32 replies to this topic

[Joed]

We're planning a trip to Disney World soon, and I know it's going to kill me to not ride on the coasters. My sisters are already pissed, because they know I'll probably get on one.

What do you all say? Would you ride one?

I know the risks...and I know what my NS would say, so I won't even ask him.

Each coaster is different in how they stress the body. I wouldn't want to get on one that had a lot of slamming, side to side. I figure if I'm very selective in which one I ride, I should be okay. I have strong upper body strength and I feel like I know my body pretty well. Last year, at this time, I would've never contemplated it...but I'm stronger now.

I know it's insane, but as many of you daredevils here would agree, sometimes you just gotta break the rules. ;)

[LadyPilot]

Joed, on Jul 20 2006, 06:32 AM, said:

What do you all say? Would you ride one?

I know the risks...and I know what my NS would say, so I won't even ask him.
I know it's insane, but as many of you daredevils here would agree, sometimes you just gotta break the rules. ;)

As long as you are very securely strapped in I'd say GO FOR IT!
Doctors are NOT Gods, and if you feel up to it there is no problem. It's your life.

"ships are safe in harbour, but that's not what they were built for"

[xMaddiex]

i think you should go for it! you only live once, and lets face it, disney dont exactly produce the most dangerous coasters in the world, so id give it a go, if you dont like it the first time then avoid them for the rest of the holiday, seems to make sense (for once )

Edited by xMaddiex, 20 July 2006 - 02:20 PM.

[John Anderson]

I think you should go for it. When you feel like you are strong enough to do it, go for it man...I just can't wait to get back in one. I love roller coasters, crazy about them. Can't wait till I go ride some, lol.

[xMaddiex]

wootage! me and jason plan to save up and go to florida at some point next year, me and jason are theme park fanatics! the bigger, scarier, higher, wetter, faster, loop-the-loopier, the better! can't wait!

[John Anderson]

xMaddiex, on Jul 20 2006, 01:36 PM, said:

wootage! me and jason plan to save up and go to florida at some point next year, me and jason are theme park fanatics! the bigger, scarier, higher, wetter, faster, loop-the-loopier, the better! can't wait!

that sounds like me

[Avocado Baby]

DO IT! DO IT!!

[sandyrun]

No one knows better than you if you can handle it. Don't try anything that would backset you, but other than that go for it. Like others said, you only live life once!! But we all need to take as good care as we can of these bodies we're living in. Yes, strap yourself in extra good, and RIDE! I'd think twice about Space Mountain though. I rode it several years ago, and I, myself, wouldn't do it again now. But, hey.....have a ball, enjoy, feel the wind in your face.... And be sure to let us know how much fun you had!!!

[Chilepepper]

Go for it. I love going on them and they are such a buzz. The only thing I would say is that some of them are pretty hard to get in/out of them for they sit lower than your chair. But if you strong enough or have somebody to help you then it should be no problem.

[Carly/Kevin]

go for it! you cant go to a theme park without getting on a roller coaster! kevin also cant wait to get back on one! you only get one life to live, so you might as well enjoy it!

[Joed]

Thanks for all the replies. I just knew I'd find supporters here!

LadyPilot...loved your quote. That says it all.

Now if I just don't get stuck with the little boy (who, btw, seems to show up at every amusement park coaster I get on) who isn't able to sit with his group, has bit off more than he can chew, and I end up having to hold him and whisper comforting words in his ear the entire ride.

I can't wait until my son is tall enough to ride with me, as my husband won't ride one. Judging from some of his current daring-do's, I think I have a coaster buddy in the making.

Thanks again everybody. Who needs a NS advice when I've got you guys?

[russ1]

Been thinking about this myself a lot recently - my 10 and 13 yr olds are desperate to do the theme parks and in particular the roller coasters. My wife won't ride them and she really doesn't want to let the kids on on their own - I'm happy just to go for it with the kids and see what happens but she's not happy about that as she is very concerned how they might affect me.

I can't see it'll be much of an issue but as I can't say for sure I'd be very interested to hear how anyone with a level above T6 (ie with autronomous nervous system problems in particular AD and low blood pressure) has got on on roller coasters and if they've had any problems with AD or other issues. Holding on I'm pretty sure I'll be able to do.

Cheers

[In The Wind]

If I can get in it, I'm gonna ride it. I say HELL YEAH ride

[LadyPilot]

russ1, on Jul 21 2006, 10:22 AM, said:

I can't see it'll be much of an issue but as I can't say for sure I'd be very interested to hear how anyone with a level above T6 (ie with autronomous nervous system problems in particular AD and low blood pressure) has got on on roller coasters and if they've had any problems with AD or other issues.

