the young boy who died on mission space?

[buzz2400]

Did the autopsy results ever come back to say what he actually died of. Just was curious.

 

[safetymom]

Nothing has been said yet.

 

[Dznefreek]

His parents are petitioning WDW to change the height requirement to 50" or 52".

 

[isyt]

My 6yr old would be crushed if they changed the height. It would take her years to get to 50 inches.

 

[adisneymama]

We were just at WDW 9/10-16 and Fairy Godmother (at CRT) told us this little boy had been a premie. He never should have been on the ride even though he met the height requirement. She was inquiring about Soarin and wether or not my little girl was tall enough to ride it. She isn't and I told her at her age even if she had been she would not have been allowed to ride it. She is 3 but is very active and would not have sat still and I would worry even with that strap between her legs. She thanked my over and over again for being a concerned parent and using my brain basically. That is when she told us the little boy had been a premie. She said all the CM's are very upset by this death. We also learned that since then MS has been toned down even more. I didn't ride it this trip because I didn't want to be disappointed. I feel for the family. I know that my dd will not ride anything like that until she is much older and she wasn't a premie.

 

[Feralpeg]

Disney has said they will not change it because it has not been proved that the ride had anything to due with the boy's death.

 

[Suzanne74]

If Disney hasn't changed anything yet - like the above poster mentioned - then you know your answer. The ride wasn't at fault. If it was, you would have heard more by now, esp from the mother.

 

[zagafi]

We were just at WDW 9/10-16 and Fairy Godmother (at CRT) told us this little boy had been a premie. He never should have been on the ride even though he met the height requirement. She was inquiring about Soarin and wether or not my little girl was tall enough to ride it. She isn't and I told her at her age even if she had been she would not have been allowed to ride it. She is 3 but is very active and would not have sat still and I would worry even with that strap between her legs. She thanked my over and over again for being a concerned parent and using my brain basically. That is when she told us the little boy had been a premie. She said all the CM's are very upset by this death. We also learned that since then MS has been toned down even more. I didn't ride it this trip because I didn't want to be disappointed. I feel for the family. I know that my dd will not ride anything like that until she is much older and she wasn't a premie.

HUH?? What does the fact he was born premature have to do with the ride unless he had a specific health issue as a result? My oldest was 7 weeks premature and is perfectly healthy. Simply being a preemie without an underlying health issue is irrelevant.

 

[adisneymama]

We were told by the CM that because he was premature his lungs etc were not developed the same as a non premature child of the same age. I know that this is usually (not always) the case with premies. I have several friends who have premies as well as one friend who is a nurse in the NICU and she agreed. Of course there is always the exception to the rule as with your child. I think it is great by the way! I was just repeating what we were told by the CM since the OP had asked the question. Not trying to start a debate.

 

[Dznefreek]

I was just thinking the same thing. I am sure she was at the delivery and this is how she knows. . . .

 

[klj27]

HUH?? What does the fact he was born premature have to do with the ride unless he had a specific health issue as a result? My oldest was 7 weeks premature and is perfectly healthy. Simply being a preemie without an underlying health issue is irrelevant.

I don't think it was just the fact that he was a preemie, but the resulting health problems. One of their neighbors was interviewed after the accident and made a comment about his sickliness.

 

[kilee]

Everyone please remember that there was never an official statement made as to the cause of death. So everything is just rumor and hear say.

 

[goofie4goofy]

I have been on Mission Space several times. While I enjoy the ride, I know it is only a ride..and a real thrill ride at that...I can't imagine what a 4 year old who cannot tell the difference between real an d make believe.

last week I saw older children 10 or 12 getting off before getting in to the capsule. One boy was crying before he left, he must have been 10 or so and he was scared.

I thin k the ride should have an age limit, not a height limit. It is IMHO very realistic and more "serious" than any other ride in the parks. The first time I rode it I was scared too. They really make you think your going to Mars...just imagine being in a 4 year old's head!

 

[Honeybehr1]

There is noway I am going to let my DS8 go on that ride. He has a heart condition from birth - very minor but still its there. He isnt limited to anything and noone would know it unless you were told. He was preemie and had lung issues when he was born. Was in NICU and the whole 9 yards. His lungs are fine today and has normal capacity. Still I would not be comfortable sending him on that ride knowing full well that it has caused deaths with people with medical issues. Doesnt seem logical to me but that is my opinion

 

[klj27]

I have been on Mission Space several times. While I enjoy the ride, I know it is only a ride..and a real thrill ride at that...I can't imagine what a 4 year old who cannot tell the difference between real an d make believe.

last week I saw older children 10 or 12 getting off before getting in to the capsule. One boy was crying before he left, he must have been 10 or so and he was scared.

I thin k the ride should have an age limit, not a height limit. It is IMHO very realistic and more "serious" than any other ride in the parks. The first time I rode it I was scared too. They really make you think your going to Mars...just imagine being in a 4 year old's head!

I was on a ride at COSI this weekend and had to make the attendant stop it so I could get off. It was not very big, but you stood against the walls of the circle and it spun around. After it gets to a certain speed the floor drops and you hang there. We were only about 20 seconds into it and I was about ready to jump out of my skin. I felt like such a weenie for stopping the ride, but yuck!! I was riding because my kids wanted to, but my 9 year old got off with me and my 6 year old stayed. I don't have the bravest children so I was proud of him for riding it, but now I am wondering what was I thinking. After I got off I said to my husband, "that is why I don't ride Mission Space."

 

[JRawkSteady]

His height had nothing to do with it. Anyone could have gone on that ride with a heart condition 4 or 102. I hate when parents need to find someone to blame... I think it was just an unfortunate accident. I'm not a fan of Mission: Space, but I'm sure that kid had some sort of pre-existing heart problem for him to pass away like that.

 

[d4est]

I know there is nothing official, so I am asking for opinions.

My son is 8, will be 8 1/2 by the time we go. He is a dare-devil & will ride anything he can. He can't wait to ride this. He is definitely tall enough.

Should I let him? I know, when it comes down to it, it's a personal call. What have others with very brave and, thankfully, very healthy 8 year olds done? TIA.

 

[diznygirl]

I know there is nothing official, so I am asking for opinions.

My son is 8, will be 8 1/2 by the time we go. He is a dare-devil & will ride anything he can. He can't wait to ride this. He is definitely tall enough.

Should I let him? I know, when it comes down to it, it's a personal call. What have others with very brave and, thankfully, very healthy 8 year olds done? TIA.

You could always ride it yourself just to be sure. Every child is different and only you would know best if your child would be okay on that ride. Heck, I don't know if I'D be okay on that ride!

 

[kangaroodle]

I know there is nothing official, so I am asking for opinions.

My son is 8, will be 8 1/2 by the time we go. He is a dare-devil & will ride anything he can. He can't wait to ride this. He is definitely tall enough.

Should I let him? I know, when it comes down to it, it's a personal call. What have others with very brave and, thankfully, very healthy 8 year olds done? TIA.

You really have to decide that for yourself. My daughter was 7 when she first rode mission space. She LOVED it and CANNOT wait to go again next week. My son is 6 and he is ready to go as well,and I will let him. He rode BTM when he was 3! He is tall and loves to go fast. I have no problem with that. If you show a child fear, he will be afraid. No one knows when it's our time to go. Live life to the fullest. (Of course, if you know you have a preexisting condition, that would just be stupid!) Millions of kids have ridden Mission Space and are all OK. In the long run, it's up to you and your child.

That said, I am also an NICU RN. Being a premie alone has nothing to do with weather or not that child should have ridden MIssion Space. Does the Fairy Godmother at CRT know his medical history? You can be born at 36 weeks and technically be a premie or you can be born at 24 weeks and be a premie. Each child is unique. Simply labeling someone a "premie" has no merit! .....I'll get off my soapbox now.

 

[d4est]

Well, thanks! I think I will let him. Heck, he would be really bent if I didn't let him. I know I will ride it, of course, I'll ride anything. He rode everything he could at Universal...made me ride that dang Ripshaw Falls over & over.

Just glad to know other 8 year olds ride it w/out a problem.