DD injured on splash mtn-update p16

[NeverlandClub23]

Who wants to put a cold wet lap belt across them? I know I don't! Also, I think that if they did do this they would never make it optional as it would make Disney liable for people who don't wear them and get injured and then come back and say they were never told they had to (or should) wear them. Splash Mtn. is like other log flume rides (Busch Gardens, King's Dominion, etc.); they don't have lap belts and have steep drops. Maybe they should design SM logs to resemble other log flumes where you sit single file instead of side by side.

Personally, the big drop is my least favorite part of SM. Maybe they could just take that out all together

 

[PlutoLuvr]

I agree this is an interesting chat! I too hope it doesn't get closed. I think we're all debating it in a calm and mature way.

Double OT, I find your job intriguing. Do you enjoy it?

I very much enjoy it. It is physically demanding in addition to mentally taxing at times, but, overall, it's a wonderful profession. There is also a huge demand for court reporters nationwide, as well as providing CART services for the hearing impaired and closed captioning if working with attorneys doesn't suit you.

Please feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat more

 

[DisneyPhD]

Who wants to put a cold wet lap belt across them? I know I don't! Also, I think that if they did do this they would never make it optional as it would make Disney liable for people who don't wear them and get injured and then come back and say they were never told they had to (or should) wear them. Splash Mtn. is like other log flume rides (Busch Gardens, King's Dominion, etc.); they don't have lap belts and have steep drops. Maybe they should design SM logs to resemble other log flumes where you sit single file instead of side by side.

Personally, the big drop is my least favorite part of SM. Maybe they could just take that out all together

That is a good point, and I am sure these are things Disney has thought of before.

However I know there are some rides that have specail cars for specail need riders. I would think they could at least do that.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

That is a good point, and I am sure these are things Disney has thought of before.

However I know there are some rides that have specail cars for specail need riders. I would think they could at least do that.

That's definitely true. I am surprised that SM doesn't have special needs "logs", as many rides that do have them.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I would like them to make it so people who need a lap belt to ride (lindsey) could have a special boat for them, but I don't want them in all the boats.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

All of these people are obviously victims, but can not be compared to this event because they are not examples of the victim's poor decisions CAUSING the crime/accident. This girl's bad decision (IF she indeed did stand up) CAUSED her to get hurt. The mom talking on the cell phone didn't kill her child, the drunk driver did. The wrong turn didn't cause the business man to get hijacked, the people who did it made that decision, the girl's drinking didn't get her raped, the boys did that.

I don't believe that you can blame the victim in most situations, but when "the victim" is hurt as a direct result of their actions it IS called personal accountability. I agree with the poster that said that in that case they are no longer a victim, as they are responisble for their injury.

Bottom line, it sounds like Disney handled it appropriately from what we have heard. I hope the girl is OK and they are enjoying their trip completely.

I'm sorry you misunderstood. I wasn't comparing a victim in a crime to what happened to this girl on SM. Please read the first paragraph in my response No. 144. I was responding to a statement about someone making a stupid decision, hence they're no longer a victim.

None of us know whether this girl was hurt as a direct result of her action. It could be 20 percent her negligence; 80 percent WDW or vice versa...or it could be a pure accident. Keep in mind there's a huge difference between an accident and negligence.

Just from reading this thread, it appears the ride has to stop a lot from people standing on it. That to me says that WDW is fully aware that its guests stand up on it and needs to respond accordingly, especially if it now knows someone's foot could be injured.

I have a dog that has bitten once (yellow lab). Do you think that now that I'm put on notice of this, I can just hang a sign up saying, "Beware of Dog," install a video camera, and that releases me from civil liability? Heck no. I've got to do everything I legally can to protect any person on my property from my dog.

It's just not black and white, and none of us know exactly what happened to cause this, nor do we know exactly what kind of contributing factors there may or may not have been, i.e., girl standing up or horsing around, girl having a wasp land on her thigh right before the drop and jerking her leg so that her foot got caught, possible faulty equipment or poor inspections on the part of WDW...who knows? Definitely none of us know if she directly caused this.

I also think WDW is a good corporation, compared to other corporations I've been seeing on the news the past few years. I do believe it does its best to take care of its patrons and keep them happy and returning for years to come. I also tend to have a special bond with fellow WDW addicts. I can completely understand why there's such debate when a fellow Disney lover gets hurt at our beloved WDW.