As a C7 I can't say how a roller coaster ride would affect me, but I have no problem coping with negative G (gravity) forces in aerobatics. I have never blacked out or had any hint of AD. So I don't think there should be any need to worry. Do however make sure you don't have a full bladder!!!

[In The Wind]

Hey LP,
Who modified your flight controls and can you send me picks or info, I've been looking at putting a mod on an Lancair IV,

[John Anderson]

Joed, on Jul 20 2006, 11:44 PM, said:

Thanks again everybody. Who needs a NS advice when I've got you guys?

Talk about it...seriously, I don't listen to NS that much...only when I have to.

[John Anderson]

russ1, on Jul 21 2006, 02:22 AM, said:

Been thinking about this myself a lot recently - my 10 and 13 yr olds are desperate to do the theme parks and in particular the roller coasters. My wife won't ride them and she really doesn't want to let the kids on on their own - I'm happy just to go for it with the kids and see what happens but she's not happy about that as she is very concerned how they might affect me.

I can't see it'll be much of an issue but as I can't say for sure I'd be very interested to hear how anyone with a level above T6 (ie with autronomous nervous system problems in particular AD and low blood pressure) has got on on roller coasters and if they've had any problems with AD or other issues. Holding on I'm pretty sure I'll be able to do.

Cheers

I know how that is, excpet my dad is trying to get me back in a coaster and even a plane and all that. My dad is just keep rushing me, it gets annoying, lol.

[xMaddiex]

ok, not knowing what the NS is, i'm gonna nod along and pretend i do...

and, i'm rushing jason into getting back onto a roller coaster because im soooooo desparate to go on one again too. i guess the quicker he gets back into that (and skiing, and planes, and all the rest of it), the quicker it'll be over and done with, and it'll be old news, and so easier to do each time.

[Cruzinwheels]

I am a T5 Complete. I havn't been on a roller coaster but I have gone bungee jumping twice and I myself wouldn't hesitate to jump on a rollercoaster. I would just make sure you are strapped in and cant fall out. If all is good, fly at er.

mark

[Jilly]

Oh yes yes yes! most definitely do it! You only live once! Make sure you tell us what fun it was

[In The Wind]

I rode a tube pulled behind a boat yesterday, that was a beating. But no apparent problems....The hardest thing was getting in it...

[brackman22]

I'm a c6 quad. I rode the two coasters at a park in indiana called holiday world: The Raven and the Legend. I really like wooden coasters. The clackety-clack noise when climbing that first hill... I questioned myself for about two seconds. One look at them and I had to ride. I would reccomend having someone whom you could "bump" off of you ride along. These coasters had only lap bars to hold me in so i was thrashed around quite a bit...both times i rode them! It was almost as fun as when i went skydiving a few years ago. I say go for it, man!

Click on the link to take the full ride on both coasters.

coaster vids

[milk]

I live right around the corner from Busch Gardens. We have season passes and go very often. About half the time I'm there I ride a rollercoaster. As long as I've got a good sized friend with me we don't have a problem getting on. I've even got problems with the rods in my back (they petrude and have shifted two of my vertibret out of place a little) and all I have to do is stay sitting up straight and I'm fine. It's a whole lot of fun.

[~!*Sunshine*!~]

russ1, on Jul 21 2006, 03:22 AM, said:

I can't see it'll be much of an issue but as I can't say for sure I'd be very interested to hear how anyone with a level above T6 (ie with autronomous nervous system problems in particular AD and low blood pressure) has got on on roller coasters and if they've had any problems with AD or other issues. Holding on I'm pretty sure I'll be able to do.

Cheers

GO FOR IT!!!

I'm a C5 and my class went to Orlando for our senior trip and went to Disney World and Universal Studios and I rode everything my friends did. I was less than a year post injury and still had some trouble with low blood pressure but never had a bit of trouble. I a firm believe that we know what our body can handle more than anyone else so just listen to your body and if needed cut back and maybe spread the rides out more.

Brackman22-
I used to go to Holiday World when I visited my Grandparents for the summer. I still got a t-shirt and pic of me screaming on the Raven somewhere....


Keep On Keepin' On~
Sunshine

[Joed]

Oh yeah, the Raven is wicked. Voted the #1 wooden roller coaster in the world for three years in a row. I just went to Santa Claus Land (aka Holiday World <I refuse to use the new name...I'm just a stubborn old woman, and Santa Claus Land is what it was always called when I was a kid> ) last Sat., and I rode the Voyage...it was furious...loved it!

I first asked people, who were exiting from the three big coaster rides there, what types of forces that particular coaster placed on the body. The overriding consensus seemed to be that the Voyage was the smoothest. I'm not sure I agree, but what the heck.

