The Big Debate: Should Screaming Be Banned on Roller Coasters?

The world has been a rather difficult and depressing place over the last few months with story after story about COVID-19.

This story caught my attention today, it outlines a way that Japan are trying to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by asking theme park goers not to scream on their theme park attractions.

You may ask, how is not screaming going to help with COVID-19? It is apparently based on certain health officials judgements who have said that coughing and singing can spread droplets widely, which is obviously something that needs to be avoided during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Theme park operators are urging guests to “Enjoy the ride, just don’t let your voice show it.”

Back in May when the theme parks in Japan began reopening, Japans Theme Park Association announced the ban on screaming along with a recommendation for mask wearing. Mask wearing is voluntary although more or less universally followed. The guidelines urge guests to think of others safety by not screaming on theme park rides, but screaming will not be punished. Most parks in the country are adopting these industry guidelines, including Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

The article decribes how the chief executive and the corporate boss of Fuji-Q Highland amusement park boarded the Fujiyama roller coaster, which is the park’s top attraction, and didn’t utter a noise during the entire ride. For those of you who don’t know, the ride includes a 230 feet drop, they appeared to be unphased. A video was also included which ended with the message, “Please scream inside your heart.”

The Big Debate: Should Screaming Be Banned on Roller Coasters?

Universal Studios Japan — Image: Universal

I can hear you saying it now “There’s no way I can’t scream on a rollercoaster”, we know there are some that are unsuprisingly more scream inducing than others.

Japan are asking guests not to scream on roller coasters, do you think it is something that is needed? Do you think this ban is ever going to be successful? Do you think this ban will be trialled in the US?

So many questions, with few answers right now. The Walt Disney Company hasn’t so far commented on this. I personally don’t think it is something that anyone in the US needs to worry about right now.

I thought, however, it would hopefully be a light hearted debate to take part in. Apologies now to anyone that disagrees with me, for those readers, please ignore this and go to our News Page for the latest updates from Walt Disney World and other theme parks around the world or click on one of our latest features which are linked to at the end of this article.

VOTE NOW

So, here it is, Should Screaming Be Banned on Roller Coasters?:

CLICK HERE to vote and don’t forget to share this with your friends and family.

We are all undoudtedly expecting a huge win for ‘NO’ here but as with all of our debates, it doesn’t always turn out completely how you expect it to.

We always love to hear your comments and are proud of our community on Theme Park Tourist so we ask you to be respectful of all others readers views. You can leave comments on our Facebook Page or below.

Many of these comments will feature in our Results and Discussion for this debate which will be coming soon to Theme Park Tourist, so don’t forget to look out for it!

For all the latest news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and all other theme parks in the US and around the World, by checking out our News Page and Facebook Page.

To read two of our top articles this week, click on one of the links in the content box below, and if you click on page 2, you can find out what else Theme Park Tourist has to offer to help you plan for your next theme park trip. We have also included a link to our results article for the last Big Debate and listed our recent featured articles for you to check out…

What Else Does Theme Park Tourist Has To Offer?

If you are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or a trip to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Disneyland or any other theme park in the US, UK or across the world, take a look at our Park Guides and Reviews page. We have over 80 parks listed worldwide with ride information, ratings and reviews!

Our Special Offers page gives you a list of special offers for all the top theme parks around the world. These are currently being updated as the parks start to reopen again.

Even though, due to COVID-19, there have been many projects that have been cancelled, delayed or slimmed down, our New Attraction Watch Page lists when the new attractions are announced to be open and Rehab Watch, which lets you know what rides or attractions will see down-time in the future due to refurbishment.

Epcot, Spaceship Earth — Image: Theme Park Tourist

You can read our latest Results and Discussion by clicking on this link, The Big Debate RESULTS: Do YOU Think Walt Disney World Should Delay Its Reopening?

There is still time to vote in our previous debate if you haven’t already, The Big Debate – Do YOU Think Splash Mountain Should Be Rethemed?

During a time when your favorite theme park isn’t quite reopen yet or at a time when you feel unable to visit for any number of reasons, if you fancy a chilled few minutes be sure to read one of our many new featured articles below: