Universal ride advice

[ShhhQ]

My DM and I are going US/IOA for a day this Sept... We have never been and am pretty excited about it. But also worried!

I am a bit large and have a few motion problems, and have done a bit of research on what rides I can ride... I have a good idea of what I definately WON'T be able to ride, what I may have to try a test seat for and such... so sorta prepared.

My concern now is for my DM.. she has a bad back and may not be able to do much. She will be using her personal electric W/C, but can transfer with a little difficulty (usually she just needs a hand to help her get up). I have read the riders guide, but have a few questions I thought seasoned visitors may better answer...

Around 90-95% of the rides say to avoid if you have back problems.. I know some of this is just to cover them by saying we warned you. Are there any rides that say to avoid, but are not really that jarring that she may be able to ride?

Some say there are stationary seating available... if she uses this, and I want the full effect, will we HAVE to be seperate or is it possible to be near each other (mainly so I can assist her if she needs me)?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated... I can read about things, but I really want to know from SEASONED riders! Thank you!

 

[Mtnman44]

I don't know your mother, but from your comments I'm assuming she is elderly. This combined with her need for an electric cart to get around and a bad back makes me think that perhaps her theme park / thrill ride days might be over. An aging body like that can definately get hurt on some of these rides. Combine this with what will still be pretty hot and humid weather in Sept...she will def need to take it real easy. There are a few shows, but even Shrek might be jarring for her. My children are young still and even I get easily worn out, especially so in the heat and this is before any rides. The following are the rides from my memory that I would caution against riding if your mom has back, mobility problems:

-Simpsons
-Men in Black - quick movements, lots of spinning potentially
-Mummy
-Rip Ride
-Hulk
-Dueling Dragons
-Forbidden Journey
-Jurrasic Park (probably OK, but a long steep drop)
-Spiderman (probably ok, but some quick movements and some spinning)
-Cat in the hat (probably ok, but some quick movements and some spinning)

note that, unfortunately, these are all pretty much the best attractions in the parks. Remaining major attractions include:

-Popeye raft ride is a very good water ride that would probably be ok. There is some jostling and massive soaking
-Terminator is a good show, theater style. Depending on crowds you may have to stand for 20 mins or so in the pre show area.
-Posiden is a unique and in my opinion, great attraction but there is a lot of standing involved, as well as some walking
-Earthquake should be no problem
-Jaws is another great and unique ride that should be no problem
-ET is fun and nostalgic, gentle

 

[ShhhQ]

I don't know your mother, but from your comments I'm assuming she is elderly. This combined with her need for an electric cart to get around and a bad back makes me think that perhaps her theme park / thrill ride days might be over. An aging body like that can definately get hurt on some of these rides. Combine this with what will still be pretty hot and humid weather in Sept...she will def need to take it real easy. There are a few shows, but even Shrek might be jarring for her. My children are young still and even I get easily worn out, especially so in the heat and this is before any rides. The following are the rides from my memory that I would caution against riding if your mom has back, mobility problems:

-Simpsons
-Men in Black - quick movements, lots of spinning potentially
-Mummy
-Rip Ride
-Hulk
-Dueling Dragons
-Forbidden Journey
-Jurrasic Park (probably OK, but a long steep drop)
-Spiderman (probably ok, but some quick movements and some spinning)
-Cat in the hat (probably ok, but some quick movements and some spinning)

note that, unfortunately, these are all pretty much the best attractions in the parks. Remaining major attractions include:

-Popeye raft ride is a very good water ride that would probably be ok. There is some jostling and massive soaking
-Terminator is a good show, theater style. Depending on crowds you may have to stand for 20 mins or so in the pre show area.
-Posiden is a unique and in my opinion, great attraction but there is a lot of standing involved, as well as some walking
-Earthquake should be no problem
-Jaws is another great and unique ride that should be no problem
-ET is fun and nostalgic, gentle

Thank you this really helps alot..DM really never was into the high thrill rides anyway, was more concerned with rides such as Jaws and ET. The riders guide says they are not suitable for back problems, but watched some videos of them on youtube and they seemed tame enough. Wanted opinions of someone who had actually been on them. The ones that you stated about walking and standing are ones that allow for her to stay in a W/C so she should be ok.

We have been going to Disney almost yearly since 2007 and she knows her limitations. We are just unfamiliar with Universal.

Thank you very much!!!!