I may not be able to ride all the rides!

[conmama]

We are going with our 2 sons, ages 11 and 8. I have back problems and am concerned about riding any roller coasters or jerky rides. I'm afraid I will pinch a nerve in my back. I'm really disappointed, because it would be so easy since there are 4 of us, each with one of the kids. However, it wouldn't be worth it to end up not being able to walk or in bed.

Sooo.......how do I do this scenario? For instance, DH rides with one child. Can I wait in line with the other until he finishes, and then he can replace me? How would this work?

Thanks for in the info.

conmama

 

[pezpam]

On a lot of rides, DH will be able to take both kids on while you wait. It's probably worth asking a CM at each ride if you're not sure - they have the Child-swap option for adults who want to ride and who have kids who won't go on. One of you goes on, then takes the child while the pther gets on immediately without waiting in the whole line again. It is possible that they'd do something similar for 2-person rides - let DH take one child while you wait, then let him swap one kid for another and take the 2nd child through the ride. I'm not sure, but it seems well worth asking since it's almost the same thing as what they already have set up........

 

[MO Disney cruiser]

I wouldn't think you'd need to do a "baby" swap. Your DH should be able to take them both. Many rides ride 3 to a row anyway.

 

[YangYang]

I also have back problems: two back surgeries to have ruptured discs removed in 1981 and 1993. I have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Having said that, I have ridden every ride at WDW. Even if you don't want to take any chances, the only ones you really need to avoid are SM, BTMR, RnR, ToT. I don't think I left any out! Oh, maybe Star Tours and Body Wars, as well.

 

[BroganMc]

Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom. I'd avoid that one too. The rest are very tame.

 

[maxaroni]

I not only have 2 herniated discs in my lumbar spine, I have 2 herniated discs in my c-spine along with spinal stenosis. I know the feeling of being afraid of doing some rides because being in pain and agony is bad enough, on vacation is worse but WDW is even worse with all the walking and things to do. We don't need kid-swap because we only have one DS but I have seen many many people use it. Friends of our use it all of the time because they have 3 kids, one being a wee one. She has said it is truly wonderful and all cast members are familiar with it and helpful.

BTW, I now also have foot problems and am concerned about all the walking and feeling like an 'old lady' hobbling along and taking a long time to get on and off rides.

 

[tjkraz]

I think you're treding on sensitive territory there. They do allow parents to "swap" turns riding if they have an infant that requires one parent to stay behind. But to try to do something similar with an 8 and 11 year old could be construed as an attempt to ride twice without avoiding the line.

Even if you ask a CM as you enter and get permission to do what you describe, you may get a very different opinion from another CM as you board, leading to an uncomfortable confrontation. While your intentions sound honorable, remember Disney CMs have heard every deception in the book.

As MO Disney cruiser said, many of the rides are not two-to-a-row:

Space Mountain: One rider to a row.
Test Track: Three in a row
Dinosaur: Three in a row
Star Tours: A row has 6 or 8 seats across
Tower of Terror: 6 across

On the rides where it is two-to-a-seat, I'd let the 11yo ride alone (in the row ahead of dad) and have dad accompany the younger child.

Oh, and you can absolutely stay with your family through the pre-shows and queue line. Once you get to the boarding area, just let a CM know that you will not be riding and they will point you toward the nearest exit.

 

[pezpam]

BTW, I now also have foot problems and am concerned about all the walking and feeling like an 'old lady' hobbling along and taking a long time to get on and off rides.

I know the feeling. I'm only(!) 35, but have had bone cancer in my knee twice, meaning major surgery and probably never walking without pain again. On top of that, I have serious heel problems. I've learned to take WDW like everything else - you can't do it all anyway, so do what you can and ENJOY! My DD7 is used to my limitations, so she understands if I need to put something off because I just can't walk any more that day.

When we went to WDW last year, we were joined for a couple of days by a friend who has even more physical problems than I do. She takes a while to get on and off rides and such, but I never heard even one complaint from another guest, a CM, anyone. Relax - people want you to have a good time.

I also make sure to pack plenty of Advil (or whatever other meds I need) and some fizzy bath stuff I get at Walmart that's supposed to help aching muscles. I was skeptical, but a quick warm bath with one of those really did help!

Just remember that any experience at WDW will be a memory that lasts a lifetime. You're not destroying your trip or anyone else's by not being able to power through every attraction! Heck, slowing down to enjoy things can be a real BENEFIT! Even if we never went back, the trip we took last year would be good enough for my daughter - she can talk nonstop about everything we DID, and never thinks about the stuff we DIDN'T do.

