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Are Monster Rides Right for You? Q&A With Steve "the G man" Elliot
Q: Is the Biggest, Tallest, Fastest, Wildest ride at the park or carnival safe?
The answer is simple and hard. The simple part is rides are made safe by the manufacture for specific types of guests. First of all, you should be in normal to good health and not have any of the customary medical concerns, like being pregnant, have or have had broken bones within the last year, heart or respiratory problems, or taking any drugs or alcohol. Second, most rides have a height requirement, which is used to "classify" guests into a size range that allows for safe enjoyment of the ride.
The hard part is whether you "fit" the classification the ride requires. Many people meet the height requirement, but find the seat difficult to "fit" into, due to size, weight, or build of their body. The question you as a guest should ask yourself is, "Do I fit comfortably in the seat and the restraint?" Remember that enjoyment comes with comfort and safety. If you do not fit into the seat properly, either too big or too small, you will not enjoy the ride. And if you do not fit properly, the seat’s safety restraint may not function properly. These are all choices you as the guest can make before the ride leaves the station. You are a part of the safety system of the ride. If you follow the directions and act responsibly, these rides are safe for you and your friends.
And please remember, the ride attendant is only enforcing the Park's rules, if you have questions about the policy, you should go to the Guest Relations location and discuss it with an appropriate Park manager.
Q: What questions should I ask before I ride the ride?
It is important you understand the limits of your own body. If you get car sick when sitting in the back seat of a car, do not sit in the back seat of a ride, sit in the front. Have you just eaten a large lunch or lots of snacks? If so, it might be best to wait an hour before you go "swimming" on the ride. It is best to drink a fair amount of water during your day at the park or carnival. Good hydration is important in keeping your body healthy and your internal systems functioning, and it will reduce your chances of getting sick or having a headache while enjoying the rides. But don’t drink a large soda, the amount of liquid, just like the content, can also add to your discomfort. Also, small amounts of food will keep your stomach happy and make the ride an enjoyable event in your fun-filled day.
Q: What if I want to know more about a ride?
This is a good question to ask, especially when your are not sure about the actions or motions of a ride and where it will be appropriate for you or your children. If you are unsure, go to the guest relations office or window at the park or carnival. Ask for assistance in learning more about the ride, its motions, and what the requirements are for riders enjoying the ride. If you are already in a queue-line and have questions, wait till the ride comes to a stop and then ask an attendant for assistance. It is important not to bother the attendant while the ride is moving in the station, since they are required to watch and observe the ride during that time. The important thing to remember is you have to feel comfortable about the ride and its motions, and with that you can enjoy the ride.
Q: What if my child is too small to ride, but I would like to ride?
Many parks and carnivals have a "child pass" policy. This works with two adults and the undersize children. What usually occurs (check at the Guest Relations office for more information) is one adult stays with the children on the load side while the first adult rides the ride. Once the ride goes around and has stopped to unload, the children are transferred to the exiting first adult and the second adult rides the ride. In this manner, the children are happy because they are with a parent or familiar person, and the adults have a chance to add that ride to there ride list. It is very important not to force a child onto a ride, even if they are big enough to ride. Children under these situations are more likely to become sick and/or attempt to get out of the safety restraints. It is important for their safety that they are willing to experience the ride and control their actions while on the ride. Parents cannot and should not plan on holding their children during these ride experiences because this may put them in danger also. Larger rides are safe, but it requires a level of maturity and understanding of all riders for it to be a safe and enjoyable experience.
Steve "the g-man" Elliott is an expert in the fields of amusement ride design and biomedical engineering. His education and experience combine to make him one of the leading experts on high-g rides. Steve earned his nickname while working as a Disney Imagineer, where he designed the Space Mountain roller coaster at Disneyland Paris.
