Rides to Avoid After Knee Replacement

[sasra_nu]

Hi all!

My mom is joining us in WDW this year and is having knee replacement surgery about 2 months before we arrive. She will be renting an ECV.

My question is regarding which rides may be hard for her to get on/off of or may strain her knee so should be avoided. I am thinking rides with a large step down to get onto would be bad? I have never had knee issues and not sure what to expect, but I am making FP+ ressies in a couple weeks and not sure what to book.

I did check out the disAbilities FAQ thread with all the details about accessibility for each ride and that is really helpful, just hoping that someone who has BTDT might chime in. I love the Small World wheelchair boat! That is perfect! I am thinking of the other boat type rides where you step down/up like Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain (sadly I am thinking no for this one but would love input as it's our FAVORITE), etc. I'm not as worried about coasters like Space, BTMRR because she won't be doing those anyway. She'll be going to MK, HS, and Epcot with us.

Thanks all!

 

[SueM in MN]

One thing to be aware of with the wheelchair boats for Small World, Mexico and The Land -
It may be easier to walk in using the ramp, but getting out is still going to be trouble-some.

The seats are still low, so it may be difficult to get up (gravity helps when you are sitting down, but you are working against it when getting up).
If you get out from the side, Small World and Mexico have grab bars on the dock at the exit that might be helpful. Some people may find it easier walking back up the ramp to get out, but turning around to walk back up may be difficult and put strain on the knee because of turning.

A cane can be very helpful as a brace for getting out. It's usually not an issue to bring the cane into the ride car (really only an issue on the more 'wild' movement attractions.

If you have more than 2 people in your group, some people find it helpful to send one 'able bodied' person into the ride car first to provide a helping/steadying hand to the person with a disability. The second person stands by outside of the ride car as a steadying hand. Getting off, do the opposite.

While waiting to board, watch the boarding process to see how people are boarding and what might be helpful to do (or not do).

The details about accessibility the OP mentioned are on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, in posts 18-21. That thread is near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

We came to Disney in February 2013 after I had an arthroscopy in October 2012. I took my walking stick with me everywhere, and basically managed to get onto all the rides I wanted to just by taking it slow and carefully.

When getting into the boats on Three Caballeros and Pirates, I found it easier getting in as the seat was on the left. I stepped in with my left foot onto the seat and carefully lowed my right leg down into the foot well, holding the stick in my right hand for support while holding the back of the seat with my left hand. BTM was a doddle, as well.

I found IaSW difficult both that trip and subsequently the trip in February this year, because the seat is so very low in the boat and there's not enough legroom to stretch your knees out.

Don't even THINK about doing Space Mountain! It's so low down I don't think you'd get out of it again!

 

[sasra_nu]

Thanks for the input! I think my mom will be okay on most slower rides, especially if they let her take her time. And we will have 3 other adults who can help her. A cane is a good idea too. Worst case scenario would be she gets into the line with us but then can't ride and just has to wait for the rest of us. I will be sure to Fastpass rides that I know she'll have no trouble on - the ones where it isn't a big step down/up to get on.

She wouldn't do coasters like Space Mtn or even Big Thunder anyway, so that's not an issue Was hoping to get her on Splash Mtn but we'll see how it goes!

Would love to read other opinions if anyone else wants to chime in! Thanks again!

 

[asta]

I went to WDW 7 months after having a total knee replacement. Two of the rides that really hurt my leg with the artificial joint were Test Track and Star Tours. The step down into the ride vehicle at Test Track is very deep and I did not realize that the step would require me to bend the new joint that much until it was too late. The pain was so bad that I screamed and scared the other people on the load area. At two months post op your mother might still be working on the degree she can get her knee to bend so she will probably want to cautious. For what it is worth, I don't think you ever get the ability to as deeply bend an artificial knee as a normal knee.

The problem with Star Tours is that seats in the row I was in in (back row, I don't know if other rows might be better) were so high off the ground that my leg dangled. And that ride really shakes you around and it painfully jarred the new joint. Once the ride started I tried to find any surface to brace the leg against but there was nothing I could reach. A ride like Soarin is OK to let your leg dangle because it does not jar the new joint.

