Rides to avoid if you have back problems

[molly2004]

So DH hurt his back over the 4th of July. "You'll be fine," I said. I figured he just pulled something that his chiropractor can easily fix. Well, after two weeks, he's still in pain. His doctor now tells him that he's broken his back!

We're still waiting on hearing about this prognosis. THen it hit him, we've got Disney in 6 months! How is he going to enjoy his time there? he's been looking forward to it for months now!

I know there are rides that warn against people with heart conditions. Are there any that warn against people with back conditions as well?

Thanks in advance for the info!

 

[Robo]

There are rides that do have warnings, and some that don't.

Partial list of rides that might be rougher on backs:

MK-
•Space Mountain
•Big Thunder Mtn.
•Splash Mountain
(notice a "trend" here?)
•Tomorrowland Speedway
•Winnie the Pooh's cars experience mild "bouncing" and "undulating" sections
•Snow White's cars make sharp curves, but they don't go fast
•Mad Tea Party (Spinning Teacups) might be problematic
•Pirates of the Caribbean has one very small "drop". No big deal... just be aware.

Epcot-
•Test Track
•Space Ship Earth has two long sections where you are tilted as your car is slowing going up or down into/out of the "sphere". Its not a bit rough, but the angle might make it tougher on the spine supporting the head.
•Mission: Space's "Less Intense" version tilts the riders but they are well-cushioned... its a judgement call
•Maelstrom (Norway in WS)

MGM-
•Rock n Rollercoaster
•Tower of Terror
•Star Tours
•Backlot Tour (Catastrophe Canyon is jarring)

DAK-
•Dinosaur (most jarring ride in WDW)
•Primeval Whirl
•Triceratop Spin
•Expedition Everest
•Kali River Rapids
•Kilimanjaro Safari (trucks get very jarring)

Most every other attraction at WDW (and there are PLENTY) will be just fine.

 

[Mickey1122]

I am sorry to hear that. I would definitely stay away from all the herky jerky type rides that knock you around. Dinosaur knocks you a bit, the car bounces in Winnie the Pooh, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a bit rickety. Anything that bounces yiu around can't be good for the back.

 

[bazzanoid]

I hate to put the water on the fireworks... there's a large quantity of rides out of bounds for back injuries - namely all coasters and intense motion rides. check each ride sign for specific details. The indoor cinema-type rides he'll be ok to do, depending on the condition of the back he may need to sit on the non-moving seats where necessary.

BUT, 6 months is a long time and with the right amount of rest he *should* be healed enough to do everything.

Both DW and myself suffer from ongoing back conditions, and we don't let anything get in our way as most rides don't throw you around as much as using public transport! Even if he feels completely healed, be sure to avoid the coasters made by vekoma at Busch Gardens - Python and Scorpion. They're unforgiving and can easily incapacitate a perfectly healthy person with just one ride. While custom-built vekoma's are ok, those two are a standard off-the-shelf design, shattering bones the world over since the 80's.

Obviously, don't do mission space - again even if healed, the pressure from the forces can resurface any bruising of the tissues, causing pain for a few days or a drugged-up DH!

Hope that helps - i'd recommend asking again two weeks before you go and update us on DH's back condition at that time for more specific advice! :

 

[oxfordcircus]

If Primeval Whirl was mentioned above, I missed it. If your hubby rides this ride, his back problems will be 10x worse. Space Mountain will give you back trouble, even if you didn't have it before!

 

[DisneyFan06]

If Primeval Whirl was mentioned above, I missed it. If your hubby rides this ride, his back problems will be 10x worse. Space Mountain will give you back trouble, even if you didn't have it before!

I dont think Primeval Whirl was included on his list, but I think it should as well. It can do a number on a person - trust me! But it sure is fun!

 

[Robo]

I dont think Primeval Whirl was included on his list, but I think it should as well. It can do a number on a person - trust me! But it sure is fun!

I'll edit to include Primeval Whirl (I know it needs to be on it.)

I just built my list from memory and I have never bothered to ride any of the Dinorama "carnival" attractions.

 

[DisneyFan06]

I have never bothered to ride any of the Dinorama "carnival" attractions.

You should try it. I said the same thing but I liked the ride. I didn't ride the Spin Machine or whatever you call that ride - though.

 

[Eljay]

On the positive side though, Soarin' is perfect for him.

