Tips for Avoiding Motion Sickness at Universal Studios

Universal Studios Orlando is an amazing theme park the whole family will enjoy. That is, if no one in the family is prone to motion sickness. Many of the attractions at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have 3D motion simulators which tend to trigger motion sickness. Which attractions are they? Gulf Coast TravelingMom has all the details in Tips for Avoiding Motion Sickness at Universal Studios.

Tips for Avoiding Motion Sickness at Universal Studios

Motion sickness is no joke. In fact, I’ve struggled with it my entire life. Little did I know on my first visit to Universal Studios Orlando, many of their attractions trigger motion sickness. Like many others with Early Park admission, I chose to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey first thing. It took me several hours to regain composure after the ride. The ride was amazing, don’t get me wrong. The reality of flying on a broomstick was a little more than I could handle. I ended up spending the rest of the day unable to ride anything. My second visit to Universal Studios Orlando I was much better prepared and had the time of my life.

What is Motion Sickness?

According to WebMD: “Motion sickness occurs when the inner ear, the eyes, and other areas of the body that detect motion send conflicting messages to the brain. One part of your balance-sensing system (your inner ear, vision, and sensory nerves that help you keep your balance) may indicate that your body is moving, while the other parts do not sense motion. For example, if you are in the cabin of a moving ship, your inner ear may sense the motion of big waves, but your eyes don’t see any movement. This leads to a conflict between the senses and results in motion sickness.”

What are the Symptoms of Motion Sickness?

If you’ve never experienced motion sickness, consider yourself lucky. Motion sickness begins with a mild feeling of nausea. If you are lucky you can stave it off with some over the counter medication. More severe cases will lead to cold sweats and extreme stomach pain. Dizziness takes over your entire body and often times you will begin to vomit. Sometimes for hours. Furthermore, motion sickness symptoms (especially the vomiting) can trigger terrible migraine headaches. There’s no better way to ruin a vacation. Trust me.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Motion Sickness at Universal Studios

First of all, knowing what your motion sickness triggers are is key. Keep in mind that not everyone’s triggers are the same. Some people are affected by spinning and roller coasters, while others are affected by motion simulated rides and 3D. If you know what your triggers are you can plan accordingly.

I have researched (through personal experience) and made a list of those Universal attractions that are commonly associated with motion sickness (below).

Motion Simulated and 3D Attractions Known to Trigger Motion Sickness

If you know that your motion sickness is triggered by spinning and/or roller coasters, the following is a list of attractions you may want to avoid. As a matter of fact, anyone who experiences motion sickness (of any kind) needs to avoid The Simpsons Ride. Trust me, it is brutal.

Attractions in Universal Studios:

• The Simpsons Ride (Don’t do it. Just don’t!)
• TRANSFORMERS
• Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Attractions in Islands of Adventure:

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Spinning & Roller Coaster Attractions Known to Trigger Motion Sickness

If you know that your motion sickness is triggered by spinning and/or roller coasters, the following is a list of attractions you may want to avoid.

Attractions in Universal Studios:

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Kang & Koda’s Twirl and Hurl (the name itself is self-explanatory)
• Revenge of the Mummy (While this is my FAVORITE attraction at Universal, it can be pretty rough on your neck and back)

Attractions in Islands of Adventure:

• Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Storm Force Accelatron

Items that Help Prevent Motion Sickness at Universal Studios

There are many different medications and homeopathic motion sickness remedies. The most commonly known medication is Dramamine, which can be found over the counter at any pharmacy. Dramamine tends to make me drowsy so I have found that the Scopolamine patch (available by prescription only) does the trick. Honestly, I put a patch behind my ear the day before I arrive at Universal and I am good to go. I have found that the over the counter motion sickness patches are not as effective.  There are still a few rides I completely avoid (The Simpsons Ride), but overall I have no issues with motion sickness when wearing the Scopolamine patch.

If you want to go the homeopathic route, I would recommend purchasing peppermint oil and ginger pills. The peppermint oil is extremely helpful with nausea. Simply roll the oil on your temples, forehead and the base of your neck. Ginger pills, like Dramamine, can help prevent the nausea from starting. Other options include acupressure bands and ginger candy.

Key Points

In conclusion, Universal Studios Orlando is one of my favorite places to visit. Don’t let motion sickness ruin your experience or prevent you from going. Planning ahead and arriving prepared is key. I cannot stress enough how helpful the Scopolamine patch is for me personally. Visit your doctor prior to your trip and obtain a prescription. You will be so glad you did.

Oh, and not to “beat a dead horse,” but AVOID THE SIMPSONS RIDE!