Going to Disney World is a lot of fun — no one can argue with that.
The Haunted Mansion
But sometimes, for just brief moments, it can be something else. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming (especially when it’s crowded and lines for everything are long). Sometimes, it can induce anxiety. The same goes for rides in Disney World: The rides are fun, but certain things can be VERY awkward — EVERY single time.
Getting out of Space Mountain vehicles
If you’ve ever been on Space Mountain, you’ll know the worst thing about the ride isn’t how it will shake your bones loose inside your body (although it will). No, the worst moment is when you have to get out of the vehicle. Because you’re sitting so low in the vehicle, and it’s pretty tiny to begin with, getting out of that little rocket is ALWAYS going to be awkward.
Good luck getting out of this
There is no graceful way to get out of these ride vehicles, so take some comfort in the fact that NO ONE is going to look cool getting off Space Mountain.
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That weird buzzing on Flight of Passage
Flight of Passage is one of Disney World’s most amazing rides, but there’s a moment when you’re strapped into the ride vehicle and then there’s a weird buzzing noise and a strange sensation. We THINK this is supposed to be the moment when you’re being linked with your avatar, but it’s SO weird.
Flight of Passage ride vehicles
What’s even weirder is when there’s a bit of a delay when the ride starts and you just have to sit there and get the buzzing thing happening for what feels like forever. It’s such a strange sensation, especially when it’s extended. Then, of course, that is followed by this THING breathing underneath your legs. Yeah, there’s a lot of strange things about this ride.
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Sliding into a stranger on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad certainly lives up to its nickname as the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, especially as you take a lot of sharp turns in the ride vehicle that cause you to slide in your seat — there’s no way to prevent it. It’s already awkward if you KNOW the person you’re sliding into.
You’ll end up getting cozy with your seat neighbor on this ride
But if you’re sitting next to a stranger on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, it’s downright mortifying. But there’s nothing you can do about it.
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Accidental hand holding
It’s already a little weird sitting next to a stranger on a ride, but if you’re a roller coaster enthusiast, you’re going to put your hands up. If they’re also a roller coaster enthusiast, they’re also going to put their hands up. The thing is that you’re both doing this at the same time, which means you might end up almost accidentally holding that person’s hand.
Expedition Everest
No, that’s not awkward AT ALL. We’ll be honest — we think about these things and keep our hands down when we think this could happen.
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Those pre-shows where you have to get TOO close to other people
It’s ALWAYS awkward when you’re being squeezed into a room with a group of people who are mostly strangers. It’s even worse when the Cast Members are telling you to squeeze in so more people can get inside that room or area. You’re basically being forced to spoon strangers at that point.
Let’s just squeeze as many bodies into the room as we can
The stretching room is so cool, but not so much when you’re shoulder to shoulder with other folks. This is also true with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s pre-show, as well as many other pre-shows.
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Riding next to a stranger on TRON Lightcycle / Run
The ride vehicles on TRON Lightcycle / Run are already pretty awkward. That is SUCH a weird way to sit on a ride even if it’s how the rides in the Tron movies were designed. Things get more awkward when you’re sitting on that ride vehicle and there’s someone right next to you (since the vehicles are two across).
TRON Lightcycle / Run
If that someone is a stranger, at some point, you’re both probably going to feel pretty ridiculous. Fortunately, the ride is short and the experience is so fun that you’ll get over that initial awkwardness. But still…
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Being the smaller group on Kali River Rapids with a big family
The Kali River Rapids ride vehicles are huge rafts that fit a lot of people. If you’re just a small party, you will be sitting with strangers on that ride. It’s even worse when the rest of the group on the raft is part of a larger group or family and your small group just feels left out — or even worse — like you’re somehow encroaching on their family time.
You’ll probably sit with strangers on Kali River Rapids
There’s no real way to avoid it, but by the time the ride is over, everyone will be soaked and that awkwardness is forgotten when you have to walk through Animal Kingdom with wet clothes and squeaky shoes.
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Getting into the Haunted Mansion Doom Buggy
Getting onto the Haunted Mansion ride vehicle, the Doom Buggy, can be tricky. First, you have to step onto a moving walkway and then you have to navigate that moving walkway and get into a ride vehicle (but don’t lower the safety bar because that’s the Ghost Host’s job). We’re almost certain we’re going to trip EVERY single time.
The ride is great, but getting into those Doom Buggies is awkward
Then you have to do it all over again when you get OUT of the Doom Buggy. You have to step onto a moving walkway immediately. This is just SO awkward.
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Being a single rider
If you’re traveling solo or you’re just the only person in your party who wants to ride an attraction, you’re probably familiar with the single rider line. This means you’ll get in the single rider line and you’ll be used to fill empty seats on a ride, meaning you’ll be riding with a complete stranger.
Single Rider at Test Track
What’s even worse is when you’re seated next to a complete stranger who suddenly thinks you’re a new potential BFF and wants to chat your ear off. Hey, we’re just here to ride Test Track, okay?
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So, yes, Disney World does have its share of awkward moments, but they’re usually over quickly. If anything, we can get a good laugh over them when they happen, right?
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You make me laugh! I relived everyone of those rides you mentioned. Just wear shorts when getting out of the Space Mountain vehicle. You might be ungraceful, but nothing shows. I’ve done Test Track with strangers. I love talking to people visiting WDW. Nothing like sharing.
A few years ago, I was a first-timer single rider placed next to a 12 year old preteen on the Dinosaur rde in Animal Kingdom. His younger brother and father were in the front seat while we sat in the back. No conversation occured but if you have ridden the ride you know about the ending. Our group photo had the father and younger brother laughing while the preteen and I hugged each other screaming in terror. BEST PHOTO EVER!