do youthink I need a hanidcapped room ?

[NADINENURSE]

Multiple questions !!! Have a back injury, maybe surgery planned, need w/c for distances, and will bring one on the boat. I won't need it in the room, but will not be able to get in and out of a bathtub , and will definatley,definatley need w/c while on the boat. Will there be enough room in a regular room, category 10 for w/c, 13 DD. 11 DS hubby and I and our stuff ? How are the beds ? Usually we get 6 extra pillows. besides the 4 we carry of our own, back injury means I sleep with legs at 45 degrees to open up the vertebral spaces to reduce disk swelling , pillows aid with appropriate positioning or I will not be able to walk at all the next day !!! I really don't think I'll do much off the ship, I feel quilty about my family pushing me around , anyone ever had this experience ? Do you think I'll need a handicaped room? thanks so much !!

 

[LibertyBelle]

If you won't be able to get in and out of the tub perhaps a handicap room would be best (the tubs are a pretty high step and all rooms have them...except handicap accessible rooms). The other thing to consider is the type of wheelchair. If it folds up you will be fine and have room enough for it, I would think. If it does not fold you will not be able to get it into a regular room as the doorways on regular rooms are not wide enough for a wheelchair. Just some things to think about. Perhaps you could call DCL and ask to speak to the Special needs department (or an operations support supervisor) and explain the situation and see what their thoughts are on the matter

 

[glindamood]

I can't answer your questions about the room but can offer a suggestion about what to do with the wheelchair while you are in your cabin. My parents cruised with us 12/02 and DM used a chair for the same purposes that you do. We rented one from Brevard Medical Center and they kept it folded up in the hallway when they were in the room - the people in the room next door did the same thing.

 

[WisconsinDisneyGirl]

Speaking as a medical professional (Occupaitonal Therapist) - I would go for the handicapped room. The set up of the bathroom will make it so much easier for you to get around in a SAFE way. You will have grab bars too. I think you many need them since you will be walking and pushing the w/c more than you would at home and will be more tired than usual- so the grab bars will come in handy. Take my advice- a bathroom with alittle more safety devices can never hurt. It is the most dangerous room in the house.

 

[kcashner]

Definitely go for the handicapped room. It will make it safe and easy for you to use the bathroom facilities.

As to leaving the wheelchair in the hallway--I'll probably get flamed here, but the hallways are not particularly wide. People leave strollers, etc. in the hall and really take up space. If this were in the US, it would probably be against the law (blocking fire evacuation routes, etc.) I find it to be rude. I understand the need for the chair, but that's one of the reasons for the larger handicapped cabin.

The ship is actually good from an accessibility standpoint (as is WDW). You need the extra space and features for your well being--have your doc fill out the medical form and get the handicapped cabin. You won't be taking it from someone who might be totally wheelchair dependent. DCL will prioritize guests needs, and if there are people who must have the cabin (as opposed to you for whom it would be desirable but not essential), they would get it first. However, on most cruises, DCL either keeps the handicapped cabins open or sells them (late) to guests who don't need them as they have more cabins than they usually have guests who need them.

The servers/stewards try to clear trays from the halls as soon as possible. In fact, there is a request from room service that you call them to pick up your room service trays when you are finished so that they can keep the hallways clear.

 

[Susan Prescott]

We travel with a severely disabled gentleman who requires a handicapped room. Having seen what the room has to offer, it sounds like you could use the amenities that the handicapped room offers. Besides, if you should need to be in your w/c while in your stateroom, you would have plenty of room in a handicapped room. Don't feel bad about requesting one. That's why Disney has them. There are also various call buttons in the room, including the bathroom, in the event you should ever need one. Good Luck and have fun!

 

[teddyreed]

Please bear in mind, however, that DCL will require a doctor fill out a form for you stating you need the handicap-accessible room. This keeps folks who just want the room because of the space it affords from getting them ahead of those who actually need them. It sounds like you should have no problem with this, but I want you to be prepared. Happy cruising!

 

[abitjaded]

We had the first non-verandah outside room on deck six once, should you not get a wc cabin. They are right after the outside verandah rooms, slightly forward and aft. There is a jog in the halls there that a wc can be stashed in, next to the stewards closet, which is exactly what we did. Talk to your room steward. He/she can help. But I second other posters. Even a folded up campanion chair is hard to negotiate around in a regular cabin, not to mention the bathroom differences. If you have a lot of people in the cabin there really is nowhere to put the chair.

Carla

 

[NADINENURSE]

People on the boards are so smart, many of you were right. I did not want to take a room away from someone who will really , really need it !! I keep thinking in my head that I am not disabled, but I guess I am. MD note is no issue, I will call the cruise line and get some advise. I also don't think leaving a w/c in the hallway would be a great idea, being a klutz myself, I'd probably fall over it trying to get it into the room, especially on a moving boat !! Thanks for the great advice