I took it slow and managed sort of OK for most of my trip. The only truly horrible thing that happened was an interaction with a CM at the hub of the MK who was extremely rude and mocked the pain I was in when I needed to sit to relieve the pain in the new joint from too much walking. I know it was my fault for trying the trip without a wheelchair/ECV but it is a very sad place when you can't extend kindness or respect to someone who is in fairly severe pain.

 

[SueM in MN]

What attractions are you thinking of so we can help with specific suggestions?

 

[sasra_nu]

Okay, we will avoid Test Track and Star Tours. I was on the fence about both of those anyway. We will definitely be using our Epcot Tier 1 FP on Soarin.

Sue, the ones I was hoping she could go on that I'm iffy about because I think they have steps down/up/sideways as opposed to walking right on are:

Splash Mountain - this is our favorite and my DD would love to take Grandma on it but on the linked page in FAQ thread the steps look big
Pirates
Jungle Cruise
Small World
7D Mine Train
TTA People Mover (not sure if the moving walkway is too steep even to stand on?)
Maelstrom
Gran Fiesta Tour
Living with the Land (I see there is a wheelchair boat w/ this one too, although I'm sure she will be able to walk on/off if steps are not too high)
Seas w/ Nemo
Great Movie Ride

I'm not as concerned with the ones where the "vehicle" is more level with the floor, like Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, etc as I don't think those would be an issue for her.

The FAQ thread w/ accessibility is very helpful! I've just never had knee problems so don't know what to expect her to be able to do, if that makes sense. And I don't want to waste her/our FPs on rides she can't go on because we'll have plenty of rides she CAN go on so not like we will run out of things to do.

You guys are great - thank you! :

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Regarding Test Track, there is an alternate boarding area you can ask to use that doesn't have a step down. It's essentially boarding from the side so I think she'd have to be able to get over that, but it wouldn't be the huge step you get at the regular boarding area. I think Sue has pictures in the FAQ (or somewhere else on here) which show a bit of how that boarding area works. Even if you have a mobility aid, they don't assume you need the alternate boarding area so you need to ask, but I don't know if that'll be any easier (or how well the ride would work just because of how you move and how that might put pressure on the knee).

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Sorry, missed your list. Jungle Cruise has an accessible boat (that I believe can even hold an ECV) so she can avoid the step on that one. It is a ride where you might be given a return card since she needs the accessible boat, but it will depend on how busy JC is. The return card acts somewhat like the old FP system did in that they give you a card with a time to return. That allows them to mostly avoid bunched up queues for those who need accessible boarding or the adapted boat. Most of the rides with alternate queues at MK have the option of giving return cards, but whether they do so or not varies. I mention JC specifically because it's one that comes up in trip reports as giving return cards more than most of the others.

There are wheelchair accessible spots on the vehicles for Great Movie Ride. I can't remember if they'd be big enough for an ECV, but I know it was one of the easiest for me to maneuver my wheelchair onto which suggests there was a bunch of space. So if the step down is too much, that's an option. (I've never done the step, but looking at the photos of the ride vehicles it doesn't look too bad.)

If there are rides with accessible vehicles where she can't do the normal step in/out, don't be afraid to use the accessible vehicle. That's what they're there for. You might wait a little extra, but that's better than avoiding rides she can do with the accessible vehicle and might like.

 

[asta]

Regarding Test Track, there is an alternate boarding area you can ask to use that doesn't have a step down. It's essentially boarding from the side so I think she'd have to be able to get over that, but it wouldn't be the huge step you get at the regular boarding area. I think Sue has pictures in the FAQ (or somewhere else on here) which show a bit of how that boarding area works. Even if you have a mobility aid, they don't assume you need the alternate boarding area so you need to ask, but I don't know if that'll be any easier (or how well the ride would work just because of how you move and how that might put pressure on the knee).

I wish I had known that! This was by far the worst ride for my artificial knee. I injured the healing tissue around the new joint by bending it too much. The rest of my trip was more painful because of this. The cars sit so much lower than the platform that is hard to visualize how they can make it easier. I will have to look at the FAQ. Do you just ask the CMs on the loading platform for alternate boarding?

OP, as far as your list I rode everything else without a problem. I worried a lot before my trip about not having the time to get in ride vehicles and even more about getting out before the ride took off again. That really wasn't a problem. I was able to use my arms on all of the other rides to hold on to something while I lowered my body or climbed out. By supporting most of my weight with my arms I was able to only bend the knee to a comfortable angle. If you can hold on to something it relieves the transfer stress on the new knee. (I hope this makes sense, it is hard to explain.)

