I have a spinal abnormality (chiari malformation if anyone wants to get specific--my spinal column is somewhat squeezed and I've had some skull and part of a vertebra removed to make extra space for my brain). I've had brain surgery to reduce the resulting symptoms but it's still a chronic condition.

Before surgery I wasn't supposed to ride roller coasters at all, although I didn't follow that advice (hey, I plan to die happy). Now that I've had surgery, I have a little more flexibility but I am careful with what I do on any one visit. We do tons of day trips to Disneyland where I can manage my condition easily but have a week trip to the World coming up and I need advice from other riders. (If I make a mistake choosing a ride, I can fix it with yoga, but it takes me offline about a day.)

I have minimal issues with nausea; nothing I can't handle with a patch on this longer trip

Here are examples of things I can do or not do at DL

The smoothed out version of Space Mountain is no problem--I could ride repeatedly

I can do Thunder Mountain or Indy once--and it's one or the other per day. It's the jerkiness that does it.

Matterhorn, even though it seems pretty rough to me, is no problem.

Splash is no problem.

Grizzly River is no problem

Tower of Terror is no problem

I tried California Screamin' once, before my surgery. I didn't have problems after I got off but the intense G forces at takeoff were uncomfortable and the ride layout itself didn't seem that that interesting so I haven't tried again.

How do other people with back/neck problems feel about options at Disneyworld? I have a real interest in Expedition Everest but I'm a little worried about takeoff.

I don't particularly plan to ride rides that we have at home unless they are reported to be better versions or significantly different in layout.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Elizabeth

Space Mountain at MK is much like the Matterhorn in DL, except everyone has their own seat.

Big Thunder should be about the same.

Rock n Rollercoaster in the Studios has the accelerated start like Screamin', but you DO get Aerosmith music and it's themed to getting to a concert in LA - so I'd expect an experience similar to Screamin' - except it's indoors and fairly dark.

Tower of Terror has a randomized drop sequence, so some of those sequences MIGHT be harder on you than others, but there's no way to know ahead of time what you'll be getting.

Splash 'rough parts' are similar, and Grizzly River Run roughness would be similar to Kali River Rapids in AK. I would do Splash for the better story telling (IMHO).

Indy is SIMILAR to Dinosaur in AK, but I've not heard of many people who lik Dino better (and a number who think Indy is much better). I think I'd save my potential soreness in AK for Expedition Everest.

Everest is NOT a fast start like Screamin - it's a chain-driven Roller coaster (like BTMRR). I don't think it's as bruise-inducing as BTMRR, but the backwards in the dark part can be a little nauseating.

A couple others you don't mention - Toy Story Midway Mania - this is the same ride on both coasts, but the Queue is MUCH more detailed in WDW. I mention it because the transitions from game to game could cause issues for some people.

The other big one I want you to be aware of is Triceratop Spin. It's 'sort of' like Mulholland's Madness, but more spinny. You CAN see it from outside the queue, though - but even when people watch it they are shocked at the tall height requirement it has. The reason for it (I think) is the whiplash potential - you don't necessarily notice that until you're actually riding.

A couple others you don't mention - Toy Story Midway Mania - this is the same ride on both coasts, but the Queue is MUCH more detailed in WDW. I mention it because the transitions from game to game could cause issues for some people.

The other big one I want you to be aware of is Triceratop Spin. It's 'sort of' like Mulholland's Madness, but more spinny. You CAN see it from outside the queue, though - but even when people watch it they are shocked at the tall height requirement it has. The reason for it (I think) is the whiplash potential - you don't necessarily notice that until you're actually riding.

Isn't that odd? I find the transitions on TSM fairly rattling as well. Don't know why it has to be so jerky but I'll survive. We particularly want to see the queue, since the one at DCA just isn't that great.

I can't see my husband getting on the Triceratop Spin. He DOES have issues with nausea and vertigo so fortunately that one shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks for your response!

Elizabeth

Triceratop Spin is not really worth going on, I think. And you probably will want to skip Primeval Whirl because it is a painful ride the way it spins around! I personally have no problem with the part of Expedition Everest that Drince mentioned, but I do think the fast part at the end is intense. Space mountain is pretty jerky, I always have a sore neck after that one. Also you might want to do the green side of Mission Space which has no spinning. I love the Dinosaur ride, but I agree that if you can only do one Everest is the better pick! Dinosaur is pretty bumpy anyway.

Splash Mtn is better at WDW! And the drops really are not so bad!

Thanks! I meant Primeval WHIRL as being the bad one you should avoid. I always mess up that name unless I think about it and replace Whirl with Hurl (and was the reason I wouldn't let my nephews ride it right after breakfast!)

Ah, I was wondering what on earth could cause whiplash on Triceratop Spin! That ride is like Dumbo! Yes, Primeval Whirl definitely can cause whiplash!