Getting around in a wheelchair

[julesthecircusfreak]

We're due to be on the Wish soon, but my mother just fell down the stairs (she's okay just pretty banged up) and is still insistent on going. She may not be able to walk well when we're on the cruise, so just trying to plan ahead. Anyone with wheelchair experience/mobility issues on the Wish? Thoughts/advice? TIA!

 

[auntlynne]

Not the Wish, but the Magic. I didn’t start with a wheelchair, but ended up in one.

Biggest problem - have someone with her when using the elevator. Once it chimes, you can’t get to the door before it closes.

Check out 1923 ahead of time. If the entrance is up steps, off the atrium, there should be a side, level, entrance.

Next thing to explore: access to adult pool area.

DINING table assignment. I’d call and talk to DCL regarding your need for table placement where the wheelchair will fit. Even if she can transfer to a chair, it would be better if you are seated in an area where you have to walk among tables.

Also - can she get out to walk into the cabin? The doors and hallway (inside the cabin) are tight.

There should be wheelchair seating areas at the back of the Walt Disney Theater. She should be able to do/see most everything. Pools and lifts are the biggest loss. @bobbiwoz mentioned this somewhere (I think I have the correct DisBoarder).

 

[bobbiwoz]

@auntlynne, yes, I was disappointed that there wasn’t HA access to the adult pool on the Wish.

But, on the Wish, there’s a way to get to the front of the Walt Disney theater, on your own. I think the access is on the second floor. A CM will take the wheelchair or walker aside, and bring it back after the show. I did like that on the Wish!

 

[EeyoreJMH]

I used a mobility scooter on the Wish last year. A few things I found of note:
— The doors to Palo are heavy, so if going there, make sure someone holds the door
— The pool decks are stepped, broken up by stairs. It makes for less crowded pools, but can be a challenge.
— There is wheelchair seating at the back of the two movie theaters, but again the doors are heavy.

But apart from these issues, I had a great time! The cast/crew were super helpful. I had an accessible cabin, and it was great to use the MagicBand+ to easily unlock the door — and the door opened automatically, which was wonderful.

 

[NAB]

Depends how big the wheel chair is . The halls are narrow by the stateroom .

 

[jdb in AZ]

Can your mom steer a mobility scooter? (You can have her practice on the big scooters at Costco or similar stores.) A rental scooter would give her more independence, and save the backs of family members who would otherwise need to "push her around."

We had several willing pushers to take turns when DMIL used a wheel chair but she tried to be tough and walk to the dining room because she didn't want to impose on family. She had a hard fall and ended up with a bad headache the rest of the cruise.

If your cruise goes to a private island, check with guest services about a beach-friendly wheel chair -- a chair with wide fat wheels that won't get stuck in the sand. Your mom might want to stay on the ship that day.