Elder and young disability on DCL and at WDW

[beantownbaby9]

Hi everyone, thanks in advance for your help. We booked our trip last night, 8 night DCL Magic from NYC to Bahamas and WDW on Aug 25th. We have 2 people with disabilities traveling with us. First is my mom. She had a knee replacement in February, and now is in Stage 4 Lung Cancer. She's going to bring a rollator (walker with seat & basket) for the ship, and we'll plan on a scooter for WDW. What and how does the whole scooter process work for obtaining one? Our other disability traveler is my son with food allergies and SPD. None of his food allergies are anaphylactic so I am comfortable there (except, does pizza planet have vegan cheese for the CF/DF crowd?). I am more worried about his SPD. He gets overwhelmed in crowds and with loud noises. We are bringing his headphones which I am sure we will use frequently. Anything else I should consider for him? Our TA told me about a Guest Accommodations Pass? Would love it if those with experience could explain. Thanks!

 

[ttintagel]

I haven't used those specific airports, but I heartily approve of smaller airports for anyone with special needs. My sister and I, who both have medical issues, are paying a bit more to fly out of our small regional airport instead of getting a cheaper flight out of the nearest big city. Shorter lines, smaller crowds, less distance to walk, and staff that's less harried are worth the extra money.

 

[lanejudy]

Hi everyone, thanks in advance for your help. We booked our trip last night, 8 night DCL Magic from NYC to Bahamas and WDW on Aug 25th. We have 2 people with disabilities traveling with us. First is my mom. She had a knee replacement in February, and now is in Stage 4 Lung Cancer. She's going to bring a rollator (walker with seat & basket) for the ship, and we'll plan on a scooter for WDW. What and how does the whole scooter process work for obtaining one? Our other disability traveler is my son with food allergies and SPD. None of his food allergies are anaphylactic so I am comfortable there (except, does pizza planet have vegan cheese for the CF/DF crowd?). I am more worried about his SPD. He gets overwhelmed in crowds and with loud noises. We are bringing his headphones which I am sure we will use frequently. Anything else I should consider for him? Our TA told me about a Guest Accommodations Pass? Would love it if those with experience could explain. Thanks!

Post #6 of the DisAbilities FAQ sticky at the top of the page will give you information about a GAC for your son. As for allergies - make sure it is noted on any ADRs for TS meals, at CS you can ask to speak with the manager. Depending on your son's age, you might want to consider a stroller as a "safe haven" where he can "get away" from the hustle and bustle of the park. Though finding a larger stroller for an older child might be hard with just your 1-day excursion from the ship.

As for an ECV - these can be rented at the parks, it is first-come-first-served and there are reports of WDW running out of them by mid-day. Also, I'm not sure if you plan to park-hop but while you do not have to pay again at the next park, there is no guarantee an ECV will be available. Also, I believe the ECVs in the parks do not have the accessory to hang the rollator, though someone else can confirm that. If you are arriving early and staying in 1 park, you should be all set. If not, you might want to be prepared for a "plan B" - maybe a wheelchair, or I don't know if you could do an off-site ECV rental for the day with pick-up/drop-off at either WDW or the port.

Enjoy your vacation!