DS just broke his leg...

[EveDallas]

My DS15 broke his leg at school yesterday while he was playing basketball. His lower leg is broken in two places. Right now he is in a splint and will get his actual cast Monday. He will most likely be in a long leg (toe to hip) cast, so he will not be able to bend his leg.

My question is - will he have to skip any of the rides? We don't leave for 23 days, so I'm sure he will be used to the cast by then, but are there any ride vehicles that can't accomodate his leg having to remain straight? He's only 5'3", so his legs aren't super long, but I just wondered about this.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I think you need to reschedule his trip. Maybe I'm missing something, but I can't think of too many rides, if any, which he can ride if his leg has to remain straight. I don't see how this trip would be much fun for him.

You didn't mention how you are getting to Orlando, but if you're flying, I don't know how you are going to do it with a leg which cannot bend. A car trip would be miserable as well.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2397225

 

[SueM in MN]

I would agree with rescheduling.
It might be doable with a short leg cast, because he would be able to bend at the knee to fit into things. Even that is challenging though since many rides require a step down to get into the ride car, which can be difficult with a cast on.
Other than shows, there are very few things that will accommodate a long leg cast.

There are some attractions with wheelchair cars, but most would not fit a wheelchair with a person's leg extended. Many of them barely fit my DD's wheelchair - the area for a wheelchair is generally 30 inches wide by 48 inches long, including anything that sticks out om the wheelchair.

If he is OK with mostly seeing shows, I might still go. If he will be very disappointed not going on rides, I would probably reschedule. People have mostly reported good experiences with rescheduling the resort. Even the airlines are not usually much problem with medical situations. They won't usually refund, but will usually reschedule. (may depend on your exact ticket type).

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I agree with the PPs about rescheduling. There's not going to be much he can do with a hip to toe cast.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Looking at this (or at least answering) from a different viewpoint without any recommendations.

1. He will need a wheelchair. No matter what he says about using crutches, there is no way he could do the 8-12 miles per day on crutches.

2. Disney will not prevent his riding on any attraction unless it is perceived that he can cause injury to other Guests or damage to the attraction.

3. In addition, you might want to talk to the person who will be removing the cast. Have a line drawn on the cast where it will be cut for removal. Then bring along some "Sharpies" and have the characters autograph the cast, asking them to make sure their signature does not directly cross the line.

Once the cast is removed and fully dried out, you will then have a very unusual souvenir of the trip.

 

[EveDallas]

Looking at this (or at least answering) from a different viewpoint without any recommendations.

1. He will need a wheelchair. No matter what he says about using crutches, there is no way he could do the 8-12 miles per day on crutches.

2. Disney will not prevent his riding on any attraction unless it is perceived that he can cause injury to other Guests or damage to the attraction.

3. In addition, you might want to talk to the person who will be removing the cast. Have a line drawn on the cast where it will be cut for removal. Then bring along some "Sharpies" and have the characters autograph the cast, asking them to make sure their signature does not directly cross the line.

Once the cast is removed and fully dried out, you will then have a very unusual souvenir of the trip.

Thank you so much for this. Rescheduling the trip is not an option for many reasons. DS is upset enough about what happened - I think a trip to WDW will help get his mind off of things. We're been before and will go again, so if he has to miss anything, it's not the end of the world.

 

[watkinsme]

no experience BUT last trip we ran into a family a few times (mk, epcot & DHS) that the dad was in a full leg brace - he was usually just in his own row on the rides so that he could set crooked and extend his leg.

He was much (much) taller than 5'3" - HTH

 

[SueM in MN]

If it is a rigid cast, that is a little different and harder to get into things than full leg brace (braces have at least some flexibility.

Disney used to have a FAQs on their website where they did list the attractions that had more room for a leg cast. You would need to check with his doctor for some - like Tower of Terror. Don't want to risk damage by jostling the leg too much. I removed the things that no longer exist, added the replacement in its place, if the ride car is the same/similar and added some notes about ride cars.

The following attractions have additional space on aisle ways or next to the seating areas and should be able to accommodate a full leg cast. Please speak with a Cast Member at each of these locations for additional information.

Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World Railroad
The Jungle Cruise (has a wheelchair boat and should fit)
Liberty Belle Riverboat
"it's a small world" (has a wheelchair boat and should fit)
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
Stitch's Great Escape
Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
Tiki Room
Country Bear Jamboree
The Diamond Horseshoe Revue
The Hall of Presidents
Laugh Floor
Mickey's Philharmagic

Epcot
Ellen's Energy Adventure (Universe of Energy)
3 Cabelleros (Mexico)
Wonders of China
The American Adventure
America Gardens Theater
Impressions de France
O Canada!
Captain EO
Turtle Talk (The Living Seas with Nemo and Friends)
Attractions at Living Seas
Living with the Land (The Land)
Circle of Life movie (The Land)

Disney-MGM Studios
Star Tours (check with doctor)
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (check with doctor)
Muppet*Vision 4D
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Lights, Motors, Action
Sounds Dangerous (was not open last week and probably closing for good)
American Idol Experience
Backlot Tour (has wheelchair car)
Great Movie Ride (has wheelchair car)
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Playhouse Disney, Live on Stage
The Magic of Disney Animation
Walt Disney, One Man's Dream

Animal Kingdom
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Wildlife Express to Conservation Station
Conservation Station
It's Tough to be a Bug
Safari Village Trails
Festival of the Lion King
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Flights of Wonder
Tarzan Rocks!


Test Track at Epcot and Tunder Mountain Railroad are closed for renovation right now anyway, so would be out even without a cast.

For MK, He would probably not be able to get into Splash Mountain or possibly Pirates because the ride cars are pretty tight. Pirates, possibly, but for sure not Splash. Winnie the Pooh has a wheelchair car and a wheelchair would fit with a full leg cast. Haunted Mansion would probably not work - possibly would work in his own ride car.
Buzz Lightyear and Aladdin have wheelchair cars, but both a tight and the regular car does not have much leg room, although he might fit in a row by himself, sitting partly sideways.
Barnstormer just opened and does not look like there would be space.

For Epcot, Mission Space ride car is fairly tight, so he may not fit and would not have the option of a ride car for himself, but maybe it would work if there were less than 4 in the ride car and if OK with his doctor (even green version can move you around). Spaceship Earth is also fairly tight, although the walk in is flat. Maelstrom in Norway is about the same to get into as Splash Mountain - tight and high step over the side.

For the Studio, Toy Story Midway Mania has a wheelchair car, but he may not fit with a long leg cast. He may or may not fit in the regular ride car, but would have to use the accessible boarding area anyway to avoid the stairs in the regular line.

For AK, if he gets the OK from his doctor and has a waterproof cast, he may be able to ride Kali River Rpids. It won't be easy in or out, but they have a special boarding area for guests with disabilities where they trap a boat so it stays still.
Expedition Everest is another one to ask th doctor about. The ride car is pretty tight, but there is a practice car he can try to see if he would fit.
Dinosaur is very rough and fairly tight. I would highly recommend skipping Primevql Whirl. It is rough and jostles riders around a lot. Without binging able to use his leg, he would not be able to brace himself very well and would be jostled more than usual.

 

[EveDallas]

If it is a rigid cast, that is a little different and harder to get into things than full leg brace (braces have at least some flexibility.

Disney used to have a FAQs on their website where they did list the attractions that had more room for a leg cast. You would need to check with his doctor for some - like Tower of Terror. Don't want to risk damage by jostling the leg too much. I removed the things that no longer exist, added the replacement in its place, if the ride car is the same/similar and added some notes about ride cars.

The following attractions have additional space on aisle ways or next to the seating areas and should be able to accommodate a full leg cast. Please speak with a Cast Member at each of these locations for additional information.

Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World Railroad
The Jungle Cruise (has a wheelchair boat and should fit)
Liberty Belle Riverboat
"it's a small world" (has a wheelchair boat and should fit)
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
Stitch's Great Escape
Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
Tiki Room
Country Bear Jamboree
The Diamond Horseshoe Revue
The Hall of Presidents
Laugh Floor
Mickey's Philharmagic

Epcot
Ellen's Energy Adventure (Universe of Energy)
3 Cabelleros (Mexico)
Wonders of China
The American Adventure
America Gardens Theater
Impressions de France
O Canada!
Captain EO
Turtle Talk (The Living Seas with Nemo and Friends)
Attractions at Living Seas
Living with the Land (The Land)
Circle of Life movie (The Land)

Disney-MGM Studios
Star Tours (check with doctor)
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (check with doctor)
Muppet*Vision 4D
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Lights, Motors, Action
Sounds Dangerous (was not open last week and probably closing for good)
American Idol Experience
Backlot Tour (has wheelchair car)
Great Movie Ride (has wheelchair car)
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Playhouse Disney, Live on Stage
The Magic of Disney Animation
Walt Disney, One Man's Dream

Animal Kingdom
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Wildlife Express to Conservation Station
Conservation Station
It's Tough to be a Bug
Safari Village Trails
Festival of the Lion King
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Flights of Wonder
Tarzan Rocks!