Talk to your mom to make sure but in the years dealing with severe knee pain before the replacement I developed stronger arms and techniques in using my arms to relieve knee pain. As long as there is something to hold to I could do much more. I even rode all of the coasters with minimal problems.

 

[Snowysmom]

I had both knees replaced 6 months ago. This is a helpful thread as I will be going to Disney in December. I have concerns about the 7 Dwarves mine ride. Alot of people say it is tight and their knees bounce against the bar. Is this a ride to avoid? Thanks for the info about Test Track. I will be looking into the alternate boarding area.

 

[powellrj]

I will be honest and say there is no way I would have been able to tackle a trip like this so soon after my total knee replacements. I was on the younger side to have the surgery (mid-forty) and had a great recovery. I had school-aged children that I had to care for and went back to my full-time job after 6 weeks.

This isn't like having your knee scoped, this is a major surgery and your body is still recovering. I realize she will be having an ECV, but even using one, I still would have had problems. I think she needs to have a long conversation with her doctor and see what they think. Maybe she will be fine, but when I went back to work, I had to drive to different accounts and it was hard. I can't imagine taking a car or plane trip of any length, let alone spending time at WDW so soon after surgery.

 

[asta]

I will be honest and say there is no way I would have been able to tackle a trip like this so soon after my total knee replacements. I was on the younger side to have the surgery (mid-forty) and had a great recovery. I had school-aged children that I had to care for and went back to my full-time job after 6 weeks.

This isn't like having your knee scoped, this is a major surgery and your body is still recovering. I realize she will be having an ECV, but even using one, I still would have had problems. I think she needs to have a long conversation with her doctor and see what they think. Maybe she will be fine, but when I went back to work, I had to drive to different accounts and it was hard. I can't imagine taking a car or plane trip of any length, let alone spending time at WDW so soon after surgery.

I kind of agree with you. The advice I have shared was what worked for me at 7 months post op and it was still tough. My husband's work sent us on a free trip or I would never have planned to go. Who could pass up three free nights at the Yacht Club?

A knee replacement is major surgery. I agree about the scopes. I had two scopes prior and they were nothing compared to a full replacement. So many people are getting replacements that I have personally witnessed how some people are minimizing the severity of the surgery. My PT explained it as they are essentially cutting your leg off and reattaching it with plastic and metal and a lot of tissue to heal.

One oddity that might help the OP is the age of her mother. I was on the young end of a replacement and saw some of the elderly making fast progress on their degree of bend. The elderly don't build scar tissue as fast or well as a younger person so they can bend their new knee a little easier. Of course, they usually have to deal with more weakness.

Sorry to go off topic a little but I think these are things to consider while deciding to go to WDW.

 

[sasra_nu]

Thanks all SO MUCH! Lots of good information!!

Sorry if I sound clueless, I really have/had no idea what a knee replacement entails. I am not sure what to do. To be honest, our preference is to go in January/early Feb which would give her a few more months to heal, but I have been waiting patiently to see when Splash Mtn is closed for refurb because we won't go all the way there and miss our favorite ride.

My mom will only be joining us in the parks for 3 days. 1st day Hollywood Studios, 2nd day Epcot, and 3rd day Magic Kingdom - and MK has a 4:20 dinner reservation + closes at 7 that night. She is 59 but in good health otherwise, not obese or anything. I am wondering if she does really low-key, short days at HS and Epcot (basically eat, do a couple of rides, and watch Fantasmic/Illuminations), then a slightly longer day at MK, if that will be better? DH and DD and I can still go all day, but maybe she can just join us for a few hours in the afternoon at HS and EP. That might be better than her trying to keep up all day for 3 solid days. Plus, MK is what she really wants to see w/ DD and don't want to wear her out the 1st 2 days only to have her unable to do MK.

Ugh... I'm glad I asked, but there's so much to think about. I will talk to her and have her discuss this with her dr. Thanks again!!

 

[shaybot]

I would definitely avoid 7 dwarves, not because of a step because ei cnat remember if there is one, but because of the restraint. Unless she is incredibly skinny the restraint presses the knees together, and even without a bad knee it is very painful

 

[minnie mum]

I've been following this thread with great interest since I'm 1 month post op from my knee replacement and will be at 6 months when we return to WDW. I've needed to use a wheelchair for our last several trips, but had hoped to be back on my own two feet with the aid of my cane in Feb. Now I'm not sure that will be feasible. Looks like DH will have to push me around again.

