My son just broke his leg two weeks before our trip!

[acamusic]

My son was injured yesterday in a soccer game, spiral fracture of the tibia. Our trip is two weeks from today. We're obviously only concerned with his physical well-being, but we know we also need to be thinking about the practical issues that come with this trip--big financial investment and all. If we need to cancel and reschedule we would have no problems going that route, just not sure when the next opportunity in our calendar will present itself.

Our plan was to drive the 8 hours, stay at Pop and do 5 days in the parks. He'll be in a cast so we'll have to rent a wheelchair? Can we make a special request for ground floor rooms? I'm sure his pain will likely not be an issue at that point, but I have no idea if he would even be able to ride anything/fit in a ride vehicle. Standing in line will probably be out of the question.

Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing or know how Disney accommodates these kinds of needs? I welcome all suggestions.

 

[Annadesu]

I think there's probably a good amount of rides where he would be encouraged not to ride, so as not to hurt his leg even more (like Rockin' Roller Coaster, for example.) But for gentle rides and shows, there's always room for wheel chair access. If you tell the hotel ahead of time they will make sure you can get the wheelchair room.

PERSONALLY, if it were me, I would just go another week when he's better. I don't how much he enjoys rollercoasters and all that, but it might make him sad to have to wait around while you guys go onto something he can't.

 

[JaxDad]

I'm very sorry about your son's injury and how it may impact your vacation. Have you looked into knee scooters? I'm not sure if they can be used with your son's injury and cast, but we used one for my son's broken foot for a recent non-Disney vacation, and it worked great!

 

[AngiTN]

Man, what bad timing (not that there is ever good timing for breaking limbs)
I sort of agree with PP.
I'd be more likely to try and find another time to go when he's out of the cast just so he can ride everything. If he's one who loves rides.
I'd have to think that a leg in a cast would be hard to get in a ride vehicle in some cases. But probably depends on what type of cast it is? How long, etc

 

[Hopefully]

How old is he? What is his Orthopedists advice? What will his restrictions be?
Yes you can rent a wheelchair for him. I would suggest renting from an offsite vendor so that you have it for getting to and from the buses etc. There is tons of walking at WDW.

I would suggest you post this question on the disABILITIES forum here on the DIS. Lots of experienced experts there.
Good Luck

 

[RLGNC]

I'm so sorry! I don't have any specific suggestions, but I hope everything works out OK whatever you decide.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!

I am in complete agreement with the people who recommended to reschedule. I think there are a lot of rides that he will not be permitted to go on, and for that kind of monetary investment it may not turn out to be the best trip.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

ETA- I just looked it up. Surprisingly WDW allows guests with casts to go on a roller coaster, this is not allowed at most theme parks. So, looks like it's up to you, which may help you decision.

 

[gap2368]

My son was injured yesterday in a soccer game, spiral fracture of the tibia. Our trip is two weeks from today. We're obviously only concerned with his physical well-being, but we know we also need to be thinking about the practical issues that come with this trip--big financial investment and all. If we need to cancel and reschedule we would have no problems going that route, just not sure when the next opportunity in our calendar will present itself.

Our plan was to drive the 8 hours, stay at Pop and do 5 days in the parks. He'll be in a cast so we'll have to rent a wheelchair? Can we make a special request for ground floor rooms? I'm sure his pain will likely not be an issue at that point, but I have no idea if he would even be able to ride anything/fit in a ride vehicle. Standing in line will probably be out of the question.

Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing or know how Disney accommodates these kinds of needs? I welcome all suggestions.

disney is great at helping people out I would not stress out too much

1 what every room you get will be fine for him they have elevators all over

2 rent a wheel chair get one from out side of disney finds one that fits your son go to the disability form and ask them how to tell what size he need,

3 he can do what ever he wants as long as he you and his dr feel it is ok ( yes even rock in roller coaster) but I would do a few smaller roller coaster) he also so needs to be able to transfer on his own or with your help but they will slow most rides down ( I think there are 2 they can not the people mover and peter pain flight)

if he want to do water rides bring something to cover his cast in fact bing something even if he dose not since it rains all the time in FL

as fair as the lines go he will be able to do the standard lines for the most part a few have a cut off where the starts are like TSMMA splash a few you will need a return time ( this is where they give you a pice of paper with the current wait time minutes 10 minutes and you will come back to a different area like t BTMRR and space ship earth

I hope this helps

 

[Tomh]

Aww, that's awful. As others have suggested, I would certainly consult with the Orthopedist, though I think I would probably be inclined to postpone the trip a few weeks into the summer, when he will be healed, and able to fully enjoy it.

