Teen without hands says SeaWorld, Universal kept her off rides

[disney david]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-girl-with-no-hands-seaworld-rollercoaster-20120127,0,2712296.story

 

[livndisney]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-girl-with-no-hands-seaworld-rollercoaster-20120127,0,2712296.story

I am not surprised, the rules are very clear. Many theme parks have the same rules.

Universal-"Certain hand, arm, leg, and joint elements may be required to ride safely. If you have any questions, please ask a ride attendant or visit Guest Services"

Legoland-" Rides, attractions and shows at the park are accessible to disabled guests, depending on the nature of their disability. For more specific information see Guest Services. Details of health restrictions are posted at each ride or attraction"

Cedar Point-"4. Ability to hold on with one functioning arm.
Explanation: A functioning arm is an upper
extremity or prosthesis exhibiting good grip
control, the ability to brace, and enough strength
to allow the guest to maintain the proper riding
position throughout the duration of the ride.
5. Ability to hold on with two functioning arms.
Explanation: Ability to hold on with two
functioning arms as defined above." (The most detailed one I have seen)

 

[disney david]

I am not surprised, the rules are very clear. Many theme parks have the same rules.

Universal-"Certain hand, arm, leg, and joint elements may be required to ride safely. If you have any questions, please ask a ride attendant or visit Guest Services"

Legoland-" Rides, attractions and shows at the park are accessible to disabled guests, depending on the nature of their disability. For more specific information see Guest Services. Details of health restrictions are posted at each ride or attraction"

Cedar Point-"4. Ability to hold on with one functioning arm.
Explanation: A functioning arm is an upper
extremity or prosthesis exhibiting good grip
control, the ability to brace, and enough strength
to allow the guest to maintain the proper riding
position throughout the duration of the ride.
5. Ability to hold on with two functioning arms.
Explanation: Ability to hold on with two
functioning arms as defined above." (The most detailed one I have seen)

in the story her mom said she has a picture of her riding kraken in sea world last year so i guess their problem is they are not consistent with their policy. Thanks for posting the policy for the three parks

 

[livndisney]

in the story her mom said she has a picture of her riding kraken in sea world last year so i guess their problem is they are not consistent with their policy. Thanks for posting the policy for the three parks

Seaworlds policy states "Notice: This guide is subject to change. Please
feel free to contact a Team Member regarding
accessibility prior to boarding a particular attraction.
You may also visit Guest Services for current
information on accessibility and services."

Krakken-
Physical Requirements: In addition to the requirements
listed above under General Information,
guests must fit in the seat, properly use the ride
restraint and be able to grip the harness with
one functioning hand. Guests with any type of
arm or hand prosthesis should ensure that it is
properly secured and will remain in place in
spite of forces experienced during the ride.
Prosthetic legs are not permitted. Guests with an
amputated leg(s) above the knee are not permitted
to ride. A guest with a double leg amputation
BELOW the knee may ride provided the
guest has two functioning hands. A guest with a
single leg amputation at the knee or below may
ride provided the guest has one functioning
hand and one functioning arm. A guest with a
single arm amputation may ride provided the
guest has one functioning hand and two functioning
legs. Please see a Team Member at the ride
if you have questions.

Manta policy-Physical Requirements: In addition to the requirements
listed above under General Information,
guests must fit in the seat, properly use the ride
restraint and be able to grip harness with one
functioning hand. Guests with any type of arm or
hand prosthesis should ensure that it is properly
secured and will remain in place in spite of forces
experienced during the ride. Guests with an
amputated leg(s) above the knee are not permitted
to ride. A guest with a double leg amputation
at the knee or below may ride provided the guest
has two functioning hands. A guest with a single
leg amputation at the knee or below may ride
provided the guest has one functioning hand
and one functioning arm. A guest with a single
arm amputation may ride provided the guest has
one functioning hand and two functioning legs.
Guests with a double leg amputation at the knee
or below and a double arm amputation at the
elbow or below may ride however must see a
Manta ride attendant prior to doing so.
Guests with chest dimensions 52” or greater
may not be able to fit the seat restraint system.
Please see a Team Member at the ride
entrance for assistance.

http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworl..._bak/Park Info/SeaWorldAccessibilityGuide.pdf

 

[disney david]

Seaworlds policy states "Notice: This guide is subject to change. Please
feel free to contact a Team Member regarding
accessibility prior to boarding a particular attraction.
You may also visit Guest Services for current
information on accessibility and services."

