Concussion advice needed

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

My daughter will be about 3 weeks out from a (mild) concussion when we head to Disney next week. Her doctor said to see how she feels, but didn’t seem to indicate that she was restricted on what she could do. At the same time she’s desperate to get back in the gym and a vacation isn’t worth setting back her recovery. I’m trying to think about what, if anything, we can do to keep her safe.

She has been sensitive to loud noises, so perhaps ear plugs would help? I don’t think she would wear big bulky ones but maybe small ones? Does anyone have any recommendations for ear plugs that work for kids?

Limit the number of rides she goes on? She likes the wild/crazy ones, so I don’t know how much we let her ride vs making her sit out. Normally I’d say to skip everything but she will be with a friend and really wants to ride WITH her.

Anything else that we are overlooking?

 

[Bluesyblu]

She has been sensitive to loud noises, so perhaps ear plugs would help? I don’t think she would wear big bulky ones but maybe small ones? Does anyone have any recommendations for ear plugs that work for kids?

I can’t help with most of your questions unfortunately, but my 10 year old with autism uses the loop kids ear plugs. They don’t block out all noise so we can still talk to him for the most part, but it dulls the louder noises and blocks most background noise that cause him distress.

 

[Rogue1677x]

How is she with visual distortions/blinking or flashing lights? Any sensitivity to those?

You can try foam ear plugs from hardware stores...they might be a bit more heavy duty than what you'd find in drugstores, etc.

I had a craniotomy in April and I also suffer from severe migraines, but got full approval from my neurosurgeon that I could go on rollercoasters. My neurologist just tells me to use my best judgement and always have rescue medication on hand.

Of the rides that are problematic from my trip post surgery: Space Mountain (I got off the ride and a migraine started shortly after, I swear it always feels so rough).

Big Thunder Mountain can be rough sometimes, so I just held the back of my neck tightly and I was fine.

I actually can't remember if Tron caused a problem for my head, but the restraints hurt my ribs, so I am fine not riding it again.

I haven't been on the Guardians of the Halaxy coaster, but my daughter pointed out that from watching the videos online, it would probably make me sick, so someone else might be able to speak of it.

I think for the most part, there aren't many rides that are really rough (though my memory isn't fabulous), but as long as your daughter can be honest with herself and you if she starts feeling head pain or off neurologically, I can't think of many things that would hold her back.

 

[keishashadow]

Anything else that we are overlooking?

IMO you need to contact your DD’s doctor and be very specific to get them to address the items you referenced

Her doctor said to see how she feels, but didn’t seem to indicate that she was restricted on what she could do.

I’d be sure to ask to have that clarified

 

[bdrex28]

Ok, before I answer with my non-medical expertise, a bit of a background.

I played baseball in college
My oldest played lacrosse in college
My middle daughter played volleyball

All Division 1.
Meaning we've all had to go through concussion protocols and I'm pretty familiar with it.

Now, concussions are a serious issue and one that is to be treated with gloves. Every single person is different. some get a first concussion and it's an awful experience that can take weeks and weeks. Others are not like that. I know I had multiple playing football in high school but they just didn't do the testing they do now. In fact, I completely do not remember a half of a game that I played in after getting hit.

If your daughter is an athlete her coaches would have baseline concussion tests that they will compare her current results to. Nearly every sport is now required to have a baseline concussion test on file, even in High School. If she's not even close after 3 weeks, especially if it's her first concussion., then my advice: 100% follow your Dr's advice to the letter. IF she's still sensitive to light, loud noises, etc. then I wouldn't suggest Disney for her.

You mentioned getting into the gym, so maybe I'm just assuming she's an athlete. You didn't mention her age or anything else.

Good luck! It's always hard to see our children go through these things and we always want them to have fun and be a kid!

 

[piglet1979]

My daughter has had 3 concussions. 2 from soccer and she doesn't play any longer. The 3 was this summer from a horse swinging hits head and hitting her.

Her first on was really bad and took almost 2 months to be back to normal. She wore just basic ear plugs. The foam ones and they worked for her. She also wore sunglasses in side as well.

