Vertigo Meets Disney Parks — Disneyland Park
- Samantha Pauley
- Dec 5, 2024
- 13 min read
Updated: Mar 22
Everything you need to know about going to Disneyland Park with vertigo and motion sickness.
Disneyland was designed to be a place for people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace the magic. They take pride in their accessibility options and welcoming “all who come to this happy place.” If you or a loved one lives with vertigo, you know the struggle of having to plan ahead and research what rides and transportation methods are feasible and ones you should avoid. Here’s our in-depth list of ratings for Disneyland Park attractions based on their motion sickness ride-ability and tips to get the most out of the park.
Rating Scale: 1-10 (1: still riding the ride an hour later (iykyk) - red flag, avoid)
(10: Can walk a straight line to next attraction - good to go)
*Chicken Exits refer to the point in the queue a guest can exit the line, meaning you can stay in line all the way to this point and then tell a cast member you won’t be riding and they will tell you where to exit. All attractions have some sort of chicken exit so guests who may not want to ride can stay with their party and enjoy the queue.
Please note: We are not licensed to give medical advice or liable for these suggestions. Information is based on the personal experience of a Disney vacation with an immediate family member with vertigo. Every person’s vertigo is different and no one knows your health condition better than you. Please consult a doctor prior to your trip if you have questions about your health.
Disneyland Park Attractions
Alice in Wonderland
Rating: 7.5/10, be mindful, but you’ll be okay!
Description: Slow, forward-moving ride, mostly dark, twists and turns but never jarring, lots to look at but not over-stimulating.
Alternative: Alice, Mad Hatter, Peter Pan, and Captain Hook often roam Fantasyland, which makes this the perfect time to grab a photo!
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the vehicle. This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
Astro Orbiter
Rating: 1/10, absolutely not
Description: Spins, medium-paced, forward-moving, high up in the air, also moves up and down, requires an elevator to board.
Alternative: Close to the castle, there are benches with a great view. If the line is longer, there are churro and corn dog stands, or head down Main Street for shopping opportunities.
Chicken Exit: There’s really not a queue for this one, just wait outside the line.
Autopia
Rating: 7/10, it’s just like riding in a car!
Description: Medium-paced car, forward-moving, feels like riding in a vehicle on the road.
Alternative: Grab a Mickey bar and find a bench to people watch.
Chicken Exit: Where guests line up with their car. This queue is an ordinary line, don’t feel you have to experience it. If you do get in line, you can exit over the bridge where the cast member asks how many are in your party and wait to wave to your riders.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Rating: 3/10, not the best idea
Description: Roller coaster, medium-paced, small drops, dips, and turns.
Alternative: Plenty of seating with views in this area. If there’s a long line, walk through Frontierland toward New Orleans Square to find quick-service food, restrooms, and gift shops. You may even catch a parade or band performance.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the ride car and a cast member asks how many are in your party. This queue is slightly interactive, but nothing fancy.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Rating: 7/10, be mindful, but you’ll be okay!
Description: Slow, forward-moving omnimover, spins to face targets, but is controlled by the rider.
Alternative: There’s a Buzz-themed gift shop at the end of the ride. There’s also drink stands and restrooms in this area. If the line is long, head over to Star Traders to shop.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the omnimover. This queue is cool because it has Buzz Lightyear in it — and it is inside if you’re trying to escape the heat.
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Rating: 9/10, you’re good to go!
Description: Slow, forward-moving train with 10/10 views.
Alternative: Alice, Mad Hatter, Peter Pan, and Captain Hook often roam Fantasyland, which makes this the perfect time to grab a photo!
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the train. This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
Rating: 3/10, not the best idea
Description: Roller coaster, medium-paced, small drops, dips, and turns.
Alternative: Head over to Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses for a special meet and greet.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the coaster and a cast member asks how many are in your party. This queue is slightly interactive, but nothing fancy.
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
Rating: 7/10, do you normally get seasick?
Description: Free floating canoe ride powered by riders paddling.
Alternative: Plenty of quick-service options, restrooms, and benches in this area.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the boat and grab a paddle. This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
Disneyland Railroad
Rating: 9/10, you’re good to go!
Description: Slow, forward-moving train with 10/10 views.
Alternative: Enjoy all that Main Street, U.S.A. has to offer.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the train. This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it, unless you want to grab a photo looking toward the castle.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Rating: 2/10, unfortunately, it’s a no from me dawg
Description: Spins, medium-paced, forward-moving, also moves up and down, which is controlled by the rider.
Alternative: Can watch your party ride and try to take a picture of them, or look out for various characters that usually roam Fantasyland for a photo-op.
Chicken Exit: This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it, unless you want to grab a photo looking toward the castle.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Rating: 8.5/10, unless you get claustrophobic
Description: Slow-moving submarine ride with your own individual window to look out.
Alternative: Plenty of quick-service options, shopping, pin trading, benches, and restrooms in this area of Tomorrowland.
Chicken Exit: This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
Rating: 8/10, ride this
Description: Slow-moving omnimover, tilts you backward a few times, forward moving for the most part. It turns backward once, no jarring or extreme movements, dark ride.
Alternative: Plenty of food carts to grab a snack or head toward New Orleans Square for more dining, shopping, pin trading opportunities, and restrooms.
Chicken Exit: It’s worth waiting in line so you can watch the preshow and walk through the mansion. If you choose not to ride, just let the cast member know at the time of boarding.
Indiana Jones Adventure
Rating: 2/10, probably shouldn’t
Description: Indoor, dark ride, sudden slight drops and movement, varying speeds.
Alternative: Obviously head to The Tropical Hideaway to get Dole Whip.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the ride vehicle. There are some things to look at in this queue, but don’t feel like you have to experience it.
Rating: 9/10, you’re good to go!
Description: Slow, forward-moving boat ride, lots to look at but not over-stimulating.
Alternative: Check out the “it’s a small world” Toy Shop or take a break at the Fantasyland Theatre.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the boats. This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
Rating: 8/10, you’ll do great!
Description: Slow, forward-moving boat ride, lots to look at but not over-stimulating. Calm water but use your judgment if you have trouble with boat rides.
Alternative: If you don’t mind going by yourself, check out Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room or stop by The Tropical Hideaway for the best snack in the park: Pineapple Dole Whip.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the boats. This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
King Arthur Carrousel
Rating: 2/10, this one’s just not for you
Description: Slow-moving, spinning carrousel.
Alternative: There’s normally not a long wait so you can watch your party ride or sit down and enjoy the view of the castle.
Chicken Exit: This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
Mad Tea Party
Rating: 1/10, don’t ride
Description: Fast, spinning ride in multiple directions.
Alternative: Usually, there’s not a long line if you want to wait and watch your party ride. Otherwise, Alice, Mad Hatter, Peter Pan, and Captain Hook often roam Fantasyland, which makes this the perfect time to grab a photo!
Chicken Exit: When the cast member asks how many are in your party, you can let them know you aren’t riding. This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Rating: 9/10, you should be just fine
Description: Slow-moving, omnimover, slightly turns you different ways and tilts you, but is never jarring or extreme.
Alternative: Meet Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore if they’re at Pooh’s thotful spot! Or check out Pooh Corner.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board. This queue is an ordinary line with some interactive elements and visual storytelling.
Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia
Rating: 8/10, go for it!
Description: Slow, forward-moving boat ride, lots to look at but not over-stimulating, calm water but use your judgment if you have trouble with boat rides.
Alternative: There are restrooms, quick-service restaurants, and gift shops near this area.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the boats. This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Rating: 1/10, absolutely do not ride
Description: Fast-moving, roller coaster, in and out of darkness to trick your mind that you’re going faster than you really are, tight turns, no loops.
