JoannaOhio said:
I've been wondering about this, too. My future son-in-law has MD, and is unable to use his legs at all. Because of all the wheelchair sitting, his legs have atrophied, so he is somewhat "top heavy". He also has very little upper body strength, and no ability to hang on to anything to keep himself from falling forward. My DD and I were just discussing this last night - wondering if he would be secure enough - especially if we sit on either side of him and link our arms in front of him. We might also ask to be placed in the lowest row so we wouldn't be so far off the ground, which might make it a little less worrisome for him.
We haven't ridden Soarin yet (just missed the AP preview by about 5 days, but from what I have read, they automatically put people using wheelchairs into the lowest row.
I'd suggest asking the CMs at the Tips board (marked on the park map with a big
I for 'Information') for information about riding, based on the things you wrote about your future SIL. They are usually not very busy, are happy to talk to people and have a lot of information.
Also ask the ride CMs. There are sometimes extra things available for people with special need for the ride that you don't find out about unless you ask - like Star Tours and Body Wars have a 4 point harness (like having a shoulder belt) they can attach. You might want to get fastpasses for everyone in your party, but ask the CM if one of you can ride first as a "test rider" to see if your future SIL will be able to ride (it would not be unnreasonable to ask for the test rider to be able to ride again with your party).
DH and I have ridden Test Track with DD between us and our arms across her to help keep her in place. I expect there is a lot more "keeping in place" on TT, but just wanted to mention that by the end of the ride, our arms feel like lead weights.
Other things to think about would be whether your future SIL has any spasms or body motion that happens randomly or in response to activity or excitement. For example, my DD has cerebral palsy and goes into what is called an extension pattern when she gets excited (imagine going from sitting to your body being straight like you are standing wihout standing up). We have to plan for that on rides (it made Tower of Terror
very interesting!). Between DH and I, we are able to hold onto her, but we are both adults and she is only 85 pounds.
Lastly, I know that JoannaOhio has probably seen these threads because she's been doing research on the disABILITIES Board, but other people seeing this thread may not have, so here are some links from the disABILITIES Board:
WDW after a spinal injury. Post 5 on that thread has a review of Soarin.
Review of Soarin at WDW
Not for safety reasons- by that point I realized it wasn't necessary (and I never felt like I was slipping out of the seat either) but because I didn't like the loop hanging down between my legs touching them. LOL