I would go with how she feels. If she is having symptoms, I would avoid rides with flashing lights and ones that would jerk you around. If she is not having symptoms then I would just avoid the ones that are jerky. If symptoms start then she should pull back on what she is doing. We were always told to go by how she was feeling. If something is is making symptoms worse then stop doing that.

Do they have her filling out the concussion chart? It has all the symptoms of concussions and you rate each one. You add up all the points. This gives you a gage on where she is. The lower the number the better.

 

[rlk]

I would consult her doctor. I'm always cautious because my oldest son's first concussion was on a rollercoaster (whiplash) at Hershey Park.

 

[scrappinginontario]

It’s really best to check with her doctor. Many Disney rides have bumps we don’t necessarily think of. (It’s a small world, Pirates seem mild but boats bump at the end.)

 

[Lumpy1106]

Long time kids soccer coach and referee and parent to college lacrosse players here. Not your kid's doctor, but 3 weeks after a mild concussion - she should be OK. Just go through the protocol. That means NO WORKOUTS, gym included BTW.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Hi all - thank you for the advice. My daughter is 11, but her sport isn’t really prone to concussions so she doesn’t have a baseline test of any kind. None of the doctors ever discussed concussion protocols with us or even recording any symptoms. They checked her out at the ER, said she had a concussion but was neurologically ok, and the pediatrician who examined her said the same thing. We have been trying to keep her off screens, as when she watches them she still gets a headache (we’re almost 2 weeks post accident now) from them. We’re also trying to keep her away from loud sounds for the same reason.

It’s up to her to tell us how she feels. I hope that she is finally understanding that the more she pushes things, the more likely she is to get injured again. But, as I said, she’s 11 so stubborn and impractical.

@Bluesyblu - If you happen to have a link to the kids loop ear plugs you use I’d definitely order a pair just in case.

 

[piglet1979]

Below is a link that has the scale rating for symptoms. This one is set up a bit different then the one I have used but is the same concept. I would have my daughter do this in the morning (not when they first wake up) and then again before bed. It is a good gage to see how she is doing and if the symptoms are getting better.

https://impacttest.com/wp-content/uploads/Post-Concussion-Symptom-Scale.pdf

I understand what you are saying about your DD be stubborn. My DD is 17 and trying to get her to rest when she has had concussions or to stay off her phone is really rough. She also hates to fill out this form. Hang in there. What I have noticed with DD's concussions is that once symptoms really start to get better it goes fast and is back to normal pretty quickly.

 

[SueM in MN]

You can find Loops earplugs on Amazon.
This is a link to one of the pediatric Loops.

If I did this correctly, this is a link to the Loops Amazon Store.
My daughter is a small adult (5 feet tall, 80 lbs). She has the Loop Quiet and Loop Experience.

If your doctor's office has MyChart or another way of sending messages to the individual doctor, you may want to message them to get an opinion. You can look in My Disney Experience to see all the attractions with warnings

 

[LameyerBobonov]

When it comes to rides, you’ll want to be cautious, especially with ones that involve sudden movements, rapid acceleration, or strong G-forces, as these can strain her head and neck. Some of the more intense rides, such as Space Mountain or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, may need to be avoided to ensure she doesn’t aggravate her recovery. Instead, consider focusing on rides that are less physically demanding, like Pirates of the Caribbean or It’s a Small World, which are still fun but much gentler.

 

[SueM in MN]

On the Disney Website, you can look at attractions and filter them for Health Advisories.
Here's the link to attractions.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/#/sort=alpha/
Filter to see the ones with advisories and accessibility information.

 

[SueM in MN]

This information is my notes, copied from the old disABILITIES FAQs thread. The thread is being updated, but this information is already updated.
The warning they use is general and doesn't give any information about what the specific warning or that attraction, so Im adding a few notes regarding each ride that is listed with warnings on the maps.
This will help you decide if you want to consider any of the attractions with warning.
Anyone with a significant health problem will want to discuss it with their doctor.
If in doubt, you can ask the CM at the attraction for more information, have someone else in your party ride to give an opinion, or sit it out.
(but don't send a thrill ride junkie on for an opinion - my DH feels all the thrill rides are "nothing; no problem at all", but he loves thrill rides, the worse, the better.)

