Muster drill for disabled

[koshka]

Hi,

We will be traveling with my 80 MIL, who does walk, but cannot do stairs. We are on Deck 2. Does anyone know if alternative arrangements can be made for her for the muster drill before sailaway?

Thanks,
Heather

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

They will know they can help, she still needs to attend.


Ensure a medical questionnaire is completed pre cruise and they will provide assistance, it's important to go so you know what would happen in the unlikely event of a real emergency.

 

[lanejudy]

I suggest you contact the DCL Special Needs department (407-566-3500) to discuss your MIL's needs. I suspect they'll suggest you plan to arrive at your muster station a little early (so you can use the elevators). You will also want to make sure DCL has information on record in the event of an emergency that shuts down elevator service.

This is a link to the Special Services form, but I would call and not wait until you board to know what to expect. http://dcl.wdpromedia.com/media/dcl...nter/Media/SpecialServicesInformationForm.pdf

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[jdb in AZ]

DMIL didn't do stairs either. We just made sure she was at the muster station (or on the right floor) before the elevators were shut down. And waited for the crowds to disperse after the muster drill.

 

[Capt_BJ]

isn't the 'drill' all that more important for a person like this


to ensure the crew is aware and YOU are aware of what needs to happen

? ? ?

 

[SuperDry]

isn't the 'drill' all that more important for a person like this to ensure the crew is aware and YOU are aware of what needs to happen

Yep. Part of the drill is that you notice how during an emergency, there are "traffic control" people posted in all guest hallways, elevator/stair lobbies, and so on. If the general alarm sounds, a disabled person should feel re-assured that they just need to find the nearest traffic control person on whatever deck they happen to be on and tell them that they have a mobility issue and need help. The re-assurance that there will be people readily available to help them might just prevent a panic reaction should a real emergency occur.

 

[jdb in AZ]

In a real emergency, passengers with mobility issues would need to be carried up or down the stairs to their muster station, or at least the deck where it's held. Due to liability issues, I can't imagine the crew would actually carry the aged/infirm just to practice.

 

[tobikaye]

My sister and mom have mobility disabilities and stairs are a problem. We were told that the best thing to do was to head down to our station before the elevators were turned off. We were on WDT so we got there about 10 minutes before they opened the door. My sister took her rollator so she had a place to sit while we waited. My mom does okay with staying in one place as long as she had a wall to lean on.

 

[mumto2]

DD has a wheelchair but is mobile (can't safely do stairs without some assistance). We used her chair for the drill to ensure she had personal space and wouldn't get jostled and lose her balance.

We went to our location early and were greeted by crew and told to stand in an area directly in front of a boat. As others came. They were sent a to the other end of the area and lined up in a somewhat tight space. There were a couple of other families with us. I think some of them must have self-identified as needing assistance as they weren't using wheelchairs or other assistive devices.

I'd get there a bit early and let the crew know that you have a passenger with mobility issues - some people were provided seating during the drill. Your MIL will be well taken care of.