Amputation Question [Merged With Thread From TPA&S]

[tinksgilrs251520]

Well i have thought long and hard about asking this question but I have to becuase its been bugging me and i need to know some information before we go down there. In 2007, (after our first trip to WDW) my husband was involved in a accident at work and in April had to make the choice to have his hand amputated. I was just wondering if there are any rides that he cannot go on or should avoid? I know there are lots of things that we can do but I dont want him to feel unsafe on a ride or have any uncomfortable feelings while we are down there. He will have his prosthetic with him but he hates to wear it he does alot more with it not on than he does with it on. I appreciate any feedback that anybody can

 

[Luv'sTink]

Toy Story Mania...only because you have to use one hand to aim the gun and the other to pull the string. Unless he aims and then lets go to pull, but I think that would be very hard. Buzz Lightyear if you were alone, you wouldnt be able to steer and shoot at the same time.

Other than holding on on roller coasters, I dont know any others. I am not a huge ride person and others may come up with some.

Honestly, I think he will be fine on almost all of them.

You can look on Youtube for video's of the rides and there is a website, maybe someone will post it.

 

[anonymousegirl]

You might want to post this question on the DISabilities board as I think a lot of DISers there will have similar experiences and can guide you.

Good luck to you and DH

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

I do not believe that any of the "thrill" rides actually require a person to hold on as the restraints are sufficient (which is why you see lots of people on coasters with their hands up). On rides with side by side seating he may want to sit with the bad arm on the side next to you so you can hold his arm if he feels uncomfortable.

At Toy Story Midway Mania he might have a problem with both aiming and firing the cannon, as he needs a functioning hand to pull the cannon's rope. However, there is one position in the accessible cars where there is a button for firing as well as the cord and he might be able to use that. HOwever, that is also the only position where a person in a wheelchair can sit, so it may have a longer than normkal waiting time. But depending where the amputation was he may be able to maneuver the cannon with the arm.

 

[mykidsintow]

Rides don't require hands. My friends daughter is an amputee and rides everything. We were there when they were in June and she was getting off space mountain. She is an amputee on all 4 limbs at various locations, but she has full control and can still hold on and do anything we all can do. With a Drs letter she was released to ride everything.

I don't see why a hand would change anything. Its not as if one could hold themselves in a ride in the restraint failed..... (ok thats very negative, but its true). I say go, have a blast!!!

I hope your trip is wonderful!

 

[mechurchlady]

One nonDisney park requires guests to be able to form a tripod so as to stabilize themselves on rides. He will be fine since you indicate he is a strong and able to hold on to the lap bar or restraints on the wild rides. That lap bar holds you into the seat but you do bang into the sides of the ride vehicle thus the need for bracing.

You can keep the prosthesis in a bag when he is not using it. A common problem for prosthesis users at the parks is the heat and humidity as well as over using the affected limb. Keep the limb dry and check it for any problems from the heat and humidity.

 

[disneyin2008]

Actually he could still do Toy Story Mania, IF the CMs will allow him to board in the disabled section. Those cars have different firing mechanisms on them that don't involve pulling, it's like a push button.

I would second the suggestion to ask on the DISability forum as there are likely others who have use of only one hand that can give "been there done that" information.

While there, please ask about what (if any) requirements there would be for him to use the TSM disabled section.....I don't know if simply telling the CM at the check in point would be enough or if there is something more needed. I know I've watched that CM give instructions to those in wheelchairs, but they're pretty obviously needing to go in the special section since the entrance to the other section is up stairs. But I've only seen those special push buttons on the cars in the disabled section so he'll need to go through that door instead of up the stairs.

Hope that makes sense!

My mother had her leg amputated due to cancer and it took her quite a while before she was comfortable in public with her "other" leg as she called it.....I hope that your husband's adjustment period is smooth sailing.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

No need to start a new thread on the disABILITIES board. I've moved this one there.

 

[seashoreCM]

Now that you know that the only cannon you can use is in the wheelchair car, you should:

1. Optionally upon entering the park go to Guest Relations to get a GAC (not Universal cherry crisp that goes with slime but rather a card) with custom instructions informing CM's about the park about that disability.

2. Proceed directly to the wheelchair entrance and explain the situation to the CM there.

3. Not use your teeth to pull the string or accept that suggestion from anyone. (Big chance of getting ill such as from Norwalk virus, or suffer tooth damage.)

Might not apply to DH who can steady himself with one hand but certain persons who cannot may be advised to not do rides that jounce around a lot.

 

[SueM in MN]

Now that you know that the only cannon you can use is in the wheelchair car, you should:

1. Optionally upon entering the park go to Guest Relations to get a GAC (not Universal cherry crisp that goes with slime but rather a card) with custom instructions informing CM's about the park about that disability.

I would suggest checking out the thread on this board about TSM. As several people have posted, he may be able to use the 'regular' cannon, depending on where the arm is amputated.
Guest Relations is not likely to give a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) just to use the push button cannon in the wheelchair accessible car. GACs are not that specific (see post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread for more information about GACs).

2. Proceed directly to the wheelchair entrance and explain the situation to the CM there.

The wheelchair entrance for TSM is the regular queue. If, after looking at the TSM information, the push button might work out better for you, I would suggest talking to the CM at the entrance to the queue and also at the point where the FastPass and regular line merge just after you pick up your 3D glasses. The accessible boarding area is to the right, to a ramped area. The other boarding area is to the left, up a set of stairs.

3. Not use your teeth to pull the string or accept that suggestion from anyone. (Big chance of getting ill such as from Norwalk virus, or suffer tooth damage.)

Might not apply to DH who can steady himself with one hand but certain persons who cannot may be advised to not do rides that jounce around a lot.

That would not be possible in any case.