PTSD and FoP

[Clifton Tesh]

I have PTSD and while I have learned to successfully cope with a lot of my issues one of my major issues that I have not learned to cope with is having my arms and/or legs restrained.

I am fine with lap bars and shoulder harnesses like the ones on RnR but I am not sure that I will be able to handle the system that is used on FoP.

From my understanding, the demo ride vehicle does not utilize the restraints so I can't use it as a test.

We completely skipped the ride our last visit because I just dreaded waiting in line to potentially traumatize myself.

Does the restraint system actually restrain you or is it loose enough that you can still move your legs? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to test the restraints without ruining the ride for other people?

 

[fla4fun]

I have PTSD and while I have learned to successfully cope with a lot of my issues one of my major issues that I have not learned to cope with is having my arms and/or legs restrained.

I am fine with lap bars and shoulder harnesses like the ones on RnR but I am not sure that I will be able to handle the system that is used on FoP.

From my understanding, the demo ride vehicle does not utilize the restraints so I can't use it as a test.

We completely skipped the ride our last visit because I just dreaded waiting in line to potentially traumatize myself.

Does the restraint system actually restrain you or is it loose enough that you can still move your legs? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to test the restraints without ruining the ride for other people?

IIRC they do have restraints on the test seat, because that is an important part of seeing if you fit on the ride vehicle. They did not fit around my legs so I could not ride (I have issues with my knees and could not get my legs in the right spot for them to close).

 

[Clifton Tesh]

IIRC they do have restraints on the test seat, because that is an important part of seeing if you fit on the ride vehicle. They did not fit around my legs so I could not ride (I have issues with my knees and could not get my legs in the right spot for them to close).

I may have been given some false information then. I appreciate that. My aunt told me that they did not have the restraints on the test vehicle.

 

[fla4fun]

I may have been given some false information then. I appreciate that. My aunt told me that they did not have the restraints on the test vehicle.

I think what they have are the moving restraints but they don’t lock into place. There was a line or marker to show whether they would lock when you ride. But it still should give you a good idea whether they will be acceptable for you.

Of course, it’s also possible they have removed them since our last attempt, the way Disney changes things . . . I hope you are able to try them out in advance.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

I don't have PTSD but I personally hate the type of seating and restraints on that attraction. It was a one and done for me.

 

[Clifton Tesh]

I think what they have are the moving restraints but they don’t lock into place. There was a line or marker to show whether they would lock when you ride. But it still should give you a good idea whether they will be acceptable for you.

Of course, it’s also possible they have removed them since our last attempt, the way Disney changes things . . . I hope you are able to try them out in advance.

I greatly appreciate the feed back.

I probably should have just went on down and learned for myself the last trip but I felt it wouldn't be worth the journey. The fact that there's a possibility makes me more apt to try.

 

[Clifton Tesh]

I don't have PTSD but I personally hate the type of seating and restraints on that attraction. It was a one and done for me.

I've heard that from quite a few people about FoP and Tron

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

IIRC, I positioned my back and legs so that the restraints didn’t squeeze me when it closed. Like I pushed against them so that they stopped before they squashed me in. I was still secure (like it was only a fraction of an inch of space) but it wasn’t the painful squeeze automatic restraints can have.

 

[Donald - my hero]

honestly? Yes, it does feel very confining, there's a bit of wiggle room for your feet and to sorta shift around but you definitely feel like you're strapped in and can't get out without the cast member releasing the entire line of "bikes" i get what you're asking and understand completely! I seriously doubt you'd be able to handle it if having your legs held in place, with no control to get out of the situation, sets your system off. It's a great ride but I'm always REALLY happy when it unlocks.

 

[maxiesmom]

honestly? Yes, it does feel very confining, there's a bit of wiggle room for your feet and to sorta shift around but you definitely feel like you're strapped in and can't get out without the cast member releasing the entire line of "bikes" i get what you're asking and understand completely! I seriously doubt you'd be able to handle it if having your legs held in place, with no control to get out of the situation, sets your system off. It's a great ride but I'm always REALLY happy when it unlocks.

I don't have ptsd but I do get a bit freaked out at being confined in any way. What does help for any ride is knowing they are watching you the whole time. For some reason that helps.

 

[Miffy]

In my experience, when the restraints are first activated, they feel quite tight, but a few seconds later, they let up a bit.

I can see why someone wouldn't like this and I also hate being confined, although I don't have PTSD, however FoP is an amazing experience and as soon as the ride starts, I completely forget about it.

 

[North of Mouse]

Absolutely no judgement or disrespect to the original poster but all rides are not suitable for all people and we have to use our own discernment. I cannot ride spinning rides as they make me sick for the day, rode FOP once, one and done, fast drop rides, and some others I am limited on. I don't like being restrained either for various reasons but realize it's for your safety.
Just putting a different perspective out there.

 

[Clifton Tesh]

Absolutely no judgement or disrespect to the original poster but all rides are not suitable for all people and we have to use our own discernment. I cannot ride spinning rides as they make me sick for the day, rode FOP once, one and done, fast drop rides, and some others I am limited on. I don't like being restrained either for various reasons but realize it's for your safety.
Just putting a different perspective out there.

No offense taken.

