I love theme parks, the scents, the soundtrack loops, and the immersive lands. They are the perfect balance of fantasy and logistics. But despite my enthusiasm for all things themed amusement, there are some rides I won’t touch. Not because they’re poorly designed, most of them are technological wonders with many fans, but because they aren’t for me.
This is an essential lesson for any guest and park PR teams. You can construct an award-winning attraction, but not every experience will resonate with every audience. Guest experience is personal in every way. Here’s my honest, experienced reflection on the rides I skip every single time.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – Disneyland
The storytelling here is definitive Disney: familiar characters, ambient sound, and an underwater expedition filled with hidden details. But from a guest comfort standpoint, it’s not for everyone. The cramped, humid interior and low seating of the attraction create a physically uncomfortable experience, especially for anyone prone to claustrophobia or underwater sensitivity. For me, it’s less “under the sea” and more “trapped in an enclosed space.” I admire the creativity but I’ll enjoy the lagoon’s beauty from afar.
Logger’s Revenge – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Logger’s Revenge is a nostalgic classic. The coastal air, the creaky log flume, the splashdown ending, it feels like summer. But let’s be honest: you get drenched, not just splashed. I’d rather stay dry unless it’s a scorching day with a towel nearby. The Boardwalk markets fun, not discomfort; wet socks are an instant mood drop for me. I’ll be cheering from the bridge, Dip in Dots in hand.
Mission: SPACE (Orange) – EPCOT
There’s a reason this ride comes with a thorough health warning. Mission: SPACE simulates fierce G-forces meant to imitate a real rocket launch. It’s one of Disney’s most technologically state-of-the-art rides, and the realism is remarkable, but so is the nausea. For many guests (myself included), it crosses the line between thrilling and threatening. I respect the engineering and storytelling, but I’m on team Green, the gentler version, or just team “Let’s go to Test Track instead.”
Supreme Scream – Knott’s Berry Farm
I appreciate gravity. Honestly, I do. But Supreme Scream takes that appreciation and turns it into pure panic. This towering drop ride launches you 252 feet into the sky, letting you plunge back down at terrifying speed. For some, that stomach-lurching free fall is the whole appeal. For me? It’s a hard no. I love speed, inversions, and a good launch, but the straight drop with no track, loops, or portrayal? That’s where I draw the line. Supreme Scream does precisely what it promises, so I’ll be cheering from the ground.
Why This Matters
It’s easy to feel you must love every ride to be a true fan. But guest experiences are deeply individual, and that’s something brilliant park developers and PR teams understand. The best parks aren’t just filled with crowd-pleasers; they offer a diverse mix of thrills, chills, calm escapes, and story-driven experiences that meet guests where they are.
So, there is no shame in skipping the submarine or walking past the water ride. Knowing what you do and don’t enjoy is part of curating your ideal park day. Honestly, that kind of self-awareness might be the best park hack available.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disneyland/finding-nemo-submarine-voyage/
https://www.knotts.com/rides-experiences/supreme-scream
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/mission-space/
The Coscarelli Portfolio 
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