Hey there, Christine! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question. Oh boy, I’m so sorry to hear about your grandson’s arm, especially since you are making a long trip across the pond to Anaheim. I know it might seem disappointing to miss out on certain attractions but let me offer some ideas that might help make it more enjoyable for your grandson, despite his injury.
~ My suggestion is to visit the
Attractions and Entertainment page on the Disneyland website to familiarize yourself with the nature of each attraction. Is he limited only from fast-moving thrill rides, or any sort of ride vehicle, even if it moves slowly? For example,
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters has a slow-moving vehicle, as does
Haunted Mansion and the
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (which just recently reopened after refurbishment.)
“it’s a small world” and
Jungle Cruise are on slow-moving boats with no drops or fast turns. You’ll find several attractions which are listed as “slow” on the website. You can also talk to a Cast Member at each attraction once you arrive if you have further questions.
~ If your grandson is limited from any moving vehicle at all, you could focus on entertainment and character experiences. Simply walking around Avengers Campus is a treat, as well as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. These areas of the parks are immersive and really make you feel like you are part of the story. There are characters walking around, lots of action happening in all corners, and the experience feels very interactive. At Galaxy’s Edge, your grandson could download the Play Disney Parks app for even more interactive adventures. Also, he could visit Savi’s Workshop to build a custom lightsaber or Droid Depot to build his very own droid!
~
Character dining is an excellent way to feel the Disney magic. My favorite is Goofy’s Kitchen, where you’ll meet lots of characters in a festive environment and enjoy a fantastic meal.
~ The Nighttime Spectaculars are also a great way to feel the Disney spirit. The Main Street Electrical Parade, Fantasmic! and World of Color have two performances per night. The Disneyland Forever fireworks spectacular is once a night. You can check the timings listed under each on the Attractions and Entertainment page.
~
Animation Academy is a fun place to learn to draw characters. They have sessions throughout the day and you can check the character drawing schedule just outside the attraction.
~ Turtle Talk with Crush and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room are shows in which you are seated and not in a moving vehicle.
Once you arrive, you might want to visit Guest Relations to speak with a Cast Member about the restrictions, so they can also make recommendations for your visit. There is a lot of magic to experience even without moving attractions. I know your grandson will feel disappointed about what he is missing, but hopefully he will still find fun and enjoyment in the experiences he can partake in!
Sending you a pinch of pixie dust for a magical vacation.
Kamini