I couldn't find a suitable topic so I thought I would create a new one.
Now I've been counting down and planning my next Alton Towers trip for too long now, but tonight I've suddenly become quite nervous. I want to try new rides but then I don't. Last trip I somehow managed to wimp out of Thirteen! I was wondering if anyone has any advice for managing this fear, in recent years I've never not enjoyed a ride I've been nervous for. Just when I get in the queue I feel quite sick and the feel the need to sit down, I guess this is normal but just wish it wouldn't happen. Does anyone else get this? All of my friends don't get this at all. Hoping I have the guts to get on Rita and The Smiler for the first time. Oblivion at a push?
I've taken numerous groups of people to Towers over the years and coached them around the park, there are some who fear everything and there's nothing to be ashamed or nervous about when fearing rides. I've never forced anyone or peer pressured them into riding and they've still enjoyed their day a lot. This was evident a few weeks ago with a new girl from work who joined us, she was scared of everything coaster wise and after discussion she decided on Th13teen, whilst she did punch me on the lift hill when I told her there was a twist, she got off the ride really happy, she felt accomplished and left her coaster count for the day at that.
A lot of it stems from your own peer pressure and a lot from overthinking it. If you're not a typical 'adrenaline junkie' these rides can be very daunting and intimidating. Th13teen, Nemesis, Oblivion, The Smiler & Rita all have a theme which is dark and doesn't help some people with reservations especially with "Sit back it's fright time" "Don't look down" "Don't go alone" being some of the coaster tag lines.
The only advice I can give you is, don't rush into it. If you're not ready to ride these rides yet then don't and don't let anyone force you to do so. If you enjoy going to Alton and not riding the coasters then good for you, nobody says you have to ride the coasters, you ride what you want to ride and what you're comfortable with. I noticed you said you were 'counting the days down' Try not to think about it so much, you could be being detrimental to yourself by making it such a big pressure; look at the ride on the day and you will know deep down if you're ready, if you take the step to queue for it - remember you are NOT committed to riding, you can always choose leave when you get to the ride. It might explain why you feel sick in the queue lines. Also, they're not as big and scary as they look, I would hold off riding The Smiler, Nemesis & Oblivion until you've ridden RMT, Th13teen, Spinball, Rita and Air/Galactica.
If your friends are any kind of friends they would understand and hopefully talk you through it as that can help a lot, ask someone to be your ride buddy, someone you trust who can reassure you and to take the plunge; once you have, you'll never look back and you'll want to ride everything.
Take your time, don't rush, don't overthink it, enjoy yourself