My husband and I are planning a trip to Disney in November. I have a pace maker/ defibulator for my heart. I was wondering is there any rides or restrictions or anything that i should know about that I should not go on?
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Pace Makers?
- Thread starter Owishingonastar
- Start date
WDW John
Member
I have a pacemaker (no defibrillator) and have been on all the attractions at WDW several times over several years without a hitch. I did get clearance from my cardiologist first but he didn't even hesitate to give me the OK.
In my case I only need to worry about abnormally LOW heart rate. Exciting rides ELEVATE the heart rate so there is no worry for me.
The only thing that is a pain is I skip the metal detectors at the airport. Metal detectors are safe for me to go through, but if it happens to be set off by the pacemaker (it has a titanium shell) then I have to go through the pat-down anyway. Plus, I might have to waste more time answering questions.
Hope it works out well for you (I imagine it will),
In my case I only need to worry about abnormally LOW heart rate. Exciting rides ELEVATE the heart rate so there is no worry for me.
The only thing that is a pain is I skip the metal detectors at the airport. Metal detectors are safe for me to go through, but if it happens to be set off by the pacemaker (it has a titanium shell) then I have to go through the pat-down anyway. Plus, I might have to waste more time answering questions.
Hope it works out well for you (I imagine it will),
Thanks for the help! I have pace maker/ defib cause I have an irregular heart beat. Mine beats to fast when excited. I'm going to be calling my cardiologist today to find out what she says about it. As for the metal detectors I can never go through them. But we will be driving down anyways so no worries on that!! How was splash mountain?
accord99cutie
Premium Member
I think asking your doctors is also the best idea, but also hearing from others with experience with Disney with a pace maker may be good to hear!
GOT2SAMMIES
Member
I took my mom to the Magic Kingdom last summer, due to time constraints we only did one park..however she did ride TMRR and she was fine. It was the first coaster she rode since she got her pacemaker after her open heart sugery. She also went back to Disney and did more rides when my brother went down to visit and she was fine. Of course she did not do RR or TOT but she pretty much did everything else. Please consult your doc first BUT you should be fine... you know take your time and don't wear yourselves out
:ROFLOL:
:ROFLOL:
Michael9374
New Member
Who has experience with a pacemaker in the Disney Parks ? I will be going in June 2017 and I have gotten a pacemaker since my last visit in 2010. I am 42 years old, very active. My doctor told me NO THRILL rides, ONLY slow moving rides like It's a Small World etc. Who has a pacemaker and what was your experience like in the park from arriving to leaving ?
Did you ride the monorail ? Have any issues ?
What rides did you ride ? Have any issues ?
I have a single lead pacer implanted and just wanted feedback from guest with similar issues/concerns.
Thanks
Michael
Did you ride the monorail ? Have any issues ?
What rides did you ride ? Have any issues ?
I have a single lead pacer implanted and just wanted feedback from guest with similar issues/concerns.
Thanks
Michael
Michael9374
New Member
Thanks
WDW John
Member
See my reply from 2010 above, nothing has really changed. I'm a little older than you, also very active (I close my rings every day
) have had a pacemaker for over 15 years and, again, my heart rate can get very low (I get 'false alarms', sometimes I get paced while I'm sleeping because my heart rate falls below 38 bpm naturally). I've gone to Disney World every year at least once since 1998 with the exception of 2016 when my daughter was born and threw off the rhythm (no worries, we're all going next month). I have never once had an issue at the airport or at WDW. As far as I know, the only issues with metal detectors come from the possibility that they may detect the pacemaker and then you have to get the pat down. Metal detectors themselves shouldn't have an affect. Per my cardiologist, the pacemaker is deep enough in my skin that it likely won't be picked up.
Monorail, yup, no issues. I've ridden all of the rides, multiple times, no issues.
As an aside, and I may be somewhat of an outlier due to my specific condition, I've also been into the generator room at Hoover Dam and still had no issues. Lots of strong electro-magnetic fields there, which CAN trigger a pacemaker but didn't in my case. I checked with my cardiologist beforehand, though, just to be sure.
If I were you I would reach out to my doctor again, say I was going to Disney World and see if the answer about 'no thrill rides' has changed. If you've had the pacemaker long enough and they can see some usage history they may relax the conditions they gave you when it was new. Maybe even get some clarity on what constitutes a 'thrill ride'. Do Toy Story Midway Mania or Kali River Rapids fall into that category? Star Tours? It may be worthwhile to make that call. Worst case is they just reiterate the original 'slow moving rides only' rule.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll have a great time regardless (and if you see Herlina tell her Mister John says "Hi!").
Michael9374
New Member
Going in June 2017. I spoke to Medtronic about my pacer and they said the reason no "thrill" rides is not for safety of me or my heart but more less the pacer. When stop and go rides, fast to slow, jarring, etc. they are affraid the lead could break off. Also some of the harnesses that hold you in rides may press against the pacer in my chest. I was not worried about the riding rides but more less the magnetic pull from anything ride related. They said I would be so far away it would not mess with my pacer. The monorail is no issues. The magic bands themselves are fine just the magic band reader is what to stay clear of. Don't go pressing my chest up against it , just stay 6" or more away from the reader. I have had my pacer 5 years now. Been to Disney about 5-6 times before and ridden everything ... I got my pacer cause my heart was too slow at night. I am good with the more laid back slow rides. I am 42 years old. Kids are 17 and 12 and my wife can ride the thrill rides with my 17 year. My 12 year old is more like me, relaxed, not a thrill seeker. There is PLENTY to do at Disney with rides, shows, eating, parades and character we will have a great time. I did hear they do have metal detectors now at each park but I have my card so I don't have to go through them or be wanded. I also talked with Disney and they have done everything they can for the safety of people with devices. Thousands of people go each day with some heart device or health related device and safety is there #1 goal ...