Broken Ankle

[bmoc_ny]

I recently broke my ankle (Dec 2009) bad enough to require surgery to repair it (plate and screws). Currently I can walk for the most part but long distances and standing for a long time does cause it to act up. I don't plan to use a wheel chair just take it easy and sit when I need to. My question is about long ride lines. If I'm not in a wheel chair how do the parks handel it, I can handle a line for about 30 or 40 min. And hopefully by june its better. I do have a handicapp pass for my car, but if I'm not in a chair can I still get priority.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Disney's official response for stamina or mobilty issues is to tell you to use a wheelchair or ECV. There is no "priority" for people who can't wait that long.

Wheelchair and ECV users don't get priority in lines and in fact may wait longer for some rides depending on a whole bunch of factors.

I would suggest either you keep to fasspasses and a touring plan such at Tour Guide Mike or you get a wheelchair/ECV. Keep in mind that people walk 6-9 miles per day at Disney and that some of the ride queues can be as long as 1/4 mile so a wheelchair/ECV might be the best thing.

My biggest bit of advice is not to let pride keep you from having fun and enjoying your time with as little pain as possible!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Some of the lines are extremely long. For example both Safari at AK and Soarin' at Epcot are both over 1/4 mile from line or pavilion entry to the laod area, and in June there will be lots of crowds and lines will be long.

Please ask the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[KPeveler]

There is no priority for anyone at disney, not even people with wheelchairs. I use a wc full time and I wait in line like everyone else.

The only people who get priority at disney are the Make a Wish kids (terminally or catastrophically ill children)

 

[Mary976]

A lot of people have written about bringing a walking stick contraption that has a small seat attached to it. Apparently they are lightweight but still allow you to sit down. Also, if you stick to touring in the early morning or late evening, use fastpass, and maybe try a touring plan (Unofficial Guide and Tour Guide Mike both seem popular on this board), you probably won't have many long waits.


Good luck!
Mary

 

[Coloradomom]

Please - consider using a wheelchair for the long stretches inside the parks. I had a serious ankle break with complications 3 years ago, and am healed and walk unassisted through daily life.
However, when we are in Disney World I use a transport wheelchair (bought it off Amazon for about $125). It does not have the large wheels so I cannot roll it myself but DH rolls me in it from the Disney bus stop into teh park, then we park it for various sections. And then roll again from area to area.

With the heat and the tremendous amount of walking, the steps add up. Using the chair helps me conserve my ankle strength for the things I want to do walking. The only rides I use it for are Splash and BTMR and that is because the uphill slope is really hard on my ankle.

I've never gotten funny looks, it has all been fine and works better for me and my family. I have more stamina and am in a better mood and not hurting at the end of the day. The chair is only 19 lbs so easy to take on and off the buses. Hubby just carries it on like a stroller. (sometimes they make us board at the rear of the bus though)

You won't be sorry.

 

[nexttrip4us]

I also broke my ankle to the point of needing surgery...broke a bone and tore my deltoid ligament...a plate and 8 screws to repair it all. Anyway, I did that in April 2007 and was back at WDW in October 2007 with no major issues. Some swelling by the end of the day, but I managed just fine.

i say give yourself some time and see how you feel...every day makes a difference in your healing.

Good lulck and have fun!

 

[momhmmx2]

I had surgery for a broken ankle in December as well..went to Disney at the end of January and used an ECV..was the best decision I could have made at the time..

I totally understand your predicament! I can walk most of the day without too much of an issue just some slight discomfort but as soon as I stand or sit for long periods of time the throbbing kicks in!

Personally, I would consider renting an ECV as this gives you the most independence (no one has to push you around) from one of the outside companies recommended on this board. You can always cancel it! But I'd hate for you to be without! I would hope by June you will be feeling better, but unfortunately it is an ankle..and they take the longest time to heal (up to a year says my doc)

I am going in again in August and really hopeful to not need an ECV again..but will keep my options open..

Good luck to you!

 

[SueM in MN]

Another think to think about is that there are a lot of attractions where you will be standing for a period waiting without a place to sit. Many of these are shows, where you will be standing in the preshow area for a time period equal to the length of the show. Here's a link to a thread that discusses that.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I agree with the other posters who suggested a wheelchair. It's the best solution.