Question for first trip for Elderly Parent- special circumstances

[Vickilynn42]

We are planning a trip for our family of five, and my husbands mother who is 77, in October this year. Our family has gone several times, but this will be my MIL's first trip. Here's a little back story. She has had an auto immune problem since a very young age called gamma globulin anemia. In May 2010 our family came to DW for a 7 day trip, and had to leave on the 2nd day because my Father-in-law had a heart attack and passed away. Her life has been turmoil as shortly after her husbands death she started feeling sick and in terrible pain all over. The doctors couldn't really find the problem until one day she fell and we rushed her to the emergency room, and she was life-flighted out. Turns out, the port she has to receive her gamma globulin every 3 weeks, had gotten infected and the infection traveled to her heart, and then settled in her neck. It proceeded to eat away the bone, and when she fell, it broke her neck. The doctors thought it best to make her comfortable and let her pass. We told them she would want to fight this, and so the doctor was able to pin her neck back together and she survived after months of hospitalization and therapy. it's been over 3 years now since she came home from the hospital and she's going strong!

She's never traveled much out of Wyoming as my FIL was a rancher, and so they were tied to the ranch. Now that she is healed and doing well, we want to take her to DW for a trip she will never forget. She is giddy like a kid thinking of this trip, and her dream is to ride a roller coaster as she never has! I realize that we will need to consult her doctor before the trip, but do any of you think that BTMR would be mild enough for her if she wore a neck brace? And what about Splash Mountain. We of course would never attempt Rock n Roller coaster, or Space Mountain with her. And we know there are plenty of attractions for her to see. I'd like to see her dream come true, but would hate to have her hurt. Any advice? TIA

 

[tobikaye]

BTMRR and Splash both have warnings that you should not ride if you have back or neck issues so I do not think they would let her ride if she was wearing a neck brace. I know that BTMRR would be too rough for my mom's Degenerative Disk Disorder.

I know they are not big coasters, but Barnstormer or 7DMT might be more her speed to try. They may be fast enough to give her the thrill of a roller coaster.

 

[SabbyR]

I have no advice just wanted to say that this really touched my heart and I hope you guys have an amazing trip!

 

[Vickilynn42]

BTMRR and Splash both have warnings that you should not ride if you have back or neck issues so I do not think they would let her ride if she was wearing a neck brace. I know that BTMRR would be too rough for my mom's Degenerative Disk Disorder.

I know they are not big coasters, but Barnstormer or 7DMT might be more her speed to try. They may be fast enough to give her the thrill of a roller coaster.

I forgot about those warning signs as we've never had issues ourselves, so thanks for reminding me! We will definitely look into the smaller ones.

 

[Vickilynn42]

I have no advice just wanted to say that this really touched my heart and I hope you guys have an amazing trip!

Thank you so much!!

 

[gtpoohbear]

7DMT is a lot of fun and very smooth, I think it would be perfect for her! Definitely try to get a FP though. Hope she has a magical time!

 

[Iowajes]

I have broken my neck twice, once life threatening, once much more minor. I would not attempt BTMRR.

However, you will find almost EVERY ride that is even moderately thrilling has a neck/back warning on it. Some of it will come down to judgement about whether or not it is appropriate. For instance, Buzz Lightyear has a warning, and I find that ride just fine for me. Stitch also has a warning, and I've found it I hold my hands up at my ears, so the restraint does not come down on my shoulders, I have no problems. However, this may not be the same experience for your mother.

http://allears.net/tp/rr.htm

 

[minnie mum]

I agree that BTMRR would probably be too jarring. But 7DMT would probably be fine for her. Of course, get her doctor's okey dokey first.

Will she be using a w/c or ECV? You can get all kinds of info on the disABILITIES board. I hope her trip is wonderful.

 

[aaarcher86]

7DMT is a lot of fun and very smooth, I think it would be perfect for her! Definitely try to get a FP though. Hope she has a magical time!

Agreed.

 

[Vickilynn42]

Thank you all, and sorry for the silly question but what is 7DMT??

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Seven Dwarves Mine Train. Agreed, maybe a better option for her than Big Thunder.

 

[Vickilynn42]

I agree that BTMRR would probably be too jarring. But 7DMT would probably be fine for her. Of course, get her doctor's okey dokey first.

Will she be using a w/c or ECV? You can get all kinds of info on the disABILITIES board. I hope her trip is wonderful.

We will rent a wheelchair from the parks each day so she can ride most of the time just so she doesn't tire so fast. And I will definitely check out the disabilities board- thanks!

 

[Vickilynn42]

Seven Dwarves Mine Train. Agreed, maybe a better option for her than Big Thunder.

Ooh ok thanks, I'm familiar with so many Disboards abbreviations but that one had me stumped lol

 

[JennyDrake]

First of all, I hope your trip is fabulous!

Second, PLEASE consider renting a wheelchair or ECV from an off site vendor. I used Walker Mobility and they were awesome. Just walking from the resort to the bus to the park can *zap* you, and don't forget the reverse after a long day in the park. The wc from off site are lighter weight and more maneuverable. You can ALWAYS park whatever device you choose and walk as much as you like!

As PPers have noted, BTMRR is not her best option as it is so dang rough. The same is true for Space. Splash should be OK, but then again, check with her doctor as it already your plan!

_I_ would consider ExE because it has shoulder restraints and a head rest, both of which would limit movement. And of course 7DMT (only of you get a FP+--so not worth the long waits in line) and Goofy's!!

 

[RustManFan]

BTMRR is not at all smooth. Splash is Much milder!

 

[Vickilynn42]

First of all, I hope your trip is fabulous!

Second, PLEASE consider renting a wheelchair or ECV from an off site vendor. I used Walker Mobility and they were awesome. Just walking from the resort to the bus to the park can *zap* you, and don't forget the reverse after a long day in the park. The wc from off site are lighter weight and more maneuverable. You can ALWAYS park whatever device you choose and walk as much as you like!

As PPers have noted, BTMRR is not her best option as it is so dang rough. The same is true for Space. Splash should be OK, but then again, check with her doctor as it already your plan!

_I_ would consider ExE because it has shoulder restraints and a head rest, both of which would limit movement. And of course 7DMT (only of you get a FP+--so not worth the long waits in line) and Goofy's!!

Thanks for the wheelchair advice!!

 

[Vickilynn42]

I was worried BTMRR would be a bit too rough! I think she will skip it for sure

 

[nkereina]

I agree with PPs - I know nothing about neck issues but would think Splash would be fine and 7DMT as well. The good thing about 7DMT is that it's shorter than BTMRR, so less potential for issues, and the dwarves inside the mine are super cute to see. I'm trying to convince my mom to ride because I think she'd like that part!

Hope you all have a great trip!