Broken ankle right before we leave!

[patkingpin]

UPDATE on page 2!

Disboards help!!!!
So we have been planning a surprise trip for our daughters for the better part of this year. Well we leave a week and a half from now and last night my oldest (who will be 7 when we go) fractured her ankle. We go to the Ortho tomorrow but Urgent Care already has her in a temporary cast for now so it isn't looking good.
My question is what to do now. We will have a double stroller so I am not worried about getting around. It is looking like Isabelle will be in a full cast for the trip. What do we do???? Do we cancel? Is there anything that Disney does that can help make the trip more enjoyable for her? Help me Disboards. We don't know what we should do. Thanks! We are very concerned about lines. She will probably not be able to stand in lines comfortably.

 

[glassslippergirl]

There are a lot of people with limited mobility who go to WDW, so they are prepared to handle your daughter. Others could say for certain, but I feel like her injury would entitle her to some accommodations. I'd ask in the DISabilities thread.

My question is about the stroller. They tend to have children sit low to the ground, which can be hard to get out if with a cast. Would a wheelchair be better for her?

As far as canceling, it's a surprise, right, so no utter disappointment on the part of the little ones? (Just mom and dad.) I think it will be uncomfortable no matter what in the cast. Will she be sharing a bed in the hotel? That can be difficult in a cast. And there will be rides she can't go on like KRR, no resort pool, bathing in an unfamiliar tub that's probably not going to accommodate the cast as well as at home where you can set things up to work. A lot of little things to consider.

On the other hand, it will be memorable, and skipping to the front of the line will make her feel like a queen (that's even better than a princess).

Honestly, the dr is the man with the plan right now.

 

[bbjunkie]

I think you'd better wait to see what the doctor says, first of all. Secondly, a week and a half is awfully soon after a pretty significant injury. I realize you'll be wheeling her around, but what kind of pain will she be in. Also, consider how wet she will be able to get. I don't think you mentioned how long you will be gone, but this time of year it can be very, very hot, and not being able to shower easily, or participate in pool activities, or getting caught in the parks during heavy rain, may not be easy to manage either. Mobility won't be the only issue. As a secondary thought, do they make child-sized knee scooters? When I had an Achilles injury, that was a lifesaver for me.

 

[DrunkJam]

I agree wait and see what the dr says.
After that, WDW does have a disability phone line, so you can ring and see what they might be able to help with. I know the DAS doesn't cover just mobility issues, but there could be a bunch of OTHER things they can do to make it easier.
That said, pools will be a no go, water rides, rain is uncomfortable if you have to put a plastic bag with an elastic band over your leg. There are a LOAD of things to consider.
I am so sorry, and hope all is well again very soon.

 

[DisneyLove2015]

.

On the other hand, it will be memorable, and skipping to the front of the line will make her feel like a queen (that's even better than a princess).

Honestly, the dr is the man with the plan right now.

She won't necessarily "skip to the front of the line". Disability passes don't always include mobility because so many lines CAN accommodate a wheel chair. There are only a few queues that cannot accommodate a wheel chair, one of which is a closed ride (BTMM).

 

[hakepb]

There are a lot of people with limited mobility who go to WDW, so they are prepared to handle your daughter. Others could say for certain, but I feel like her injury would entitle her to some accommodations. I'd ask in the DISabilities thread.

My question is about the stroller. They tend to have children sit low to the ground, which can be hard to get out if with a cast. Would a wheelchair be better for her?

As far as canceling, it's a surprise, right, so no utter disappointment on the part of the little ones? (Just mom and dad.) I think it will be uncomfortable no matter what in the cast. Will she be sharing a bed in the hotel? That can be difficult in a cast. And there will be rides she can't go on like KRR, no resort pool, bathing in an unfamiliar tub that's probably not going to accommodate the cast as well as at home where you can set things up to work. A lot of little things to consider.

On the other hand, it will be memorable, and skipping to the front of the line will make her feel like a queen (that's even better than a princess).