This one had a seat belt apparatus as well as a restraining bar. I wedged myself in using my arms so to stabilize my body. I also tried to lift my bum a bit off of the seat to minimize any jarring...lifting up a bit wasn't so hard to do, as there was lots of air time during the ride. I tried to look ahead so I could anticipate what was coming and brace myself accordingly, but it moved so fast I failed miserably most of the time. I also made sure that my leg brace was secured under my good leg....didn't want it beating the hell outta me.

There was a lot of side to side jerking, which concerned me a couple of times. My main physical complaint is that I could actually feel my brain rattling around in my skull. Shaken baby syndrome comes to mind. Other riders related the same experience. But there were no lasting effects, headaches, etc. If I had a cervical injury, I'm not sure this one would be a good choice. It's also in your favor to have relatively strong arms.

The best part was that my 6-y/o was tall enough to ride with me. Finally, after all these years, I have a coaster buddy! He loved it, and I'll never forget the look on his face as we shot down the first drop. Just had to buy the photo.

I never did try any of the coasters at Disney World though. I talked with a few people first, but just couldn't quite find my confidence. It was just a gut feeling, and I've learned to listen to my gut.

Anyway, I'm so glad I rode that monster....Yeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaawwwwwww!!!!!!

[RYAN68]

I'd go for it as long as you can get in and out of it alright. Heck I'd do it, a roller coaster has to be better than what im gonna do, I'm sure driving in Demo Derbies is really good on your back...

[hisamsmith]

I go to Disney World at least once a year and have since I was 11 (I'm now 23). I always ride ALL the rollercoasters and I only have the function of a C-7 injury. If your unsure start with Space Mountain (it's smooth but the cars are a little hard to get in) or Big Mountain Railroad (a little rougher but smaller hills and easier to get into cars). They are fairly tame combared to most large amusement park rollercoasters. If it makes you more comfortable have someone you trust ride with you so that if you need someone to hold on to to keep your balance (that's how I stay upright). If you want any other tips on Disney on Wheels I can answer any questions you have.

[Joed]

hisamsmith, on Sep 16 2006, 03:08 AM, said:

I go to Disney World at least once a year and have since I was 11 (I'm now 23). I always ride ALL the rollercoasters and I only have the function of a C-7 injury. If your unsure start with Space Mountain (it's smooth but the cars are a little hard to get in) or Big Mountain Railroad (a little rougher but smaller hills and easier to get into cars). They are fairly tame combared to most large amusement park rollercoasters. If it makes you more comfortable have someone you trust ride with you so that if you need someone to hold on to to keep your balance (that's how I stay upright). If you want any other tips on Disney on Wheels I can answer any questions you have.

How did you find the accessibility scheme at DW, hisamsmith? I thought it was poor, considering that on many of the rides you're required to transfer into one of their own wheelchairs, which btw, are rickety old hospital issue chairs (with gommy, sticky push bars), that have no way to keep your feet on their rickety old foot plates...then yet again transfer out of those and into the ride. Transferring isn't that big of an issue with me, but I kept thinking of those who have more difficulty with it than I do. I can't imagine why this is set up the way it is, as most of their provided chairs are quite wide, so it can't be a space issue. Then, to make things even more complicated, some rides...not all...require that you have a special card with which to acquire a 'park companion' to accompany you in the lines. It just seems like a lot of 'busy work' to me, for something that should be relatively straight-forward.

Little Santa Claus Land's set up is far superior to DW, IMO. You just simply go in through the exit, and it's a done deal.

[hisamsmith]

Joed
The biggest reason they do the card thing is to distract people from using it to there advantage ei people who aren't really handicapped using it. I love Disney for accessibility. They are one of the few parks that have rides you can ride in your wheelchair. Did you ask why they had you transfer to another chair? I did. The only ride I had to do this on in Feb. 2006 was Pirates of the Caribein (sp?). It was because my chair couldn't be put on the boat with me (mine's electric) and the ride doesn't end in the same place it starts. I have taken my manual once and didn't have to transfer. I also transfer fairly easily. I can just be picked up and carried (I only weigh 75 lbs.). We have actually have forgone the wheelchair all togther in that line a few times because those Disney wheelchairs are uncomfortable for me too. Everyone just takes turns carrying me. Disney has taken care of my family well though once flying us home a day early when I became deathly ill. They've also helped us get my wheelchair fixed when it broke and found me a rental when it couldn't be fixed that day.

[rkzenrage]

I hope you get to do it and have a blast! If you do come back and tell us all about it.
I live near DW and had an annual pass.
Missing the coasters and going on new ones is a conversation I just had with my wife. I can't go on them.
I look forward to hearing from you.