Disney with a broken arm?

[deedeew80]

We leave for Disney on Friday and today my 12 year old son broke his arm!! How can he do Disney with a broken arm? Will he be able to go on rides? I’m so sad about this for him.

 

[Tink_83]

I don't see why he wouldn't be able to do most rides even with the broken arm - but that is something I would specifically ask his doctor about (i.e. explain the upcoming trip and have them tell you what the risks are). Not knowing how bad the break is, and honestly not being a doctor beyond recommending getting their advice I can't provide much else.

If, for some reason, the doctor is concerned about certain rides (like the roller coaster rides, etc.) I would get a game plan together now for the ones that he can and can't do, and talk up how much fun those rides that he can do are. I would also then consider something else special for him on the trip if he can't go on those rides. I would definitely call the doc ASAP though if you don't have clear instructions from them on activity that is and is not allowed.

 

[DisneyMom93]

Eek. Poor kid.

Well, definitely keep it in a sling. Sure there are rides he can do but I don’t think most of the roller coasters would be doable. Maybe Mine Train since it doesn’t throw you around and is very smooth. Most of the others knock you around a lot. Even Goofy’s does.

He can definitely do Small World and Peter Pan and Pirates and Jungle Cruise type rides. Plus the shows like Monsters Inc and Philharmonic. Buzz Lightyear. People Mover. Not Space Mountain. Maybe Tron if he can hold on?

He should be able to do the Animal Kingdom rides and shows. Definitely not Dinosaur. I wouldn’t recommend Everest either.

He should be fine in Epcot.

Hollywood Studios should be fine except for Rockin Roller Coaster.

I think there are plenty of rides he can do. I would just steer clear of roller coasters. I hope the poor kid isn’t into roller coasters.

Wish you a great trip!

 

[Lumpy1106]

Is it a compound break with a full-arm cast or a celery break with a short cast?

Ask your Ortho, but I don't think this will matter. I once broke a small bone in my wrist while snowboarding. The ortho cast it, then went through the things I could and could not do. All involved not getting the cast wet, but could still shower etc. as long as I kept the cast dry. The one activity he specifically gave the green light to? Snowboarding. There was no better brace than the cast he just put on my wrist.

 

[seashoreCM]

(copied from another forum)

1. Put a sock or mitten on his hand, using adhesive tape to hold it on in a manner that he cannot use his fingers or hand to grab anything. This will prevent him using his reflexes and straining the fracture. A few times during each day, away from rides and attractions, take the sock off and have him flex his fingers for a few minutes to improve circulation.

2. Do not have the family with him enter a regular (standby) line for something he may not do or ride. One parent can take him on some other attraction so other family members can go on the ride in question.

 

[shosh1530]

An added bonus could be focusing on characters and getting some of them to sign his cast.

And as others have said, only your doctor can dictate what rides/activities would be safe. My son broke his wrist twice and didn't have any restrictions (but we didn't go to a theme park so didn't ask about that). Some casts can even go in the water for short amounts of time.

We did have to move his birthday party locations both times because the gyms/bouncy places would not allow him to participate with a cast for safety reasons (his and others).

 

[Mombaker]

When my daughter broke her thumb she wasn’t even allowed to do hay rides because the doctor was afraid it would displace the break and that it wouldn’t heal properly. Definitely check with your doctor (especially because it’s a fresh break) to see what’s off limits and make your decision based on that…sorry for your extra stress.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I would recommend speaking with his doctor who better understands the severity if his break.

 

[socaldisney]

As others mentioned, check with his doctor. That being said, I broke my wrist a couple years ago days before we went for a week. It was in a cast but I also used a sling, as it is more visible to other people and they are less likely to bump into you. I went on every ride I wanted to, including coasters. I tried to hold my wrist so, it wouldn't move too much. However, Rock N Roller coaster I couldn't do that, because of the harness. After the ride my 25 year old son looked over at me and gave me look and I said, "yeah, probably shouldn't have ridden that one" LOL! Luckily, my bone healed just fine.

 

[Genie+]

First I would consult his doctor and find out limitations.

Second I would do the DAS chat/video. At minimum they can offer some sound advice about navigating the parks when you supply them with info from his doctor and about your party, at maximum they may just grant DAS. It’s a low chance at getting DAS but in certain circumstances they have, it’s going to depend on your individual case and if the disability team think DAS is warranted here or not.