 

[Momtomouselover]

I would talk to his doctor first but if he is able to stand and put some weight on it and you are willing to push the wheelchair I think plenty of fun can be had. Actually, I don't recall seeing any rides that restrict riders due to a cast. I mention putting some weight on it because if you have a push wheelchair it would be a lot easier if he can get into and out of the bus on his own. The same goes for loading on to many of the rides. Some of the rides can stop and let him load on a stationary platform but others require him to be able to transfer. Wheelchairs fit through the que of many of the rides as well so he wouldn't have to stand until the very end. I would think swimming and water parks would be your biggest issue. I have heard of cast covers for swimming but I'm not familiar with them. I would bring something for cover in case of rain too. I bet the Pop would give a ground floor room if you call and make a request but since it is not guaranteed I would be sure and mention the reason. Regardless, the Pop does have elevators you could use. If you don't mind and your son still wants to go then I would go for it.

 

[Kimberly9701]

My son was injured yesterday in a soccer game, spiral fracture of the tibia. Our trip is two weeks from today. We're obviously only concerned with his physical well-being, but we know we also need to be thinking about the practical issues that come with this trip--big financial investment and all. If we need to cancel and reschedule we would have no problems going that route, just not sure when the next opportunity in our calendar will present itself.

Our plan was to drive the 8 hours, stay at Pop and do 5 days in the parks. He'll be in a cast so we'll have to rent a wheelchair? Can we make a special request for ground floor rooms? I'm sure his pain will likely not be an issue at that point, but I have no idea if he would even be able to ride anything/fit in a ride vehicle. Standing in line will probably be out of the question.

Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing or know how Disney accommodates these kinds of needs? I welcome all suggestions.

Also wanted to ask- upper or lower tibia? That makes a huge difference.
My son broke his upper tibia- non weight bearing for a week while in a splint. Then a cast that went from foot to mid thigh. If his cast is like the one above then I would try to reschedule!
If it's lower, and you really can't go any other time, then it might be ok if he still wants to go. I'd definitely get his input.

 

[PlutoPony]

An ortho deals with active kids and breaks all the time, he should be a good resource about what kinds of activities your son is better off avoiding. From a practical standpoint, I think a lot will depend on how big the cast is and where it's positioned. If the cast in any way limits bending of the knee (very high break), even basic rides could be a challenge to get in and out of quickly/safely. As for standing in line, wheelchairs are for the most part allowed in lines up to the point of boarding Assuming he's also taking crutches into the parks, he could then use them from wheelchair to ride and be ok.

Once you talk to the doctor and get a better feel for treatment, you might want to post questions about this on the Disabilities Board. They are very very knowledgable about how to navigate WDW with wheelchairs, crutches, and various medical conditions. I'm sure you'd get a wealth of information there from people who have been there, done that.

Best of luck to your son!

 

[AngiTN]

The cast above is what I was thinking of in regards to getting on rides. If your leg can't bend there are some rides where you'd be hard pressed to get on, right? I mean, I can't imagine you can get on 7DMT if you can't bend your leg at the knee. Just to name 1 ride. I'm sure there are many others that would be impossible to get on just because you can't bend the leg

But, really, so much depends on not just the type of cast but if the child likes to do those rides. If he doesn't, it matters much less

There will still be some rides that can be done

 

[Momtomouselover]

The cast above is what I was thinking of in regards to getting on rides. If your leg can't bend there are some rides where you'd be hard pressed to get on, right? I mean, I can't imagine you can get on 7DMT if you can't bend your leg at the knee. Just to name 1 ride. I'm sure there are many others that would be impossible to get on just because you can't bend the leg

But, really, so much depends on not just the type of cast but if the child likes to do those rides. If he doesn't, it matters much less

There will still be some rides that can be done

True. A full leg cast and/or non weight bearing would be much more difficult to manage. Not impossible but more difficult for sure. I can't imagine loading onto Space Mountain either with a full cast.

 

[lovethattink]

My son was injured yesterday in a soccer game, spiral fracture of the tibia. Our trip is two weeks from today. We're obviously only concerned with his physical well-being, but we know we also need to be thinking about the practical issues that come with this trip--big financial investment and all. If we need to cancel and reschedule we would have no problems going that route, just not sure when the next opportunity in our calendar will present itself.

Our plan was to drive the 8 hours, stay at Pop and do 5 days in the parks. He'll be in a cast so we'll have to rent a wheelchair? Can we make a special request for ground floor rooms? I'm sure his pain will likely not be an issue at that point, but I have no idea if he would even be able to ride anything/fit in a ride vehicle. Standing in line will probably be out of the question.

Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing or know how Disney accommodates these kinds of needs? I welcome all suggestions.

This happened to us one summer. We rented a wheel chair, which was fun because we had one child in a stroller and the other using the wheelchair. He also had crutches which ate up his arm pit.

You can request ground floor. All buildings do have an elevator at Pop though.

We asked the orthopedic doc about any ride limitations and if G-force would affect the healing.

The orthopedic doc said he could swim in his cast as long as we used a hair dryer to dry it afterwards. Worse thing for a kid to hear. He insisted on swimming. It was impossible to fully dry the cast between sweat and the swimming, the cast stank so bad!

Pick up a disability map when you enter each park. It will explain loading and any different lines you'll all need to use.

For Jungle cruise be sure to ask for a rope boat before you get in line. This way it will be anchored with very little, if any, rocking. They'll direct your party to a different queue.

The disability board here on the DIS has great advice in one of the stickies.

 

[mshanson3121]

My son was injured yesterday in a soccer game, spiral fracture of the tibia. Our trip is two weeks from today. We're obviously only concerned with his physical well-being, but we know we also need to be thinking about the practical issues that come with this trip--big financial investment and all. If we need to cancel and reschedule we would have no problems going that route, just not sure when the next opportunity in our calendar will present itself.

Our plan was to drive the 8 hours, stay at Pop and do 5 days in the parks. He'll be in a cast so we'll have to rent a wheelchair? Can we make a special request for ground floor rooms? I'm sure his pain will likely not be an issue at that point, but I have no idea if he would even be able to ride anything/fit in a ride vehicle. Standing in line will probably be out of the question.

Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing or know how Disney accommodates these kinds of needs? I welcome all suggestions.

I would cancel. I'm sorry, I know there's financial repercussions and it's a pain, but I highly doubt he'll be able to do much. Not only that, you're going in May, when it's hot. Broken legs are prone to swelling at the best of time, and with him sitting in a wheel chair, in the heat, for hours every day, you could run into some problems that way. Not to mention how sweaty and hot the cast will get, itchy, rank smelling etc...

 

[HopperFan]

Just some thoughts:

- If this is a once in a "lifetime" trip, I'd be more likely to postpone but it's certainly doable with adjustments and patience.
- You didn't say his age, in terms of weight, pushing around a wheelchair all day is not going to be fun if heavy. BUT, WC is really is your best option for his comfort and healing.
- If you do go rent the wheelchair from an offsite vendor for the duration of the trip. Use one that is approved to drop/pickup at bell services so you don't have to coordinate.
- No worries on room, there are elevators all over POP.
- It won't change how you "do" rides other than the few that would give you a return time to ride due to loading differences (Big Thunder...). Get the Disabilities Guide.
- Most lines are accessible so you would just push the wheelchair through the line to loading.
- Depending on length and angle of cast, he may have to give up some rides if he won't fit in the car properly.
- And of course any restrictions your doctor gives you.
- Having the WC is all you need as far as Disney goes to be able to bring it through the lines with you, no other type of pass or tag is needed for it.

Good luck!

 

[DekrRini]

If it were me, I'd reschedule the vacation so your son can fully enjoy the parks. If you want to go, I'd first check with the orthopedic doctor to get his opinion. How far up does the cast go? Is it above the knee or below? I don't remember which it is with a tibial fracture. If his leg has to be extended for any length of time, I'd be hesitant to take him to a busy park where it might get bumped into quite often. I wouldn't count on him not having pain, because getting bumped into may well cause residual pain. I know he'll be disappointed, but he may be happier in the long run.

 

[GillianP1301]

If it were me, I would do what I could to reschedule. Although I'm sure you could still make the most out of the situation and have a good time regardless of the wheelchair, cast, crutches, etc..., I just think you won't have as much fun and be able to fully experience everything (all rides, pools, etc...) until he's all healed up.

I'm sorry you're in this situation and I hope he heals up nicely.

 

[DisneyMom111]

After all of the planning and counting down and excitement, I don't think I could cancel 2 weeks out. If the doctor gives the all clear, and your son still wants to go, go for it. Get an electric scooter so you don't have to push him and have as much fun as you can. Hey, upside, you get on the buses first now. Whatever you decide, I hope it all works out.