Space Mountain - how rough on the back and neck?

[sharona]

I remember loving it when I was younger but have only been on once as an adult and that was a while ago so can't really recall much detail. I've seen some posts about it being a very jerky jarring ride. Are those exaggerated? Looking for info and feedback on how bad it really is. Can you compare it to any other rides at WDW or DL or Universal?

My back can be a bit cranky if I twist the wrong way to pick something up or try to move something heavy but it's not a constant issue. DD wants to ride but won't go without me. I don't want her to miss out.

TIA for your input.


Update - for those who want to know the results, here is my post from this thread after our trip:

OP here. Just following up to relate my recent experience. Gave it a shot as my back has been pretty good lately. DD loved it (of course) so we had to go on 2X and even went back for a 3rd ride late night but it was closed for technical issues. First ride we were #1 and #2 in the front car on the FP side. It was much smoother than I expected and I enjoyed it. Back and neck seemed ok afterwards. Second ride I was in the very last seat of the last car on the other side - much bumpier ride and didn't enjoy it as much. Can't really say if it was my seat or the different track. Nothing really painful or damaging, just a bit sore the next day but we did open til close and I lugged my heavy dslr around with me - that did way more damage than Space!!

Edit to add that no way was I lifting my arms after watching a ride video with the lights on via youtube.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

I find the back to be way worse than the front, so if you can get up front, it might be better. I will only ride it once a day now, and it used to be my favorite ride. I don't know if it got worse or if I got old, but I try to brace myself really well.

 

[Gracie09]

DH won't ride it because it hurts his back

 

[starswilldiex]

I'm not sure so I can't answer that part. I have failed fusion surgery syndrome after an L5-S1 fusion and various other issues with my back. I'd just caution you that if you have anything wrong with your back or neck that you find someone else to ride with her. I'm all for a kid not missing out but you also don't want to be hurting the whole rest of the trip.

I'm really going to watch which rides I go on, make sure I have plenty of my breakthru meds, and rest as needed next month. Goodluck!!!

 

[MrsDuck]

I've found that it is really hard on my neck and back after the refurb a couple of years ago. I usually am in the back and sometimes it's so uncomfortable I am excited to get off.

It's unfortunate because it's DH's favorite ride but I usually can only do it 1x.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yes, tough on necks and backs.

 

[elgerber]

I've found that it is really hard on my neck and back after the refurb a couple of years ago. I usually am in the back and sometimes it's so uncomfortable I am excited to get off.

It's unfortunate because it's DH's favorite ride but I usually can only do it 1x.

Totally agree. We find it much rougher since the last refurb. So much so, that we may just skip it next trip. Once per trip has been enough, because it's so darn rough, but I think it might not be worth the aches anymore.

 

[JennyDrake]

Yes, rough but not as bad as Dino. I brace myself against the seat back and I can ride it fine, BUT my back issues are due to scoliosis--not injuries or surgeries.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Very. My issue is ... Since I cannot see the track, cannot anticipate accordingly. So this is an avoid ride for me. Same deal for Everest since it goes backwards. (Edited from mine train--not sure why I typed that!)

I have an old neck injury (basically whip lash) and it does not like to be jostled around.

When I have opted to ride, I usually have to take Motrin. That usually resolves the issue and for all my other kids, mommy will ride with them once and then I am done done.

Everest, I won't go on at all for any reason. I did not enjoy it and neither did by neck.

 

[nilla]

Not exaggerated at all. It's a back-killer. Especially if you're tall (I'm 6'). Also a hip and elbow killer for me

That said, I still love it, and won't pass up an opportunity to ride it. The roughness of the ride is almost funny to me at this point.

 

[IndyRnRfan]

Very. My issue is ... Since I cannot see the track, cannot anticipate accordingly. So this is an avoid ride for me. Same deal for mine train since it goes backwards.

I have an old neck injury (basically whip lash) and it does not like to be jostled around.

When I have opted to ride, I usually have to take Motrin. That usually resolves the issue and for all my other kids, mommy will ride with them once and then I am done done.

Everest, I won't go on at all for any reason. I did not enjoy it and neither did by neck.

I feel the same way. This is the roughest ride at Disney. The others that I can see are not bad as I can tell when to lean and adjust accordingly. This is a crap shoot.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I'm 31 years old and 5'2" and don't suffer from any ailments. I am almost always in the front of the car and if not front, I am in the middle. I have never had any sort of problem with my neck or back on Space Mountain. My husband is 33 years old and 6'8" and also doesn't suffer from neck or back problems. He rides in the very back because that is where the most leg room is. He says that he does find it a bit jerky but not any real problem for him. He says it is no worse for him than Thunder Mountain.

 

[TagsMissy]

It's very jerky. I had hoped when the ride was closed for that near year in 2009 they'd also change the track to be like DL... it's so nice and smooth there. We always ride it at WDW but it's quite a killer on the back.

 

[Zimbing]

This used to be one of my favourites, but when I was last at WDW at the end of 2012, it would make my neck ache a bit, and was definitely worst when sitting in the back, sadly the best seat imo! And I'm in my 20's and fit and active, don't know if the ride was changed some way...

 

[cygnusx1jg]

All I can say as a 6 foot tall and 200+ pound man is you don't want to be a guy and be in the last seat (#6) the few times the ride lifts you out of your seat and then throws you back into it. The least of my worries at that point are my back and neck. Let's just say it's much easier to do an impression of Mickey Mouse after riding Space Mountain in seat 6 and leave it at that.

 

[kaetra]

It also hurts my back and neck. I ride it once per trip, that's it, and I take some Advil before I go on it. It's a shame because I absolutely love almost everything about this coaster, I just wish it was smooth.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I realized I posted mine train as going backwards. I meant expedition Everest!

 

[Memaw2Wm]

I've found that it is really hard on my neck and back after the refurb a couple of years ago. I usually am in the back and sometimes it's so uncomfortable I am excited to get off.

Pretty much this, I rode it once after the latest refurb ... I braced my neck/head as usual (using my hands to hold them steady with arms tight against my chest), but not only did my neck get jerked around more than before I got dreadfully motion sick ... I basically crawled out of the car and onto a bench. I was sweating, and my granddaughter said I looked green. She now has to ride it alone.

 

[mrsclark]

DH and I both find it extremely uncomfortable on our backs and necks. We loved it on our honeymoon in 2007, but after the 2009 refurb it is just painful and NOT fun anymore.

 

[disnut8]

I have a broken neck and always will. I have ridden Space Mountain after breaking the neck and it's fine. But, I do get out of those cars feeling not so great and I also have a back that will twinge after a few days of walking around.

To the OP - your back is not a constant issue and your daughter wants to ride it. I would suggest you FastPass this and make it your last attraction of the day just in case. If things work out just fine, yo continue on to other things. If they don't, go back to your room and get some rest.