Rides for people with bad backs?

[sgrap]

We have an upcoming trip to DLR . I have chronic back problems and in the past have only braved the following rides: Small World, Pooh, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, Swan boats, Jungle Cruise, Little Mermaid, and Monsters. I did Soarin' once but my motion sickness did not appreciate it. My dh talked me into TSMM once and it was was too much jerking with how they spin the cars so quickly.

My goal is to try another ride or two this trip. My youngest is 12, so my kids no longer want to do the 'kiddie rides,'although they will do Peter Pan and the Swan boats on occasion to make their mom happy. Most of our trips consist of them riding and me waiting for them.

So . . . does anyone have recommendations for what rides are reasonably smooth and not motion sickness inducing? I am hoping to try Pirates, although I am a little concerned about the 2 drops and about boats coming in behind you at the end and slamming into your boat. I would absolutely LOVE to try RSR, but I am worried about the part with the tractor and also the racing part.

I don't want to set off a back pain episode and then be miserable the rest of the trip. But I also want more chances to enjoy things with my family!

Thanks for any input! I know everyone's own impression of rides is very individual, but it helps to hear opinions.

 

[Geemo]

Have you tried watching any YouTube videos to see what the various rides are like?

I think they would give you an idea of the rides physical action as well as what you'll see.

Check a few out and see what you think.

Geemo

 

[sgrap]

Have you tried watching any YouTube videos to see what the various rides are like?

I think they would give you an idea of the rides physical action as well as what you'll see.

Check a few out and see what you think.

Geemo

Thanks, great idea!

 

[mydisneyfix]

What about Buzz Astro blasters?

 

[krispin41]

What about RSR? I have back issues too, and felt that was pretty smooth.

 

[sgrap]

What about Buzz Astro blasters?

I have never tried it . . . is it smoother than TSMM? Thanks!

 

[sgrap]

What about RSR? I have back issues too, and felt that was pretty smooth.

RSR is one I would love to try! How jerky is it when you 'run' away from the tractor after the tipping part?

 

[krispin41]

RSR is one I would love to try! How jerky is it when you 'run' away from the tractor after the tipping part?

I didn't find it jerky at all. I have had two back surgeries for herniated discs at L4 & L5. I can even handle Indiana Jones, and that is pretty jerky at times. YMMV.

I just take Tylenol in the morning before I head out, take it slow and rest when I need to, a dip in the hot tub helps too.

 

[sgrap]

Have you tried watching any YouTube videos to see what the various rides are like?

I think they would give you an idea of the rides physical action as well as what you'll see.

Check a few out and see what you think.

Geemo

Hmmm, just watched RSR on YouTube and just watching the video made me nauseous from motion sickness. Perhaps not a good sign?

 

[sgrap]

I didn't find it jerky at all. I have had two back surgeries for herniated discs at L4 & L5. I can even handle Indiana Jones, and that is pretty jerky at times. YMMV.

I just take Tylenol in the morning before I head out, take it slow and rest when I need to, a dip in the hot tub helps too.

Wow, impressive you can handle Indiana Jones! No way am I attempting that one!

 

[SplashMo]

RSR is pretty tame. Avoid the autopia. Monsters INC might work. I forget if that jerks or not. Avoid Mater tow as well....

 

[Geemo]

Hmmm, just watched RSR on YouTube and just watching the video made me nauseous from motion sickness. Perhaps not a good sign?

Do you take anything to help control your motion sickness?

Here's a link to a fishing website.
http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=1532134#post1532134
They discuss what works for them to limit/control their motion sickness .

A prescription patch for the trip might be just what you need. If you can have one less thing to worry about it would sure be worth it.

As far as back problems.... Stay off the Matterhorn!

Good luck

Geemo

 

[mydisneyfix]

I have never tried it . . . is it smoother than TSMM? Thanks!

Yes...it's like haunted mansion. Very smooth. There is a joystick you can you use to spin but you don't have to use it. There is one part near the end that they automatically turn the car (smile..it's where they take your photo ) but it's a slow and smooth spin. Nothing like TSMM. TSMM is much more intense.

 

[tink3kids]

Definitely stay away from the Matterhorn and ToT.

RSR is pretty smooth, I wonder if the motion sickness you were feeling was from watching the video on YouTube?

 

[nannyz]

My husband has had surgery on L4 and L5 also. He does not do Matterhorn, Indy, or Thunder Mtn. He had no problems with RSR, Pirates, HM, IASW.
The risk of being bumped by another vehicle is always there but so far it has never caused him a lot of pain. Some rides he does not do because it is too difficult for him to squeeze into the small seats. He is not overweight but is tall - 6 ft. 5 in.
As to the motion sickness, I suffer severely. The only ride I absolutely cannot do is Star Tours. If I were you, I would take a dramamine in the morning and it would last all day. If Soarin bothers you, you can just close your eyes as the seats do not move like in Star Tours.

 

[Dot2Vegas]

I have had 4 surgeries for L5 S1 trouble, permanent nerve damage, chronic back and leg pain and will likely need a fusion at some point. I can do pretty much anything as long as I brace myself and keep my lower body still. I get a lot of upper body aches from bracing myself all day! I avoid the Matterhorn, never ridden. I had a lot of trouble on Maters tractors, too jerk and I didnt expect it for some reason. I also avoid autotopia, the vibrations irritated my nerves.
Just pace yourself, brace yourself and enjoy!

 

[Phoenixrising]

I also have chronic back pain, and can tell you California Screamin, is very smooth. I found Indy really jerky and won't ride it for this reason. I find Buzz jerky but tolerable, as the jerkiness comes from the kids playing with the movement controls when comes to swinging the car from side to side.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I also have chronic back pain, and can tell you California Screamin, is very smooth.

Caution on California Screamin, I find it very rickety, one of my family bruised her tail bone (very bad thing to do at DL) because she didn't get her restraint tight enough, other family members thought the ride was just fine. This is one where it seems to depend on how you fit in the seat. Also, it uses magnets to burst you out and g forces are at work as it does a loop. You can watch people ride it and get a feel for this one.

 

[sgrap]

Caution on California Screamin, I find it very rickety, one of my family bruised her tail bone (very bad thing to do at DL) because she didn't get her restraint tight enough, other family members thought the ride was just fine. This is one where it seems to depend on how you fit in the seat. Also, it uses magnets to burst you out and g forces are at work as it does a loop. You can watch people ride it and get a feel for this one.

Thank you--I am not a roller coaster person, so would not be doing Screamin' regardless of my back and motion sickness. Even before I had these issues, I wouldn't do roller coasters.

Thank you everyone for the help and suggestions!

 

[meg39]

I had a major spinal fusion ten years ago, and also get moderate motion sickness. The drops in pirates are nothing. I also did the Matterhorn and it was pretty tame in both respects - it really doesn't feel good for anyone I've decided. But it was super underwhelming, so no biggie.