Handicapped travelers

[btinker]

We are taking our first Disney cruise this March on the Wonder. My husband has mobility issues and I'm wondering about accessibility both at the port and on the ship. We are considering renting a power chair for him. My travel agent told me that Disney does not have wheelchairs available for passengers.

I've been reading about standing in long lines to board, at ports etc. He won't be able to do this. Do any of you have suggestions? Thanks for your help.

 

[mommasita]

I certainly can not answer all the questions, but absolutely no for certain that boarding will be first. Passengers requiring assistance board before anyone including concierge class.

In port they also have the ramp at all times, so depending what exactly you wanted to do at each port, and how far they are from the dock, it would be accessible.

 

[fortierv]

Hi btinker,

My wife has mobility issues but does not need a wheelchair full time. On our last cruise we took a "transport chair". It was much smaller, only about 21" wide and has smaller wheels. It was able to fit through the cabin door so my wife could get in and out of the chair in the cabin instead of in the hall. The major difference from a regular chair is that there's no way for the rider to propell themselves. You must push the chair from behind. For us it was a great option. At home she can normally get around with a cane but with the crouds of the ship the chair was a much better option. They come in different widths so if you rent one be aware of the total width not just the seat width.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Van

 

[figment52]

Vidoegal - where are you !!

Vidoegal gal posts regularily here - she travels with a sistance dog and her signature includes a picture of here in a motorized vehicle and the dog (I believe the dog is a black lab). I know she has cruised at least once and would be able to assist you. If you find a previous post from her try "PM" her and I'm sure she could help address your concerns.

I just found her - vidoegal1 - its Lynda and Cash.

 

[videogal1]

We are taking our first Disney cruise this March on the Wonder. My husband has mobility issues and I'm wondering about accessibility both at the port and on the ship. We are considering renting a power chair for him. My travel agent told me that Disney does not have wheelchairs available for passengers.

I've been reading about standing in long lines to board, at ports etc. He won't be able to do this. Do any of you have suggestions? Thanks for your help.

You might also find lots of help on the DIS-abilities board, which is listed on the DIS-boards home page with all the other boards.

 

[videogal1]

We are taking our first Disney cruise this March on the Wonder. My husband has mobility issues and I'm wondering about accessibility both at the port and on the ship. We are considering renting a power chair for him. My travel agent told me that Disney does not have wheelchairs available for passengers.

I've been reading about standing in long lines to board, at ports etc. He won't be able to do this. Do any of you have suggestions? Thanks for your help.

You can rent a power vehicle (Brevard Medical rents in the PC area.) If you get a scooter or power chair you'll be saving yourself a bunch of trouble...especially in the shoulders...

The nice long post I wrote to address ship-board access has disappeared so, here goes again:
Access is fine except for some specific areas...If you choose to use a manual chair you will find that the thick carpet, seams between the sections of flooring, outside doors, and entrance to elevators will ruin your shoulders and try your patience. Request an accessible room on the deck that you want to stay on so that you have doors wide enough to get a power vehicle through it as well as the pushbutton/key-activated door. Without those access-enablers you will have a very hard time getting in and out of your stateroom...especially one person in a power vehicle as the regular doors have automatic closers on them...
As for excursions...Talk directly to the Shore Excursion desk aboard the ship and insist, insist, insist. If you try and go through the regular procedure the DCL reservations dept will simply tell you that nothing is accessible....
We went on three cruises this year and have six more scheduled. If you have questions, just ask...