yet. Sounds like you don’t recommend…got any details?
The only ride I will not do is Kali River when the weather is abnormally chilly. I am the “guy” who always gets completely and utterly soaked. Every time. Not so bad in August, but just for that first 2 seconds after the wave hits. Then it just turns to steam like every other bit of moister in the “most suffocating spot” in central Florida. Remind me to tell you how us “old folks” kept ourselves amused after watching 15 (yes 15!) college program kids carted off in ambulances when I used to drive safaris. We told them to keep their water full, but of course, we knew nothing. We were old.
I got you beat, Bill. Not only am I the BIGGEST chicken in history, my chickenness extends to rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Maelstrom. I have to psych myself out to even attempt the quote “ten foot drop” at the beginning of Pirates. I’m a terrible chicken. Mock away!
I am definitly with you. I WILL NEVER GO ON TOWER OF TERROR!
I agree never TOT! Never Rockin Rollercoaster. Big Thunder is a stretch for me but I have gone on it a few times. I just love walking around the parks breathing in the atmosphere and watching the people. But I am crazy about Peter Pans Flight!
Wow, so many like me. I too am unwilling to ride any of the mountains. A long time coasterphobe, I can happily sit on a bench for hours in the park, but break into a cold sweat at the suggestion of riding anything that will launch or drop me. My wife teases me, asking me if I am frightened to ride on Small World. (I am not) (really)
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