How far in advance

[LullabeeDisney]

would you suggest for health things? I have food allergies and my DS is autistic. Obviously closer to time but I don't want to jump the gun either and risk them losing the info.

Also, for the drill - I've seen it say show up 10 minutes early to be accounted for and then one person can stay while the other goes back to the room to watch it on the tv. Do all CMs follow this? Or do I need paperwork for it? Crowds + loud noises = for sure meltdown for autistic DS.

And finally, for health paperwork, any suggestions for waterproof/safe carrier? We'll be driving so not worried about flying but SO does have leukaemia and I plan on having at least a basic note with his diagnosis/medications etc on it, in case something happens. (It's a trial study so the meds have super long, hard to remember names).

 

[PrincessShmoo]

would you suggest for health things? I have food allergies and my DS is autistic. Obviously closer to time but I don't want to jump the gun either and risk them losing the info.

Also, for the drill - I've seen it say show up 10 minutes early to be accounted for and then one person can stay while the other goes back to the room to watch it on the tv. Do all CMs follow this? Or do I need paperwork for it? Crowds + loud noises = for sure meltdown for autistic DS.

And finally, for health paperwork, any suggestions for waterproof/safe carrier? We'll be driving so not worried about flying but SO does have leukaemia and I plan on having at least a basic note with his diagnosis/medications etc on it, in case something happens. (It's a trial study so the meds have super long, hard to remember names).

The medical/allergy information won't be "lost". It's added to your reservation. Every time someone would check your reservation it'll be there. I'd do it sooner, that way it's done.

I've never heard of everyone check and only one person has to stay. It's required that EVERYONE attend the muster drill. I've heard of people be put off the ship for not being there when directed. It may be different with special needs, however.

 

[LullabeeDisney]

The medical/allergy information won't be "lost". It's added to your reservation. Every time someone would check your reservation it'll be there. I'd do it sooner, that way it's done.

I've never heard of everyone check and only one person has to stay. It's required that EVERYONE attend the muster drill. I've heard of people be put off the ship for not being there when directed. It may be different with special needs, however.

I'm cautious because I've had companies loose things they shouldn't have. that's why I asked. But good to know, thank you!

And I read that on this forums, which is where I got the idea. I mean we will be working in therapy to deal but there's only so much I can do.

 

[murmer]

Look at where your muster station is. Ours was in the tube sitting down comfortably and they warned us of when the loud noise was going to happen so we could plug our ears. Honestly it was quiet comfortable and easy. But I know some of the musters are on the deck and that would be different in my opinion. (I would take my autistic daughter to the mister in the tube. She would not be able to handle standing on the deck)

 

[DLgal]

We have taken two DCL cruises with our 2 autistic sons. NO ONE is allowed any special treatment for the drill. I was told this in no uncertain terms when I asked prior to our first sailing. Both times was on deck. It was hot. We had meltdowns...but we carried on as we always do. Crowds aren't a huge issue. Standing still on deck, in height order in a single file line, for 15 minutes,was. I just kept my son close, told him it was almost over, and we survived. Mine were 6 and 8 at the time. To be very honest, it would have been a disaster a couple years earlier, so I am glad we waited.

Take ear protection. That alarm is SUPER loud and high pitched.

 

[LullabeeDisney]

We have taken two DCL cruises with our 2 autistic sons. NO ONE is allowed any special treatment for the drill. I was told this in no uncertain terms when I asked prior to our first sailing. Both times was on deck. It was hot. We had meltdowns...but we carried on as we always do. Crowds aren't a huge issue. Standing still on deck, in height order in a single file line, for 15 minutes,was. I just kept my son close, told him it was almost over, and we survived. Mine were 6 and 8 at the time. To be very honest, it would have been a disaster a couple years earlier, so I am glad we waited.

Take ear protection. That alarm is SUPER loud and high pitched.

Weird. I wonder why folks have recommended it?

I mean we'll do it. And I get why. Just annoying to hear that what I've read is wrong on this forum.

Hell be 5 and is mostly nonverbal. That might change in the 17 months between now and the cruise but I haven't I way to know.

 

[LullabeeDisney]

Oh, no I actually read it on Disney site!

"
If a member of your party has a disability that precludes their ability to fully participate in the Mandatory Guest Assembly Drill, we recommend that all members of the party arrive to the assembly station approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled drill time. Once accounted for by the assembly leader, one adult member of your stateroom party can remain for the duration of the drill. Please note that the ship’s alarm is sounded to commence the drill.
"

FROM: https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...ith-disabilities/DCL Information for ASD.pdf

 

[bbel]

I have known of cases where one family member can escort one other family member back to the cabin due to medical reasons.
However, it is very rare, and I honestly don't know who they go to or if they have to 'prove' anything for it to happen, I also have a feeling it depends on the captain. I also believe that they have some sort of 'check in' with someone from safety/the bridge, to make sure they know what to do if they had to do it for real.
I would prepare yourselves for having to do the drill though.

Honestly (I know they can come across as unhelpful at times) but to get the best idea of current situations would be to phone someone shoreside and put across your feelings.

 

[DLgal]

Oh, no I actually read it on Disney site!

"
If a member of your party has a disability that precludes their ability to fully participate in the Mandatory Guest Assembly Drill, we recommend that all members of the party arrive to the assembly station approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled drill time. Once accounted for by the assembly leader, one adult member of your stateroom party can remain for the duration of the drill. Please note that the ship’s alarm is sounded to commence the drill.
"

FROM: https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/dcl/finder/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/DCL Information for ASD.pdf

Maybe that is new. We haven't sailed since 2013. I would call and ask if that applies in your case.

 

[lanejudy]

You MAY be allowed some leniency with the muster drill, but you will need to contact DCL in advance and possibly make the arrangements with Guest Services onboard. Do not count on it being a definite thing; I've read reports that it was allowed and other reports that it wasn't allowed. I strongly suggest contacting the Special Needs Department to discuss your concerns and what they suggest or recommend. I highly recommend earmuffs because the noise is deafening for the best of us, and intolerable for kids with auditory/sensory issues.

I'd also provide your SO's medical info sooner rather than later. Are you asking for any accommodations related to his illness, or do you need special medical equipment? Work with the Special Needs department and provide plenty of lead time if needing anything.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[LullabeeDisney]

You MAY be allowed some leniency with the muster drill, but you will need to contact DCL in advance and possibly make the arrangements with Guest Services onboard. Do not count on it being a definite thing; I've read reports that it was allowed and other reports that it wasn't allowed. I strongly suggest contacting the Special Needs Department to discuss your concerns and what they suggest or recommend. I highly recommend earmuffs because the noise is deafening for the best of us, and intolerable for kids with auditory/sensory issues.

I'd also provide your SO's medical info sooner rather than later. Are you asking for any accommodations related to his illness, or do you need special medical equipment? Work with the Special Needs department and provide plenty of lead time if needing anything.

Enjoy your cruise!

Definitely gonna call! Especially now that I see that I read that on their website - from a link specifically for people who are searching autism sailing.

His medical shouldn't be needed, I was thinking more of a 'if something happens on the ship we'll have it'. I'm looking for a wheelchair for boarding day because I don't think he can swing the long wait and we don't want to miss giving DS the chance to do character breakfast etc that we'd miss if we waited to board.

Also, thanks for all the tips/info/personal stories!

 

[Boysmom1626]

DCL has information specifically for guests traveling with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and it does state that you can check in at your muster station and that only one person from the cabin must stay. My son has Autism also and that's what we planned to do if necessary. We went to our station a few minutes early and the cast members were great about it! They let me sit with him close by, so we were able to listen to the drill and keep him calm at the same time. We also made sure that he wore headphones to help with the noise, and we did our best to prepare him beforehand. I'm sure you will be fine, but make sure you have it noted on the reservation that he has autism.
Enjoy your trip!!

