Kidney stones are not very common. In fact, only about 10% of people will have kidney stones in their lifetime, though it’s more common for men than for women. However, this is one of the most painful things that a person can experience.
If kidney stones grow too large, they are not passable and must be either broken up through laser or water therapy or retrieved via emergency surgery.
But some Disney visitors have reported that they passed kidney stones after riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Really!
Putting The Mountain To The Test
A professor of urology at Michigan State University decided to see if there was any validity to these claims, so he armed himself with a 3D printed kidney packed securely in a backpack and braved the wildest ride in the wilderness almost two dozen times, with Disney’s permission.
His study found that there just might be some validity to this claim. Those who ride in the backseat of the ride vehicle are particularly likely to pass a kidney stone. Two-thirds of back-seat passengers passed stones compared to one-sixth for front-seat riders.
Since many women experience kidney stones during pregnancy, a Disney vacation including a few rides on Big Thunder Mountain before a planned pregnancy may reduce the chances of a woman experiencing this medical issue during pregnancy. What’s more, if you’ve had lithotripsy, a form of water therapy to break up kidney stones, you may want to visit Disney World as well since a ride after this surgery may result in the better passing of the broken up stones.
Whether this is valid or not, I think it’s a good excuse to visit the most magical place on earth!
This article is not medical advice, and you should check with your physician. However, you might be able to convince your friends and family that you need a trip to Disney World for medical reasons!
Do you believe a ride on Big Thunder Mountain can help with kidney stones?