 

[lanejudy]

First I would consult his doctor and find out limitations.

Second I would do the DAS chat/video. At minimum they can offer some sound advice about navigating the parks when you supply them with info from his doctor and about your party, at maximum they may just grant DAS. It’s a low chance at getting DAS but in certain circumstances they have, it’s going to depend on your individual case and if the disability team think DAS is warranted here or not.

Sorry but there is absolutely no reason a broken arm needs DAS. DAS provides for waiting outside the queue, nothing else.

OP as others mentioned, ask his healthcare provider about restricted activities. WDW doesn’t have any rules but the doctor may or may not want him on thrill rides that could be jarring.

 

[Genie+]

Sorry but there is absolutely no reason a broken arm needs DAS. DAS provides for waiting outside the queue, nothing else.

OP as others mentioned, ask his healthcare provider about restricted activities. WDW doesn’t have any rules but the doctor may or may not want him on thrill rides that could be jarring.

I would think that too but I’ve actually come across a few reports where DAS was granted for very specific instances where a child broke an arm or leg right before the trip. Typically no, and it’s for sure a long shot, but since I think it’s worthwhile to chat just for help on general logistics anyway, who knows. Very specific and unique factors at play where they did. I could speculate on some of that reasoning but don’t want to disclose too much info here. While 99% unlikely, in this realm there are still a few scenarios existing for a one time pass.

 

[byurick]

100% ask the doctor first, however my daughter broke her elbow a week before we left for our trip and she was able to go on rides no problem with a full cast. We even bought her one of those shower/bath covers for her arm so she could go in the pool.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I would think that too but I’ve actually come across a few reports where DAS was granted for very specific instances where a child broke an arm or leg right before the trip. Typically no, and it’s for sure a long shot, but since I think it’s worthwhile to chat just for help on general logistics anyway, who knows. Very specific and unique factors at play where they did. I could speculate on some of that reasoning but don’t want to disclose too much info here. While 99% unlikely, in this realm there are still a few scenarios existing for a one time pass.

DAS is not intended for broken bones. Please do not suggest people call for reasons that are not meant for DAS. From the Disney website:

 

[lanejudy]

I’ve actually come across a few reports where DAS was granted for very specific instances where a child broke an arm or leg right before the trip

Recent? Like since late May when the new DAS qualifications went into effect? The new rules absolutely don’t accommodate that.

The family is welcome to use Attraction Queue Re-entry if something arises during the wait.

 

[Genie+]

DAS is not intended for broken bones. Please do not suggest people call for reasons that are not meant for DAS. From the Disney website:

View attachment 916225

Do I need to put the details of what I’ve come across three times now? Maybe I do.

I NEVER suggested they chat DAS solely to get it granted. It is a fantastic resource for people in exactly this position.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Please keep this thread on topic to OP's original question and not have it become a DAS discussion as OP was not asking about DAS. DAS is welcome to be discussed in the disABILITIES! forum.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Do I need to put the details of what I’ve come across three times now? Maybe I do.

No, please do not.

 

[byurick]

One thing my wife and I noticed is that the CMs didn't go out of their way to say anything unprompted about her arm being in a cast (we assumed it was probably some sort of sensitivity training). However once we or she initiated the conversation about her arm they were more than happy to help in any way.

I guess my point being don't be afraid to ask for help whether it be in line for a ride or whatever activity you're doing as the CMs don't assume you necessarily will need it.

 

[nherbert]

We leave for Disney on Friday and today my 12 year old son broke his arm!! How can he do Disney with a broken arm? Will he be able to go on rides? I’m so sad about this for him.

Omg, I am so sorry. The exact same thing happened to us be for our last trip (5 years ago). Hope this helps:
1) are you flying, he might not be able to fly with a cast - we couldn’t (from Australia).
2) get a waterproof cast so he can do pools and water rides
3) characters may not be able to sign casts so don’t promise him that
4) most rides at Disney he can do, just not a few rollercoasters, if you also planned to do universal there are more there he can’t do - anything with an overhead bar (RRnC) will be out, but anything with a lap bar is possibly ok (BTMRR), not sure about the drop in Tiana or Kali
5) use child swap if you have more than one kid but both parents want to ride - after you try them yourself you might decide it would be safe for him
6) compensate with some extra special treats like build a droid
7)most important - seek medical advice from someone you trust
8) there is SO MUCH he can still do - he will still have a great time!