Hi, Caryl! Welcome to planDisney.
First off, I would like to be you when I grow up. Second, I hope your recovery from your spine surgeries is going as smoothly as possible. Visiting
Walt Disney World Resort after a major procedure can be exciting, but it's also a time to be extra careful, especially if you're a fan of roller coasters. But the thrill rides are hard to resist! Planning ahead and knowing which attractions are safer for your situation can help you still have a magical trip without putting yourself at risk. It's all about finding that balance between fun and
staying healthy.
When it comes to rides at Disney, the most important thing is to check with your doctor or healthcare provider first. Disney itself has safety warnings on almost every thrill ride, particularly for people with back, neck, or other health conditions. For example, many attractions, like
TRON Lightcycle / Run, include notes like: "For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride." This is especially true for roller coasters, which can put a lot of stress on your spine. I wish I could give you an official list of rides that would be safe for you, but alas! You'll have to use your own wisdom and discernment, taking into consideration the doctor's advice and what you're comfortable with.
I remember visiting Walt Disney World with broken ribs, and I had to miss out on certain rides that would put a strain on my body. I was able to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind because it's extremely smooth, yet I opted to skip "rougher" rides, like Space Mountain and Expedition Everest. It was hard to miss out (I had major FOMO throughout the trip), but I'm glad I put my health first.
Here's a tip: Disney has an official ride guide with safety warnings listed for each attraction on the website and in the
My Disney Experience app. You can use it to plan which rides might be gentle enough for you whilst still letting you enjoy the park. Also, don't overlook some of the slower, immersive rides. They're surprisingly fun and let you enjoy Disney magic without putting your back at risk!
I hope that's helpful, Caryl. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Mike