Cruising with a disABLED 4 yr old......... DU and DCL have been great!

[tigger2on]

I will be travelling on the May 17th 3 day Wonder with my mother (62) aunt from UK (61) boyfriend (34) babysitter (23) and daughter (4) who is disABLED and in w heelchair. She is non-verbal and can not walk or even sit up by herself.
We have booked through DU with Carol who is a lifesaver. This will be the first time we've gone on vaction since Ryleigh changed 3 yrs ago.
I wanted to know exactly what she could participate in on the cruise with our sitter and without our sitter before we arrived. Through Carol's help, she got in touch with someone who works in DCL's Special needs programming department and thought it would take a while to get any info.
Tonight, I got home and had a message from this lady at DCL in regards to my inquiries, I have not yet spoken to her about the program but she did say that she will make sure that we are accomodated in regards to Ryleigh and our expectations of inclusion in the Oceaneer's Club.
This might mean that our sitter has to participate in everything with her except the movies late at nigt but still at least they are willing to talk to me in person and help out as much as they can before our trip.
It is so reassuring and I am so very happy that they got in touch.
I will update you on our progress.

 

[emmy]

Good luck- glad to hear that everyone has been so helpful. Go and ejoy this vacation!

 

[teri]

I am sure that this will be just the vacation that you really need. They really do try to do all they can to help.

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

 

[tigger2on]

Thanks . I am definitely feeling better about the whole thing.

 

[tigger2on]

Just wanted to let everyone know who is interested, that DCL okayed our caregiver to attend and take part in every aspect of the Oceaneer's kid's program when we go on May 17th.
They have even said that once they get use to her, our caregiver might be able to have the later part of the evenings off while RY watches vids with the other kids.
So anyone intending to take their disABLED child on a disney cruise get all your info before hand

 

[SueOKW]

How exciting! You've gone where I've been afraid to even dream of going...

Now that you have plans in place, and people to work with, PLEASE be sure to write a report when you get back!
sue

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

 

[LindaDVC]

I am glad they are finally answering questions before folks get on board!

We kept calling about accessibility before we sailed both trips and they could not answer the questions.

Linda

Disneyland-'66,'81,
Car. Beach '89,
FW cabins 94,95
Joined the DVC 95 !
HH 9x, OKW 2x, BW 1x, Vero 2x, & Magic 2x