Test Track at Epcot and Tunder Mountain Railroad are closed for renovation right now anyway, so would be out even without a cast.

For MK, He would probably not be able to get into Splash Mountain or possibly Pirates because the ride cars are pretty tight. Pirates, possibly, but for sure not Splash. Winnie the Pooh has a wheelchair car and a wheelchair would fit with a full leg cast. Haunted Mansion would probably not work - possibly would work in his own ride car.
Buzz Lightyear and Aladdin have wheelchair cars, but both a tight and the regular car does not have much leg room, although he might fit in a row by himself, sitting partly sideways.
Barnstormer just opened and does not look like there would be space.

For Epcot, Mission Space ride car is fairly tight, so he may not fit and would not have the option of a ride car for himself, but maybe it would work if there were less than 4 in the ride car and if OK with his doctor (even green version can move you around). Spaceship Earth is also fairly tight, although the walk in is flat. Maelstrom in Norway is about the same to get into as Splash Mountain - tight and high step over the side.

For the Studio, Toy Story Midway Mania has a wheelchair car, but he may not fit with a long leg cast. He may or may not fit in the regular ride car, but would have to use the accessible boarding area anyway to avoid the stairs in the regular line.

For AK, if he gets the OK from his doctor and has a waterproof cast, he may be able to ride Kali River Rpids. It won't be easy in or out, but they have a special boarding area for guests with disabilities where they trap a boat so it stays still.
Expedition Everest is another one to ask th doctor about. The ride car is pretty tight, but there is a practice car he can try to see if he would fit.
Dinosaur is very rough and fairly tight. I would highly recommend skipping Primevql Whirl. It is rough and jostles riders around a lot. Without binging able to use his leg, he would not be able to brace himself very well and would be jostled more than usual.

Thanks for the list. It at least gives me an idea of what may work and may not. The only ride I was wondering about that I didn't see was Soarin. We'll see about that one - I think first row might work but maybe not. I doubt we'd go on any water rides even if they were possible. EE is the only one he would be disappointed to miss, but if he has to then so be it. The sorcerers card game at MK is new since we were there last, so we will definitely spend some time on that.

I'm renting him a wheelchair to use while we're there with a leg support, but he can transfer out of it to ride if needed. Bottom line is, this will be a slower paced trip than we're used to, but we'll still enjoy it.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the list. It at least gives me an idea of what may work and may not. The only ride I was wondering about that I didn't see was Soarin. We'll see about that one - I think first row might work but maybe not. I doubt we'd go on any water rides even if they were possible. EE is the only one he would be disappointed to miss, but if he has to then so be it. The sorcerers card game at MK is new since we were there last, so we will definitely spend some time on that.

I'm renting him a wheelchair to use while we're there with a leg support, but he can transfer out of it to ride if needed. Bottom line is, this will be a slower paced trip than we're used to, but we'll still enjoy it.

I am not sure about Soarin'
I have not seen anyone with a cast riding it, so it may be a one on one decision by the CMs there. Not sure how comfortable it would be with the full weight of the cast unsupported while riding.
If its OK, he could be in any row. Wheelchairs and even ECVs are brought ino the boarding area all the way to the seats. Once you are seated,the CM will take the wheelchair and park it in a safe place.

 

[dragonfly57005]

I would firmly guest skipping the water rides. If the cast were to get wet, you would need o replace it. Your insurance would not be happy paying an out of network orthopedic doctor to replace it. Then there would be the hassle factor of a doctor's visit. Most er and urgent care doctors don't place long leg casts so you would have o do some searching.

 

[EveDallas]

I would firmly guest skipping the water rides. If the cast were to get wet, you would need o replace it. Your insurance would not be happy paying an out of network orthopedic doctor to replace it. Then there would be the hassle factor of a doctor's visit. Most er and urgent care doctors don't place long leg casts so you would have o do some searching.

Yeah, we will definitely skip the water rides. I'm just not willing to take that kind of chance.