Honestly, the dr is the man with the plan right now.[/B]

Since a wheelchair can go through most queues, I would seriously lean that direction. (Unless she gets a boot and is OK walking with it)
(Sorry for the bold tag)

 

[HopperFan]

If doctor gives the okay .... an ankle fracture can be more complicated and I would absolutely make no decision until you know the next step medically. I would also consider as PP stated; your swimming plans, are you driving or flying, your sleeping arrangement, requirements of leg elevation .......... and her pain level, what kinds of meds she might be on etc.

If they okay you to go and you are comfortable going ..... You have a stroller so moving her about should be just fine. When you arrive go to Guest Relations and ask for a "Stroller as Wheelchair" tag. You will be able to take the stroller through the lines with her and then she can walk the very short distance to the ride vehicle. Your stroller will be waiting at the end of the ride.

Regarding "Is there anything that Disney does that can help make the trip more enjoyable for her?" I think it's safe to say to not expect anything in advance or any commitment of anything other than the Stroller as Wheelchair tag. What you might get is random CMs doing something special such as stickers or giveaways where they have leeway. My DS is disabled and last month I walked up to cart to buy him a bottle of water, he was worn out. The CM said "This is on Mickey" and gave him the water no charge. Pixie Dust.

On the other hand, it will be memorable, and skipping to the front of the line will make her feel like a queen (that's even better than a princess).

OP - there is NO such thing as skipping to the front of the line other than MAKE A WISH kids. The above info is incorrect. Your DD also does not qualify for the DAS which is for other issues - but it also is not front of the line. Her's is a mobility issue and it is addressed with a wheelchair or stroller as wheelchair tag. Most Disney lines are totally wheelchair accessible, there will be a couple rides that will give you different instructions due to loading like Big Thunder. She can remain comfortable in the stroller and this is the best option.

 

[Accident]

As far as being at disney, disney is extremely mobility limited friendly. The special thing from disney is that she won't be excluded because she is in a cast and they are ready for her... If you want to arrange something really special that's up to you and your budget. Maybe fireworks cruise or desert party makes sense as a way to not need to move around alot to see disney in a way she hasn't before.

I would discuss with your doctor what your plans are so they know how to handle the situation. They are the best source of information on if it's safe to still go, what risks you have in her healing by going. Disney has the rest covered.

 

[Micca]

Oh man so sorry to hear about your DD, hope everything will be better soon. In addition to waiting for Dr. advice, the only other thing that comes to mind is the wear & tear on Mom & Dad. Lifting a child in & out of a stroller/wheelchair/attraction vehicles is a lot of work, and you have another child to keep happy too. Not saying you shouldn't go (pending dr. approval) just try to think everything through.

 

[jennygirlmt]

She won't necessarily "skip to the front of the line". Disability passes don't always include mobility because so many lines CAN accommodate a wheel chair. There are only a few queues that cannot accommodate a wheel chair, one of which is a closed ride (BTMM).

She definitely won't go to the front of the line. I'm not sure if lines can accommodate a double stroller to act as a wheelchair (strollers can be tagged as medical equipment) but she'll likely just be allowed to roll through the line.

And if she were to be granted a disability pass it's a timed system of waiting the length of the stand by queue and then returning to the fast pass line.

I'd read on the DISabilities board, call the disabilities line at Disney (I vaguely remember there being one when I was traveling with my sick diabetes) and then wait to see what the Ortho says.

Hope it all works out! If the doc gives his blessing I'd still go!

Oh, and call your airline if you're flying to figure that out!

 

[Tondee]

I broke both my wrists as a young child. The pain seemed to be gone in the first couple of days. The main thing that I remember was my 3 brothers doing some things that I couldn't do. Being together as a family and having her parents help her, I think she will do fine. You could always ask her if she still wants to go so she is part of the decision making process. It will help give her a little ownership of the trip. Rethink some of your plans. Maybe one parent could do something with her while the others go to the pool? I am sorry this happened before your trip. Good luck!

Here is something you might want to check out.
http://www.drycorp.com/

 

[DisneyOma]

I would suggest a separate stroller for your daughter - look into renting one that would be made for an older child, so that she will be comfortable. Get a 'stroller as wheelchair" tag at guest services in the park. Bring something along to attach her crutches if she has them - sitting all day is not going to be too comfortable.