For Epcot here are the attractions with warnings:

• Mission Space - Minimum height 44 inches. Both the more tame (green side) and the more wild (orange side). They are both turbulent with the biggest difference that the orange side spins on a centrifuge as well as moving back and forth. Sudden changes of direction that jerk you around a lot. The Orange side does produce G force due to the centrifuge spinning. Shoulder harness over shoulder.
• Test Track - CURRENTLY IN RENOVATION Minimum height 40 inches. This has sudden stops, swerves and goes fast. Little neck support. Seat belt in middle seats. Outside seats have seatbelt and car style shoulder harness.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind - Minimum height 42 inches. This roller coaster is smooth, but contains almost constant turns and extreme banking. The ride vehicle also rotates to follow the action. The combination of all that does make some people ill.

For Magic Kingdom:

• Tiana's Bayou Adventure (a re-theme of Splash Mountain) - Minimum height 40 inches. This has several small drops and one very large drop. The big drop takes you down at a very extreme angle at a high rate of speed (I think you get to 40 mph). At the bottom, your ride car stops abruptly. Most of it is fairly smooth, but during the drops, you can get jostled. It is also difficult to get in and out of because the ride car has very small openings. Individual lap bars
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Minimum height 40 inches. A roller coaster. Has no head or neck support and you get jostled a lot side to side. Sudden changes of direction that jerk you around a lot. Lap bar that serves both seats. If one person is larger than the other, it will be loose for the smaller person.
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway - Minimum height 32 inches. Small, low to the ground gas powered cars. They are loud and smell of gas. Because kids are driving some of the cars, you can get bumped from behind. Even if you dont get bumped, it can be a jerky ride. No neck support. Seat belt.
• Space Mountain - Minimum height 44 inches. A roller coaster in the dark. Guests ride single file in separate seats. T bar lap bar.
• Goofys Barnstormer - It is a short roller coaster. WDW does not give the usual general warning, but just says "Expectant mothers should not ride." Lap bar shared between 2 seats. Largest person stops bar, so it might be loose for a smaller person riding along.
• 7 Dwarfs Mine Train - like Barnstormer, this attraction does not have the usual WDW warning. It just says "Expectant mothers should not ride." This is a short, smooth roller coaster. The mine cars swing freely, which sounds like they would be moving a lot. What actually happens is the swinging allows them to stay more stable on turns, which makes it very smooth. Some guests have reported a bit of a jolt when it starts, stops or comes to emergency stop. Individual lap bars

For Disney Studio

• Star Tours - Minimum height 40 inches. A simulated spaceship ride with sudden dips and other movements. Sudden changes of direction that jerk you around a lot. No neck support. Seat belt.
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run - Minimum height 38 inches. A simulated spaceship ride with sudden dips and other movements. Sudden changes of direction may jerk you around. 6 individual seats arranged In 3 rows of 2 seats with a wide aisle between the seats. Seat belts, but no arm rests or side support. High back seat gives some neck support, but it is hard surface. The ride reminded me of Star Tours, but each group is in an individual ship and some of the motions depend on actions of the riders (especially the pilot).
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - Minimum height 40 inches. There are 2 vehicles - the first has guests standing or using a mobility device and doesn’t have any huge jarring movements; it does shake with random movement. In the second vehicle, guests are seated in 2 rows of 4 seats In each vehicle. There are molded seat spaces for each rider with individual seat belts. The vehicle spins at times, can go in multiple directions, including backwards and can change direction quickly. There is a small drop in an elevator, which appears to be augmented by video that makes it appear farther and faster.
• Rock N Roller Coaster - Minimum height 48 inches. A roller coaster. Fairly smooth, but very fast and does an inversion. Shoulder harness over shoulder.
• Tower of Terror - Minimum height 40 inches. You sit in an elevator and get dropped. It is fairly smooth, but arms and legs will move around. No neck support. Seat belt.
• Slinky Dog - Minimum height 38 inches. Does not have the usual warnings, but does say expectant mothers should not ride. It is a smooth roller coaster with multiple curves, hills and drops. One sequence includes many small drops and hills in a row.
• Alien Swirling Saucer - Minimum height 32 inches. Does not have any warnings, but the spinning may be difficult for some people.

