Top Disney World Rides Known to Cause Motion Sickness

Full disclosure: I am not a doctor and I have no medical training (unless watching every episode of the TV show M.A.S.H. at least a dozen times counts, which it doesn’t, I just really love that show, so I wanted to slip in a reference out of mad respect).

But, what I do have is a lot of years worth of navigating Walt Disney World as a person that gets motion sick very, very easily.

So, if you’re in the “sensitive stomach club” and you’re wondering “which rides at Disney World may cause motion sickness“, keep reading….

Common things that bother people

Here are some of the most common motions or situations that make people motion sick at amusement parks. If you know what things bother you, you’ll be able to pinpoint and avoid the related attractions below:

• Spinning – A spinning ride is one of the most common motions that bother people. Think Tea Cups or Cosmic Rewind.
• Tight turns – Tight, sustained turns are a similar motion to spinning and can often leave you feeling queasy. Roller coasters often have this type of motion.
• Screens – Screens on attractions are far more common now than they’ve ever been. Even benign looking attractions (like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure) can cause motion sickness for people. Oftentimes with screens, your ride vehicle is moving while a scene is playing on a stationary screen. Some people report that screens that utilize 3D technology are even worse for them than those that don’t and if that is you, you may find that removing the glasses may help if you start to feel ill on an attraction.
• Motion simulators – Simulators are a step above screens. They typically involve an entire ride vehicle mimicking the motions on screen. Mission: Space, Flight of Passage, Star Tours, and Smugglers Run are all examples of attractions that use simulators.

Attractions that may make you motion sick at Disney World

Not every attraction on this list will make every person prone to motion sickness turn green.

And, there could easily be things that didn’t make this list that might make you feel a little “off”.

This list is just some of the most frequent culprits and should be used as a general guide. This isn’t a list of things we think you should avoid, but rather we want you to think of it as things you should be aware of before you ride them.

Magic Kingdom

Here are the attractions most likely to make you feel motion sick at Magic Kingdom. Full descriptions of each down below:

• Mad Tea Party (spinning)
• Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel (spinning)
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant (spinning)
• Astro Orbiter (spinning)
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (coaster with tight turns)
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (screens and rapid movement)
• Space Mountain (coaster with rough, tight turns)
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (spinning)
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (coaster with tight turns)
• TRON: Lightcycle / Run (coaster with intense launch and tight turns)

Mad Tea Party (spinning motion)

If you have problems with spinning, avoid this ride. Not only do the teacups spin on the platform they are attached to, but you (or anyone who is riding with you!) can turn the center wheel inside your cup to make your teacup spin on its axis, too.

If you want to chance it but are concerned about getting dizzy, don’t use the silver turntable to spin your teacup and instead try to hold it in place. This can be difficult to do, but it DOES help keep the spinning to a minimum.

Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel (spinning motion)

Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel is a classic carrousel ride where you ride horses that move gently up and down while the platform rotates.

While the spinning is relatively slow, it might cause dizziness or mild nausea for those extremely sensitive to motion. Sitting or standing facing forward can help ground your senses and reduce the likelihood of feeling queasy.

I’ve also found that looking out instead of down also helps, too.

Astro Orbiter (spinning):

Astro Orbiter is a high-flying spinning ride that offers panoramic views of Tomorrowland. The motions are very similar to Dumbo and the Magic Carpets, but this one always feels like it is way faster to me. But, that just might be because you’re higher in the air when riding it.

You literally have to take an elevator up to the attraction, so if heights make you uneasy, and you get motion sick, this might be a double whammy for you.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant (spinning motion):

Dumbo the Flying Elephant is often a must-do ride for families, especially those with younger kids. Like Astro Orbiter and the Magic Carpets, it involves controlled spinning paired with ascending and descending motions. The riders control the up and down and tilt motions, but not the spinning.

If you really want to ride it but are worried about the combination of movements (up and down AND spinning), you can try setting your elephant at a set height and not adjusting it.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (coaster with tight turns):

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a coaster known for its quick and tight turns. The abrupt changes in direction can lead to motion sickness by causing sensory confusion.

In addition to the tight turns, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train also has ride vehicles that sway side to side. But, on the positive, this ride is very short (people often complain about how short it is) so if you do start to feel ill, the ride is likely to be over before things can escalate too quickly.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (screens and rapid movement):

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin features a part where riders move slowly through a simulated star tunnel where stars are darting all around you. This tunnel-like segment with rapidly changing visual patterns can trigger motion sickness, especially for individuals sensitive to visual disorientation.

Thankfully, there is an easy fix by just closing your eyes through this brief portion of the ride. Keeping your eyes open during the rest of the ride maintains the interactive experience.

