handicap scooters

[Tab2Disney]

I hadn't thought we would need to worry about this.
Compared to other cruiseline ships we looked into the Magic seemed a reasonable size. But, my FIL got hurt yesterday. He is "older" anyway and has problems with his knees. So I wanted to check into getting a scooter for him to have during our 7 day cruise on the Magic. Can I do this through Disney? (They do allow scooters onboard? Don't they?)

 

[kcashner]

Yes they allow scooters. No, they won't rent them to to you. There are several companies that will have one delivered to the terminal area for you.

If your father can walk in the cabin, you may choose to have a "regular" cabin rather than handicapped. The accessible cabins are larger but are missing some features that are present in the "regular" ones...and having just done a cruise with a friend in a wheelchair, I'd like to avoid an accessible bathroom for a while! If you choose a "regular" cabin, the scooter won't fit into the cabin well, but your stateroom host will take it to one of the "cut out" areas each night and recharge it for you.

If you request an accessible cabin, the scooter will fit in the cabin...and you'll have to take care of the recharging. Many people who don't actually need the handicapped facilities find it easier to use a scooter or wheelchair on the ship because of the distances involved. If he needs the accessible cabin, have him complete the medical form and get his doc to sign it...then fax it to the number on the form. If he doesn't need the accessible facilities, you don't have to do anything.

A third way to go is to note that he will have a scooter but doesn't require the accessible room. He'd like it if it is still available as the sailing date approaches but doesn't want to take it from someone who truly requires it in order to sail. If he chooses this option, DCL will note it on your reservation and move him about 30 - 45 days before sailing.

A final thought if a wheelchair would do instead of a scooter...my friend has a passion for having chairs available to people who need them. She routinely purchases them at Goodwill for $5 - $15 and donates them to large churches and other facilities that she feels should have them available. At that price, you could buy one to use on the cruise and get rid of it afterwards if you have no further use for it. It's cheaper than renting!

 

[Tab2Disney]

Great info! THANKS a heap.
If we rent a scooter and have it delivered, but he has a regular room, where can he keep the scooter when its not being used or needs recharging?
I can see if we can change them to a Handicapped room. (if available)
We leave Friday.

 

[lbgraves]

There is a phone number at DCL just for guests needing disability assistance. (407) 566-3500
The link to their website information is in the DIS DCL FAQ thread linked in my signature as well.

 

[kcashner]

You can still store the scooter in the little "cut out" area of the hall (the area where the CM will recharge it) even when it doesn't need charging. However...you might just want to plug it in every time it's not in use.

 

[Tab2Disney]

So it'll be near by, that's great.
Does anyone have info on the location of the handicapped rooms?
I don't think there are very many.
I remember my TA asking us about it, way back in the beginning.
I didn't think we'd need it then.
Thanks agin for the quick help!!

 

[kcashner]

So it'll be near by, that's great.
Does anyone have info on the location of the handicapped rooms?
I don't think there are very many.
I remember my TA asking us about it, way back in the beginning.
I didn't think we'd need it then.
Thanks agin for the quick help!!

The accessible rooms are at the very far forward and very far aft portions of the ship. I've been in 2 of them...one a cat 5 (7136 ?) and one a cat 8. The cat 5 was with a friend who needed it; the 8 was an upgrade. No, there aren't many, but they are held (not released to the general population) until shortly before sailing.

 

[Tab2Disney]

Also, can anyone recommend a company that they have used before?
One that delivers to the port/terminal?

Thanks for the locations, I'll check with my MIL and the TA. They can make that call. But at least I have some information to help us along.

 

[LindaBabe]

I use Walker medical in Orlando for WDW. I don't know if they deliver to port, but if they don't they certainly should be able to recommend someone who can! See the FAQs on the Dis-abilities board for phone numbers.

 

[kcashner]

Also, if you are using DCL bus transportation, advise them if you will need accessible bus.

The funny thing is that my friend insisted we didn't need it as she can walk a few steps. Bus driver told me that we should have asked for one--easier for everyone. IF you get the scooter at MCO, you WILL need accessible bus. The place that delivers to port is Brevard something....I suspect the DCL special needs number above can give you the exact name.

 

[Tab2Disney]

Thanks again, (and again)
We are all driving in so, airport and bus services aren't a problem.
Pick up wouldn't be easy though, so I still thought I'd look for someone to deliver. I'll look them both up.

 

[lbgraves]

There are also pictures of the HA rooms in the Virtual Stateroom Tour that is linked under the heading STATEROOMS in the DIS DCL FAQ thread linked below in my signature. The rooms have the HA after them in each category to let you know which ones they are.

