Dunn's River Falls with Mobility Issues?

brandyleeann

Mouseketeer
Joined
Oct 21, 2014
Messages
344
Hi!

I would really like to do the Dunn's River Falls port adventure so I can see the falls. My kids will be 5 and 7.5 and I am sure they could make it up no problem (especially with the hand holding), but I am worried that I won't be able to. My knees dislocate and a tiny slip could mean me needing to sit down to put my knee cap back in place and being in a lot of pain. Not fun. If it seems too slippery and we opt not to head up the falls will we still be able to do other things there like the tram thing or the bob sled or are they at the top with the only way up via the climb up the falls?

Thanks so much!
 
Here is what is on DCL site about Dunn's River:






Know Before You G0

View important additional information to help you prepare for this exciting adventure.

  • Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
  • If you are unable to climb the falls, you can still observe from a distance.
  • Please note that Dunn's River Falls is a natural feature, and a certain amount of agility is needed to climb the falls. Guests must be at least 36 inches tall and should be able to maneuver steps over uneven, steep and wet terrain. You should make your own judgment before deciding to climb the falls or to have children join you on the climb. If you decide not to climb the falls there are other alternatives to enjoy this natural attraction.
  • Climbing the falls is not recommended for Guests who are pregnant or have neck, back, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. You may still enjoy a dip in the water at Dunn's River Falls in the many pools along the climb by utilizing the adjacent staircase.
  • Guests choosing to climb the falls are required to wear appropriate rubber-soled footwear that is properly secured like Teva®-style sandals or water shoes. Water shoes may be rented at the falls for about $7 USD in cash only. Note that prices are subject to change.
  • Children ages 8 and up must be able to swim and can participate if accompanied by an adult signed up for this tour or the Dolphin Cove and Dunn's River Falls tour.
  • You’re advised to bring insect repellant, a change of clothing, towels, hats, sunscreen lotion and sunglasses. Jewelry and other valuables should be left onboard.
  • Lockers are available for rent for a nominal fee.
  • Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards and currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
  • You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of service for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate
 
The bobsleds are at a different location. So if you decide to not the climb the falls you will be able to still do the bobsleds. There is not really a good place to be able to sit down to pop your knee back into place during the climb if that does happen.
 

I'm always looking for excursions for persons with limited mobility and had never considered this one before. Dreaming about cruises in my future, sigh.

If you are considering this excursion:
Bobsled Jamaica and Dunn's River Falls (FA10)

Age starts at 5 so both children can participate, if they also meet height requirement.

You can "observe" instead of attempting walk to the falls and/or enjoy other pools via adjacent staircase, if staircase is doable for you.
  • Guests who are pregnant and those with neck, back, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions are advised not to climb the falls; however, they may still enjoy a dip in the water at Dunn's River Falls—in the many entrances to the various lagoons found between the falls—by utilizing an adjacent staircase.
Bobsled is at a different location.

I have limited mobility and would like to do this excursion simply for the chairlift and bobsled ride.

edit: Just read this excursion includes hummingbird and butterfly garden. Wow. So many fun things.

Walking to the falls would be out for me but depending on how may stairs the other pools may be accessible.

It's interesting that the excursions FA29 and FA30 start at age 6.
 
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There is a pathway along the falls that you can walk instead of going up the falls. If you have any mobility issues, I would definitely NOT try to climb up the falls. It's a good ways up and takes some time, is slippery and you have to be careful of your footing. The pathway alongside does require you to walk uphill but at least it's a pathway. Several people on our tour did that as they didn't realize (as we almost didn't) that you are actually climbing up in the water and didn't have bathing suits so chose to take their time walking up and taking pictures.
 
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We are doing the Dunns River Falls Tour and the skyride thing. I am having hip replacement surgery the day after I get home from this vacation. I want to see it, but not climb it. We are doing FA11.
 

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