Mom And Son Running through park; RunDisney; incredibles shirt
  • On Nov 24, 2008
    Dawn from TN Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Im taking my mother (63) to all the parks for her 1st time. Shes in good health and SAYS she'll ride just about everything but Im kind of concerned. I think she may be saying that just to make me happy?? What would you recommend she NOT ride??

    It's a matter of personal preference about who enjoys what type of ride. I know 20 year-olds that dislike thrill rides. I also know senior citizens who love them. Some of the rides do have warnings clearly posted at the entrance; mostly these mention that riders should be free from back or heart problems. As long as your mom reads these carefully and does not have any of the stated issues (consulting with your doctor before the trip), she should feel free to ride whatever she wants.

    I have been to WDW with my parents several times. They are in their mid-60s and in good health. My mom does not enjoy fast rides and does not go on them. But my dad is fine with coasters and likes to see how my kids react to the thrill rides. At age 66 he rode with us on Mission Space, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Tower of Terror, and Expedition Everest.

    If you're still concerned, there is a sort of thrill ride hierarchy to gauge her interest in these attractions. The tamest "thrill" ride is Goofy's Barnstormer in the Magic Kingdom. This is a starter coaster meant for kids, but it is a good way to see if the concept of roller coasters sits well with anyone, kids or seniors. The nearby Tea Cups are not a thrill ride, but they are a good way to see if motion sickness is an issue with anyone in your party.  After the Barnstormer, I would move onto Splash Mountain, then Big Thunder Mountain, then Space Mountain. These rides get progressively more stimulating. Then after that the Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom) and Tower of Terror (Disney's Hollywood Studios) have more physical stimulus. Expedition Everest (AK), Rock 'n Roller Coaster (DHS), and Mission Space (Epcot) are the most thrilling rides at WDW.

    After each progressively more challenging ride, check in with everyone in the group (mom, kids, and yourself) to see how they're doing and whether they want to take it to the next level. If everyone is honest about their comfort, then you should be fine.
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Meet the Panelist: Erin, New York

I have three teenage daughters. We're DVC members obsessed with Disney travel. We've been to Walt Disney World countless times and have visited Disneyland & Disneyland Paris. We've taken several Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise trips. Learn More About Erin

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