Cruise question about my 7 year old?

[treboats]

He is not potty trained and may never be he also cannot talk. He is on the verge of being able to walk unassisted and when he does we want to do something special to celebrate. We thought of taking him on a Disney Cruise but I from what I read he will not be able to attend either of the kid clubs is this true? Has any one taken their special needs child on a cruise? Do you enjoy it, did your child?

 

[Michigan]

I have 2 kids with spina bifida. Both are in wheelchairs and self cath and are on a bowel program. I have never had a problem with Princess. Personally, Disney charges way to much just to cruise with the characters. Also when we have been in port with a Disney ship they always have tendered and we were always docked.

Cindy

 

[Mike Bartenhagen]

We have been on 2 Disney Cruises and loved them both. Is your concern that he is not potty trained? If so I don't think it will be an issue as I have read they do make exceptions for SN kids.

Mike

 

[treboats]

My concern is the potty training I guess I will call and ask questions myself.

 

[LisaBi]

I'm about to take my first cruise ever, so I'm not a "know for sure" source of info - but it was my understanding that all children have to be toilet trained - regardless of disability or not to attend the clubs without their parents. However, all children are welcome to participate wiht a parent.

LisaB

 

[spotdog]

Be sure to post on the Disney Cruise Line board. There are alot of discussions about the children's clubs.

I think you are right about contacting the Cruise Line directly, try to talk to someone who assists passengers with special needs.

 

[Karalynn]

My concern is the potty training I guess I will call and ask questions myself.

Treboat, please post back if you do call. My dd is 6 and also not potty trained. I questioned this as well. I would love to know what you find out.
Thanks!!

 

[barkley]

from my past experiences on disney i believe the policy is unless potty trained there can be no leaving the child alone in the programs without a parent present (and only then if they meet the age criteria). another issue that may come up is mobility-unless the child can walk or move about independantly with a walker, cain, wheelchair or other device the kid's club staff cannot move them from place to place (and the kids don't spend the entire time in one location-they can be moving from club to club, deck to deck-plus they have to be able to make their way, with verbal instructions and leading to the lifeboats in the event of an emergency).