HELP-wheelchair or scooter on DCL

[buzz&woody'smom]

Help! I called Disney cruise lines and they were not helpful at all! Last year we went on the 4 day Wonder and my Mom took her wheelchair which was fine.

This October we are going on the 7 day Magic. My Mom had a stroke 2 years ago at the young age of 56 and uses a wheelchair for long distances and just got a electric scooter yesterday.

She can not use her right hand at all and walks very short distances with her right leg dragging.

I am concerned about her being able to get off the ship in Key West. I know the dock (pier) is long and she needs to make it to the train/trolley depot.

DCL says she can not take her wheelchair on the excursions and all of their excursions are not wheelchair accessible.

They told me she can take her collapsible wheelchair again and the scooter and they will store her scooter in the elevator area and charge it there but it seems if she wants to get off the ship she can only take her wheelchair but then can not take it on the DCL excursions????

In Key West we were going to take the train or trolley but I am not sure how to get her off the ship to the trolley or train. In Key West if I can take her wheel chair, push he down to the pier and fold up the chair to ride the trolley or train we will be ok.

In Grand Cayman she wanted to take the DCL trip Island Tour via AC Bus to Hell and the turtle farm. I called DCL and she can take her wheel chair to tender in but they made it sound like she could not take her wheel chair on the DCL bus to hell that stays at "hell" for 20 minutes and then on to the turtle farm which is a 40 minutes visit.

In Cozumel she was going to take the DCL trip that is a semi sub/boat. In Cozumel we could take her wheelchair down the pier and a taxi to Chakanab if she can't do the DCL excursion???

Anyone have any suggestions for her to see something in Grand Caymen?

ANY HELP, she is scared and I need the info to reassure her so she can enjoy this cruise.

Thanks!
Tiffiny

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

We just took to Island TOur and Turtle Farm visit. The buses were very small, only held about 25 people. There was literally no center aisle when we were travelling between sites as they had seats that folded down when people were getting on and off, but the entire center aisle was someone's seat during the trip. I do not know where they could store a wheelchair for you. It is not a touring bus with compartments underneath.

 

[din]

This is not going to answer your questions but I just want to note that you are travelling to a foreign country. Having travelled and having a mom situation similar to your and a nephew who needs help I can tell you that you will need to make your own plans and not depend on the excursions.

US, IMHO, is by far has the most facilities for the disabled, (not sure I am using the politically correct term) than any other countries.

 

[cathie]

We were on the 3 day Wonder in Feb. with a friend who uses a power wheelchair & cannot transfer out of it except for bed at night. We went to Nassau & Castaway Cay without any major problems, but we haven't tried Paradise Island. We're going on the 4 Day Wonder this Feb. & need to find out if there is any accessible transportation to Paradise Island. I'll be checking the Disabilities Forum which might be helpful to you also. Good luck!!! Cathie

 

[KimDisFan]

My FIL was wheeledchair bound and used an electric chair. He was able to get around KeyWest, but didn't do an excursion there. Couldn't even get off the ship at GC because steps were required to get of the tender at the island. He drove around Cozumel, becuase it docks right there, and did some shopping. But the excursions were not an option.

Good Luck!