 

[SueM in MN]

Yeah, we will definitely skip the water rides. I'm just not willing to take that kind of chance.

Fiberglass casts can get wet (even swimming), but I would not go on without asking the doctor about wet rides even with a fiberglass cast.

 

[StrwLady]

EveDallas

It looks like we will be there at the same time! A mother son trip for us too! I am sorry to hear your son broke his leg. I hope he is not in too much pain.

I went to Disney last year 6 weeks after Achilles tendon reconstruction and was in a walking boot only allowed to touch the foot down for stability. So sorry I can not answer your question about room on rides for his cast. But I can share some things about my trip after surgery.

First off we must remember he is a spry young kid! I am an old falling apart woman LOL (body just doesn't do the same at 49 as it does when you are a kid) For rides one big challenge I had was right loading rides. It was my right Achilles that I had surgery on so stepping up with the right leg was basically impossible. It seemed about half of the rides were right loading. The first week of the trip it was just me and my son. The second well my hubby joined us. So he was able to help me more. I was more tired during this trip and once my hubby arrived, I would send him and my son out and I would sleep in. I did have some swelling troubles but his leg will be up all the time so that should help.

So many people thought we should cancel the trip. I had to postpone it from the first week of June to the first week of July, that was bad enough. There was no way I was gonna cancel it. Even though I had to skip some rides I was just happy to be in Disney!

Take things slow and let your son decide the pace. Luckily you have a few weeks to get past the really painful days (basing that on your signature) Is it possible to add any time to your trip. If so I would consider it. That way you can take it slower and still see/do what you wish.

BTW I assume you are in Dallas or the surrounding area. I am too! Are you staying at the Pop? (again basing that on your signature) That is where we will be too! Maybe we will run into each other. Hopefully not literately LOL I will again be in a boot and on an ECV. I'm dealing with some tendon inflammation so my Dr wants me booted for the trip.

 

[EveDallas]

EveDallas

It looks like we will be there at the same time! A mother son trip for us too! I am sorry to hear your son broke his leg. I hope he is not in too much pain.

I went to Disney last year 6 weeks after Achilles tendon reconstruction and was in a walking boot only allowed to touch the foot down for stability. So sorry I can not answer your question about room on rides for his cast. But I can share some things about my trip after surgery.

First off we must remember he is a spry young kid! I am an old falling apart woman LOL (body just doesn't do the same at 49 as it does when you are a kid) For rides one big challenge I had was right loading rides. It was my right Achilles that I had surgery on so stepping up with the right leg was basically impossible. It seemed about half of the rides were right loading. The first week of the trip it was just me and my son. The second well my hubby joined us. So he was able to help me more. I was more tired during this trip and once my hubby arrived, I would send him and my son out and I would sleep in. I did have some swelling troubles but his leg will be up all the time so that should help.

So many people thought we should cancel the trip. I had to postpone it from the first week of June to the first week of July, that was bad enough. There was no way I was gonna cancel it. Even though I had to skip some rides I was just happy to be in Disney!

Take things slow and let your son decide the pace. Luckily you have a few weeks to get past the really painful days (basing that on your signature) Is it possible to add any time to your trip. If so I would consider it. That way you can take it slower and still see/do what you wish.

BTW I assume you are in Dallas or the surrounding area. I am too! Are you staying at the Pop? (again basing that on your signature) That is where we will be too! Maybe we will run into each other. Hopefully not literately LOL I will again be in a boot and on an ECV. I'm dealing with some tendon inflammation so my Dr wants me booted for the trip.

Yes, I am from a suburb of Dallas, and we are staying at Pop! It's our first time at Pop so we can't wait

I will definitely let him set the pace. I was already planning on taking breaks each day during the afternoon, so that will give him a chance to nap or watch TV or whatever. Like he said yesterday, his leg will be broken no matter what, so we might as well be in Disney!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I am still curious as to how you are transporting him to Disney. I assume you are driving?

 

[EveDallas]

I am still curious as to how you are transporting him to Disney. I assume you are driving?

We are flying. I double checked with his doctor today when he got his actual cast, and he said it was fine.

 

[lumpy08]

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck on your trip. I think you have a positive attitude and you will have a great time. We have two people in our group that had broken leg and ankle. Just one of them will be in a wheelchair. We decided this trip will be a relaxing trip. Maybe try to visit all the parades at each park. Have some nice sit down meals.

