Pediasure available on board/advice regarding special formula needs

[kerry1379]

My older special needs son's primary form of nutrition is a special formula. (His ability to eat by mouth is very limited. He has a g-button.) With the airline restrictions I am not quite sure how I am going to transport 7 days worth for the cruise. If needed, he can make do with Pediasure. Is that available for purchase on the ship? (Or by "formula" do they tend to mean the infant variety?) I can't send a box ahead since food items are prohibited. If anyone has experience with this, I would love suggestions or advice.

 

[kerry1379]

Thank you in advance!

 

[Terapin]

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/medically-necessary-liquids-gels-and-aerosols

The TSA says medically needed liquids are exempt from the normal restrictions, so you should be ok to bring what you need on your flight. Hope that helps!

 

[shoes99]

My sister is on a feeding tube and she cruises frequently. She takes her formula and supplies as carry-on on the airplane. She goes thru the disability screening and sometimes it gets complicated but there is no
way she is going to put her formula in checked baggage. Medical supplies as carry on don't count as your allowance. If you are staying in a hotel overnight, you can send a box of formula to the hotel.
I'm not sure about the pediasure, but as long as it is sealed you can also bring them on the ship and on the airplane in your carry on.

 

[Disneyteachers]

My older special needs son's primary form of nutrition is a special formula. (His ability to eat by mouth is very limited. He has a g-button.) With the airline restrictions I am not quite sure how I am going to transport 7 days worth for the cruise. If needed, he can make do with Pediasure. Is that available for purchase on the ship? (Or by "formula" do they tend to mean the infant variety?) I can't send a box ahead since food items are prohibited. If anyone has experience with this, I would love suggestions or advice.

When DS, a hypoglycemic, was younger and pickier, I actually spoke with someone at TSA on the food about bringing food and drinks through security. They emailed me a letter which I traveled with (I'm addition to a letter from his endocrinologist stating the medical necessity.). All liquids were tested via a special machine, but otherwise I was fine. The documentation was mostly for my own piece of mind, but it might be worth doing. If it's an international flight, I'm guessing you might have more trouble in which case:

1. I'd connect disney to see how they can help.

2. I'd research the options available in the departure country and see if you might be able to carry a similar item onboard.

 

[Jaesc0515]

I spoke with Disney (not sure about airline) but they said any "medical supplies" need a letter from doctor and it's ok to come on the ship. That includes gtube extenders, pump, ect.

 

[Disneyteachers]

Based on my experience you should be okay on the flight...contact TSA! You could also pack it in a checked bag. I've use large Rubbermaid/Tupperware containers and packed beverages in those...

 

[amss14]

.

 

[lanejudy]

TSA may not allow you to carry-on more than a "reasonable" amount for travel -- plan 24-48 hours worth in case of delays. The rest can be in checked bags, and you should not be charged for a "medical" bag that contains ONLY medical supplies (no extra clothes, etc.). Or you could ship a package to your ore-cruise hotel. If in liquid, it will all need to be carried on to the ship. I would not expect DCL to provide Pediasure.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[MaleficentRN]

How much are we talking about? Could you stop at Walmart on your way to port, buy it and carry it onboard with you?

 

[ajo]

I have a child with a special diet who drinks a medical formula each day. It comes in powder form in a can. We always put it in our carry on bags and travel with a letter of medical necessity (it's a white powder after all). We've never had a problem with TSA. In fact, we've never even had to use our letter. We talked to Disney before our cruise and they said we could bring the formula on board in our carry on bags, which we did. I assume the answer from Disney would be the same for whatever liquid you need for your son. And as the PP suggested, if it's available at a grocery store, you could stop and get some on your way to the port and then carry it on.

 

[Weedy]

You may want to contact Disney and fill out the Special Service Information Form. Disney will help you with anything you may need for example if you need distilled water . Here is a link to the info:

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...ns/faqs/my-online-check-in/medical-info-form/

Have a great cruise.

 

[lanejudy]

@kerry1379 there is a current thread on the disABILITIES Forum about air travel with liquid formula. You might find it helpful. There's mention of getting a TSA Care Agent to assist with carrying on the full supply -- I don't have first hand experience myself but it might help you.

Enjoy your cruise!