Rock N Rollercoaster question

[demeritts1229]

We leave in 25 days and I need to turn to my fellow Dis'ers for help. My DH REALLY wants me to go on the RnR with him. Due to a "birth defect" (I HATE THAT TERM!!) with my left arm, I do not have full range of motion (no elbow and a short arm). I have seen all kinds of video of people riding the coaster on Travel Channel shows...my question is, how crucial is it to have to be able to reach up to my shoulders and grip those bars for the ride?
I had a bad experience on a coaster when I was younger and while I REALLY want to ride RNR with DH the not being able to hold on to the bars thing really worries me.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!! I love this site, everyone is so awesome!!

Have a great day!!
Judy

 

[Cheshire Figment]

It should not be a problem at all. The ride is safe even without holding on. As long as the bar is fully down you cannot fall out.

One thing you can do is while on line talk to a CM and indicate you may have a problem. Once you are in the ride vehicle before launch they can let you out if you feel unsafe; just let a CM know you want to get out.

 

[demeritts1229]

Thanks...I'm still trying to decide if I'm "brave enough" but will probably try it...DH has really wanted to ride it the last 2 times we visited and I think I'll finally give it a shot.

Thanks again!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

I think most people hold onto those bars because it makes them feel more secure rather than actually making them more secure.
As Cheshire Figment noted, the bar is what is holding you in and as long as it it locked, you don't have anything to worry about.

Universal has a lot more 'wild' rides than WDW has and their Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities has a lot more specific information about what 'skills' a guest needs to safely ride different attractions. Here's a quote from their book about ability to brace oneself:
"CONTINUOUSLY GRASP THE RESTRAINT MECHANISM
WITH AT LEAST ONE UPPER EXTREMITY.
EXPLANATION: The guest must have at least one upper
extremity or prosthesis exhibiting good grip control with the
ability to brace and strong enough to allow the guest to
maintain the proper riding position through the duration of
the ride."

So, even if grasping the ride restraint/bar was important, it looks like one arm would be enough.

 

[demeritts1229]

Thanks SueM...I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I feel a bit better...still a bit of a scaredy cat but a more secure one.

All my best,
Judy

 

[Mary976]

I once read about a man who did not have arms who has ridden RnRC many times. Apparently he would squeeze his shoulders up to brace himself. I can't remember where the story was (somewhere on the internet), but I would think you would be fine!

Good luck!
Mary

 

[sixthscents]

Hi,
My DD (age 9) and I rode the RnRC in October. I was so terrified she would slide out (she is very slender built) I made her hold my hand while we rode. Therefore, I only used one hand to grip the bar and I did not notice any difference or feel insecure in any way. I hope this helps.
Rama

 

[KPeveler]

holding on actually has nothing to do with your security on the ride - otherwise every guy who decided to keep their hands up on the ride would fall off!

as long as the harness locks in place, you should be okay

 

[raggedy couple]

Don't worry, I have a prosthesis on my left arm. My arm ends about 3 inches below my elbow and have no trouble with RnR. Mines a birth defect too. I don't even use that term anymore. I say (congenital), sounds better. I ride every ride at WDW. The only thing that ever held me back was motion sickness. Now I use the patch! Go and have fun.

 

[Absimilliard]

Here is the truth about those rollercoaster rides, especially those with loops: Many of them you could ride without a safety restraint! The reason is that during the loops, the G forces keep you glued to the seat, thus you would not fall. The only time where a restraint is required is when you got intense negative G's (that sensation of lifting off the seat!), of which there are none at Disney. I had a rather scary incident on Space Mountain where my lap bar opened (I'm 6'3 and if I sit in seat 4, my legs basically prevent the lap bar from closing properly) and I just held on and I was fine.

So, enjoy the ride! Beside the launch and initial double loops, Rock n Roller Coaster is actually pretty tame! Nothing at all like Kraken at Sea World or the 3 large coasters at Busch Gardens. I don't want to spoil anything, but the ride consist mainly of wide turns after the launch and loops. No steep drops.