6 yo with a broken foot

[KatieKate16]

DD broke her foot over the weekend and we leave for wdw on 5/2. Anyone traveled with a little one like this? I don't think we need to reschedule (mommy/daughter trip), but everyone thinks I'm crazy for still going!

 

[idofabric]

GO! It will slow you down, but should be ok. Check at Town Hall in MK to see if they do the Head of Line thing still. Also check the disabeliaties board on the DIS. Bet you can get a lot of info there. Hope you have a great time. At least it should not be to hot. Hot is bad with a cast! makes you itch and feels icky.

 

[krissynkayla]

No I don't think its crazy ! There is still lots of stuff you two can do together, it may be harder helping her so much, but I'd say go for it.
We actually will be coming home that day you are going! Have Fun!!!

 

[golfgal]

When does her cast come off? It should be off by the time you go if it is just a bone in her foot. Kids heal pretty fast. You don't say how old she is, but if she is young enough, you could rent a stroller or even a wheelchair if she has trouble walking. I wouldn't cancel. It would crush her.

 

[carolfoy]

My DS8 broke his leg quite badly a couple of years ago, after the initial frustration he took to getting around with his cast just fine ( and this was a full leg one, right up to the top of the thigh) the hospital gave him a small zimmer frame to use and he was able to do most stuff with that

 

[KatieKate16]

She just turned 6 and right now has a temporary cast. Should get into a dr in the next few days for the real thing. The hospital said she'd have it 6-8 weeks, I'm hoping the dr has a different opinion. But regardless, with our trip being less than 3 weeks away I don't think there is any chance she won't have a cast.

 

[Worfthedog]

Just wanted to remind you to get Mickeys autograph on the cast, make the cast part of the holiday for her!

Paul.

 

[Miranda Danda]

Just wanted to remind you to get Mickeys autograph on the cast, make the cast part of the holiday for her!

You took the words right out of my mouth!

 

[Joann]

my daughter fractured her foot 2 weeks ago... and again right before one of her biggest dance compititions !! last year it was her arm right at dance comp. time she still danced on it tho this year we had a surgeon check her and gave the ok but warned she will be in tears but it won't damage it more. She ended up getting 2 first places a 2nd place and 2 highest overall scores. They gave her a air cast like a boot to wear instead of a cast which she will wear on our trip. not sure where your little ones is actually broken but see if you can get a air cast it is easier to move around with

 

[java]

Ask for the walking cast when she goes in! That was the only way I was able to get around in Disney when I broke my foot the day before we left. The walking cast was great I was able to board everything and even took it off to get in the pool(sshhh don't tell)
Walking cast is the same thing as the air cast..a great lifesaver although sometimes you have to fight for it. They were going to put me on crutches at first(I had just had a baby)I asked how will I do crutches and hold the baby? magically the air cast appeared.

 

[MrsG]

Don't give it a second thought, GO! If she really has trouble getting around, get a wheelchair. You'll have a great time.

 

[liveforthemagic]

If she just turned six, she is still plenty small enough for a stroller--although she might get tons more attention from the characters in a wheelchair. Plus the chair may have one of those attachments where you can elevate her foot so it doesn't get hot and swollen in the heat.

I wouldn't think twice about going! Tie a cute little pink ribbon around the cast and head on out!

I don't know if there would be anything you couldn't do! Bring some plastic bags and rubber bands for the wet rides and a coat hanger with masking tape on the bottom for her to scratch with and you're off!

I would love to just go with DD for a long weekend--you'll have a blast!

Let us know how it goes!

 

[mjmcca]

MY sister and I went on our only family vaccation with our parents when we were both in college. A couple of days before she was hit by a car and badly bruised her hip. We still went have had a great time. She should have gotten a W/C but refused. I say go for it. Be aware of her maybe having more limitations but have fun.

 

[msr709]

Definitely rent a wheelchair they are cheaper than the strollers (I think) and the lift for her leg will be worth it. I am in my 50s and have athritis in both knees, usually I have to rent an ECV and I don't have a problem getting on anything. WDW is really well equipped for the physically challenged. I think you will get around quicker with the wheelchair as opposed to the stroller. I rented one for my Mom once and it was much easier than pushing the stroller was when I went with my little niece. Its been my experience that most of the CMs are very considerate towards the disabled and I think that goes double for the disabled children. I would also suggest you ask about the air cast, they are removable and she will be able to go into the pool with your support, and remove it to bathe which will make your life a little easier. WDW is one of the most disabled-friendly places I have been to. Go and have a good time, you won't regret it.