In addition to the star tunnel, the movements of the vehicle itself may be a problem for you, since guests control the motion of their ride vehicle.

Using a joystick, you can turn it back and forth to point your blasters towards the targets. You can move it as little or as much as you want, but the jerking motion from going side-to-side can cause problems if you are sensitive to those kinds of motions. If that is the case, you may find it more comfortable to move your vehicle as little as possible.

Space Mountain (coaster with rough, tight turns):

Space Mountain has a reputation for being very, very rough. It can rattle your teeth and the turns can be extra jerky.

Oh, and did we mention it was in the dark?! It also isn’t nearly as short as Seven Dwarfs, and I’ve often found myself regretting riding it only halfway through.

The combination of rough movement and low lighting can make it difficult to anticipate turns and drops, potentially leading to motion sickness. To counteract this, we’ve found some relief from sitting at the front of the row of cars as opposed to the back where the motion is a lot rougher.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (spinning):

Just like Dumbo and the Astro Orbiter (and Triceratop Spin over in Animal Kingdom), The Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride involves circular spinning motions. And just like the other attractions, the ride vehicles have joysticks that you use to control things like how high you are or the tilt (forwards or back) of the ride vehicle.

You can try keeping your eye on a fixed point (as much as you can when spinning) and I’ve also found that looking out versus looking down can help keep the worst of the motion sickness at bay.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (coaster with tight turns):

Big Thunder never fails to make me feel queasy due to all of its tight turns.

It isn’t a super fast coaster, it doesn’t have high hills, and you never go upside down, but it is rough (especially if you are sitting in the back) and there are several segments, especially towards the end of the ride, where you’ll have sustained tight turns which can really throw you off if that motion tends to bother you.

To manage this, sit towards the front for milder sensations and focus your gaze on the track ahead to anticipate turns and twists.

TRON: Lightcycle / Run (coaster with intense launch and tight turns):

TRON: Lightcycle / Run is a high-speed coaster with an intense launch and tight turns. The rapid acceleration and sharp changes in direction can be overwhelming for individuals sensitive to motion sickness.

Plus, your ride vehicle isn’t “traditional”. Instead of sitting in a seat, you sit on a cycle and lean forward like you’re riding a motorcycle.

The ride has both inside and outside segments, but much like Seven Dwarfs, it also isn’t a very long ride – which is really good to know if you decide to ride it and find yourself regretting the decision.

VIDEO: 9 Attractions That Can Cause Motion Sickness in Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Here are the rides at Epcot that are most likely to cause motion sickness. Full descriptions down below.

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (spinning, tight turns, screens, reverse launch)
• Mission: Space (simulator)
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (spinning, tight turns, 3D and screens)
• Soarin’ (motion simulator)
• Test Track (rough, tight turns)
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends (close your eyes in the short section where you travel through a simulated bubble tunnel, if it bothers you)

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (coaster with spinning, tight turns, screens, and a reverse launch):

Oh, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, what a wild ride that was! Full disclosure: I have never felt more sick after an attraction than I did with this one. But, I know lots of people who have had zero issues at all!

This attraction definitely has its fair share of elements that can trigger motion sickness. The spinning and tight turns can really mess with your inner ear’s sense of balance. And let’s not forget those screens – they’re everywhere, bombarding you with visuals that can conflict with what your body feels.

If you are planning to give it a try, but you are worried about how you’ll feel, definitely tap into all the tips at the end of this post to give yourself the best shot possible of riding without issues.

Mission: SPACE (simulator):

Mission: Space, the simulator that makes you feel like an astronaut – or in my case, like an astronaut with a slightly queasy stomach. The motion sickness potential here comes from the intense simulation of G-forces during liftoff and reentry. Your body feels pushed and pulled in ways it’s not used to, which can lead to a sense of disorientation and nausea.

But the good news is, you can opt to avoid those G-forces all together by selecting the “Green” or less intense version (with no G-forces) as opposed to the “Orange” or more intense version (which does have the G-forces in play).

And no shame in closing your eyes during the most intense parts – it really does help, especially if you are on the Green side. Some folks find that looking at a fixed point on the screen (and not looking from side to side) can also provide a sense of stability.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (screens and spinning):

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – a charming experience with a bit of a spin… literally. The spinning and tight turns in this attraction can make your stomach do a little flip-flop dance. Add the 3D visuals and screens into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for motion sickness for some folks.

To make the most of this ride without feeling sick, try to sit closer to the center of the vehicle if you can. This can help reduce the intensity of the spinning sensation. And just like with the other attractions, finding a fixed point to focus on can help stabilize your senses.

