staying on Soarin'

[TinkGirl]

We are bringing my in-laws with us on our next Disney trip. We've been thinking of all the things my MIL will be able to do even though she is in a wheelchair. My husband and I are thinking that she would love Soarin'. She cannot transfer herself. We would lift her on. The only thing is that she can't wiggle her hips for more secure seating once we have her in. Will that seatbelt (similar to a car lap belt) hold her in sufficiently? Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[Disbug]

If she can't wiggle her hips to fit into the seat, does she have problems sitting upright by herself? I ask this because even though my daughter meets the height requirements for riding SOARIN', they did not allow her to ride because of her inability to sit up straight without assitance. (She tends to lean to one side.) Even though she can ride Goofy's Barnstormer rollercoaster... she is not allowed on Soarin'.) That would be my only consideration for your MIL. Otherwise, it is an excellent ride and I'm sure she would love it!

 

[tmt martins]

There is also a center strap that can be used to make a more secure sitting.

My DM is affraid of heights and used it to make her feel more secure.

It's suppose to be for kids.

 

[TinkGirl]

Thank you! Yes, my MIL can sit upright. She has fine mobility from the belly button up. I was just worried that she may be shifted a bit when the seats move up, and she would be afraid or uncomfortable. We will definitely use the kid straps for more security.

 

[SueM in MN]

The center strap that was mentioned is for children (or short adults) who don't come up to a red marking on the back of the seats. The center strap is on every seat, so you don't have to worry about getting one with a strap on it.
My youngest DD is 5 feet tall, but because she doesn't sit up really straight, she doesn't come up to the red line. We would have used the center strap anyway, because it does feel more secure. When the ride starts, your row of seats moves up and forward toward the very large screen. The seats actually recline a bit and it feels a lot like being in a slightly reclined lawn chair. Very comfy and very secure feeling. Even though my DD was not sitting back all the way and even though she tends to extend her body when she is excited, we felt she was very secure and she felt that way too.
Here is a link to the DIS site's explanation of Soarin' with a picture of the ride car.

 

[shovan]

My DH has limb-girdle MD. I was able to transfer him on to seat on Soarin. There is lots of room to be able to transfer! If she can sit upright the seat belt should be fine. There really isn't that much movement during the ride. My DH was thrilled to be able to ride it, he said he couldn't remember the last time his legs dangled in the air!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

What is your MIL's disability?

 

[TinkGirl]

She is paralyzed from her belly button down.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

She is paralyzed from her belly button down.

So am I!!

 

[TinkGirl]

Have you done Soarin'?

 

[BillSears]

Have you done Soarin'?

No movement/feeling from the bottom of the ribcage down here. I've riden Soarin twice. Once using the extra strap between the legs and once without. I didn't have a problem either time although I did feel abit safer knowing the extra strap was there.

I'm not sure of your MILs condition but really if she has full use of her arms she should work on transfering herself. Most paraplegics can become very independent when they put thier mind to it. Of course we're all different so she may have other problems to deal with. Personally I'd have no problem with visiting Disney solo and doing all of my own transfers.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I'm not sure of your MILs condition but really if she has full use of her arms she should work on transfering herself. Most paraplegics can become very independent when they put thier mind to it. Of course we're all different so she may have other problems to deal with. Personally I'd have no problem with visiting Disney solo and doing all of my own transfers.

This is what I was thinking. What level are you again? I'm T5-6 and have no problem "scooting" myself back in seats and such. Oh well, like you said, there may be other problems we don't know about.

Oh and no, I haven't done Soarin yet and doubt I will. I hate when legs are dangling. Knowing there is a middle strap may make me change my mind thougt.

 

[BillSears]

T8 here. Yep it's easy to scoot back into the seats.

I understand about the feet dangling bit. The scariest ride I've ever riden was a Ferris Wheel. The transfer into the car wasn't bad but the only thing holding me in was a pull down lap bar that was more like a railing in front of me. Everytime the car rocked I felt like my legs might spasm and I'd slide right out of the car.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I understand about the feet dangling bit. The scariest ride I've ever riden was a Ferris Wheel. The transfer into the car wasn't bad but the only thing holding me in was a pull down lap bar that was more like a railing in front of me. Everytime the car rocked I felt like my legs might spasm and I'd slide right out of the car.

Oh, I TOTALLY feel your pain!!!!!!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

My DD has cerebral palsy. She does have movement in her legs, but not control and she goes into extension if she gets excited. The seats on Soarin' are leaned back a bit, which helps you to stay in. I think DD would have been OK without the center belt, but I felt more comfortable knowing she had it on.