Cruise questions

[PatMcDuck]

I have a few cruise questions....help! My son uses the Major Buggy stroller. Can I use this all over the ship? We need to minimize Sean's walking.

Has anyone tried to leave a handicapped child in the child center? I called to get info yesterday on this. They say they cannot give one-on-one attention. I don't really need that, but of course he might need it from time to time. My hope was to leave him for only 1/2 hour to an hour at a time. It is only a 3 day cruise. Now I am feeling even that may not work. (And I can live with that--just wondering other's experiences).

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

Its been my understanding that they take your child on a case by case basis. My son has Tourette Syndrome and he was able to participate fully in the program. This is more of a behavoral rather than mobility disability. I do know they want to accomodate you if they can. I think if you keep asking DCL questions you will get a feel for what they will and won't do. Just make sure you document who you talk to, when, etc. Good luck.

As far as accessibility (sp) I'm wondering that myself. Last year I only needed wheelchair assistance for the land portion of our trip. I've deteriorated a great deal since then and will need a chair for some of the time on the ship.

Anyone? Anyone?

 

[SueM in MN]

I can't answer the cruise questions, but there are several regular posters to this board who have been on cruises with wheelchairs. Hopefully, one of them will come along and answer your cruise questions.
We have not used WDW childcare, but my DD (who is now 16) was the first child with a disability in 4 different day care situations as we moved around, so I feel like I can give some info about that. She is non-verbal and physically handicapped, although she understands quite well. Some day care settings couldn't see the child, just the disabilities, so I had to help them see the child first.
The care givers don't have an idea of your child and what type of extra assistance he/she might need. They might have an idea of what types of things to expect from a person with
that type of disability, but it might be stuff they had read or seen on TV, and your child may not be like that at all.

Try to get a clear idea in your mind of what sorts of things your child may need help with and how often that would occur. Also, any behavior that might be unexpected or cause problems. Think of ways they could handle the these things and be ready to discuss with them. Sometimes they say "no" because they just don't know how to handle a situation. Be prepared to tell them what sorts of things your child likes, how they generally get along with other people. Have they had experience in child care settings before? Will you be close by or reachable by phone or beeper? Think of whatever you can do to make them feel more at ease and capable of taking care of your child.
Good luck and have a great time.

 

[LindaDVC]

The ship is entirely accessible. You won't have any problems getting around. They used to have a few elevator shafts that were not ramped but those have been corrected.

The only doorway that was a pain is the one by Palos.
It has a double door that need to be unbolted to open the second door to allow wheelchair access. We tried to avoid that entry but if we forgot and came up that way we could unbolt it and keep going!

Since my DH has the power wheelchair we don't know much about access in the kids areas!

 

[tigger2on]

WE went on a 3-day cruise in May 2001 and my 4.5 yo dd, who is non-verbal and non-mobile , spent everyday in the club for hours on end without any special assistance. She has no major medical concerns and is very adaptable as well to new surroundings as she attends a regular daycare and goes to a special needs school.
It is ultimately to choice of the counsellors in the clubs and it is easier for them to accomodate younger children as they are not as active around the ship or on Castaway Cay.
They gave us a pager.... which was never required. I had to change her as she isn't toilet trained and feed her as she can not feed herself.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Tigger, that is very encouraging. My son also has to be brought to the toilet(I would do that). I was worried about Sean being non-verbal, etc. He is older, age 11. I think the biggest concern was Sean playing with something and not being willing to give up his turn to another child......