This is one of those rides that I will gladly ride with my family, but I also keep my eyes closed for most of it.

Soarin’ (screens and motion simulation):

Soarin’, the motion simulator that takes you on a breathtaking journey around the world. But for those prone to motion sickness, it can also take your stomach on a roller coaster ride it didn’t sign up for. The sensation of flying combined with the sweeping visuals can cause a disconnect between what you see and what your body feels.

To ease the motion sickness on Soarin’, consider sitting in the middle section of the row. This can help reduce the swaying sensation. Keeping your gaze fixed on the horizon during the ride can provide a reference point for your brain. If you’re really sensitive, closing your eyes during the more intense maneuvers might be the best strategy.

Test Track (sudden movements and tight turns):

Test Track is quite the thrilling experience, but it can also jostle you around a bunch. The roughness of the ride combined with the tight turns can lead to motion sickness, especially if you’re sensitive to sudden movements.

While you can’t exactly change the ride’s dynamics, you can prepare yourself by asking to sit in the front of the vehicle. This tends to be a bit smoother than the back and makes it easier to look straight ahead, which is always a good idea if you tend to get sick while riding in cars.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends (screens):

The Seas with Nemo and Friends is another attraction that may surprise you by making you a bit queasy. But don’t worry too much, this ride is 98% great, with just a slight hiccup for those prone to motion sickness: the section where you travel through the simulated bubble tunnel can be a bit disorienting, especially if you’re sensitive to enclosed spaces.

The trick here is simple – if that part bothers you, just close your eyes. Sometimes it’s better not to see what your brain can misinterpret. The rest of the ride is relatively smooth sailing, and focusing on the colorful marine life can help distract from any lingering queasiness.

VIDEO: 6 Attractions that can Cause Motion Sickness in EPCOT

Hollywood Studios

Here are the attractions at Hollywood Studios most likely to cause motion sickness. Detailed descriptions below the list!

• Star Tours (simulator)
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (coaster with inversions)
• Toy Story Mania (short bursts of spinning as you transition from one set of game screens to the next)
• Tower of Terror (numerous vertical drops)
• Alien Swirling Saucers (spinning)
• Slinky Dog Dash (coaster with tight turns)
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (motion simulator)
• Rise of the Resistance (short simulator/screen segments and short bursts of spinning)
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (some short bursts of rapid movements)

Star Tours (simulator):

Star Tours uses a large screen and hydraulics to simulate space travel with jerky motions, twists, and turns – all in 3D.

While the experience is thrilling, it could make you feel queasy due to the sudden shifts and unexpected movements. To minimize motion sickness, try to sit closer to the center of the cabin, as this can reduce the intensity of the motion.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (coaster with inversions):

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster features a heart stopping high-speed launch, loops, and inversions that can easily trigger motion sickness. But, out of all the roller coasters at Disney World, this one makes me the least queasy, probably because while it does have the inversions, it also is pretty smooth and there aren’t a ton of spiraling tight turns (which tend to bother me a LOT).

The rapid changes in direction and the feeling of being upside-down might lead to nausea for some people, though.

To counteract this, consider sitting towards the front of the coaster where the movements might feel slightly less intense or in the middle where the forces tend to be less. Also, try to keep your head against the headrest to minimize head movements and maintain a stable visual reference.

Toy Story Mania (short bursts of spinning):

Toy Story Mania is more gentle compared to some others, but it does have moments where the cart spins to transition from one game screen to another. Those short bursts can catch you off guard and induce dizziness, especially since the games are played in 4D.

Tower of Terror (intense vertical drops):

The ride itself utilizes a specialized elevator system with the capability to move not only vertically but also horizontally. Once aboard, you ascend and traverse through various “floors” where you experience different elements of the story. Visual and audio effects, along with carefully-timed periods of darkness, add to the atmosphere.

The climax of the ride is the famous “drop sequence,” in which the elevator free-falls and then unexpectedly rises again, repeating this multiple times. The sequence is randomized, so each experience can differ. Riders feel a moment of weightlessness as they’re lifted off their seats during the drops, providing the main thrill of the ride. But it is that feeling that can also make some people pretty sick.

There isn’t much you can do to minimize the feelings other than to hang on to the hand grips really, really tight, which would make your hands hurt and possibly distract you from that free-fall feeling that might be making you queasy.

Alien Swirling Saucers (spinning):

As the name suggests, this ride involves quite a bit of spinning. I felt like I was caught in an endless loop of swirling and twirling, which could be dizzying for anyone sensitive to such motions.

To minimize discomfort, fix your gaze on the center of the saucer or something stable outside the ride.