 

[Murron]

Everyone is giving you wonderful advice. I just totally feel your pain. Our daughter was 6 and did the ankle fracture thing as well. It was a relatively small cast and we went anyway. She did not need a wheelchair but did need a stroller to move to and fro. I don't recall the lines being an issue, but that was 26 years ago and nothing in Disney World was an issue. I seem to recall we had crutches for the line waits (which were short back in the day...lol). It's all just gotten too complicated. She survived and had fun...but HATED not being able to get into the pool.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I think you'd better wait to see what the doctor says, first of all. Secondly, a week and a half is awfully soon after a pretty significant injury. I realize you'll be wheeling her around, but what kind of pain will she be in. Also, consider how wet she will be able to get. I don't think you mentioned how long you will be gone, but this time of year it can be very, very hot, and not being able to shower easily, or participate in pool activities, or getting caught in the parks during heavy rain, may not be easy to manage either. Mobility won't be the only issue. As a secondary thought, do they make child-sized knee scooters? When I had an Achilles injury, that was a lifesaver for me.

They do make child size knee scooters. My friends daughter had to use one at DL last year (also broke her ankle right before their trip).

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I found the bolster pillows they provide (at least in the moderate resorts) to be helpful for elevating my feet.

My mom broke her ankle a couple years ago and found a plastic "sock" at a specialty pharmacy to use during showers. It was foot-shaped and had a couple Velcro straps. Worked quite well, and she was able to shower without getting her cast wet at all. Something like that might work for showers and any water rides (or if/when it rains).

 

[bsb]

I feel your pain. My son has broken his elbow and leg all before age 7 and the day before a trip at that (not Disney). First I would first talk to your doctor, I know my Dr did not want my son to have too much sudden movements. We were advised not to even have him run too much so I would worry if she'll be able to go on many of the fast/jerky rides (if that's important to her that is). Another thing I would think about is how uncomfortable a cast can be especially in the FL heat and humidity when you are outside most of the days. Personally if it were my son I would reschedule (if possible) for a time I know everyone would get the most of our trip. I know my son would really struggle as he did on other trips with a cast. I would have a hard time knowing im spending so much money on a trip where my child was having a hard time and not being able to enjoy fully. Only you know your family though, I hope it all works out for you. Sending positive vibes to you and you family.

 

[OnlyDisney]

I'm sorry to hear about your little girl, I hope she doesn't need surgery! I fractured my ankle in three places in January. It was a compound fracture - yucky.
First talk with your doctor. A week and a half is pretty soon after that kind of injury. It's hard to say without knowing what kind of fracture occurred. Granted it sounds like her injury isn't as bad as mine was, but a week and a half after I broke my ankle I don't think I could have enjoyed Disney that much. And this is coming from a HUGE Disney fan. All I wanted to do was lie down with my foot elevated and my meds nearby.
If you do end up going I'd recommend a wheelchair instead of a stroller so it's easier to get in and out of. I think jerky rides will be out. I was non load-bearing for two months so you might need to look into rides where she wouldn't need to transfer from the wheelchair or you might need to physically transfer her on and off each ride. You also need to think about how much time you'll be spending in the parks. It could get quite uncomfortable for her if she should be elevating her foot.
Disney is very accommodating. Even if you booked a package and you're inside the cancellation period I'd give them a call to see about pushing your vacation back.

Definitely check out the disability board on here also
http://www.disboards.com/forums/disabilities.20/

 

[Linleedo]

You may need her leg elevated to avoid swelling and throbbing. A wheelchair may be needed.
They sell latex sleeves to waterproof casts for swimming. http://www.vitalitymedical.com/dry-pro-leg-cast-protector.html?gclid=CLvGmZTXiM8CFUdZhgod4FsHLw However, for showers Glad Press and Seal Wrap is awesome.
The possibility of a knee scooter may be an option depending on the Doctors's recommendation. This is what they look like. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_scooter I hope your daughter has a speedy recovery.

 

[disnut1149]

My granddaughter fractured her ankle and we cancelled. I felt terrible about it, but just thought that we could reschedule when she felt better. I hope your daughter feels better fast!!

 

[kelmcg]

Ask about a waterproof cast!! Best thing ever! They can swim, shower, etc..... I think they charged us $50 extra for my son. It was soooo worth it, especially for a kid!