For Animal Kingdom:

• Kilimanjaro Safari - this is a tram ride through a simulated African wildlife preserve. It can be bumpy, depending on which bumps or ruts the driver hits. My DD rides in her wheelchair and is bumped around quite a bit. The wheelchair accessible space is in the front row. Some people feel the front row is less bumpy; I have ridden in various locations and don‘t feel the front row is any less bumpy (maybe the back few rows are bumpier, but the others seem the same to me). No neck support. No seat belt
• Kali River Rapids - Minimum height 38 inches. A river raft ride. The raft is free floating inside a channel and there are several places where the raft can get dropped rather hard. You may get wet or completely soaked. No neck support. Seat belt
• Expedition Everest - Minimum height 44 inches. A roller coaster which goes backwards at one point. No neck support. Lap bar
• Dinosaur - Minimum height 40 inches. This is a very rough, noisy ride in the dark. It is a simulated time travel ride in a Jeep-like vehicle that goes up and down over simulated hills. Sudden changes of direction that jerk you around a lot. No neck support. Seat belt
• Pandora - Navii River Ride is a slow moving, level boat ride with no warnings - just mentioned here because before it opened, some people thought it had a drop.
• Pandora - Avatar Flight of Passage - Minimum height 44 inches. A simulator attraction with a 3D movie. It is a very immersive attraction. The ride movements are smooth, but there are some intense dives, which feel more intense because of the movie and motion of the ride car. Individual seats that are straddled like a motorcycle. Lean support at the front with handholds. The restraints include a piece that comes up behind the rider’s back and one behind each leg. There is a trial vehicle outside of the ride guests can try ( includes restraints that can be brought up into position, but not locked).
• You can find more information about both Pandora rides on this thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/pandora-rides.3593133/

These attractions have no warnings, but some people have reported problems with them.
Magic Kingdom
Pirates of the Caribbean - Does have one small drop in the dark.
Haunted Mansion - At one point, the doombuggy turns around and goes down an incline backwards. Some people have reported that this short sequence caused an uncomfortable pressure on their back or neck. The doombuggy does have neck support.
Small World - your boat may (usually will) bump the boat in front of you and the boat behind may hit your boat with a pretty good jolt.

Disneys Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Mania - this is a ride car that goes thru a video game with a number of different scenes. In between each scene, the ride car makes a quick spinning turn with a sudden stop which some people find a bit jerky.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad - this ride has a trackless vehicle, which means it can move freely in any direction. In one particular scene, it repeatedly moves forward, backward and side to side (Highlight between * to see spoiler *Daisy Duck’s Dance Class* ). Pull down lap bar shared by whole row, so may be loose for smaller riders. No neck support. My family felt this ride had some jolts.

Epcot
Frozen Ever After - jerky during much of the attraction, especialy during the drops and turns. The track is bumpy and guests can get jolted as the track pulls you along.

Spaceship Earth - this is a very gentle, slow ride. Toward the end of the ride, the ride car turns around and goes down a steep incline backwards. Some people find that this sequence is uncomfortable because they are resting on their backs and necks (there is good neck support).

Many people think that Soarin has warnings, but the only warnings are for fear of heights and possible motion sickness. It is a very gentle simulated hang glider ride. The seat is supportive and feels like a comfortable lawn chair. It has a 40 inch height requirement.

3 Caballeros in Mexico - very similar boat ride to Small World. The ride itself is gentle and slow, but boats bump the boat ahead of them and get bumped by boats behind at the end.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure - has no warnings. Ride has a trackless vehicle, which can/does move in any direction. Some unexpected backwards movements and a (? mostly simulated) trip down a ramp. Some of the movements were quick, but didn’t feel jerky to my family. Some posters have complained of motion sickness during 3D movie quick turns combined with (? apparent slow real turns). My SIL and his mother both have motion sickness and did have some problems that resolved after a few minute. No neck support. Restraint is pull down lap bar shared with row.