 

[maxaroni]

that's good to know, thanks. I'll be 49 by the time we go this time and going through hot flashes as well. I did get a compliment at work today....a co-worker thought i was in my mid-30's.

Anyway, the 2 times we went with DS, we did marathon trips. this year we are thinking to go back to the resort in the afternoon for some swim and cool off time.

My ds realizes there are limitations and is good as well...he said "mom, I'll deal with anything if it means we can go to WDW"

 

[kandeebunny]

Hey hey hey! lol I am 21 and I hobble on and off of rides myself! They completely stop HM for me to get on and off of it as I have a very hard time with moving sidewalks! I also have an ECV I use for certain parks (Epcot and AK mostly) I walk the MK next day I take my ECV and go to Epcot then walk MGM then ECV on AK day! Last summer I couldn't walk at all, 2 metal knee braces. I don't do any of the "coasters" I do Splash and thats about it for coasters!

As it's been said above many of the rides can seat 2 kids and an adult!

 

[pezpam]

My ds realizes there are limitations and is good as well...he said "mom, I'll deal with anything if it means we can go to WDW"

Kids can just be the best, can't they? My first surgery was before DD came along, but she was only 3 for the second one and was trying to take care of me while I was laid up. LOL I don't suppose you're going in April so we can hobble somewhere and get those two fabulous kids together for an ice cream or something?

 

[the kabuki]

BTW, I now also have foot problems and am concerned about all the walking and feeling like an 'old lady' hobbling along and taking a long time to get on and off rides.[/QUOTE]


I"m 34 and also have bad feet. Doc said I have arthiritis there of a 60 year old. (Wonder what it will be like when I'm 60? Like an 120yr old?)

Don't know how bad yours are, but have you tried a good orthotic in your shoe? I had ones custom made for my feet from my podiatrist, they are the entire length of my foot, and are extremely hard, can't be bent like the ones you get from the store. Between those and a really good pair of tennis shoes- the ones I get are from a shoe store soley for people with foot problems,they run about $125 but are worth it- my feet don't hurt nearly so much. But I must be diligent about wearing them all the time even in the house, and high heels are totally out.

 

[maxaroni]

Kids can just be the best, can't they? My first surgery was before DD came along, but she was only 3 for the second one and was trying to take care of me while I was laid up. LOL I don't suppose you're going in April so we can hobble somewhere and get those two fabulous kids together for an ice cream or something?

We'll be there in August when it's ungodly hot and humid...
Kids are are truly amazing. My DS never ceases to amaze me and he's now 12. He gets teased at school for liking WDW and thinks it's they that are missing out. He always wants to care for me and brings me pillows to put my feet up. You've been through a lot and seems like you have a great attitude and such a loving DD...treasure her

 

[maxaroni]

Hey hey hey! lol I am 21 and I hobble on and off of rides myself! They completely stop HM for me to get on and off of it as I have a very hard time with moving sidewalks! I also have an ECV I use for certain parks (Epcot and AK mostly) I walk the MK next day I take my ECV and go to Epcot then walk MGM then ECV on AK day! Last summer I couldn't walk at all, 2 metal knee braces. I don't do any of the "coasters" I do Splash and thats about it for coasters!

As it's been said above many of the rides can seat 2 kids and an adult!

Sounds like a good plan you have....glad it works out for you. You are sounding very wise and positive. I guess we all have to make the best of what we have, not look at our limitations as limitations.

 

[maxaroni]

I"m 34 and also have bad feet. Doc said I have arthiritis there of a 60 year old. (Wonder what it will be like when I'm 60? Like an 120yr old?)

Don't know how bad yours are, but have you tried a good orthotic in your shoe? I had ones custom made for my feet from my podiatrist, they are the entire length of my foot, and are extremely hard, can't be bent like the ones you get from the store. Between those and a really good pair of tennis shoes- the ones I get are from a shoe store soley for people with foot problems,they run about $125 but are worth it- my feet don't hurt nearly so much. But I must be diligent about wearing them all the time even in the house, and high heels are totally out.[/QUOTE]


I have used the store bought orthotics but I may invest in a really good pair of tennis shoes. My DS wants to get me the Dr. Scholl's "gellin'" inserts as the ads make them look wonderful. Have any idea what the gel inserts would be like or are the store bought orthotics better. I really should invest in a new pair of shoes at the very least.....thanks