7 Ways to Avoid Motion Sickness at Disneyland

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If you're prone to motion sickness just the smallest movements might result in vertigo, migraine headache or vomiting. Certainly not what you want to experience on your magical day at Disney! As a longtime motion sickness sufferer I've come up with my list of top tips for how to avoid motion sickness at Disneyland.

Avoiding Nausea and Motion Sickness at Disneyland

Simulators, long drops, upside-down loops, spinning, bobbing on water, 3-D, bumps and jiggles. Does all that twirl make you...well, hurl? Any one of these motions (or all of the above) might make you dizzy or sick to your stomach.

However there are a variety of things to do or be aware of when on a Disneyland vacation to help minimize or eliminate nausea.

1. Motion Sickness Inducing Rides at Disneyland

Have issues with the following movements? Consider these rides & attractions if you think you might get Disneyland motion sickness.

Spinning Dizzy in a Circle

• Disneyland - Astro Orbitor, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, King Arthur Carrousel, Mad Tea Party, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
• Disney California Adventure - Golden Zephyr, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, Jessie's Critter Carousel, Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, Pixar Pal-A-Round, Silly Symphony Swings, Grizzly River Run

Herky-Jerky Starts & Stops

• Disneyland - Autopia, Indiana Jones Adventure, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
• Disney California Adventure - Goofy's Sky School, Incredicoaster

Water Attractions for a Sea Sick Feeling

• Disneyland - Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Mark Twain Riverboat, Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island, Sailing Ship Columbia, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Tiana's Bayou Adventure
• Disney California Adventure - Grizzly River Run

3-D Glasses Required

• Disneyland -Star Tours
• Disney California Adventure - Mickey's PhilharMagic, Toy Story Midway Mania, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

Tummy Tickling Drops & Dips

• Disneyland - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Chip 'n' Dale's GADGETcoaster, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Space Mountain, Tiana's Bayou Adventure
• Disney California Adventure - Incredicoaster, Jumpin' Jellyfish, Goofy's Sky School, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!, Radiator Springs Racers, Soarin' Around the World

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2. Tricks to Compensate Motion Sickness at Disneyland

If you really want to ride, there are ways to deal with motion sickness at Disney. Try all of these tricks to compensate and help to avoid that nauseated feeling.

Do not ride backwards if you can prevent it

Find a seat that faces forward on rides, including the Monorail and Mark Twain River Boat.

Even the buses and trams coming to and from the parking lot have backwards and sideways facing seats, so always choose the option that faces forward.

Keep fresh air on your face

Though the Finding Nemo Subs have tiny fans in front of the windows, the still air, close-quarters and water-motion in this ride might make you lightheaded.

Consider bringing in your own battery-operated fan to keep the cool air on your face.

Adjust your gaze and focus on the horizon

I find that if I'm looking at something inside the ride (like focusing on my son's face on the carrousel, for example) then the blur of anything outside of the ride catches in my peripheral vision, making me dizzy.

If I look outward when I'm riding on Dumbo, for instance, and focus on the Matterhorn in the distance then I'm less likely to feel nauseous.

Avoid reading

Put down the map or guide book! Reading while riding is a sure bet to bring on nausea. Keep your head up and look outwards.

Try riding at night

In an effort to eliminate some of the dizzying effects of peripheral vision, try riding attractions at night. The darkness outside of the ride may minimize those effects.

3. Consider Pharmaceuticals

There are a variety of anti-nausea medications to consider. Always "test" out medications before your trip to see how the dosage affects you.

Avoid medicine that causes drowsiness

Keep caution that some medications can cause extreme drowsiness. The last time I took Dramamine was on a fishing trip. I was so sleepy that while my family was fishing, I was asleep on the bottom of the row boat!

Prescription medication for nausea

I like scopolamine (Transderm-Scop) which is a patch worn behind the ear. It slowly delivers medication over the course of three days.

I've found it's the only motion sickness medication that doesn't make me drowsy and that fully works for my symptoms.

The last time I used the patch was on my trip to Europe. I was able to travel by plane, bus, van and bicycle without any nausea and fully enjoyed my vacation! It can give you a "cotton mouth" feeling, so make sure to stay well hydrated.

Non-medication nausea relief

If you're hoping to avoid medication, these anti-nausea tips may help. Keep in mind, what works for one person might not work for another, so your mileage may vary.

• Ginger, peppermint and lemon drop candies
• Smelling salts with essential oils, like peppermint or lemon
• Popsicle
• Crackers
• Cooling Towel on the back of the neck

4. Pressure Points

According to a study in Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, those who performed acupressure on their wrists reported reduced motion sickness.

Use your thumb to press your inner arm three finger widths (about two inches) down from your wrist crease. Hold for a few minutes, until symptoms subside.

Some swear by SeaBands, which are wrist bands with small buttons that rest on pressure points on the wrist. I haven't tried them to know for sure but it's worth a try!

5. Watch What You Eat and Drink

Foods with strong odors, heavy, spicy, or fatty foods may worsen symptoms in some people. Unfortunately that is a large part of Park food. Here's how to lessen nausea at Disneyland with what you're eating.

Choose lighter meals

Choose lighter fare when you can to avoid a heavy feeling. Steer clear of overly greasy or fried meals to keep your stomach from turning.

Disneyland theme park menus can be viewed online. Here are some additional tips for eating healthy at Disney.

Pack Snacks

Considering bringing in your own healthy snacks. Focus on items that can relieve nauseous symptoms, including saltine crackers.

Avoid Alcohol

Yes, Disney California Adventure serves alcoholic beverages. But if you're an adult avoiding motion sickness at Disneyland, you should also avoid alcohol. Stick to water and soda to minimize nausea.

Stay well hydrated

Guests that are dehydrated are more susceptible to nausea at Disneyland. Add in electrolytes for added hydration. Dr. Berg Sugar Free Electrolytes are our family favorite.

Don't forget you can also bring in your own bottled water or refillable container. There are water refill stations located around the park.

Drinking water in the parks is important. But it's also a great idea to start drinking lots of water before your trip, especially during warmer months. Add in a pinch of Himalayan salt to boost your electrolytes.

6. Talk Yourself Out of It

Positive self-talk has been shown to aid in preventing motion sickness symptoms. Repeat to yourself, "I will not get sick" or "I will feel fine on this ride".

Breathe deeply without hyperventilating and aim to relax. Focus on your breathing. Take breaks as needed before or after high-movement rides to self-affirm.

7. Visit First Aid

Okay, so you tried it all and you still feel sick to your stomach? Visit First Aid inside the Parks and the nurses here can help.

I was terribly dehydrated on a summer Disney vacation and any movement was making me feel nauseated. I was able to lay down and rest with an electrolyte drink inside the First Aid center until I was feeling better.

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This article originally posted on Feb 26th, 2015 and has been updated and republished with a new date.