I do hope she's feeling better, and I hope both she and her family were/are able to enjoy what's left of their vacation.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Is there a separate entrance for SM for riders that might be in whellechairs or unable to walk up to it? I can't imagine trying to maneuver the path up there. (same with BTM also.)

The handicap entrance to Splash is basically just a matter of entering the exit and loading and unloading on the exit side.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

That's definitely true. I am surprised that SM doesn't have special needs "logs", as many rides that do have them.

Oh no, the dreaded "special needs"...

 

[goofyandplutoluver]

Aww, I hope she gets better! Have fun at MGM!

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Oh no, the dreaded "special needs"...

What does this mean?

 

[SueM in MN]

The handicap entrance to Splash is basically just a matter of entering the exit and loading and unloading on the exit side.

You actually are in the regular line until you reach the stairs. At that point, there is a wheelchair gate that you wait for a CM to open.
They can only have a certain number of people with wheelchairs actually waiting in the exit or riding at a time, so you wait in an area outside the exit until a CM comes to bring you to the exit.
At the exit, you will wait usually for only a few minutes to board. You board and exit at the exit side.

It would be nice if they had a more accessible car. We have to lift DD (who uses a wheelchair) in and out and it's not an easy lift.

I have only ridden in the front of the car once and don't recall anything much about it.

 

[DisneyPhD]

You actually are in the regular line until you reach the stairs. At that point, there is a wheelchair gate that you wait for a CM to open.
They can only have a certain number of people with wheelchairs actually waiting in the exit or riding at a time, so you wait in an area outside the exit until a CM comes to bring you to the exit.
At the exit, you will wait usually for only a few minutes to board. You board and exit at the exit side.

It would be nice if they had a more accessible car. We have to lift DD (who uses a wheelchair) in and out and it's not an easy lift.

I have only ridden in the front of the car once and don't recall anything much about it.

Thanks for the info, that is one of those things you never think about until or if you need (rather like baby swap.)


Did your DD or you feel uncomfortable at all on the ride because of the lack of seat belts? I remember the 1st time I road it after being pregnant I was very aware of what a strange angle you sit at and how uncomfortable the seats really are.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the info, that is one of those things you never think about until or if you need (rather like baby swap.)


Did your DD or you feel uncomfortable at all on the ride because of the lack of seat belts? I remember the 1st time I road it after being pregnant I was very aware of what a strange angle you sit at and how uncomfortable the seats really are.

My DH is usually the one actually in the seat with her. In DD's case, when she is excited, she goes into something called an "extension pattern", which means her legs and trunk extend - making her whole body straight. She could easily stand on a ride, just from getting excited, so DH has to help hold her down. Seat belts might be a help, although that ride car is sort of tight, so it might make it harder to get in.

 

[DisneyPhD]

My DH is usually the one actually in the seat with her. In DD's case, when she is excited, she goes into something called an "extension pattern", which means her legs and trunk extend - making her whole body straight. She could easily stand on a ride, just from getting excited, so DH has to help hold her down. Seat belts might be a help, although that ride car is sort of tight, so it might make it harder to get in.

Those car seats are rather cramped. I can see how that might be problematic since being at WDW and on a great ride can be pretty exciting. I can see why DH gets to be her ride partner. Of course my DD always choses daddy to ride with her too (Her dady gives her stength to be brave, she road BTM twice with him, and wouldn't with me. I get all the other not as fun stuff. )

I also wonder what the seats at DL are like. I know they are one person at a time like SM. I don't think I would be comfortable with my DD would be comfortable on a ride that on of us wasn't right next to her.

 

[Disneyfun1]

i am the OP of the original post about the injury.

I have been up reading all of this as i sit in our room at the bwv while all the parks are closed now.

I cannot believe all the people that seem to know for sure that she stood up in the ride. You were not there. I was not there. She was along with my 2 sons and they all said she sat the entire ride. Why wouldnt i believe my own kids??

They have never done anything wrong. If disney has it on tape, i would love to see it for myself. The bar is obviously there. My sons said they watched them take apart the ride and get her foot out. Why else would they take apart the ride to get her unstuck?? what else in the front could she be stuck on?? Why would it get jammed up there in the first place?? I dont know how, but it did.

But everyone else seems to know for sure she stood.