Krakken-
Physical Requirements: In addition to the requirements
listed above under General Information,
guests must fit in the seat, properly use the ride
restraint and be able to grip the harness with
one functioning hand. Guests with any type of
arm or hand prosthesis should ensure that it is
properly secured and will remain in place in
spite of forces experienced during the ride.
Prosthetic legs are not permitted. Guests with an
amputated leg(s) above the knee are not permitted
to ride. A guest with a double leg amputation
BELOW the knee may ride provided the
guest has two functioning hands. A guest with a
single leg amputation at the knee or below may
ride provided the guest has one functioning
hand and one functioning arm. A guest with a
single arm amputation may ride provided the
guest has one functioning hand and two functioning
legs. Please see a Team Member at the ride
if you have questions.

Manta policy-Physical Requirements: In addition to the requirements
listed above under General Information,
guests must fit in the seat, properly use the ride
restraint and be able to grip harness with one
functioning hand. Guests with any type of arm or
hand prosthesis should ensure that it is properly
secured and will remain in place in spite of forces
experienced during the ride. Guests with an
amputated leg(s) above the knee are not permitted
to ride. A guest with a double leg amputation
at the knee or below may ride provided the guest
has two functioning hands. A guest with a single
leg amputation at the knee or below may ride
provided the guest has one functioning hand
and one functioning arm. A guest with a single
arm amputation may ride provided the guest has
one functioning hand and two functioning legs.
Guests with a double leg amputation at the knee
or below and a double arm amputation at the
elbow or below may ride however must see a
Manta ride attendant prior to doing so.
Guests with chest dimensions 52” or greater
may not be able to fit the seat restraint system.
Please see a Team Member at the ride
entrance for assistance.

http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworl..._bak/Park Info/SeaWorldAccessibilityGuide.pdf

thanks again

 

[livndisney]

in the story her mom said she has a picture of her riding kraken in sea world last year so i guess their problem is they are not consistent with their policy. Thanks for posting the policy for the three parks

Personally, I don't think Sea World has a problem in this. This girl is from Michigan, so I am sure she is well aware of ride limits. I would expect she has dealt with Cedar Points rules. I think the parents are making much ado about nothing. The rules are in place to keep their daughter safe. Parents can not change the rules to suit themselves(or their children). And I say this as a parent of a child with a similar need and the sibling of a sister with a similar need; simple fact is disability or not-not everyone can do everything. A child that does not meet an age/height requirement is not allowed to ride.

Another point is the "rules" Sea World has, come from the ride manufactorer.

It is interesting to me to see the posted the story here, especially considering the comments made under the article. People are supporting Sea Worlds position.

 

[disney david]

Personally, I don't think Sea World has a problem in this. This girl is from Michigan, so I am sure she is well aware of ride limits. I would expect she has dealt with Cedar Points rules. I think the parents are making much ado about nothing. The rules are in place to keep their daughter safe. Parents can not change the rules to suit themselves(or their children). And I say this as a parent of a child with a similar need and the sibling of a sister with a similar need; simple fact is disability or not-not everyone can do everything. A child that does not meet an age/height requirement is not allowed to ride.

Another point is the "rules" Sea World has, come from the ride manufactorer.

It is interesting to me to see the posted the story here, especially considering the comments made under the article. People are supporting Sea Worlds position.

your right but the parents do say she was able to ride kraken last year and have a pic so i think sea world should make sure that their rules are being enforced all the time.