I'm not a huge fan of the rides at WDW. I prefer the wilder rides that you find at parks like Busch gardens and six flags but I thoroughly enjoyed the technology used in Mickeys Runaway Railway and Rat-patootie so I've been trying to convince myself that FoP is worth attempting.

It's not a matter of discomfort or not liking the restraints for me. My brain goes to a very dark place when I'm physically restrained and I go all Hulk smash and things just don't turn out good. I was physically abused growing up. People who supposedly loved me would physically restrain me and beat me on a regular basis. I'm not talking spankings, I'm talking broken bones, stitches, and teeth being knocked out of my mouth types of abuse.

I have came a long way since then and made a whole lot of progress but when I have an episode it personally makes me feel like I have failed myself and others. I just don't want to have an episode and potentially ruin the ride for everyone else.

 

[North of Mouse]

@Clifton Tesh, so very sorry

 

[Clifton Tesh]

@Clifton Tesh, so very sorry

It might sound weird but part of me is grateful that it happened.

I do not know if I would be half the person I am today had I not gone through it.

 

[Skippyboo]

There is control screen in front of you that shows you and the banshee linking perhaps that would help you focus on the screen activity while the seat locks. The restraints come up behind your back and calves.

The test seat doesn’t lock the restraints go up so you can get a feel.

 

[LilyWDW]

I nearly had a panic attack the first time we rode FoP due to the restraints. I can't handle feeling like I can't get out if I have to. This is due to past trauma. I can't handle over the head restraints on RnRC for example. Lap bars and seat belts are fine though.

Luckily on FoP I was able to breathe through it until the ride started which took my attention off the restraints.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have PTSD and while I have learned to successfully cope with a lot of my issues one of my major issues that I have not learned to cope with is having my arms and/or legs restrained....

If it helps to know, the restraints are back of calves and sort of the bottom 'hollow' of your back.
The seat position is to sit forward, sort of leaning toward the front. If you sit up more straight while the restraints are locking, the back one won't get as tight.
For the calf restraints, a lot of whether you will have wiggle room after the restraints locks depends on your calf size/shape. The ride is designed for guests to be in a little bit of a 'crouched' position. If it's able to lock with your legs less crouched, once it does lock, you can get a bit more crouched without it getting as tight.

One other thing to be aware of - during the ride, you will feel your banshee 'breathing' and its 'muscles' moving against your thighs and legs.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to test the restraints without ruining the ride for other people?

About 1/3 of times I've ridden, at least one person has left after the restraints fastened. As long as you let the Cast Member know before they leave the room, you can leave without a problem. The CM will unfasten all the restraints at once and point you toward the exit. After you've left, they activate the restraints again.
People are very understanding about it - most everyone realizes this attraction has elements that cause problems for some people and don't mind waiting if someone changes their mind about riding.

I think what they have are the moving restraints but they don’t lock into place. There was a line or marker to show whether they would lock when you ride. But it still should give you a good idea whether they will be acceptable for you.

Yes.
They move, but don't lock into place. Quite a few people have issues with the restraints - whether it's the restraints fitting or worrying about being restrained at all.

There is control screen in front of you that shows you and the banshee linking perhaps that would help you focus on the screen activity while the seat locks. The restraints come up behind your back and calves.

The test seat doesn’t lock the restraints go up so you can get a feel.

Agree about the screen. There is a small screen right in front of each person. It's got quite a bit going on during the time you sit down and all the restraints lock.

This thread has some videos and other information that might be helpful for you.
Pandora Rides thread

 

[Clifton Tesh]

If it helps to know, the restraints are back of calves and sort of the bottom 'hollow' of your back.
The seat position is to sit forward, sort of leaning toward the front. If you sit up more straight while the restraints are locking, the back one won't get as tight.
For the calf restraints, a lot of whether you will have wiggle room after the restraints locks depends on your calf size/shape. The ride is designed for guests to be in a little bit of a 'crouched' position. If it's able to lock with your legs less crouched, once it does lock, you can get a bit more crouched without it getting as tight.

One other thing to be aware of - during the ride, you will feel your banshee 'breathing' and its 'muscles' moving against your thighs and legs.

About 1/3 of times I've ridden, at least one person has left after the restraints fastened. As long as you let the Cast Member know before they leave the room, you can leave without a problem. The CM will unfasten all the restraints at once and point you toward the exit. After you've left, they activate the restraints again.
People are very understanding about it - most everyone realizes this attraction has elements that cause problems for some people and don't mind waiting if someone changes their mind about riding.

Yes.
They move, but don't lock into place. Quite a few people have issues with the restraints - whether it's the restraints fitting or worrying about being restrained at all.

Agree about the screen. There is a small screen right in front of each person. It's got quite a bit going on during the time you sit down and all the restraints lock.

This thread has some videos and other information that might be helpful for you.
Pandora Rides thread

Very thorough!

Thank you very much!

 

[Mirabell Rose]

I tried FoP and had to close my eyes shortly after starting due to my vertigo. My husband couldn’t ride at all because he was too tall to fit the seat and have the restraints come down. I wish Disney would have made a bay where you could experience the ride without the bike moving to allow for people who, for a variety of reasons can’t do the moving bikes. They offered an option for a ride in Epcot (can’t remember the name) that had 2 levels of intensity, so wouldn’t be a completely new concept. It would be interesting how many more people could then ride and how many opt for that version of the ride.