Broken Ankle

[Menk1624]

This Board has been a great resource and until now I believe I have been able to get all my questions answered. So first of all thanks to all.

We are sailing on the Fantasy this Saturday and my wife decided that it was a great time to break her ankle. She is in a boot and gets around on crutches fairly well, but she isn't going to break any speed records anytime soon. I called Disney to see what they could do to make our trip a little easier including inquiring about a handicapped accessible room which, as expected, none where available this close to sailing. Disney is able to give her a seat for the shower and use of a wheelchair to get on and off the ship. These should really help us out and that may be all she needs. My question is whether there are things that I am not thinking about that others may have experienced that I can either plan for or avoid. Some of the things I have been thinking about is how difficult will it be for her to get to the muster drill and whether we should avoid eating at Cabanas. I know the muster drill can not be missed, but it may be the MDR for breakfast and lunch. We are not in concierge if that makes a difference for any comments.

On a side note, when I went to cancel our bicycle rentals at Castaway, I noticed an available cabana and snagged it. Score! That should take care of us on Castaway.

TIA

 

[PrincessShmoo]

This Board has been a great resource and until now I believe I have been able to get all my questions answered. So first of all thanks to all.

We are sailing on the Fantasy this Saturday and my wife decided that it was a great time to break her ankle. She is in a boot and gets around on crutches fairly well, but she isn't going to break any speed records anytime soon. I called Disney to see what they could do to make our trip a little easier including inquiring about a handicapped accessible room which, as expected, none where available this close to sailing. Disney is able to give her a seat for the shower and use of a wheelchair to get on and off the ship. These should really help us out and that may be all she needs. My question is whether there are things that I am not thinking about that others may have experienced that I can either plan for or avoid. Some of the things I have been thinking about is how difficult will it be for her to get to the muster drill and whether we should avoid eating at Cabanas. I know the muster drill can not be missed, but it may be the MDR for breakfast and lunch. We are not in concierge if that makes a difference for any comments.

On a side note, when I went to cancel our bicycle rentals at Castaway, I noticed an available cabana and snagged it. Score! That should take care of us on Castaway.

TIA

Suggestion for the muster drill. Try to already be in the area where your muster is. Maybe stop by Guest Services once onboard and ask about her being able to be seated during the muster. I've seen some guests who were seated during muster, and they were dismissed before everyone else, so as to avoid the mad rush when everyone is released.

I've also see CMs assist people on crutches in the buffet.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

the muster drill can not be missed,

they will make arrangements with people who need special assistants

 

[KitkatMahn]

This Board has been a great resource and until now I believe I have been able to get all my questions answered. So first of all thanks to all.


On a side note, when I went to cancel our bicycle rentals at Castaway, I noticed an available cabana and snagged it. Score! That should take care of us on Castaway.

TIA

sorry about broken ankle! score on the cabana!!! hope all goes well for y'all

 

[Menk1624]

Suggestion for the muster drill. Try to already be in the area where your muster is. Maybe stop by Guest Services once onboard and ask about her being able to be seated during the muster. I've seen some guests who were seated during muster, and they were dismissed before everyone else, so as to avoid the mad rush when everyone is released.

I've also see CMs assist people on crutches in the buffet.

Good advice. Thanks.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

This Board has been a great resource and until now I believe I have been able to get all my questions answered. So first of all thanks to all.

We are sailing on the Fantasy this Saturday and my wife decided that it was a great time to break her ankle. She is in a boot and gets around on crutches fairly well, but she isn't going to break any speed records anytime soon. I called Disney to see what they could do to make our trip a little easier including inquiring about a handicapped accessible room which, as expected, none where available this close to sailing. Disney is able to give her a seat for the shower and use of a wheelchair to get on and off the ship. These should really help us out and that may be all she needs. My question is whether there are things that I am not thinking about that others may have experienced that I can either plan for or avoid. Some of the things I have been thinking about is how difficult will it be for her to get to the muster drill and whether we should avoid eating at Cabanas. I know the muster drill can not be missed, but it may be the MDR for breakfast and lunch. We are not in concierge if that makes a difference for any comments.

On a side note, when I went to cancel our bicycle rentals at Castaway, I noticed an available cabana and snagged it. Score! That should take care of us on Castaway.

TIA

For the muster drill, I'd recommend getting to your station, or at least close to it, well before the drill starts. That way you can use the elevators without issue. You might want to look into renting a scooter as that would be easier than a manual wheelchair.

You might be right about skipping Cabanas, but you could just park her at a table and get her a plate of food yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for help from CMs.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

You might want to look into renting a scooter as that would be easier than a manual wheelchair.

The problem with renting the scooter, is, if she's never driven one before, learning onboard ship can be hazardous to others. And they don't have a handicapped room in which to keep the scooter at night.

 

[chris31997]

You might want to see about renting a collapsible wheelchair. It will store easier in the room, you can have it with you when you check in, and you can have it IF she needs it on the ship(not sure if you will have Disney's the whole time on the ship). Depending on how you are getting to the area, it might be nice to have in the airport.

I would also give yourselves lots of time to get to restaurants and the different activities. Try to avoid the mad rush and crush of people.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

The problem with renting the scooter, is, if she's never driven one before, learning onboard ship can be hazardous to others. And they don't have a handicapped room in which to keep the scooter at night.

Very true.

 

[harpetj]

I broke my leg about 3 weeks before our first Dream cruise last year. I luckily got my hard cast off and was in a walking boot, but I was non-weight bearing and on crutches. We rented a wheelchair to use for the cruise (it was delivered to our Disney resort beforehand) and I was SOOO glad I did. I would have been miserable using crutches the entire 4 days and tired! My husband would push me to and from restaurants, pool, etc and then I would crutch around the areas once I was there. I did try to get around Cabanas on my own since we had 2 kids as well and the awesome CMs helped me carry my food. She will probably need to use a wheelchair to get off at Castaway Cay and get to the tram as well. Good luck and enjoy despite the set back! I still enjoyed our cruise immensely, but I am looking forward to our next one in October!

 

[SleepyDeb]

I also broke my ankle right before our cruise, our first back in the 90's. I was non-weightbearing the entire cruise. If your wife can bear weight, her situation will be MUCH easier.

Our first cruise was on the Big Red Boat, the precursor to DCL. I had the option of using our trip insurance and cancelling, but we decided to go anyway. I will be honest, I regretted not rescheduling. I had a wheelchair and crutches. I struggled with the crutches and the wheelchair was such a pain. The elevator was so slow and crowded and excursions were really tough, especially when trying to get through sand (almost impossible.)

If canceling is not an option, I recommend a knee scooter. Go to Amazon and search for knee scooter. It isn't huge like an electric scooter and will fit in the cabin. I had foot surgery 3 years ago and I don't know how I would have made it through 8 weeks of non-weight bearing without it. It provides so much independence. It is possible to rent them at medical supply stores, but it quickly becomes worth buying if you're going to need it for several weeks. I recommend it for your wife if she's non-weightbearing, even for before/after the cruise.​

 

[Menk1624]

I broke my leg about 3 weeks before our first Dream cruise last year. I luckily got my hard cast off and was in a walking boot, but I was non-weight bearing and on crutches. We rented a wheelchair to use for the cruise (it was delivered to our Disney resort beforehand) and I was SOOO glad I did. I would have been miserable using crutches the entire 4 days and tired! My husband would push me to and from restaurants, pool, etc and then I would crutch around the areas once I was there. I did try to get around Cabanas on my own since we had 2 kids as well and the awesome CMs helped me carry my food. She will probably need to use a wheelchair to get off at Castaway Cay and get to the tram as well. Good luck and enjoy despite the set back! I still enjoyed our cruise immensely, but I am looking forward to our next one in October!

Thanks for the feedback. We were debating on getting a wheelchair and this may push us over the fence. I am glad you were still able to have a good time and I am sure we will too. I hope you get to use your two feet on your October cruise.

 

[Menk1624]

I also broke my ankle right before our cruise, our first back in the 90's. I was non-weightbearing the entire cruise. If your wife can bear weight, her situation will be MUCH easier.

Our first cruise was on the Big Red Boat, the precursor to DCL. I had the option of using our trip insurance and cancelling, but we decided to go anyway. I will be honest, I regretted not rescheduling. I had a wheelchair and crutches. I struggled with the crutches and the wheelchair was such a pain. The elevator was so slow and crowded and excursions were really tough, especially when trying to get through sand (almost impossible.)