 

[LullabeeDisney]

DCL has information specifically for guests traveling with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and it does state that you can check in at your muster station and that only one person from the cabin must stay. My son has Autism also and that's what we planned to do if necessary. We went to our station a few minutes early and the cast members were great about it! They let me sit with him close by, so we were able to listen to the drill and keep him calm at the same time. We also made sure that he wore headphones to help with the noise, and we did our best to prepare him beforehand. I'm sure you will be fine.
Enjoy your trip!!

Thank you!
Can you suggest head phones? he'll be 5 but has the head of a 6-7 year old. I plan on bring distractions - movies, his tablet, blind bags. I'm just a prepper for the worst. We start therapy next month (we just got the referral for specialist ped/therapy) so I'm hoping it won't be as severe by the time we cruise, but who knows...

 

[lanejudy]

I'm looking for a wheelchair for boarding day because I don't think he can swing the long wait and we don't want to miss giving DS the chance to do character breakfast etc that we'd miss if we waited to board.

I have never seen a wheelchair available in the Port Canaveral terminal -- not sure from where you are cruising. If you want/need a manual wheelchair, I recommend bringing your own.

However, are you aware that you can schedule some character greetings (and breakfast if offered on your cruise) in advance when you do online check-in? Not all cruises have a character breakfast. The meet & greets you can pre-schedule are Frozen and the princess gathering.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[lanejudy]

Peltor jr. earmuffs are great!

 

[LullabeeDisney]

I have never seen a wheelchair available in the Port Canaveral terminal -- not sure from where you are cruising. If you want/need a manual wheelchair, I recommend bringing your own.

However, are you aware that you can schedule some character greetings (and breakfast if offered on your cruise) in advance when you do online check-in? Not all cruises have a character breakfast. The meet & greets you can pre-schedule are Frozen and the princess gathering.

Enjoy your cruise!

Galveston, and that's the plan My mom has one that we can use, thankfully. It's kind of why we're doing a cruise vs the parks. less people, less crowds, less walking.

And that's good to hear! Makes it so much easier cause then we can just board after the rush, do an easy lunch then chill/prep for the drill. Everything i've read said "go straight and do that ASAP!" so I wasn't aware it was available online.

 

[lanejudy]

The advance booking is relatively new, within the past year.

 

[Boysmom1626]

Thank you!
Can you suggest head phones? he'll be 5 but has the head of a 6-7 year old. I plan on bring distractions - movies, his tablet, blind bags. I'm just a prepper for the worst. We start therapy next month (we just got the referral for specialist ped/therapy) so I'm hoping it won't be as severe by the time we cruise, but who knows...

Our favorite headphones come from Gander Mountain. Nothing fancy, just something to reduce the noise. They even fold up!
We had lots of distractions too - it definitely helps!
I found this link on the boards a while back and wish I had it before our first cruise. It's an awesome book that will help in preparing him and make a fun souvenir.
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...youth-club/ChildrensPreArrivalBook_lowres.pdf

The best advice I have for you is to take your sense of humor and be flexible!!

 

[LullabeeDisney]

Our favorite headphones come from Gander Mountain. Nothing fancy, just something to reduce the noise. They even fold up!
We had lots of distractions too - it definitely helps!
I found this link on the boards a while back and wish I had it before our first cruise. It's an awesome book that will help in preparing him and make a fun souvenir.
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...youth-club/ChildrensPreArrivalBook_lowres.pdf

The best advice I have for you is to take your sense of humor and be flexible!!

Perfect! Gander mountain is going out of business so we'll go check it out
thanks for the book link! We've started prepping him now so we can introduce things slowly.

 

[dcassetta]

Https://www.disboards.com/threads/magic-wonder-muster-lifeboat-stations.2579704/

This thread lists the muster stations for the Wonder. You could look to see if your State room is listed. If possible choosing a state room where your muster drill will be inside would make it easier for your whole family.