Height restrictions?

[mykidsintow]

I know that my daughter will likely never be able to ride jerky rides such as Space Mountain. However, I think she would *love* Soarin. She is 4 yrs old and has a form of dwarfism among many other things (some of you have seen her pics). She has contractures in most of her joints (ok, maybe all). So how can we measure her and have "proof" she is tall enough to ride a ride such as soarin?

If I take a tape measure and start at her feet and travel along her body all the way to her head, she is tall enough...... Tho I am not sure how well she could sit in the seats... her legs would be in front of her because her knees are contracted.....

I was just thinking about it today. We have 2 more trips this yr... and I have never really considered it before because overall she is thrilled with Disney. She has never realized she is "missing" anything. Tho I do think she would really love that ride...

Thoughts?

 

[livndisney]

I know that my daughter will likely never be able to ride jerky rides such as Space Mountain. However, I think she would *love* Soarin. She is 4 yrs old and has a form of dwarfism among many other things (some of you have seen her pics). She has contractures in most of her joints (ok, maybe all). So how can we measure her and have "proof" she is tall enough to ride a ride such as soarin?
If I take a tape measure and start at her feet and travel along her body all the way to her head, she is tall enough...... Tho I am not sure how well she could sit in the seats... her legs would be in front of her because her knees are contracted.....

I was just thinking about it today. We have 2 more trips this yr... and I have never really considered it before because overall she is thrilled with Disney. She has never realized she is "missing" anything. Tho I do think she would really love that ride...

Thoughts?

She will be measured at the ride(each time she rides)-possibly a couple times in different places. Rides with height requirements have a bar set (at the height required) at the entrance.

 

[mykidsintow]

I am sure that can't possibly be 100% accurate. My daughter is in a power chair. Even if she "stands" her knees are bent to 90 degrees.

There has to be a way for this to happen. I am sure other children with various issues that can't stand straight have gotten onto a ride if they are "tall" enough, but are unable to stand straight and "typical".

I know that most children walk up to a bar, they can go on or can't. However, my child can't walk to that bar or stand "straight" under it as a typical child would.

For example (and this is not thecase, but a example) an 8 yr old amputee can't stand up to the bar. However their upper body maybe completely normal. So, there has to be a way for this exception to occur. My daughters "best friend" is an amputee. Her body is completely normal, but she is an amputee of all 4 limbs.

 

[Schmeck]

I would think an amputee of all four limbs would not be safe on many of the rides that require a height restriction. Also, someone who cannot support themselves in a proper seated position without propping or support from someone else's body would also not be safe. Someone who cannot sit properly in the ride attraction seat would not have the proper support, so if your head is not at the right height for support, the restraints could do a lot of damage.

The OP could go to Guest Services to see what they recommend - a manager may need to be asked what the policy is for someone who is tall enough, but not able to stand/support his/her height in an independent way. I'm sure the CMs would not want anyone to get hurt.

 

[mykidsintow]

I suddenly feel as if I am "defending" my question. I don't want to begin a debate. I simply want someone with experiene or information on this particular topic to share their experiences.

What you may "think" may not be the case at all. Hands and feet do not provide support for a ride when one has normal body strength. You may think you can hold on better with hands, but in fact you are kidding yourself. There are many forms of amputees (which was an example to begin with) and in this particular example the person is question is perfectly capable of supporting herself.

So again I am not asking for ones "opinion" on what they feel either of the 2 girls are and aren't capable of. Both girls are quite independent and both fully capable of supporting themselves independently.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree that a person who has had all 4 limbs amputated would possible not be safe on many rides because they would not be able to adequately brace themselves. That would be something I'd suggest contacting WDW about by email before visiting.

My DD has been over 5 feet tall for quite a while, but when she was smaller, here's what would happen. The CM would ask if she could stand to be measured. I would explain that she can't stand period; then they would ask me how tall she was. When she was close, we did carry a note from a recent doctor visit where her height (measured on a table) was documented. I had it with, but was never asked for it.

This a close up picture of the Soarin' seat. It shows the extra strap that can be slipped over the seatbelt before buckling to help provide a little more security.

This page includes a picture of the row of seats.
We found the Soarin' seats to be very supportive. They are kind of a mesh, like a lawn chair, which might make them more comfortable to the OP's child than some of the other WDW rides.

Also, if you check in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, in post #3, there is a link to eternaldisneyfan's trip report, which includes her really great ride descriptions. eternaldisneyfan has MD and has a lot of challenges, which you will see if you read.,

 

[livndisney]

I suddenly feel as if I am "defending" my question. I don't want to begin a debate. I simply want someone with experiene or information on this particular topic to share their experiences.

What you may "think" may not be the case at all. Hands and feet do not provide support for a ride when one has normal body strength. You may think you can hold on better with hands, but in fact you are kidding yourself. There are many forms of amputees (which was an example to begin with) and in this particular example the person is question is perfectly capable of supporting herself.

So again I am not asking for ones "opinion" on what they feel either of the 2 girls are and aren't capable of. Both girls are quite independent and both fully capable of supporting themselves independently.

For what it is worth-I don't want to "debate" with you either. You asked a question (and for thoughts) and I answered it based on my experience. Your OP did not say anything about a power chair. Had you asked a question about a child in a power chair, I would not have answered as I do not have experience in that area. I do have some experience in traveling with a family with Dwarfism.

I know that my daughter will likely never be able to ride jerky rides such as Space Mountain. However, I think she would *love* Soarin. She is 4 yrs old and has a form of dwarfism among many other things (some of you have seen her pics). She has contractures in most of her joints (ok, maybe all). So how can we measure her and have "proof" she is tall enough to ride a ride such as soarin?

If I take a tape measure and start at her feet and travel along her body all the way to her head, she is tall enough...... Tho I am not sure how well she could sit in the seats... her legs would be in front of her because her knees are contracted.....

I was just thinking about it today. We have 2 more trips this yr... and I have never really considered it before because overall she is thrilled with Disney. She has never realized she is "missing" anything. Tho I do think she would really love that ride...

Thoughts?

 

[DizWisher]

Hi, mykidsintow
Christamae's TR is a EXCELLENT resource, as AnnMN said. She can address your concerns about contractures, height-- MANY things. I know she's ridden Soarin' several times. I have MD and use a vent, and her TR gave me a lot of info on WDW with a disability. She was great about answering some questions I asked here on the disAbilities board as well.
Plus, her TR is well-written and a lot of fun.
I got some really good advice and encouragement from many people here. I know we want you and your DDs to have a magical vacation.

DizWisher
aka
Miri