 

[lindaso]

I have some advice for you. This is coming from a mom whose kids broke 3 bones last year...I'm now an expert!!! Get a waterproof cast. The waterproof part is the liner on the inside of the cast. As long as her fracture is stable, they can use it. If it's not stable at first, have them change it over to waterproof after two weeks. Even if there are no swimming issues, it helps with bath/showers and the skin gets stimulated and it's not as itchy under the cast.

Our pediatric orthopedist says that 99% of kids this age will heal after just 4 weeks and the cast can come off. Definitely go to an orthopedist specializing in pediatrics...the first one we went to was a general orthopedist and he refused the waterproof liner and insisted on 6 weeks. We changed doctors and never looked back.

My DD (6 last year) broke her foot and had a walking cast and we did a local amusement park with no problems. She was practically running onto the roller coaster. But with a place like Disney, I would do a wheelchair or stroller. Good luck and look into the waterproof liner...you won't hear any whining about itchiness, trust me!!!

 

[C-CMom]

...Get a waterproof cast. The waterproof part is the liner on the inside of the cast. ... Definitely go to an orthopedist specializing in pediatrics...

I agree completely as a mom of a child who's had 2 broken arms. My DD was 5 and 6 when she had to wear casts. She had both the "regular" and "water-resistant lined" types at some point in all the cast changes. We requested the water-resistant liner for the cast she would have while we were on vacation (beach vacation, of course). She had no complaints from either. Of course arms are not the same as legs with the added stress of walking, but your Orthopedist will also tell you how much walking is OK, so you can judge the assistive devices after that.

I also highly recommend getting a Xerosox cover for the cast whether or not you go with the water-resistant cast since it will still take some time for the inside of any cast to dry out.

I pulled this description from their website: "The XeroSox is Completely Watertight Keeping your Bandages, Prosthesis, and Casts Dry. The XeroSox Pro Pump offers the only leg and arm cast protection in the world with the patented vacuum seal to keep your bandage or cast dry. It is so completely and totally waterproof, between the waterproof fabric and the vacuum seal, that you can even dive off a diving board or ride the ocean waves and still have your cast stay completely dry. The XeroSox shower cast cover fits snugly yet comfortably offering cast protection during a shower, a bath, and even an active swim. Unlike "modified garbage bag" products, the cast protection offered by the XeroSox shower cast cover is unmatched, it cannot slip off. You can't even pull it off! "

These things are WONDERFUL! (And I promise I do not sell them or have other personal interest! ) The Pediatric Ortho office recommended them to us. You can order online in time for your trip so that she can swim and play at waterparks or wherever without worrying about her cast.

Best of luck for whichever you choose. Hope you have a great time

 

[Schmeck]

There is no 'front of the line' pass at WDW. There is a GAC - guest assistance card - for people with disabilities. You need to be able to explain what you need, not what the disability is. For example, you wouldn't say "my daughter has a broken leg", you'd say "I need to be able to use a stroller in line as a wheelchair"

The GAC doesn't give anyone front of the line access. It aids CMs in helping the disabled have access to the attractions.

 

[KatieKate16]

She got a neon pink waterpoof cast with red glitter! She also got a sandal to wear so that she can walk with crutches, I'm assuming she won't need them for long! They're removing it 4 days after we return to reevaluate.
I am thinking I can borrow a wheel chair at the airport to get her to the gate, same at CSprings, then in the parks I will rent strollers. She never seems to be able to get comfy in the wheelchair and they only have adult size at wdw (she's very small). In addition, the stroller will offer her some shade from the sun and allow her foot to be straight out instead of hanging down in the chair. We rented last year, do you think I should bring a beach towel to cushion the seat for her? Since she will be sitting in it more than she probably did before.

 

[lindaso]

She got a neon pink waterpoof cast with red glitter! She also got a sandal to wear so that she can walk with crutches, I'm assuming she won't need them for long! They're removing it 4 days after we return to reevaluate.
I am thinking I can borrow a wheel chair at the airport to get her to the gate, same at CSprings, then in the parks I will rent strollers. She never seems to be able to get comfy in the wheelchair and they only have adult size at wdw (she's very small). In addition, the stroller will offer her some shade from the sun and allow her foot to be straight out instead of hanging down in the chair. We rented last year, do you think I should bring a beach towel to cushion the seat for her? Since she will be sitting in it more than she probably did before.

I'm so glad to hear you were able to get the waterproof cast. That's great news! Another option for you is to rent a child's size wheelchair from a surgical supply store. It was only $25 for a week when we had to do this last year. You can gate check it at the airport. A wheelchair will have the extensions for her to keep her leg elevated but you can put it down if she doesn't feel she needs it. Good luck!!

 

[DisneyVillain]

Wheelchairs are allowed in attractions buildings, where strollers must remain outside. I believe that you can, however, get a pass that allows use of a stroller as a wheelchair, ask on the disabilities board for details.