Splash Mountain & Neck Soreness

[dadofnicholas]

I'm not very good with certain rides mainly because I get motion sickness but with certain rides my neck gets sore. My son is only 4 but he is the height of a 6 year old so I've been encouraged to take him to Splash Mountain (Disneyland). I'm sure he will enjoy it based on his personality; however, I'm not sure if my neck can take it. Is the reason for the neck warning because of the drop at the end? I don't have serious neck problems - in fact, I don't have any neck problems during day-to-day living. But roller coasters are bad - I would really like to try Splash Mountain but don't want to end up with a sore neck. Any perspectives? Thanks!

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

I have over 76percent of my spine fused and instrumentation including some of the neck area. When my Dr released me, I asked if I could ride attractions with those signs and he sad YES! That he felt they were for people that had disc problems that had not been treated. So if you have any bulging discs or nerve problems I would not ride, but if it's just soreness, ask you Dr. Or use your best judgement. I love all rides and always ride everything at least once. If it bothers me I may stay away from a second ride and try again another day.

 

[nannyz]

I don't think you will have a problem.
At the end of Splash, there is a long slow pull up to the top, then over the top and a slide down to the bottom. I don't remember it being jerky.
Have fun!!

 

[xXtowerOFterrorXx]

You may want to request the back seat in the log. I think that seat has a higher back rest you can place your neck on.

 

[nannyz]

Forgot to mention that the only thing in DL that made me sick was Star Tours. Will never do that again.

 

[jory29]

On every SINGLE rise up as the log makes an incline, there are always 2 bumps, once little, and one big bump. I ALWAYS purposely lift my body up and off the seat by using my arms at the side of the log to help prop me up, for both of those bumps. I do this every time, because if I don't, it can be pretty jarring. Also, watch the boat so you can brace yourself if front of log is hitting the sides of the ride pathway, as well, be careful of knowing when you will hit other logs, and brace yourself when other logs hit yours.

 

[bakerudall]

I agree that Splash is pretty smooth. I think that Space and GSS would be hardest on the neck.

 

[PigletSeeker]

The only rides that give me neck trouble are Goofy's Sky School, which is also seriously lame, but my DD LOVES it and Big Thunder is pretty jarring. I also got quite a backache from ToT, but it was worth it

 

[Mugglemama]

I lean forward in my seat during that incline to the top. Also, after the last drop, when the ride has smoothed out, I lean forward again until the ride is over...the logs slam around enough that I don't want to have my spine against the back of the seat when the logs hit each other.

I found GRR particularly jerky during this trip (we're here now), and I felt like it jerked my neck and spine around to the point that I found it really unpleasant.

 

[dadofnicholas]

Thanks, everyone! Appreciate the advice and comments!

 

[pixiewings71]

I think you'll be OK but take some ibuprofen just in case, not only will it help with the pain if you do get a sore neck but it will help reduce any possible swelling as well. I usually carry a small bottle with me because you never know when you might need it.

 

[dadofnicholas]

Just to follow up on this post, the ride was awesome and no problems for myself or my son. In fact, we went on twice. The first time we had a log all to ourselves and the second we shared with a family. Definitely going to do it over and over and over again next time. One of my son's favourite rides - and thank God for FP!

GRR was also great - no problems - just wet I sucked it up and went on the "smaller" roller coasters - I did not enjoy them but my son did so that's all that counts. No problems with neck though.

The only ones I didn't enjoy where I had to close my eyes were the Golden Zephyr and Orbitor - but that's because of my motion sickness. The circling was not easy... although Dumbo was OK.

I'm looking forward to going back now that we tried all of the rides that I wanted to try!

 

[nannyz]

Glad to hear that you had a great time, especially your little one. Those happy moments with him will remain with you forever.

 

[pixiewings71]

That is GREAT to hear!! Thanks for the update!

 

[TavieP]

On every SINGLE rise up as the log makes an incline, there are always 2 bumps, once little, and one big bump. I ALWAYS purposely lift my body up and off the seat by using my arms at the side of the log to help prop me up, for both of those bumps. I do this every time, because if I don't, it can be pretty jarring. Also, watch the boat so you can brace yourself if front of log is hitting the sides of the ride pathway, as well, be careful of knowing when you will hit other logs, and brace yourself when other logs hit yours.

This strategy works for me for the drops, too. I brace my feet and bend my knees/lift myself up slightly (almost as if I'm crouching) when the drops come and it helps me with that stomach-is-gone feeling (which I'm sure most people like, but it just makes me feel icky.)

 

[DisneytheKid]

Glad to hear it worked out for you!

Just to follow up on this post, the ride was awesome and no problems for myself or my son. In fact, we went on twice. The first time we had a log all to ourselves and the second we shared with a family. Definitely going to do it over and over and over again next time. One of my son's favourite rides - and thank God for FP!

GRR was also great - no problems - just wet I sucked it up and went on the "smaller" roller coasters - I did not enjoy them but my son did so that's all that counts. No problems with neck though.

The only ones I didn't enjoy where I had to close my eyes were the Golden Zephyr and Orbitor - but that's because of my motion sickness. The circling was not easy... although Dumbo was OK.

I'm looking forward to going back now that we tried all of the rides that I wanted to try!