A few questions......

[D L and K's Mom]

We will be taking our 11 year old son on a Disney Cruise (3 days) and then staying in Disney for 5 days. I have a few questions. David had a stroke which has left him physically as well as Mentally disabled. David is in diapers and is in a wheelcahir. My questions are.....Has anyone been on the Disney cruise with a mentally handicapped child?? How was it?? Is there any childcare available?? I have not been able to get any answers about the care available on the cruise.I am not planning on using childcare for a long period of time but would LOVE just an hour to myself..... I know that they will not change diapers but was wondering if they can "Beep" me if he needs a change. Also in the parks is there anywhere I can change his diaper?He is to big for one of those "baby changing tables", we usually bring a towel and lay him down. Thanking you in advance.

 

[lisapooh]

What about the First Aid Centers in each park. THey have cots to allow people to lay down if needed. Ask if you could use one to care for your son. Take something to place under him, of course. Changing him on the floor must be terribly uncomfortable for you as well as for him.

Pooh Bear

 

[SueM in MN]

i think lisapooh has the best idea. We have used First Aid (which is also where Baby Services is) to use their accessible bathroom with my dd. The people were very helpful and I am quite sure they would have a place you can change him. Getting him on and off the floor must be really hard on your back. You don't want to hurt yourself at WDW.

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES

 

[teri]

You might want to ask this question over on the Cruise Line Board. There is a babysitting service called Flounder's Reef, but it sounds like it is just for babies and toddlers. They do use a beeper. From what I read over there, there is no in-room sitting service... but they may make special accomodations for special needs travellers with advanced notice - you should be in touch with Special Reservations to ask about this.

You will have more luck at WDW with in-room sitters - and my dear, you are entitled to more than just 1 hour of time to yourself. It is OK to be a saint, but you don't have to be a martyr. I highly recommend the Fairy Godmothers babysitting service. They will change diapers, they do take special needs kids, they are terrific. Their phone number is (407) 969-9847 and toll free 877-611-4314

"My brain takes a vacation just to give my heart more room..."
teri@iluvdisney.com

 

[SueOKW]

I am going to be using the service that Teri mentioned - Fairy Godmother's - a week from tomorrow. I will also have my company's laptop with me, so everyone will be getting more updates than they could EVER want!!!

My DS has CP and Epilepsy, can't do much for himself at all - and these people seem to be really up to the task, no problem. We are really looking forward to our night out.

RE: Cruise, I know nothing! I hope when you get back you will have many positive experiences to share!
Sue

<img width="200" src="http://www.geocities.com/dmurphydis/cleveland.gif">

 

[tigger2on]

We are doing the 4 night land/ 3 night cruise from May 17th. I have severely brain damaged daughter who is non- verbal and non mobile. I went through DU and they were very helpful. I don't know if they can accomadate your child but we actually are taking our sitter with us to accompany her at the the Oceaneers club. They have no problems with this. They have even sent us a medical form so that the ship medical staff will be prepared should something happen... ie seizures.
You need to get in contact with someone in Special Services in the cruise line. I think her name is "JOEY" and she was the one who answered all my questions
good luck
suzanne

 

[Wheelsie]

WELCOME!!! Yes First aide would be a perfect place to change her....I believe at MK where I needed to go to first aide they had curtains to pull so your not all out there for the world to see but dont quote me as I also went to first aide at Universal and may have them in my mind...

Wheelsie Co-Moderator of disABILITIES
and
DisneyTips
wheelsie@mail.wdwinfo.com

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Thank you all so much for all the information!!! This web-site is a god send I am so thankful. I am going to call Disney tomorrow and talk to Joey about some of the things you spoke of. Just a bit of info some of you may need. You can mail down boxes to yourself at your resort. WE are mailing down David's diapers, wipes, and his nebulizer machine so they are there waiting for us when we get tto the Beach CLub. This saves alot of lugging on the plane. Thanks again!!

 

[Wheelsie]

yes...if you use places like Netgrocer for things like the wipes and if you use an online place for medical stuffs you can have them put it to your resort so its there when you arrive

Wheelsie Co-Moderator of disABILITIES
and
DisneyTips
wheelsie@mail.wdwinfo.com

 

[SueOKW]

great idea about mailing the nebulizer! We are always toting ours around! I do not mind packing the diapers, however, BECAUSE - when all is said and done, we have an empty suitcase for our souveniers!

Sue

<img width="200" src="http://www.geocities.com/dmurphydis/cleveland.gif">

 

[SueM in MN]

I never complain about packing anything that we will use up and not bring back with us. It does make packing to come home so much easier.

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES