It's been over 10 years since I've been to Disney and my health has gotten worse, mainly my knees. Both have severe osteoarthritis and I have little strength in my legs. I'm wanting to come in May of 2025. Can anyone think of rides I probably wouldn't get to ride on? Example Pirates. Because you have to step down, then step up. Any others come to mind? Thank you. Also with that being said I'm thinking of starting physical therapy to strengthen my legs although it won't help my knees.
I feel like an expert on this topic. Both of my knees were absolutely awful with arthritis and I've used an
ECV for many years. I actually just had one knee replaced last month and I'm hoping to get the other replaced this summer. My son is working as a CM on the college program - I go to WDW a lot anyway but this past year I've had an annual pass and went to see him almost every month before my surgery.
You're right that the boats can be a struggle - but I could do all of them. I was very slow to get in and out and my biggest suggestion is TAKE YOUR TIME - you may feel rushed but better to not fall because then they have to shut down the ride and of course - you'd be hurt - so that's a lose/lose. The CM's were always very nice about it - I didn't dawdle but I made sure I had good handholds on everything to pull myself out. Pirates, Frozen, Small World, Navi River - those are the boat type that come to mind.
The other issue is knee bend. Some rides you need a decent knee bend and if you're on the heavy side of course that takes more room for your legs. My knees struggled with the boat rides just for the knee bend because the seat was so low - but there was room. Other rides like Mine Train don't have a huge amount of space for knees. All I can say is try it - if it's not doable - just say you gotta get out cause your knee won't bend and don't worry about it. Some rides I wouldn't suggest - like Space Mountain, Astro-Orbiters. On Tron I took the "regular car style" seat and not the bike. I stopped being able to do Flight of Passage because of the knee bend and style of the ride but I suggest you try it. You can always NOPE it and just walk off before it starts. No issues on many rides, like Guardians.
Also, I tried PT before surgery and my knees were just so bad that the exercises took me backwards and I got to the point I could barely walk. Maybe the PT person didn't give me the right ones - but I suggest starting with the most basic and don't go "all in" doing reps - just ease into a bit to see how your knees respond. Even now with the one leg having a new knee - the other leg is holding me back on some exercises. My new knee is awesome - much less painful. I'm working hard to get good ROM so I can ride all the rides!
I've ridden it all so ask me any questions. I also suggest renting an ECV - it goes in most every queue and I couldn't have gone to WDW without it.