Slinky Dog Dash (coaster):

Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly coaster that offers a blend of small drops, turns, and launches.

One of the ride’s highlights is a midway stop where the coaster seems to “wind up” before launching riders into the second half of the ride.

While this coaster is less intense than some others, the abrupt changes in direction can be disorienting and could unsettle your stomach. In fact, it tends to bother me more than Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster does (but maybe I’m just weird).

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (simulator):

This motion simulator allows you to “pilot” the Millennium Falcon, but the realistic space flight effects can be intense.

Rapid movements and quick turns can make you feel like you’re actually in outer space, which is not always a good thing for those prone to motion sickness.

Focusing on the controls and your assigned tasks can help distract from the motion.

Rise of the Resistance (short simulator/screen segments and short bursts of spinning):

Rise of the Resistance has several stages, but not every stage has elements that might make you queasy.

Stage 1: Transport Ship

The first stage involves a simulator and screens that mimic a transport ship. This portion of the ride definitely has the potential to make you feel queasy if simulators and screens are an issue. BUT, it doesn’t last too long, and I have found there is enough to keep me distracted which helps me from getting too nauseous.

Stage 2: Star Destroyer/prison

This stage is pretty benign when it comes to things that might make you ill. There really isn’t much here that might bother you.

Stage 3: Main ride experience

During the main ride experience, you’ll be on a trackless vehicle where you’ll encounter several moments of high action and surprise, such as sudden drops and sharp turns.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (spinning, rapid movements, and screens):

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway utilizes a trackless ride system, which allows for greater flexibility in movement compared to traditional track-based rides. This creates an unpredictable and dynamic experience as your vehicle zips around, changing directions and speeds. So, great for the ride experience but potentially bad for people with sensitive stomachs.

In addition to the motion, there are some scenes where you are immersed on 3 sides with screens featuring animations that are moving (while your ride vehicle is stationary). I’ve found that closing my eyes during this scene can really help keep me from feeling too icky.

VIDEO: 9 Attractions that can Cause Motion Sickness at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom

Here are the top attractions at Animal Kingdom that might make you motion sick. Full descriptions below the list:

• Triceratop Spin (spinning)
• Expedition Everest (coaster with tight turns and a section where you travel backwards)
• Flight of Passage (motion simulator, 3D)

Triceratop Spin (spinning):

Triceratops Spin in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a relatively gentle spinning ride, akin to the traditional carnival-style Dumbo ride. You’re seated in a small dinosaur, and you have the ability to control its vertical motion as it goes around in a circle.

For some, spinning and circular motions, even if slow and consistent, can trigger motion sickness symptoms like nausea and dizziness. It’s the repetitive, circular nature of the ride that could potentially make someone with a sensitivity to motion feel a bit queasy.

To help with the sensations, I’ve had luck trying to focus on a stationary point while riding. Also, limiting how much your dinosaur is going up and down can help, too.

Expedition Everest (coaster):

Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a high-speed roller coaster with sharp turns, drops, and even a period where you go backward in the dark. It’s a thrilling ride set in the Himalayas, and you’re basically fleeing from a yeti.

The quick changes in speed and direction, particularly the part where you go backward in darkness, can disorient your sense of balance and motion. The various G-forces you experience can certainly throw your inner ear for a loop, making you feel nauseated or dizzy.

While I used to be able to ride this one over and over, I’m past the age where that is possible anymore. If you are going to give it a whirl, try sitting in the middle of the train, which can sometimes reduce the sensation of motion. Also, keep your eyes open and try to look ahead, focusing on a fixed point in the distance when possible.

Flight of Passage (simulator):

Located in the Pandora section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Flight of Passage is a 3D simulator ride that has you flying on the back of a banshee across the landscapes of Pandora. You’ll feel the banshee “breathing” between your legs as you soar, dive, and swerve through the air.

Despite not actually moving very far, the combination of 3D visuals and the motion of the simulator can create a very realistic sensation of flying. This can cause motion sickness due to the disconnection between what your eyes perceive and what your inner ear senses. The experience is extremely immersive, which for some, can mean extremely disorienting as well.

This one really bothers me, and although I ride it, I often keep my eyes closed for the entire experience.

VIDEO: 3 Attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom That Can Cause Motion Sickness

Tips for dealing with motion sickness

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I can honestly say that over the years, there aren’t many things at Disney World outside of maybe the Enchanted Tiki Room that hasn’t at least once made me a little queasy (et tu, monorail?).

But the good news is that I have found some things that have worked for me, and, I hope that after reading this post, perhaps you’ll find that one of the tips below may work for you, too.

