Rides for people with bad backs?

[sgrap]

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.

Thank you! I don't think I"ll be trying the Matterhorn, but hopefully with give Pirates a whirl. I've ridden it, but it has been 25-30 years ago before any back problems.

 

[5forMickey]

I think you should be fine on Pirates. We took my In Laws 10 years ago when they were 78 not very active and FIL has major hip problems -- they have such mobility issues that they both needed scoters for the park and Pirates was one ride they LOVED!!!.

I have major problems also, 2 cervical fusions, 2 rib removals on and on and on.......now I'm a dire hard and quite often over due in the parks (and sometimes pay the price for that) but the only two rides that have really caused me trouble were Indiana and Matterhorn. I still will give them one try, but usually not another. On Matterhorn I do make sure I'm in my own car so I don't get squished by DH and on Indiana just have to hold tight so as not to get bounced around a lot. For screamin, it is really important that I don't try and move my head once the ride starts but other than that no problems with that ride either.

I would make sure you take any anti-inflammatory or other medications before you go just so you have them on board.

I agree with Dot2Vegas if you brace and pace yourself you'll be fine!!

 

[Fivers]

The one warning I would give on RSR is that the seats are quite low to get in and out of, and if you're even remotely long-legged, the leg room requires a bit of an awkward angle which can definitely tweak lower backs. Less than a week before our last trip I fell off a friend's horse and tweaked something in my sacrum/iliosacral joint. While I found RSR itself to be no problem, it's very smooth, getting in and out was a little challenging, and there was no good angle to keep my legs. As the week progressed, I also found that bringing a sweater to sit on/provide lower back support on rides like Pirates helped immensely (although that of course will depend on what the problem is)! The drops are quite smooth on Pirates, and when the boats bump it usually isn't too rough, it's also something you can see from the queue and judge for yourself.

As for watching videos of rides on line like RSR, that almost always makes me motion sick, whereas the rides themselves rarely do! And I definitely have a new respect for chronic back pain sufferers, your resilience is super impressive!

 

[sgrap]

The one warning I would give on RSR is that the seats are quite low to get in and out of, and if you're even remotely long-legged, the leg room requires a bit of an awkward angle which can definitely tweak lower backs. Less than a week before our last trip I fell off a friend's horse and tweaked something in my sacrum/iliosacral joint. While I found RSR itself to be no problem, it's very smooth, getting in and out was a little challenging, and there was no good angle to keep my legs. As the week progressed, I also found that bringing a sweater to sit on/provide lower back support on rides like Pirates helped immensely (although that of course will depend on what the problem is)! The drops are quite smooth on Pirates, and when the boats bump it usually isn't too rough, it's also something you can see from the queue and judge for yourself.

As for watching videos of rides on line like RSR, that almost always makes me motion sick, whereas the rides themselves rarely do! And I definitely have a new respect for chronic back pain sufferers, your resilience is super impressive!

Thank you, good advice!

 

[sgrap]

We are home from a great trip to DLR last week! In addition to the regular calm rides I always ride, I was brave enough to try RSR, Soarin', Pirates and Buzz Lightyear. I took Dramamine before Soarin' and closed my eyes off and on--no motion sickness, yeah! Pirates and Buzz were completely fine. RSR was a beyond my comfort level, but I rode it twice (once the first day and once the last) without too much problem other than it bothered my neck a little. I can't say I enjoyed it, though. Still glad I tried it! Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Fivers]

Glad to hear that you had a good time, and got to experience some new rides!

 

[TheChapman6]

I would do buzz lightyear just tell whoever you ride with not to spin it. it's slow moving on a track just like mermaid and you can spin if you want. Also have you thought about doing storybook land canal boats? They are so peaceful imo. Also the Train around the park is a must for me! YOu even get to see the inside of splash mountain from the train!

 

[sgrap]

I would do buzz lightyear just tell whoever you ride with not to spin it. it's slow moving on a track just like mermaid and you can spin if you want. Also have you thought about doing storybook land canal boats? They are so peaceful imo. Also the Train around the park is a must for me! YOu even get to see the inside of splash mountain from the train!

Thanks! I went on Buzz with my grown son who hates to spin, so that worked well. Yes, I have done storybook and the train and loved them! I didn't get it in this trip with all the Halloween stuff going on, but I agree that they are great and sometimes overlooked calm rides.