 

[firemanx]

Long time kids soccer coach and referee and parent to college lacrosse players here. Not your kid's doctor, but 3 weeks after a mild concussion - she should be OK. Just go through the protocol. That means NO WORKOUTS, gym included BTW.

i'm a tbi brain aneurysm survivor only rides im uneasy with is rock n roller coaster, and sometimes guardians is a little extra.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Hi all - thank you for the advice. My daughter is 11, but her sport isn’t really prone to concussions so she doesn’t have a baseline test of any kind. None of the doctors ever discussed concussion protocols with us or even recording any symptoms. They checked her out at the ER, said she had a concussion but was neurologically ok, and the pediatrician who examined her said the same thing. We have been trying to keep her off screens, as when she watches them she still gets a headache (we’re almost 2 weeks post accident now) from them. We’re also trying to keep her away from loud sounds for the same reason.

It’s up to her to tell us how she feels. I hope that she is finally understanding that the more she pushes things, the more likely she is to get injured again. But, as I said, she’s 11 so stubborn and impractical.

@Bluesyblu - If you happen to have a link to the kids loop ear plugs you use I’d definitely order a pair just in case.

If the doctors didn't specifically give instructions, I would call back and ask directly (or send a message) - indicating you have a trip with high sensory/speed/jarring attractions and you want to know what, if any, her restrictions are given her concussion.

Dd is 12 and with everything she's gone through, I don't assume anymore that doctors will always be explicit about restrictions. I always ask and have it written down so that everyone (home, school, family) is on the same page.

 

[Selket]

I had a TBI several years back and I've probably worked my way up to riding everything but I won't try Mission Space Orange side. Everest and RnRC will give me a headache and were hard to ride. I still can only do Everest once (not twice in a row) and it's been awhile since I was on RnRC (mostly cause of my bad knees though!). I'm very fine with rides like Guardians and Tron which are smooth and I don't feel that pressure on my head and neck. Space Mountain is very jerky and I had trouble with it before a head injury so it's hard to say. I rarely ride it due to my knees.

Bumpy rides bothered me somewhat - rides like Safari are SO bumpy. Something to think about.

I wasn't bothered by directly by noise or lights but all of it together could be tiring and it was good to take breaks in quieter places. I appreciated having some meals in QS or TS places I knew would be low key.

100% be asking the doctor about this. Probably....it will be fine (except Mission Space Orange I would hard NOPE that)....most of the rides at Disney are fairly tame compared to other theme parks - even the coasters. I think the mostly likely problem is she'd ride something and it makes her feel awful and then she is going to lose a park day.

 

[sheilafri]

This information is my notes, copied from the old disABILITIES FAQs thread. The thread is being updated, but this information is already updated.
The warning they use is general and doesn't give any information about what the specific warning or that attraction, so Im adding a few notes regarding each ride that is listed with warnings on the maps.
This will help you decide if you want to consider any of the attractions with warning.
Anyone with a significant health problem will want to discuss it with their doctor.
If in doubt, you can ask the CM at the attraction for more information, have someone else in your party ride to give an opinion, or sit it out.
(but don't send a thrill ride junkie on for an opinion - my DH feels all the thrill rides are "nothing; no problem at all", but he loves thrill rides, the worse, the better.)

For Epcot here are the attractions with warnings:

• Mission Space - Minimum height 44 inches. Both the more tame (green side) and the more wild (orange side). They are both turbulent with the biggest difference that the orange side spins on a centrifuge as well as moving back and forth. Sudden changes of direction that jerk you around a lot. The Orange side does produce G force due to the centrifuge spinning. Shoulder harness over shoulder.
• Test Track - CURRENTLY IN RENOVATION Minimum height 40 inches. This has sudden stops, swerves and goes fast. Little neck support. Seat belt in middle seats. Outside seats have seatbelt and car style shoulder harness.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind - Minimum height 42 inches. This roller coaster is smooth, but contains almost constant turns and extreme banking. The ride vehicle also rotates to follow the action. The combination of all that does make some people ill.

For Magic Kingdom:

• Tiana's Bayou Adventure (a re-theme of Splash Mountain) - Minimum height 40 inches. This has several small drops and one very large drop. The big drop takes you down at a very extreme angle at a high rate of speed (I think you get to 40 mph). At the bottom, your ride car stops abruptly. Most of it is fairly smooth, but during the drops, you can get jostled. It is also difficult to get in and out of because the ride car has very small openings. Individual lap bars
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Minimum height 40 inches. A roller coaster. Has no head or neck support and you get jostled a lot side to side. Sudden changes of direction that jerk you around a lot. Lap bar that serves both seats. If one person is larger than the other, it will be loose for the smaller person.
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway - Minimum height 32 inches. Small, low to the ground gas powered cars. They are loud and smell of gas. Because kids are driving some of the cars, you can get bumped from behind. Even if you dont get bumped, it can be a jerky ride. No neck support. Seat belt.
• Space Mountain - Minimum height 44 inches. A roller coaster in the dark. Guests ride single file in separate seats. T bar lap bar.
• Goofys Barnstormer - It is a short roller coaster. WDW does not give the usual general warning, but just says "Expectant mothers should not ride." Lap bar shared between 2 seats. Largest person stops bar, so it might be loose for a smaller person riding along.
• 7 Dwarfs Mine Train - like Barnstormer, this attraction does not have the usual WDW warning. It just says "Expectant mothers should not ride." This is a short, smooth roller coaster. The mine cars swing freely, which sounds like they would be moving a lot. What actually happens is the swinging allows them to stay more stable on turns, which makes it very smooth. Some guests have reported a bit of a jolt when it starts, stops or comes to emergency stop. Individual lap bars

For Disney Studio

• Star Tours - Minimum height 40 inches. A simulated spaceship ride with sudden dips and other movements. Sudden changes of direction that jerk you around a lot. No neck support. Seat belt.
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run - Minimum height 38 inches. A simulated spaceship ride with sudden dips and other movements. Sudden changes of direction may jerk you around. 6 individual seats arranged In 3 rows of 2 seats with a wide aisle between the seats. Seat belts, but no arm rests or side support. High back seat gives some neck support, but it is hard surface. The ride reminded me of Star Tours, but each group is in an individual ship and some of the motions depend on actions of the riders (especially the pilot).
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - Minimum height 40 inches. There are 2 vehicles - the first has guests standing or using a mobility device and doesn’t have any huge jarring movements; it does shake with random movement. In the second vehicle, guests are seated in 2 rows of 4 seats In each vehicle. There are molded seat spaces for each rider with individual seat belts. The vehicle spins at times, can go in multiple directions, including backwards and can change direction quickly. There is a small drop in an elevator, which appears to be augmented by video that makes it appear farther and faster.
• Rock N Roller Coaster - Minimum height 48 inches. A roller coaster. Fairly smooth, but very fast and does an inversion. Shoulder harness over shoulder.
• Tower of Terror - Minimum height 40 inches. You sit in an elevator and get dropped. It is fairly smooth, but arms and legs will move around. No neck support. Seat belt.
• Slinky Dog - Minimum height 38 inches. Does not have the usual warnings, but does say expectant mothers should not ride. It is a smooth roller coaster with multiple curves, hills and drops. One sequence includes many small drops and hills in a row.
• Alien Swirling Saucer - Minimum height 32 inches. Does not have any warnings, but the spinning may be difficult for some people.

