Howdy, Mark, and welcome to planDisney! It sounds like you're juggling a
Walt Disney World Resort visit with an untimely injury. As someone who's raised a teenager...I feel ya. Let's discuss maneuvering the theme parks with your teen and his cast.
First and foremost, my advice is to talk to your son's doctor about your upcoming vacation and ask for any limitations on his activity. Depending on factors like the date and severity of his injury, the doctor could make the best suggestions for having a magical yet safe experience.
Another tip is to call
Disability Access Service (DAS) before you arrive for their recommendations and tips. Although your son probably won't be eligible for
DAS during his visit, they might have ideas and resources for your family.
Here are a few tips if your son is cleared to hop aboard thrill rides. Most coaster-style attractions like
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT and
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park utilize lap bars for safety, so be sure your son can pull those back securely. Most thrill rides speed around curves and drops, so he should consider the possibility that his cast will get bumped. A lot!
Some thrill attractions require guests to buckle a safety belt, so if your son can use a car's seatbelt with his cast, he should be able to secure himself in rides like Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park and Test Track at EPCOT.
TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom Park is a unique, super-fast experience and has guests riding a motorcycle-style vehicle with handlebars. Guests must pull back on the handlebars to engage the security feature, and most people want to hold them tightly as they enter the Grid. My tip is to check out the traditional-style seating offered on the last row of select cars. Your son will have the same experience but with a lap bar. The last row is the best anyway, in my opinion!
Mark, remember that Cast Members always have the last word because they have everyone's safety in mind. But I'm sending pixie dust and band-aids that your visit is as thrilling as it is safe. You can always take a spin on the
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover; it's a sentimental favorite for my family! Please stop by
planDisney anytime and have a wonderful visit with your son.
Magic awaits,
Elaine