Pirate Cruise for disabled son

[disneyobessed]

Question....
My 2 sons love Pirates (4 and 6) my 6 yr old has cerebral palsy and is in a handicapped stroller. My kids would LOVE to do this but my husband would have to go to assist my son. Would they allow this???

 

[ducklite]

I do not believe that they allow adults on the Pirate Cruise. I remember someone else saying they wanted to go so their child could particpate and were told no.

Mybe you could rent one of the pontoon boats for a couple hours and make your own pirate cruise?

Anne

 

[Michigan]

My oldest dd went when she was 9. She has spina bifida and is in a wheelchair. They carried her on the boat and then lifted her wheelchair on the boat. Then when they got to the island they did the same thing. She had a blast. I just let them know in advance that she was in a wheelchair and they said no problem they would help.

Cindy

 

[disneyobessed]

My oldest dd went when she was 9. She has spina bifida and is in a wheelchair. They carried her on the boat and then lifted her wheelchair on the boat. Then when they got to the island they did the same thing. She had a blast. I just let them know in advance that she was in a wheelchair and they said no problem they would help.

Cindy

WOW, thats great. Very reassuring. I just asked my 4yr old if he wanted to go by himself and he said no only if his brother can go. I feel so bad... I just dont think my older son could go without my husband b/c his speech is limited and nobody would be able to communicate with him.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Even if their regular policy is "no parents" I think that under ADA they'd either have to let your husband come along, or make a case why his presence would change the experience for the other children. While I think most children this age would think it was an "adventure" to set sail on the high seas without their parents, I don't think that having someone else's parent there would ruin that sense, so I think that having your husband there would be a reasonable accomodation. It can't hurt to ask.

 

[MightyMom]

First of all, if you don't already have reservations, I doubt you would be able to get one since your trip is only 16 days away.

I called 6 months (January of this year) in advance to make reservations for my son (7) who has cerebral palsy and his cousin. I was told my son would not be able to attend because there is no ramp to get him on and off the boat and the cast members were not allowed to lift him.

When I asked if I could go..... I was told parents were not allowed on the cruise.

I almost threw a fit and threw the ADA at them.... but I decided to pick my battles.... and this was not one worth fighting.

Besides the lack of a ramp..... I started thinking about other things.... like toileting. My son is pottytrained..... but he needs complete assistance in the bathroom. I would not expect a cast member to assist him.....that would be really inappropriate.

I also considered the fact that they would be taking his wheelchair onto a sandy area. It's hard enough pushing him over carpet! I wouldn't expect anyone to push his chair through sand. And besides that... it was my understanding they would be searching for buried treasure... if that's really the case, I didn't think my son would enjoy sitting on the sidelines watching other kids dig in the sand.

If your kiddo really really wants to do it....then I would push them to allow you on the boat..... but for safety reasons please realize they may still deny that request.

 

[disneyobessed]

First of all, if you don't already have reservations, I doubt you would be able to get one since your trip is only 16 days away.

I called 6 months (January of this year) in advance to make reservations for my son (7) who has cerebral palsy and his cousin. I was told my son would not be able to attend because there is no ramp to get him on and off the boat and the cast members were not allowed to lift him.

When I asked if I could go..... I was told parents were not allowed on the cruise.

I almost threw a fit and threw the ADA at them.... but I decided to pick my battles.... and this was not one worth fighting.

Besides the lack of a ramp..... I started thinking about other things.... like toileting. My son is pottytrained..... but he needs complete assistance in the bathroom. I would not expect a cast member to assist him.....that would be really inappropriate.

I also considered the fact that they would be taking his wheelchair onto a sandy area. It's hard enough pushing him over carpet! I wouldn't expect anyone to push his chair through sand. And besides that... it was my understanding they would be searching for buried treasure... if that's really the case, I didn't think my son would enjoy sitting on the sidelines watching other kids dig in the sand.

If your kiddo really really wants to do it....then I would push them to allow you on the boat..... but for safety reasons please realize they may still deny that request.

all of your statements are true. my son is also pottytrained but needs complete assistance in the bathroom. That is another reason i wanted my husband to go. THe only other reason i can think of them denying another adult is b/c you dont know their background. If i said he would have a CORI check maby they'd allow it but your right, i could throw the ADA at them and probablly come out on top but this was really for my younger son who loves pirates. he wont go unless my older one goes. Oh well.... maby ill try to cooking adventure at the Grand Floridian... that he would love. he was a chef for halloween last yr!!