For Animal Kingdom:

• Kilimanjaro Safari - this is a tram ride through a simulated African wildlife preserve. It can be bumpy, depending on which bumps or ruts the driver hits. My DD rides in her wheelchair and is bumped around quite a bit. The wheelchair accessible space is in the front row. Some people feel the front row is less bumpy; I have ridden in various locations and don‘t feel the front row is any less bumpy (maybe the back few rows are bumpier, but the others seem the same to me). No neck support. No seat belt
• Kali River Rapids - Minimum height 38 inches. A river raft ride. The raft is free floating inside a channel and there are several places where the raft can get dropped rather hard. You may get wet or completely soaked. No neck support. Seat belt
• Expedition Everest - Minimum height 44 inches. A roller coaster which goes backwards at one point. No neck support. Lap bar
• Dinosaur - Minimum height 40 inches. This is a very rough, noisy ride in the dark. It is a simulated time travel ride in a Jeep-like vehicle that goes up and down over simulated hills. Sudden changes of direction that jerk you around a lot. No neck support. Seat belt
• Pandora - Navii River Ride is a slow moving, level boat ride with no warnings - just mentioned here because before it opened, some people thought it had a drop.
• Pandora - Avatar Flight of Passage - Minimum height 44 inches. A simulator attraction with a 3D movie. It is a very immersive attraction. The ride movements are smooth, but there are some intense dives, which feel more intense because of the movie and motion of the ride car. Individual seats that are straddled like a motorcycle. Lean support at the front with handholds. The restraints include a piece that comes up behind the rider’s back and one behind each leg. There is a trial vehicle outside of the ride guests can try ( includes restraints that can be brought up into position, but not locked).
• You can find more information about both Pandora rides on this thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/pandora-rides.3593133/

These attractions have no warnings, but some people have reported problems with them.
Magic Kingdom
Pirates of the Caribbean - Does have one small drop in the dark.
Haunted Mansion - At one point, the doombuggy turns around and goes down an incline backwards. Some people have reported that this short sequence caused an uncomfortable pressure on their back or neck. The doombuggy does have neck support.
Small World - your boat may (usually will) bump the boat in front of you and the boat behind may hit your boat with a pretty good jolt.

Disneys Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Mania - this is a ride car that goes thru a video game with a number of different scenes. In between each scene, the ride car makes a quick spinning turn with a sudden stop which some people find a bit jerky.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad - this ride has a trackless vehicle, which means it can move freely in any direction. In one particular scene, it repeatedly moves forward, backward and side to side (Highlight between * to see spoiler *Daisy Duck’s Dance Class* ). Pull down lap bar shared by whole row, so may be loose for smaller riders. No neck support. My family felt this ride had some jolts.

Epcot
Frozen Ever After - jerky during much of the attraction, especialy during the drops and turns. The track is bumpy and guests can get jolted as the track pulls you along.

Spaceship Earth - this is a very gentle, slow ride. Toward the end of the ride, the ride car turns around and goes down a steep incline backwards. Some people find that this sequence is uncomfortable because they are resting on their backs and necks (there is good neck support).

Many people think that Soarin has warnings, but the only warnings are for fear of heights and possible motion sickness. It is a very gentle simulated hang glider ride. The seat is supportive and feels like a comfortable lawn chair. It has a 40 inch height requirement.

3 Caballeros in Mexico - very similar boat ride to Small World. The ride itself is gentle and slow, but boats bump the boat ahead of them and get bumped by boats behind at the end.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure - has no warnings. Ride has a trackless vehicle, which can/does move in any direction. Some unexpected backwards movements and a (? mostly simulated) trip down a ramp. Some of the movements were quick, but didn’t feel jerky to my family. Some posters have complained of motion sickness during 3D movie quick turns combined with (? apparent slow real turns). My SIL and his mother both have motion sickness and did have some problems that resolved after a few minute. No neck support. Restraint is pull down lap bar shared with row.

Very thoughtful and thorough write up. I would only add that earplugs might be called for (depending on her condition). WDW always triggers the noise advisory on our Apple Watches. DH has earplugs made for hunting that block out sudden loud noises. Maybe a possibility?

 

[SueM in MN]

Very thoughtful and thorough write up. I would only add that earplugs might be called for (depending on her condition). WDW always triggers the noise advisory on our Apple Watches. DH has earplugs made for hunting that block out sudden loud noises. Maybe a possibility?

Yep - earplugs are in an earlier post