sprained foot and ankle

[casjen]

Ugh, I slipped on ym stairs and fell and sprained both my foot and ankle. I am on crutches and I leave for the world in 25 days! I am hopeful I will be fully recovered (I am such a slow healer). I think all day in the parks may be too much without some sort of help.

I was thinking an ECV if it was painful to get around. My question is, can I go to guest services to get a guest aassistance pass so I won't have to wait in long lines standing up? I am thinking of that long ramp up to Big Thunder and the long que at Soarin and test track etc.

I am not in any way trying to cut the line or use my injury as an excuse to get in the front. I am just worried my vacation will be difficult and painful. I have 2 boys, ages 7 and 8 and my DH will be with me but I know how much walking we do at the parks and I do not want to spend my vacation in pain. I am hopeful I'll be recovered but I have read that it can be weeks to months for the pain and weakness of the muscle injury to fully subside.

I am calling an orthopedist today so hopefully thwy'll say I'll be 100% by then...hopefully.

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't have time for a long answer, but wanted to point you toward post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread which is about Guest Assistance Cards. You can find that thread near the top of the thread list for this board or follow the link in my signature to get there.

GACs don't usually shorten the distance walked and there are many places where guests stand unless they have an ECV or wheelchair. Soarin' is one of those. The line is ECV accessible, so you should take it in line with you I'd you don't think you can walk 1/4 mile from the entrance to boarding, with several 3-5 minute stops along the way (and then walk anothe 1/4 mile back out from the unload point to where you entered). GACs do nothing for that situation.

For BTMRR, the line is not accessible, so guests with wheelchairs enter at a different point. GAC could help with that so you could use that boarding area.
In general though, if you are using a wheelchair or ECV in line, you will not need a GAC. If you intend to park the ECV and walk in line, you would need a GAC to use the accessible access for attractions with stairs or moving walkways.

 

[Leajess99]

My sister did Disney in 2009 with both ankles sprained. My recommendation is take breaks when you can and make sure you have ice packs for when you are not at the park. Also take pain reliever.

We did not use a GAC she just took it slow.

Try to enjoy yourself.

 

[aubriee]

Disney's response to mobility isssues is to rent an ECV or wheelchair. You don't need a GAC if you are using either of those. Something else to keep in mind is that the GAC is only for the park rides. You can not use it for the bus, so may round up having to stand on the buses, whereas a wheelchair or ECV guarantees you a seat on the bus.

My mom has alot of trouble with her ankles and knees giving way on her. She doesn't use anything here at home, but there is no way she could do WDW without an ECV. Just a word of warning, alot of people on here have the misconception that an ECV/wheelchair or GAC shortens waiting time. There are a few times where they do, but frequently you wait even longer than you would in the main line.

 

[casjen]

Thanks. I wasn't hoping for a shorter line, just not as much standing. I will play it by ear when the time comes. My doctor seems skeptical I can handle all the walking. I don't want to be in pain on my vacation so I reserved a scooter just in case.