Disneyland Rides and Ankclosing Spondyitis

jamesc75

I just came back from a trip to Disneyland CA and DCA parks. Before going I did some research about rides and what I should avoid. I wasn't really sure about what I would go on but I didn't want to be stuck with the "kiddie rides". I decided I would try as many as possible and then report my experience.

My wife would not allow me to go on the roller coaster "California Screaming" but I did do the rest. I should also mention that I have significant fusion of joints in my neck and back. And the range of motion in my neck is significantly limited. As well I'm not in any pain from day to day activities but sudden jerking movements do hurt.

DISNEYLAND

Space Mountain - Very fast and fun but it did hurt a bit. As with most rides I get the most discomfort from the lack of shock absorption in my back. The ride is in the dark so I could not tell when I needed to brace myself for a turn or a drop which did make it a bit more difficult to enjoy, mostly from wondering if the next movement was going to be the one that really hurt. I found pulling myself forward off the back of the chair helped but you will need to have the upper body strength to do so.

Star Tours - No problems, I did lift my back from the back of the chair when light speed occurs.

Matterhorn - I found that I had to hold myself forward so that my arms and legs took most of the jerking movement. Holding my back off the bobsled definitely helped. I think this ride had the most jolts and bumps but I was able to see the turns and hold my body up when they happened. I went on this ride twice, back-to-back, and the second time was more fun as I was less worried about it hurting.

Big Thunder Mountain - Fun, not uncomfortable at all. I did hold myself up off the back of the seat so my back wasn't touching the cart. As long I did this it was fine.

Splash Mountain - I did this twice. I was in the back the first time and the very front the second. I wanted to see if it made a difference as to the impact of the drops. The big drop was fine and the bottom is very smooth. It was easier to support myself from the back seat.

Pirates - Very easy. The ride does jerk a lot when it hooks to the tow chain at the end. And watch for boats behind you rear-ending you.

Indiana Jones - Not too bad. Lots of jarring movements but the seats are very padded.

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

California Screaming - As I said I didn't do it. Probably best to avoid although I was told it was smooth. Watch the ride on youtube and then compare it to "Son of Beast" on youtube. Two people with AS have broken their necks on Son of Beast.

Tower of Terror - No problems at all. Probably the most fun and thrilling. I was really worried about the bottom of the drops but the ride is very smooth and I felt absolutely no shock.

Radiator Springs Racers - Easy and very smooth. Long wait times if standing is a problem for you.

Grizzly Mountain River Run - Fun just watch for other rafts bumping you at the start or end of the ride.

Goofy's Sky School Coaster - No problems. I did, as usually, keep my back of the back of the seat.

Fun Wheel - No issues. There are two types of gondolas, one swings significantly the other is still.

So there you go, hope it is some help to you. If the ride isn't mentioned it was because their was nothing about it that was of concern.

I just want to reiterate that while I have limited range of motion in my back and neck I DO NOT have any significant active inflammation at least not enough to case me any pain. I also have enough strength to hold myself up on the rides when needed, I can do about 30 push-ups if that helps give you an idea. I would think that most of the rides are OK as long as you aren't already sore. Of course this is just my experience and you should ask your doctor before going on rides.

julie47

Thank you for this information it sounds as if you had a great time

For me though even the kiddie rides are out

juliepf x

dreamdaisy

Good for you mate, that was a very thorough report and it sounds as though you had a whale of a time. Luckily I don't need to travel to America for similar thrills and spills, I just get into the car when 'im indoors is driving. DD

stickywicket

That was an interesting read, James. Thank you. Mine is RA and I did the Anaheim 'Disney' last year. I found them very helpful and encouraging though with no awareness of what was or wasn't a suitable ride (And why should they?) Retrospectively, I rather regret the submarine with it's vertical spiral staircase :roll: