In this season of thanks, I want to recognize the team members at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, especially those working the VelociCoaster.

I have a fear of roller coasters. I’ve ridden them before, but they make me very nervous. Furthermore, I had never ridden one with inversions. Just looking at the twists makes me dizzy.

As I get older, I’m more willing to face long-held fears. I’ve been meaning to tackle the Corkscrew at Cedar Point for years, so when I saw the VelociCoaster last week, I knew it was time.

I arrived early, walked straight to the ride, taking deep breaths the whole way, and put everything (glasses, phone, wallet, even the wrapper from my motion-sickness patch) in a locker.

When the gates opened, I took my seat… and we were off.

About a quarter of the way up the first hill, I shut my eyes and kept them closed for 90% of the ride. I felt like a blind Raggedy Andy being thrown around by a giant velociraptor. Behind me, a father was coaching his young son through the ride and unknowingly coaching me too.

The final upside-down roll convinced me I was about to fall into the water below… and then suddenly it was over. I was in one piece. I did it. And nothing could wipe the smile off my face.

I grabbed my belongings and floated out of the building. Until I realized something was missing.

Glasses, check.
Phone, check.
Wallet… wallet? Uh oh.

I retraced my steps. Nothing. Losing a wallet 1,000 miles from home on day two of vacation was not ideal. I hoped I had simply forgotten it in the locker.
I asked a team member for help, then another, until I reached the locker room attendant. I gave her my locker number and said a silent prayer.

She opened the door… and patiently waiting for me was my wallet. In the excitement of riding the VelociCoaster, I forgot to grab my wallet out of the locker.

I thanked her with every ounce of gratitude I had. Walking out, I threw my arms up like Rocky. Partly for conquering my fear, but mostly for finding my wallet seamlessly in under two minutes.

Thank you, VelociCoaster team members.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