If canceling is not an option, I recommend a knee scooter. Go to Amazon and search for knee scooter. It isn't huge like an electric scooter and will fit in the cabin. I had foot surgery 3 years ago and I don't know how I would have made it through 8 weeks of non-weight bearing without it. It provides so much independence. It is possible to rent them at medical supply stores, but it quickly becomes worth buying if you're going to need it for several weeks. I recommend it for your wife if she's non-weightbearing, even for before/after the cruise.​

Luckily she can put some weight on her ankle, although the doctor would prefer she didn't. We do have insurance, but we are still ready to go despite my dread of waiting for the elevators. We will look into a knee scooter as well. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[goofymom74]

My husband tore his Achilles tendon right before our cruise last summer. He had a cast so we got him a knee scooter. It was so nice! it was easy to get around in tight spaces. EVERYONE was kind and helpful! I was shocked. The CMs at the muster drill had our entire family stand to the side and let us leave first. They even summoned an elevator for us. The knee scooters are much smaller than a wheelchair! We were unable to get an accessible room, so this was a life saver! He used it as a chair many times. We went on a fishing excursion and used his crutches to get on/off the boat. (I just taped his crutches together and put a luggage tag on them and they delivered them to our stateroom with our luggage.) They have designated seating at the shows, but get there early! She will have to use accessible entrances for some of the MDRs, but it was easy. The waiter always put the scooter to the side until we were done with dinner. Even at the buffet for breakfast & lunch, the CMs would help carry his tray and help him get his food! I thought it was going to be a horrible trip, but all of the CMs were great!!!!! My hubby was pretty famous on that ship because of his scooter, LOL! Good luck & have a great cruise!

 

[goofymom74]

You can even get a basket for the knee scooter - just like a basket on a bicycle! Great to carry water bottles, sunscreen, etc!

 

[dcassetta]

You might look to see if a local medical supply shop has a knee scooter that your wife can try out. A close friend had an ankle injury last year and was given permission to use the knee scooter after a period of rehab, but it didn't work for her at all. She found it uncomfortable and it actually caused her more pain than using her crutches. I wouldn't recommend a cruise being the first place to try at using a knee scooter.

 

[iivye]

I second the knee scooter. I broke my ankle before my Disney cruise and used a knee scooter with a basket to get around. I was not allowed to put any weight on it. So much easier than crutches. I was also more stable with the knee scooter. I ordered my knee scooter from Target for a little over $100. You definitely need to adjust it to the proper height and angle to work for you.

For the muster drill, I arrived at my area early and sat on the scooter seat. They dismissed me early to beat the rush.

 

[gismo1554]

I'm visually impaired and with the muster drill they sent someone to my room about 15 mins before the horn sounded to ask if I needed escorting down. They also allow you to use the lift rather than the stairwells so it saves the effort. As long as DCL have noted it on the reservation you should be fine. They are extra accomodating.

With regards to the buffett I have seen CMs do the whole of it carrying the persons tray and putting food on plates for people with crutches. Again they will do their best for you!

In Castaway you may wish to get a sandwheel chair (if you are going there) as the walk from the ship is very long and it means your wife can enjoy the sand.

With restaurants I would be inclined for you to go to the main entrance and send her to the disabled access entrance especially at lunch or breakfast time as sometimes people don't notice anyone stood at that entrance. At normal dinner service it makes no difference.

 

[OneBadApple]

If canceling is not an option, I recommend a knee scooter. Go to Amazon and search for knee scooter. It isn't huge like an electric scooter and will fit in the cabin. I had foot surgery 3 years ago and I don't know how I would have made it through 8 weeks of non-weight bearing without it. It provides so much independence. It is possible to rent them at medical supply stores, but it quickly becomes worth buying if you're going to need it for several weeks. I recommend it for your wife if she's non-weightbearing, even for before/after the cruise.​

I second the knee scooter. It was my saving grace last year after I had ankle surgery to repair a tendon. I rented it from a local medical supply place for $100 for a month.

 

[turtle27]

A gel pack and heating pad (if doc has recommended), the gel pack can be put in the fridge, or in the ice bucket to chill it and the heating pad, just plug it in (are these allowed?). You may also want to see about extra pillows in the stateroom so that she can prop her ankle up, especially at night and especially after being on it all day. Not sure about your wife, but when my DM broke her ankle a few years ago (first broken bone), she had trouble using the crutches for long distances. She was fine to get around shorter distances. But she works at a university and pretty much had to have the wheelchair in order to get from car to office and to the restroom (it is a bit of a hike where her office is located). We did not try a knee scooter as I did not know about them! I still remember her looking at me and going, you did this in high school? I was broken bone/sprain prone, lol. I said I had and with a backpack to boot!