Pirate Adventure Cruise and ADD

[marybrat]

We're going to WDW in August and I'm planning on signing my DD (10) and DS (7) up for the Pirate Adventure Cruise. I'm a little concerned as to whether the CMs have much experience with kids with ADD. My DD has Tourette Syndrome with OCD and ADD. She requires reminders and repetitions to follow directions. She is not defiant or hyperactive. She sometimes seems "spaced-out" for lack of a better term. MY DS will be with her on the cruise and he will watch out for her, I know. Do you think I should inform the CMs as we arrive?

 

[Karalynn]

I don't think its a bad idea. If it were me, I'm sure I would just give them a heads up with out going into too much detail. I would think that the CM's want every kid to have a great time, and they can help dd accomplish this if they understand she may need a bit more direction. Hope they have fun!!!

 

[wvdislover]

Sounds like a good idea. You'd hate for your DD to have a problem that your DS can't handle, and it would be good for CM to know a little bit about how to best accomodate your DD. They would probably appreciate the heads up.

 

[riu girl]

I emailed WDW a similar question last year and received a phone call from the rec director of the Poly. I told them of the situation and I was told that I could accompany DD on the cruise.

We ended up not doing the cruise since I planned another park day, but the person I spoke to seemed to fully understand my situation.

 

[marybrat]

Thank you for your replies. I think I will call ahead and give a heads up... good idea!

 

[hookedup]

My ds did the cruise (the one from the GF) last summer. I told them about his issues and they were excellent. I was worried because the kids partnered up with each other, and I thought he might not do well with that, but the little boy he partnered with did great. My ds was a bit anxious before it started but once they were underway he did great - he absolutely loved it.

 

[katymae]

I finally got brave enough to sign my dd8 up for our trip this February. She has adhd as well as being hearing impaired, so I was planning on just giving the CMs a heads up. Good to know that has worked well for others.

 

[twinmum]

Hello! I missed this thread before. We were in WDW 3 weeks ago and our twin DS8 participated in the Pirate Adventure. One of our sons has cerebral palsy and used his walker.

The CM's were very accommodating and made sure they learned about and responded to his needs. They did have advance notice that he had special needs and we did confirm everything after we arrived at WDW and before the dau of the Adventure. It would have been so disappointing if there had been concerns just before departure! We made a point of being there early, which gave the CM's extra time to get to know him etc.

Hopefully, with advance planning, this can work for your family! Our boys had lots of fun!

 

[susieq76]

I was going to post a similar question so I'm glad I found this one. My twin DSs 4 really want to go on this. One twin is PDD but as a general rule very well behaved- the other is a hyper boy but no real issue. Do you think they can handle this? The CMs I mean. I really want to give them the pirate cruise but I'm afraid of them getting hurt- how many kids are on a ship at a time? How many CMs?

 

[twinmum]

Hello! I posted before about my twin DS8, one of whom has cerebral palsy and used his walker for the Pirate Adventure. Every child's needs are unique, so I can only tell you about our experience.

Yes, they were happy to accept our son into the Adventure. Here's a profile of his needs: he used his walker, but can sit safely on the bench seat on the boat; he needed assistance with the transfers from seat to/from walker etc; needed assistance on/off the boat; supervision required on the ramp to board/disembark. I was not with the group, and I don't know if they modified the itinerary given his participation - they did go to all the usual stops, but I don't know if they "hid" the treasure in a more accessible sport, or if DS styaed with a CM while others went on the beach. DS has no social/behavioural/speech needs; he is able to advocate for himself, he knows and can explain his needs and he was also there with his able-bodied brother.

From my pictures, I guess that the boat can accommodate 20 children. There were 3 CM's on board.

I did make a point of being in early communication about potential issues. I confirmed this when we arrived at WDW and we went early to the marina so we could talk more fully with the CMs.

I'm not sure what circumstances the CMs can manage, but I can say that I found them to be very helpful and accepting.

I hope this helps!