Everybody is different

Yes, there are some attractions that are on nearly every person’s list of “things that may make you puke”.  But, not everybody gets ill on the same things.

For example, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster bothers me the least out of all the coasters at Disney World. But Big Thunder Mountain – a coaster with no inversions or steep hills – makes me feel horribly queasy every time I ride it.

And, I have never felt more ill after an attraction than I did after my one and only ride on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, yet I know lots of people who are prone to motion sickness that were able to ride it with no problem at all!

That means one of the best things you can do is pay attention to when you start feeling gross so that you can, whenever possible, avoid attractions with similar motions in the future.

Talk to your doctor about medication

There are lots of medication options – some over-the-counter and some prescription – that can help people with mild to severe motion sickness.  The best person to discuss those options with will be your doctor.

Keep in mind, however, that most medications come with side effects and depending on your reaction to the medication, you may have to decide if the side effects are worth the relief the medication provides.

I have tried just about every over-the-counter medicine and the popular prescription Transderm Scop (scopolamine, aka the “patch”). For me, I prefer the over-the-counter, less-drowsy stuff. 

However, I have 2 friends who prefer the patch.

There is no right or wrong choice.  Go with whatever your doctor and you think is the best option for your situation.

Be prepared

Be prepared.  Bring your medications with you (so you aren’t scrambling trying to buy some when you are there) and start taking it at least the day before your first planned theme park day.

If you know that every time you get in a car you get car sick, make sure you don’t wait until you arrive at Disney World to realize that you should have packed your medicine.

And, I might also add, most medications for motion sickness work the best if taken BEFORE you are actually feeling rough. That means you’ll need to start taking it before you set foot on your first attraction.

Reliefbands

There are nonprescription wristbands – like Reliefbands or Sea Bands – that are popular choices for people trying to avoid motion sickness.

While I’m not sure exactly on the science behind how or why they work, many people (including myself) have reported that they do work. The degree of how much relief is experienced can vary, but if you are battling motion sickness, and you just need a little bit of help to be able to keep riding your favorites, I definitely fall into the “it can’t hurt to try it” category when it comes to them.

On a recent trip, I tested out a Reliefband, and while it didn’t totally eliminate my motion sickness, I was able to keep riding the thrill rides a lot longer than I typically can.

Stay hydrated & avoid heavy meals

Dehydration, not eating well, and not getting enough sleep are 3 things that frequently happen when on vacation, and all 3 are things that can make anybody (even those that don’t normally get motion sick) feel gross when riding attractions.

Yes – motion sickness is an inner ear thing, but when you are dealing with an upset stomach from eating a bunch of stuff you don’t normally eat or if you have a headache from not drinking enough water, the effects of motion sickness can be amplified.

So, don’t add to the misery. Try to eat well, stay hydrated, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Those things may not stop you from getting motion sick, but they are important things to remember when trying to minimize the effects.

Take breaks between intense rides

If you are like me, you may have favorite attractions that make you a little queasy, but you’re not willing to give them up quite yet because the recovery after you ride them is quite quick.

What I have found that works for me is to not ride intense rides back-to-back. I need to give my body enough time between the queasy-inducing rides to recover. Try staggering the rides that you know will bother you, and you may find that your recovery after is a lot faster.

Try the front seat

This won’t work for all attractions, but the front of rides like roller coasters are generally smoother than the back. So, whenever possible, aim for the front of the front where you’ll have less intense movements.

Try some ginger and peppermint

Ginger-based products are another popular choice for people with sensitive stomachs.

There are ginger candies and ginger pills and the ever-popular ginger ale, but, even though ginger is “natural”, before you load up on it, you should still talk to your doctor.

Likewise, peppermint is another natural remedy known for its anti-nausea properties. Consider having ginger candies or peppermint gum before and during rides.

Go with an empty stomach … or not

This is another thing that is truly trial and error for most people.  Some people swear by not eating before attractions that make them sick. Others say you should only do them with a full stomach.  I say you have to figure out what works best for you.

I do suggest, however, that you plan to carry in some snacks that you know are things you can eat on an upset stomach – just in case you are in a situation where you need something fast.

If given the option, sit facing forward

There are instances where ride seats face either forward or backwards.  The Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover and the monorail are just 2 examples of such configurations.

Whenever possible, opt for a seat that faces forwards to help keep from feeling sick on those attractions.

Think about avoiding the attractions that are ride simulators

Attractions that are simulators receive a huge number of complaints from people saying that they made them sick.

Disney doesn’t have a ton of these types of rides – but if you have ever had problems feeling ill on a simulator-type attraction previously, that might be something you should avoid at Disney World.