Alternative: Head toward “it’s a small world” for plenty of quick-service options and seating.
Chicken Exit: This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Rating: 2/10, not a good idea
Description: Quick-moving, trackless ride, sudden jerks and spins.
Alternative: Head over to Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses for a special meet and greet.
Chicken Exit: This queue is an ordinary line with some interactive elements and Mickey and Minnie-themed things to look at. If want to see the preshow (which I HIGHLY recommend), wait in line and the final exit is right before the boarding area.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Rating: 3/10, don’t ride, BUT WAIT IN THE QUEUE
Description: Simulator experience in an enclosed space
Alternative: There’s so much to look at in Galaxy’s Edge, not to mention you can wait outside next to the Millennium Falcon.
Chicken Exit: I highly recommend walking through this queue, as there are animatronics and Star Wars-themed elements prior to the ride. You are also able to board the Millennium Falcon and will be escorted to the exit when it is your party’s turn. When the cast member asks how many are in your party, you can let them know you aren’t riding.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Rating: 9/10 good to go!
Description: Slow, forward-moving trackless ride, twists and turns but never jarring, lots to look at but not over-stimulating.
Bonus: This may be your one opportunity to visit Hell and come back alive.
Alternative: Alice, Mad Hatter, Peter Pan, and Captain Hook often roam Fantasyland, which makes this the perfect time to grab a photo!
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the vehicle. This queue is an ordinary line with some interactive elements, but don’t feel you need to experience it.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Rating: 8/10, do ride this
Description: Slow-moving omnimover, tilts you forward and backward a few times, forward moving for the most part, never jarring or extreme movements.
Alternative: Alice, Mad Hatter, Peter Pan, and Captain Hook often roam Fantasyland, which makes this the perfect time to grab a photo!
Chicken Exit: You can let the cast member know at the boarding area you won’t be riding.
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Rating: 9/10 good to go!
Description: Slow, forward-moving trackless ride, twists and turns but never jarring, lots to look at but not over-stimulating.
Alternative: This line usually isn’t long, feel free to find a nice bench and people watch.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the vehicle. This queue has some interactive and visual storytelling elements if you’d like to wait and let the cast member know you won’t be riding.
Rating: 6/10, you may need to hold on to someone while getting off, but worth it
Description: Slow, forward-moving boat ride, with one hill in the dark.
Alternative: This ride has a gift shop at the end. Head over to the register where the cast member usually has trading pins on a pirate’s sword.
Chicken Exit: This queue takes you through the halls and dungeon of a Spanish fort. So it’s cool to see and it gets you out of the heat. Just let the cast member know at boarding you aren’t riding and they will tell you where to go.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
Rating: 6.5/10, you may need to hold on to someone while getting off
Description: Slow-moving mostly dark ride, spins you but not jarring or extreme movements forward moving for the most part.
Alternative: Head over to Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses for a special meet and greet.
Chicken Exit: This queue is indoors with interactive and visual storytelling elements. Feel free to wait with your party indoors and let the cast member know at the time of boarding that you won’t be riding.
Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
Rating: 9/10 good to go!
Description: Slow, forward-moving trackless ride, twists and turns but never jarring, lots to look at but not over-stimulating.
Alternative: This line usually isn’t long, feel free to find a nice bench and people watch.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the vehicle. This queue has some interactive and visual storytelling elements if you’d like to wait and let the cast member know you won’t be riding.
Space Mountain
Rating: 1/10, don’t ride
Description: Fast-moving, roller coaster, dark-ride, with lights to trick your mind that you’re going faster than you really are, tight turns, no loops.
Alternative: There’s a gift shop at the end of the ride you can check out or even pin trade. There’s also restrooms and quick service places nearby in Tomorrowland.
Chicken Exit: This queue is an ordinary line with some things to look at. It’s inside and cool if you’re trying to beat the heat, but not a must-experience-queue. You can exit when you reach the point where the cast member asks how many are in your party.
Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
Rating: 2/10, don’t ride
Description: Simulator experience with 3D glasses.
Alternative: Head over to Star Trader to shop and pin trade. There are also plenty of food carts and benches in this area.
Chicken Exit: When the cast member asks how many are in your party, you can let them know you aren’t riding. This queue is an ordinary line with some Star Wars-themed elements to look at.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Rating: -1/10, BUT READ ON (spoiler alert for attraction queue)
Description: Fast-moving, trackless ride, with sudden movements, turns, spins, drops, visually stimulating.
Alternative: AFTER THE QUEUE AND PRESHOW, check out the merchandise carts
Chicken Exit: If you don’t take any of our other advice, JUST TAKE THIS ONE. Rise of the Resistance is an amazing experience and one of the most expensive and advanced attractions on the property. The line is long, but it is worth it. While going through the queue, there are different stop points where cast members will ask how many are in your party. Let them know you’re part of your group, are not riding, but would like to continue as far as you can. When you get to the preshow with Rey and BB-8, let them know you’d like to keep going but aren’t riding. You’ll watch the preshow in a room where you stand and watch. Then, all the guests are escorted outside to where they go on the transporter. This part is a simulator and can cause motion sickness. There will be a cast member outside guiding people. Go up to the cast member and (very nicely) tell them you have vertigo and you’re not able to ride but you would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to see the Stormtrooper room. Ask if there is any way you’re able to get there without riding the transport. The rest of your party can go on the transport and the cast member will take you in the back hallways to get to the Stormtrooper room where you can meet up with your group. Continue with your group through the launch bay and hallways of the First Order. Each time a cast member asks how many are in your party, tell them you won’t be riding but would love to be able to see the holding cell scene and ask if there's any way it is possible to continue until your group boards the ride vehicle. They will most likely let you get all the way until that part and will escort you out and to the exit once your party boards the ride. This is how you will get the most out of it, without being able to actually ride the ride.
Note: This is based on a personal experience and how the cast members handled our group. We can’t guarantee that this will work, but 9/10 times, cast members want to give you the most magical and immersive experience they can without having you feel left out or held back due to something that is out of your control. So just remember to be nice, ask politely, and the majority of the time the cast member would love to create that magic moment for you.
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Rating: 8.5/10, you’ll do great!
Description: Slow, forward-moving boat ride, lots to look at but not over-stimulating. Calm water but use your judgment if you have trouble with boat rides. 10/10 views.
Alternative: There are plenty of other small attractions, photo opportunities, and benches in this area of Fantasyland.
Chicken Exit: Where guests board the boats. This queue is an ordinary line with not much to look at, so don’t feel you need to experience it.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Rating: 1/10, don’t ride if large hills bother you
Description: Slow-moving (besides the hills), boat-ride but has multiple hills: the final drop is very steep and fast.
Alternative: Plenty of dining, shopping, pin trading opportunities, and restrooms in New Orleans Square.
Chicken Exit: This queue has some interactive and visual storytelling elements. If you’d like to wait and let the cast member know you won’t be riding, you can get out right before the boarding area.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Rating: 11/10, no questions here, go for it!
Description: Animatronic show where guests sit in auditorium-style seats, no 3D glasses.
Alternative: There typically is not a long line but it is roughly a 15-minute show so, stop by The Tropical Hideaway for the best snack in the park: Pineapple Dole Whip.
Chicken Exit: Because this is a show, there’s not really a queue. Guests wait outside the auditorium and you can leave at any time prior to the show starting.
Want to see our vertigo guide for the other Disney parks’ attractions? Check them out here: Disney California Adventure Park (coming soon!), WDW Magic Kingdom, WDW Epcot, WDW Hollywood Studios, and WDW Animal Kingdom. We hope this guide helps you or someone you know soak up every bit of magic possible!