 

[Robo]

I didn't ride the Spin Machine...

AKA: "Triceratop Spin"

Those attractions (under other aliases) are available at our local theme park.
Its 10 minutes from our house, I pass it maybe 6 times a week.

And the last time I visited the place was 1987. (No kidding.)

 

[disneymama73]

You might also want to avoid Stitch at MK. The harness pushes down on your shoulders, and I was in severe pain for 3 days.

I was extra careful not to let the harness come down too tight on my shoulders, too, because I had read about that here on the DIS. I still left the ride in pain. It's a lame ride/show and not worth it.

 

[disnut8]

Oh, I can certainly understand! I broke my neck on May 3rd but went to Disney World for Memorial Day anyway. I spent most of my time in the hospital thinking about what I could do, not what I couldn't do. But here's my "no no" list forever now. These are about the same for a back problem too.

Magic Kingdom - all three mountains - Splash, Space, Big Thunder. Stitch was a not to do because of the restraints (over the head). The Indy Speedway.

Animal Kingdom - the Safari - as much as I hated to miss it, I have to. Expedition Everest. Primeval Whirl, Dinosaur.

MGM - Rock N Roller Coaster, Twilight Zone.

Epcot - I didn't do Maelstrom although I might be able to handle it in the future. Test Track and the hectic Mission Space.

Now, when I went for Memorial Day, my husband and I had a great time. He even did Rock N Roller Coaster and Twilight Zone at MGM. For the Coaster, I sat out while he did FastPass. For Twilight Zone, we both did FastPass and I bailed right before he entered the elevator. Your husband can do everything with you right up to boarding the actual vehicle. Then he can leave. That's the way I'll have to tour Disney in the future forever.

Just pay attention to the signs and if you or your husband have any hesitation, leave the attraction. Please don't take any chances.

 

[ntsammy5]

There are rides that do have warnings, and some that don't.

DAK-
•Dinosaur (most jarring ride in WDW)

Most every other attraction at WDW (and there are PLENTY) will be just fine.

I agree with Dinosaur. DW has a back problem and this ride almost did her in a few years ago. Definitely avoid it!

 

[Hugpug]

I have back problems so I will give you my list of rides to avoid that I know are bad.
MK-
•Space Mountain
•Big Thunder Mtn.
•Splash Mountain
•Mad Tea Party (Spinning Teacups) might be problematic

MGM-
•Rock n Rollercoaster lot of twisting
Star Wars

DAK-
•Dinosaur (Worst ride in WDW)
•Expedition Everest( lot of twisting
•Kali River Rapids
•Kilimanjaro Safari (Verry Bad)

Epcot
Test Track
Mission Space Intense Version

 

[twinklebug]

You might want to add Its A Small World to the list...

A friend of mine went down recently and was experiencing back pain. She was well enough to visit MK and rode a few rides, but after the shaking at the begining and end of the IASW ride (boats are on a conveyer belt) she said she was knocked over by the pain. She couldn't sit, couldn't walk, she and her husband slowly made their way to the exit and left

 

[Robo]

You might want to add Its A Small World to the list...

A friend of mine went down recently and was experiencing back pain. She was well enough to visit MK and rode a few rides, but after the shaking at the begining and end of the IASW ride (boats are on a conveyer belt) she said she was knocked over by the pain. She couldn't sit, couldn't walk, she and her husband slowly made their way to the exit and left

If we have to put "small world" on the list, then that means we must simply exit all parks (as any ride would be too strenuous) and only sit quietly in our resort rooms with our hands folded until the vacation is over.

 

[molly2004]

Ugh! Not looking good.

 

[sleepingbeautymama]

Is the safari really bad on your back? It was the one thing at AK I really wanted to see but I have bad back problems and won't chance it if it's going to make my back flare up. Are you able to see some of the animals at the safari in other areas of the park? The whole reason I want to see AK is for the animals, not the amusement rides.

 

[disneymama73]

It's pretty rough. I don't know if I'd risk it.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

DINOSAUR! DINOSAUR! DINOSAUR!

Please do not go on this ride. It is very shake and will bounce you around all over the place and I also have to say that the Safari might be to much for you as well, because it can get very bouncy.

I have bad back problems and I learned (too late) about the Dinosaur ride. Which is cool but has very jerky movements.

6 months is good but with back issues you never know.

However on the good side Soarin will be quite enjoyable for the both of you!