Neck problems—Rides to Avoid?

[Jennifer Underwood]

Hi!
This thrill seeker is super bummed to have had a slip disc in my neck since I was at the parks last. Although much better, it can get irritated and hurt. So sad to miss out on some rides but also don’t want to ruin my vacation. We’re going to Disneyworld and Universal. I’m aware of rides like Space Mountain and Hulk to avoid, but what are some that I wouldn’t think of that are super jerky that may aggravate my neck?

 

[Disney Fool]

Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom

 

[kwdw]

Depends on how easily it can be aggravated. Big Thunder is rough. The jolt at the end of 7DMT is icky. And getting really slammed if boats bang up on things POTC.

 

[CBMom01]

Space Mountain is right! I don’t even have neck problems ahs felt like I’d been jerked around after the last time on it

I find Everest jolting when it stops and backs up.

 

[mamabunny]

Toy Story Mania - really whips around the corners, and Alien Swirling Saucers, both at HS

I have yet to ride ROTR, (LOL I tried *so* many times to get in that virtual queue!) but it is on the list of rides that have an unexpected drop, so if that's a problem, you may want to avoid those type of rides as well. Not sure about Smuggler's Run, or MMRR at HS - you may want to watch some POV YouTube videos to see what you think.

At MK, some folks have problems with Haunted Mansion when the car turns backwards (mostly folks with back issues, but bears mentioning) and the ride is pretty rough on the Tomorrowland Speedway (I think the same cars are running that I raced around the track in 1972! LOL). Pirates has a drop as well.

At AK, I would avoid the Safari for sure; it has some pretty rough and rocky spots.

Don't know how much Frozen Ever After at EPCOT/WC Norway throws you around when you back up (I can't personally get into/out of those boats) and I'm not sure about Remy at EPCOT/WC France; I'm seeing mixed reviews; some people feel like it's kinda tame, others feel like it throws you around a lot!

 

[DisneyOma]

Hi!
This thrill seeker is super bummed to have had a slip disc in my neck since I was at the parks last. Although much better, it can get irritated and hurt. So sad to miss out on some rides but also don’t want to ruin my vacation. We’re going to Disneyworld and Universal. I’m aware of rides like Space Mountain and Hulk to avoid, but what are some that I wouldn’t think of that are super jerky that may aggravate my neck?

There is a similar thread here on the DIS about this, and it was suggested to look at the WDW MDE app - each attraction comes with recommendations and warnings. I believe SueMn has some info in one of the stickies here too!

Found it: https://www.disboards.com/threads/post-neck-injury-and-rides.3859938/

 

[SueM in MN]

This is a link to post 23 in the disABILITIES FAQs thread - it’s the info that DisneyOma mentioned from the FAQs thread and has a list of attractions in each park with warnings plus some specific info about the rides.

 

[SueM in MN]

……
I have yet to ride ROTR, (LOL I tried *so* many times to get in that virtual queue!) but it is on the list of rides that have an unexpected drop, so if that's a problem, you may want to avoid those type of rides as well. Not sure about Smuggler's Run, or MMRR at HS - you may want to watch some POV YouTube videos to see what you think…

Don't know how much Frozen Ever After at EPCOT/WC Norway throws you around when you back up (I can't personally get into/out of those boats) and I'm not sure about Remy at EPCOT/WC France; I'm seeing mixed reviews; some people feel like it's kinda tame, others feel like it throws you around a lot!

little more about the rides you don’t know

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - Minimum height 40 inches. I have not ridden this yet, so guessing based on videos and reports of people. There are 2 vehicles - the first has guests standing or using a mobility device and doesn’t appear to have any jarring movements. Guests are seated in the second vehicle on bench seats; molded seat spaces for each rider with individual seat belts. The vehicle spins at times, and can go in multiple directions, including backwards. Guests have described a small drop, which appears to be augmented by video that makes it appear farther and faster.
• Smuggler’s Run: I have ridden this several times. It’s VERY bumpy, like being inside of a Star Wars movie during a chase and battle scene. Each time you ride is a little different because the actions of the other riders have an impact on what happens - does the pilot hit things? Does the person aiming the guns protect your ship from being hit? It’s like being inside a video game (I guess actually literally)
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad - this ride has a trackless vehicle, which means it can move freely in any direction. In one particular scene, it repeatedly moves forward, backward and side to side (Highlight between * to see spoiler *Daisy Duck’s Dance Class* ). Pull down lap bar shared by whole row, so may be loose for smaller riders. No neck support. My family felt this ride had some jolts.
• Frozen Ever After - jerky during much of the attraction, especialy during the drops and turns. The track is bumpy and guests can get jolted as the track pulls you along.
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure - has no warnings. The whole ride is just charming! Ride has a trackless vehicle, which can/does move in any direction. Some unexpected backwards movements and a (? mostly simulated) trip down a ramp. Some of the movements were quick, but didn’t feel jerky to my family. Some posters have complained of motion sickness during 3D movie quick turns combined with (? apparent slow real turns). No neck support. Restraint is pull down lap bar shared with row.

 

[ftbaker1313]

My wife has neck issues that keep her off some rides also. We definitely avoid dinosaur, Big thunder, and space mountain. Some of the other coasters are not as bad if you are in the front of the ride, the back can still whip you around more. On RnR make sure to keep your head back against the headrest if you feel up to trying it.

 

[mamabunny]

little more about the rides you don’t know

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - Minimum height 40 inches. I have not ridden this yet, so guessing based on videos and reports of people. There are 2 vehicles - the first has guests standing or using a mobility device and doesn’t appear to have any jarring movements. Guests are seated in the second vehicle on bench seats; molded seat spaces for each rider with individual seat belts. The vehicle spins at times, and can go in multiple directions, including backwards. Guests have described a small drop, which appears to be augmented by video that makes it appear farther and faster.
• Smuggler’s Run: I have ridden this several times. It’s VERY bumpy, like being inside of a Star Wars movie during a chase and battle scene. Each time you ride is a little different because the actions of the other riders have an impact on what happens - does the pilot hit things? Does the person aiming the guns protect your ship from being hit? It’s like being inside a video game (I guess actually literally)
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad - this ride has a trackless vehicle, which means it can move freely in any direction. In one particular scene, it repeatedly moves forward, backward and side to side (Highlight between * to see spoiler *Daisy Duck’s Dance Class* ). Pull down lap bar shared by whole row, so may be loose for smaller riders. No neck support. My family felt this ride had some jolts.
• Frozen Ever After - jerky during much of the attraction, especialy during the drops and turns. The track is bumpy and guests can get jolted as the track pulls you along.
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure - has no warnings. The whole ride is just charming! Ride has a trackless vehicle, which can/does move in any direction. Some unexpected backwards movements and a (? mostly simulated) trip down a ramp. Some of the movements were quick, but didn’t feel jerky to my family. Some posters have complained of motion sickness during 3D movie quick turns combined with (? apparent slow real turns). No neck support. Restraint is pull down lap bar shared with row.

Thanks Sue! (Also loved the spoiler alert!)