Just an fyi......disney claims has finally contacted us here and has checked on her condition, which is still not too good. still in between the chair and crutches. they told my wife today that they will have a check for us for medical, want to have us sign a release, and want to settle this with us before we leave on sunday. while they have not admitted fault, im guessing they want a settlement offer and have us sign a waiver saying they are not at fault to protect themselves. I have seen my employer do this as well to protect themselves even though they had something to do with it.

they will let us know tomorrow or the next day probably to settle they said. I have no idea to what extent.

I originally came here to let people know what happened, possibly get some help on what to do since i didnt know how to go about it when disney was no help at all, and maybe some support in a bad time. while most of your have done so and i really do appreciate the private messages i have received, i cannot believe the others. I would never bash anyone, especially not knowing for myself what happened. I thought this was a tight knit community, i will be re-evaluating this when i get home. I have been here for a number of years and just cannot believe the ones who "know it all about this situation".

to the others, i really appreciate the support.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

They have never done anything wrong. If disney has it on tape, i would love to see it for myself. The bar is obviously there. My sons said they watched them take apart the ride and get her foot out. Why else would they take apart the ride to get her unstuck?? what else in the front could she be stuck on?? Why would it get jammed up there in the first place?? I dont know how, but it did.

I'm not going to judge, but I think you should request to see the tape before completely putting Disney at fault. I know you would rather believe your kids, but reality is, kids can fib at times, even for their own siblings. Maybe they're afraid of getting in trouble. I'm not trying to say that your kids are definitely lying, but it's a possiblility that they could be. Maybe you can tell your kids that you are going to view the tape, and see what they have to say. I'm sorry about what happened to your daughter, it's a bummer that the whole incident has ruined your vacation.

 

[DWDreams]

Just an fyi......disney claims has finally contacted us here and has checked on her condition, which is still not too good. still in between the chair and crutches. they told my wife today that they will have a check for us for medical, want to have us sign a release, and want to settle this with us before we leave on sunday. while they have not admitted fault, im guessing they want a settlement offer and have us sign a waiver saying they are not at fault to protect themselves. I have seen my employer do this as well to protect themselves even though they had something to do with it.

they will let us know tomorrow or the next day probably to settle they said. I have no idea to what extent..

I posted this on the other thread but figured may as well put here too since its a reply to this same post.

I doubt they are trying to protect themselves, they are likely just trying to appease the situation as best they can. Most commercial liability policies have what is called "medical payments coverage" that will provide coverage for medical expenses without determination of liability. Sure, it's a way to avoid protracted legal costs if someone forces a defense of a claim, but it is by no means an admission of liability or indication of same.

I think what is escaping most in this discussion is that Disney itself likely has very little to do with how this sort of thing is handled, particularly if it appears demands and recriminations are being made. Disney is a large company that quite certainly obtains insurance coverage. Ultimately, it's usually the insurance carrier and it's representatives that investigate and determine compensability of a claim not the company itself. I'm certain it would be highly discouraged for any company to make payments of things and offer things that appear to accept responsibility for an injury since that could jeapordize the insurance coverage if a claim is then filed.

Good luck, I certainly hope she is feeling better soon.

 

[azgal81]

I think you should ask to see the tape. Kids lie when they want to stay out of trouble. Not saying she lied but you weren't there so how can you know for sure. We can only go by what little information we have and one side of the story is from a cast member who was working the ride during the accident. Of course the cast member could be lying as well. Teens are dumb they do stupid things to try to make themselves look cool.

Ask to see the tape then get back to us.

Honestly I'm about split 50/50 on what to believe right now as I'm sure alot of people here are. I don't think it was disney's fault at all most ride accidents are the fault of the riders.

 

[minnie61650]

I also posted on the other thread.
To the OP----
Thank you for the update. I hope your DSD gets to feeling better real soon.
I am sorry she got hurt.
I can understand some of the things that were said in these threads would be hurtful to you, but I hoping that you will come to understand most of your DIS friends support you and most just really want to know if there is any way something like this can prevented from happening again.
Most of us are parents and fear for our loved ones safety too.
I hope you can enjoy the rest of your vacation.
And please keep us posted. Give your DSD a for me.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

What does this mean?

If you keep up with my posts, you will know I absolutely despise this phrase. I was joking around, that's why I put a smiley