 

[livndisney]

your right but the parents do say she was able to ride kraken last year and have a pic so i think sea world should make sure that their rules are being enforced all the time.

And as I pointed out Sea Worlds guide clearly states "subject to change". Just because some one is able to do something once does not mean they will always be able to. It is not logical to think that. The last time I went to Sea World I was allowed to park in a certain area, the rule changed and I can't anymore.

If the rule at the time allowed her to ride-wonderful. However, the rule is clearly stated and Sea World team members followed it.

 

[disney david]

And as I pointed out Sea Worlds guide clearly states "subject to change". Just because some one is able to do something once does not mean they will always be able to. It is not logical to think that. The last time I went to Sea World I was allowed to park in a certain area, the rule changed and I can't anymore.

If the rule at the time allowed her to ride-wonderful. However, the rule is clearly stated and Sea World team members followed it.

Your right thanks I know just stating what the parents are claiming.

it weird that Orlando sentinel pocked up the story this sounded like a perfect welsh story if it was about Disney. But since it not and they can't make Disney look bad they not running it yet.

 

[crashbb]

And as I pointed out Sea Worlds guide clearly states "subject to change". Just because some one is able to do something once does not mean they will always be able to. It is not logical to think that. The last time I went to Sea World I was allowed to park in a certain area, the rule changed and I can't anymore.

If the rule at the time allowed her to ride-wonderful. However, the rule is clearly stated and Sea World team members followed it.

After the death last year (a man riding a ride, despite being a double leg amputee), I wonder if parks are being more stringent about these things.

 

[starienite]

After the death last year (a man riding a ride, despite being a double leg amputee), I wonder if parks are being more stringent about these things.

I was thinking about that too. Either last time they let it slide with her, or they changed the rules on the ride.

 

[starienite]

Just an update, the girl and her family are possibly filing a lawsuit. The family and attorney feel that not allowing her to grasp the harness with her arms is discriminatory and a violation of the ADA.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/...d=maing-grid7|main5|dl1|sec1_lnk2&pLid=132575

 

[starienite]

Sorry double post....feel free to delete mods

 

[livndisney]

Just an update, the girl and her family are possibly filing a lawsuit. The family and attorney feel that not allowing her to grasp the harness with her arms is discriminatory and a violation of the ADA.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/...d=maing-grid7|main5|dl1|sec1_lnk2&pLid=132575

Again, not surprised! I had a feeling that would try something like this when they went to the media.

I just don't see how following safety rules is discriminatory. If they had let her ride and something had happened THEN they could sue.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

working at a small local park, ride requirements change at times. we had one change last year and a number of parents were "but my child could ride last year but not this year" most of those rules we do not make. so just because she rode one time does not mean something has not changed this year.

 

[Tiggerrific]

Not saying I agree or disagree with either side, but I'm sure this also has to do with all the frivolous lawsuits in this day and age. If she happened to go on it and GOD forbid get hurt or die, then they could be sued for allowing her on in the first place, and not enforcing safety requirements. Not that her parents would do it, but I am sure there are people in this world that would.

 

[dclfun]

I hope they lose their lawsuit. The rules can change at ANY time and it looks like they did. They are for everyone's safety, including the Guests around this girl who might be injured if she had a problem maintaining herself in the seat on the attraction. Tough beans if she has to miss a ride. I miss most of them and don't complain. And yes, if she'd have been allowed to ride and had been injured, I'm SURE the parents would have filed a lawsuit for that too, even if they were the ones who insisted that she do so.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

As their policy states, the rules can change at anytime and it looks as if they did and have changed over time. I don't think their law suit will get very far as the policy is clearly stated.. I too don't want to see them win, next you will see suits for kids who are too short to ride and their parents want them too. This boils down to the same thing.. well my child rode this before.. well before she/he may have had different shoes on or wasn't measured properly... rules are there for safety reasons, not to be a party pooh-er... some people just don't get it...