How did your DS make out with the cast? I would suggest getting him backscratcher. I got one at walgreens that looked like an antenna. I am sure his leg will get itchy. The other thing I would recommend is over the next week or so try and go to the mall and see how you do getting in and out of the car and just having people around. My DH was like strwlady. He couldn't bear down weight on the leg. The part that amazed me the most was how people just try to squeeze by you when on crutches. We went to lunch one day at a nice seafood restaurant. We went for a late lunch and there was no one in the place. The hostess was the one who nearly knocked DH over.

Ask your doctor if you can get a handicap placard. I got a temporary one. For our state I was lucky the registry that passes out the temporary placards was close by. Otherwise it takes a month by mail. A lot of times the handicap spot is full, but when you come from your trip and you are bring your DS for PT it will come in handy. When the cast comes off I would suggest taking a photo of his leg every day. This way the doctor can see the progress.

Sorry, I got a little topic. I am sure just being with you DS you will have a lovely time. Please share your tips when you get back.

 

[SueM in MN]

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck on your trip. I think you have a positive attitude and you will have a great time. We have two people in our group that had broken leg and ankle. Just one of them will be in a wheelchair. We decided this trip will be a relaxing trip. Maybe try to visit all the parades at each park. Have some nice sit down meals.

How did your DS make out with the cast? I would suggest getting him backscratcher. I got one at walgreens that looked like an antenna. I am sure his leg will get itchy. The other thing I would recommend is over the next week or so try and go to the mall and see how you do getting in and out of the car and just having people around. My DH was like strwlady. He couldn't bear down weight on the leg. The part that amazed me the most was how people just try to squeeze by you when on crutches. We went to lunch one day at a nice seafood restaurant. We went for a late lunch and there was no one in the place. The hostess was the one who nearly knocked DH over.

Ask your doctor if you can get a handicap placard. I got a temporary one. For our state I was lucky the registry that passes out the temporary placards was close by. Otherwise it takes a month by mail. A lot of times the handicap spot is full, but when you come from your trip and you are bring your DS for PT it will come in handy. When the cast comes off I would suggest taking a photo of his leg every day. This way the doctor can see the progress.

Sorry, I got a little topic. I am sure just being with you DS you will have a lovely time. Please share your tips when you get back.

Much very good advice.

As an RN, I have strongly warn against the bolded part..
Don't ever stick anything into or under a cast. This includes any sticks, scratchers or powders.
Although it may seem like a good idea and may feel good, anything used to scratch the itch can cause a scratch in the skin.
A small break in the skin from a scratch may lead to a big infection. The cast will be on for many weeks and makes a warm, somewhat moist place for bacteria to grow. Growing on top of the skin can't be avoided, but if those germs get under the skin, they can cause an infection that might not be noticed until it is pretty nasty.

Some of the powders people put into casts can provide more 'food' for germs (specifically cornstarch).

Safest way to try to deal with itching is to use a hair dryer set on COOL to direct air into the cast - check frequently that it stays on cool. HOT or even LOW can cause burns.

People with fully waterproof fiberglass casts have some additional options involving water. Check with the doctor before using water - the cast AND liner have to be fully waterproof to use any water.

 

[EveDallas]

Much very good advice.

As an RN, I have strongly warn against the bolded part..
Don't ever stick anything into or under a cast. This includes any sticks, scratchers or powders.
Although it may seem like a good idea and may feel good, anything used to scratch the itch can cause a scratch in the skin.
A small break in the skin from a scratch may lead to a big infection. The cast will be on for many weeks and makes a warm, somewhat moist place for bacteria to grow. Growing on top of the skin can't be avoided, but if those germs get under the skin, they can cause an infection that might not be noticed until it is pretty nasty.

Some of the powders people put into casts can provide more 'food' for germs (specifically cornstarch).

Safest way to try to deal with itching is to use a hair dryer set on COOL to direct air into the cast - check frequently that it stays on cool. HOT or even LOW can cause burns.

People with fully waterproof fiberglass casts have some additional options involving water. Check with the doctor before using water - the cast AND liner have to be fully waterproof to use any water.

We will not be putting anything into his cast. The doctor said the same thing you did - try to deal with itching by blowing cool air into the cast. We will be taking a hair dryer with us for this purpose.

I am really proud of DS - he seems to be dealing with this well. He's getting around better and trying to do as much as possible for himself. He seems to feel more secure now that he has the actual cast.

ETA: His doctor told us to avoid water as much as possible.