Rides for bad back

[OrangeBirdGirl]

Soon I will be taking a day trip from Disney to Universal and IOA. My dad is part of our group and he has a very bad back. At Disney he won't go on Dinosaur as that could mess up his back and will ruin the entire trip. Sometimes even the safari at AK will mess up his back.

A friend just returned from Universal and said she felt a lot of rides really jostled you around. She said some seemed worse then Dinosaur.

Now, I'm seconding guessing our day trip to Universal/IOA, since my parents will be there. I'm not sure if it will be too much for my dad and his back. He is not the type that would enjoy going to the park and not being able to go on any rides.

If anyone has experience with the rides and a bad back, which ones are they? TIA!

 

[wookiebeck]

There is still plenty to enjoy. I have had a protruding disc issue in my back and I found that Mummy and Gringotts strap you in so tight that my back is no problem.

Ask for the non-moving seats (usually the front row) at Minions, Shrek and Terminator (not sure if Simpsons has one). All the rides at Seuss-land are fun. The Hogwarts Express is awesome both ways. Catch a live show or three. There really is a ton to do.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

There is still plenty to enjoy. I have had a protruding disc issue in my back and I found that Mummy and Gringotts strap you in so tight that my back is no problem.

Ask for the non-moving seats (usually the front row) at Minions, Shrek and Terminator (not sure if Simpsons has one). All the rides at Seuss-land are fun. The Hogwarts Express is awesome both ways. Catch a live show or three. There really is a ton to do.

Thanks for your feedback. That's an interesting concept, it makes sense (being strapped in so tight). Have you tried Forbidden Journey? That's one in particular that I've heard is bad. My dad is fine on Space Mountain and DH claims that is more jerky then any other ride he's been on. Maybe I'm just over-worried about him. I just don't want to see him in pain the rest of the trip.

 

[Mom2Stitch]

IMHO I would caution against the Mummy-I think that there are at least 2 sudden stops that might be an issue, but if Space is not an issue he may be ok.

 

[wookiebeck]

I think Space Mtn is tough because the seat does not go up to my head. It feels like my upper body is gonna fly out of whack. Yes, Mummy has the two stops, again the seat support for me was adequate (just flexed the core muscles a little while riding). FJ is fine for my back, but not good for motion sickness, lol.

 

[damskipi13]

Soon I will be taking a day trip from Disney to Universal and IOA. My dad is part of our group and he has a very bad back. At Disney he won't go on Dinosaur as that could mess up his back and will ruin the entire trip. Sometimes even the safari at AK will mess up his back.

A friend just returned from Universal and said she felt a lot of rides really jostled you around. She said some seemed worse then Dinosaur.

Now, I'm seconding guessing our day trip to Universal/IOA, since my parents will be there. I'm not sure if it will be too much for my dad and his back. He is not the type that would enjoy going to the park and not being able to go on any rides.

If anyone has experience with the rides and a bad back, which ones are they? TIA!

This is my first trip to Universal (here now) and I've been surprised by how rough the rides are. I never even think about it at Disney properties other than the Matterhorn, but here it's been a bother. I hit my head on Mummy, Skull Island, and Simpsons. All great rides but tough on the body. I could never take my parents on those rides.

Forbidden Journey is less jostling, but I wouldn't go on it if I had any motion sickness. You get turned around every which way, but since you are strapped in tight it isn't bad on the back.

 

[keishashadow]

Soon I will be taking a day trip from Disney to Universal and IOA. My dad is part of our group and he has a very bad back. At Disney he won't go on Dinosaur as that could mess up his back and will ruin the entire trip. Sometimes even the safari at AK will mess up his back.

A friend just returned from Universal and said she felt a lot of rides really jostled you around. She said some seemed worse then Dinosaur.

Now, I'm seconding guessing our day trip to Universal/IOA, since my parents will be there. I'm not sure if it will be too much for my dad and his back. He is not the type that would enjoy going to the park and not being able to go on any rides.

If anyone has experience with the rides and a bad back, which ones are they? TIA!

Google the ride-through videos out there as a reference. There are more than of few of us with 'bad backs' who still enjoy the parks. You learn to pick and choose and hope for the best.

Am I interpreting that he has done the safari since it messed up his back? you never know if/when the trucks will 'lurch'. many attractions Mimic that motion @ both in WDW & U. If a repeat rider, you know when to 'brace yourself' or to skip.

Is he ok on rides that spin? MIB, Spiderman, Transformers, Simpsons, even the two HP rides would likely work. Mummy is akin to Space mt in that there are many drops and quick turns. In the darkness. The coasters are relatively smooth other than the takeoff which might be more of an issue for neck problems vs lower spine. Does Rock N Roller coaster's take off bother him?

Dad is the one to decide what attractions he wants to attempt. Depending on the severity of his condition, it's possible the amount of walking a park vacation entails could be a challenge for him. He might just welcome the opportunity to stay @ your resort and just relax at the pool if you make the suggestion.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

Thanks Keishahadow for your input. Yes Safari at AK sometimes hurts him when it goes over bumps really hard. But it is strange as Space Mountain he is fine. Rock n Roller coaster doesn't bother him (well other then the fact he doesn't like going upside down by he will still go on it).

I think i'm just overly worried about my dad. Like you said, just let him decide. Spinning and motion simulators he's fine. This past weekend we watched a bunch of the rides on youtube. I thought for sure he'd shoot down Rip Ride Rockit and Hulk.... But he said he'd see how it looked in person before deciding. Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear (which Buzz basically has no movement) are his favorite rides.

It was his idea to venture offsite for a day this trip (as staying at WDW). We have done Sea World in the past and he likes Harry Potter so wanted to see Universal.