Back problems and Disney...help?

[stitchywoman]

My DH got hurt while he was in Iraq a couple of years ago and has some issues with it all the time. It has never caused real problems at theme parks before, but it seems to be getting bad more often lately. Today he did something to it again that made it hard for him to even walk. Does anyone have any advice as to ways to keep his back from causing problems for him on our honeymoon without forcing him to miss out on the rides? I don't want him to miss what he has been waiting so long for. Thanks

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES.

First of all, if you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

I would suggest getting the Passporter book The Open Mouse which is an excellent book for WDW (and DCL) for people with any type of disabilities. It is available at most bookstores including Amazon or can be ordered fro www.passporter.com .

And you may want to consider his use of an ECV because of so much walking involved at WDW.

And, most important, if there are warnings advising people with back problems from doing a ride, believe them.

 

[SueM in MN]

You can look at the park maps for the attractions with warnings - they are marked with a red triangle on the map and also on a sign at the entrance to the queue and before boarding (so you should be able to avoid getting on them without problem).
For Epcot here are the attractions with warnings:

• Mission Space
• Test Track

For Magic Kingdom:

• Splash Mountain
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
• Space Mountain

For Disney Studio

• Star Tours
• Rock N Roller Coaster
• Tower of Terror

For Animal Kingdom:

• Kilimanjaro Safari
• Kali River Rapids
• Expedition Everest
• Primeval Whirl
• Dinosaur

 

[Piper]

Try not to look at all the things he can't do. Focus on the positive--there are many rides and attractions he CAN do. He needs to stay away from the rides that Sue listed, and how you view that will make a big impact on the fun you both have. If you lament the fact that he cannot do them or make a big deal out of it, then you will both be miserable. If you are excited about all the things he can do, then you'll have a great time. Acknowledge the loss and then move on. Life should be all about the Cans not the Cannots!

 

[SueM in MN]

Try not to look at all the things he can't do. Focus on the positive--there are many rides and attractions he CAN do.

When you look at the list with warnings, you can see there are many more things he will be able to do than ones that might cause a problem. Knowing the ones you should cross off your list right away will help you to focus on/enjoy the ones that are still on the list.

 

[mechurchlady]

I have a bad back and despite my limitations could spend months in parks and not see everything. Back problems vary from person to person. I can ride Splash Mountain but someone with poor upper body strength it would be too much. I miss the Bobsleds at Disneyland and could ride it all day but for some people the sideways movement would have left them in tears.

The autopia cars are fun but for me only if I have at least two friends behind me to protect me from rammers. Bug's Life is a fun show but one point you get poked in the back and that hurts me as well as scares me that my back will get poke in the bad spot. I rode the WDW version of Pirates and was videotaping when the boat screeched to a halt and I nearly took my eye out.

In summation there are obvious ones to avoid like Dinosaur but if his back is really really bad then even some simpler rides might be off limits. Read the board for trip reports by people who are wheelchair bound thus not being able to ride almost anything as they will show you all the possibilities out there.

You married him for better or for worse, in sickness and health, poverty and wealth until death do you part. Right now he is low on health and things are a bit worse but dont ever let that stop your enjoyment of life and each other. WDW is designed so that even those with poor health can have fun. There are shows, exhibits, dining, people watching, games, parades, fireworks and so much more.

 

[stitchywoman]

I'm gonna look out for the signs and let him go with the rides he thinks he can handle. If we take a rest during the day it should help.