Preop, my bad knee was quite stiff and unstable, but I could still enter and get off all of the rides by using my cane or DHs supporting arm. My real concern with this trip is for rides with a lack of leg room. Not sure of the degree of flexion I'll have by then (right now I have 105 degrees, but the knee is still very swollen). I think I'll have to give the Mine Train a miss (with great regret). Any other rides that people noticed a lack of leg room? FTR, I'm only 5 ft 4 inches tall.

 

[Snowysmom]

Preop, my bad knee was quite stiff and unstable, but I could still enter and get off all of the rides by using my cane or DHs supporting arm. My real concern with this trip is for rides with a lack of leg room. Not sure of the degree of flexion I'll have by then (right now I have 105 degrees, but the knee is still very swollen). I think I'll have to give the Mine Train a miss (with great regret). Any other rides that people noticed a lack of leg room? FTR, I'm only 5 ft 4 inches tall.

Minnie Mum,
I had both knees replaced 6 months ago and am doing pretty well. I have at least 120 degrees on each knee, sometimes more. I walk daily as well as go to the gym 3 times a week. The swelling is gone. After one month I was using crutches, both knees and legs swollen like you. You should find by 6 months out that things are alot better and you will be able to get around well. I found that weeks 8-10 are real turn around weeks when I really could do more and no more cane. I am going to Disney in December to test out the new knees. I am avoiding the Mine train like you. I would be interested in other rides with tight spaces too. I wish you the best with your recovery.

 

[ttintagel]

One thing that helps me mentally is to realize that the boat's not going to take off without me, so I can take as much time as I need to get on and off safely. And good shoes make all the difference in the world.

(Let me check my privilege here; it doesn't hurt that I was blessed with long legs.)

 

[nanadeb]

One ride to avoid if you are sitting in the regular seats is Small World. The short amount of leg room forces you to bend your knees deeply. I found that out the hard way 4 months after my knee replacement. Another thing you have to consider with any of the rides is that when you step either down into the ride or up into one, you tend to do a little sideways motion with your knees to stabilize yourself. Knee replacements do not bend like ordinary knees and have very little side to side movement without causing a great deal of pain. , especially in the beginning. You will also find that the leg with the knee replacement has a tendency to swell if you are on your feet for a longish amount of time. It's an adjustment, but the new knew will eventually settle down.

 

[minnie mum]

I realize that I am reawakening an old thread, and the OP has already had her trip. But I thought I'd come back and report my experiences with the rides after knee replacement. I'm now 6 months post op and have gotten about 125 degrees of flexion in the knee. Which is 10 degrees more than I had preop! Yay, a success!!

Because of the miles of walking needed during a Disney visit, I chose to rent a wheelchair again for our stay. And it turned out to be a wise decision for me. I could walk as much or as little as I was comfortable with. When my leg tired or the knee got sore I could sit. I usually parked the chair outside the rides for most FPs and those attractions with short queues.

I'm happy to report that I was able to ride everything that I wanted to! I did not do Space Mtn or RNRC, but I didn't do those preop, either. But they weren't all problem free. As mentioned by a PP, IASW has a distinct lack of leg room, and I really wasn't comfortable with keeping it bent that far for the length of the ride. Stepping up or down to enter or leave ride vehicles like Splash wasn't very difficult. I took my time (without triggering an emergency stop), used my cane and my DHs hand for support, and stepped onto the seat before stepping down onto the floor of the vehicle. Nanadebs comment about the sideways twisting motion was right on. Happened a couple of times on our first day, so I paid more care and attention to how I was moving after that.

And I did 7DMT twice with no difficulty at all. I found that the restraint bar was snug higher up on my thighs but the knee area was fine.

But one thing I learned early on, and I thought might be most useful was the problem of bracing your legs for some of the more energetic rides. BTMRR, TT, Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, even TSM come to mind. You automatically brace yourself against sideways movements on these rides. Bracing the leg with the replacement HURTS when its subjected to lateral forces! So I quickly learned to only do this with my "good" leg.

I hope this will be helpful to anyone visiting in the future after a TKA.