 

[disneyfan19712006]

I use Walker medical in Orlando for WDW. I don't know if they deliver to port, but if they don't they certainly should be able to recommend someone who can! See the FAQs on the Dis-abilities board for phone numbers.

Brevard County Medical 321-453-3370 I used them on the Wonder in May and will be using them again in December. They deliver to the port and once you check in it is waiting for you.
We parked ours by the elevators in May too crowded in the hall.

 

[cupcake]

If you can't get an accessible room given the timing, please note that the bathrooms can be challenging. There is a step to get in and out, and a low-sided tub with a grab bar. If your FIL ends up needing it, he can request a shower chair and put it half-in/half-out of the tub and use the handheld. Your stateroom host/hostess will give you extra towels. It's wet, but depending on balance and movement, safety first. Leave tons of time if you need an elevator. If your FIL is not an experienced scooter driver, remind him to back into the elevators. I also suggest that you call special services now to ask that they try to put you at a table around the perimeter if your FIL wants to take the ECV to the table and transfer--it can be tight in the middle. Have you booked any excursions? Special services can help in terms of what is involved, coaches can be steep to get in and out of, and the CMs are very nice about helping. There's an alternate entrance if you prefer to sit in the front of the theater that the greeters can direct you to; you do not have to sit in the very back to avoid steps. I have used Walker in WDW but not taken an ECV on the ship. They are my preferred rental option. I'd specify the smallest ECV that is suitable for your FIL's size given that you will be in a tighter space in the ship. I second charging in the hallway, there are outlets by the elevators and your stateroom host/hostess can help. For muster, you need to make sure to identify that you have an ECV user in your party so they know you need assistance in the event of an emergency. If your FIL can't wait outside, they will accommodate you, someone just has to go to check your party off and let them know about the ECV. Good luck! He will do great, DCL is very accessible friendly. Hope this helps, please let me know if there's anything else I can do. You will all have a great time!!

 

[kcashner]

Muster...the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing. I called GS from our stateroom and asked for instructions about what to do with my friend. Was told that she was exempt from the drill and should just stay in the cabin during that time. Then, about 15 minutes before the drill, someone called and asked if we'd need help for the drill. I said that if they wanted her to attend, we'd need help. 2 guys came up...the elevators were set so you had to have a pass card to use them...it was the easiest muster we ever did!

Another shower option for your father might be the locker room in the spa/fitness center. I've never been in the men's (obviously), but the women's has a great shower with just a small step to get in.

Your dining team will be great about allowing him to transfer and then taking the scooter out for you. We did specify that we'd need a table on the aisle...it was ready when we got there.

If he can transfer, you can do the theatre as above...be there 15 minutes before the show as there won't be any down front seats reserved--you have to get there while seats are still available.

I'd call DCL first thing tomorrow and get them on your situation. They can sometimes work minor miracles!

 

[cupcake]

Muster...the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing. I called GS from our stateroom and asked for instructions about what to do with my friend. Was told that she was exempt from the drill and should just stay in the cabin during that time. Then, about 15 minutes before the drill, someone called and asked if we'd need help for the drill. I said that if they wanted her to attend, we'd need help. 2 guys came up...the elevators were set so you had to have a pass card to use them...it was the easiest muster we ever did!

Another shower option for your father might be the locker room in the spa/fitness center. I've never been in the men's (obviously), but the women's has a great shower with just a small step to get in.

We have had the best luck having a member of our party actually go out to the muster station, get the party checked off, and make sure they know we have a special needs person. Same on the men's showers, have not seen them! but IMO, the women's spa showers are scary-- slippery tile, nothing good to hold onto, and no handheld if you wanted a shower chair unless things have changed since we last checked this out. But this all depends on what your needs are and how well you can manage. The spa folks if asked nicely will also let you use the shower in the surial area when the spa is closed (or at least, they offered it to us when we realized the spa shower was a no go which was very nice of them), but for my mom, this was as much of a fall risk as the spa area due to all the tile and nothing to hold onto. Really, we were very successful with the shower chair partially in the tub, believe it or not, and the step in and out of the bathroom was the worst part. The upside for the bathroom, however, is that due to the small space, there's a lot to grab onto so you do not miss grab bars!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

As for the emergency drill, we went about 30 minutes early and just hung out. Once they actually started they checked us off a list and let us go. So we were done by about 4:10. Dropped vests off in room and went to get a good spot for the party!

I sent you a PM. Feel free to ask any questions.