Question about handicapped rooms...

[aprilgail2]

I am taking my 73 year old mom, my 2 year old daughter and my 14 year old godson to Disney in April and on the Disney cruise right after that in May....right now my godson is in a wheelchair, he has cancer and having some difficulties right now that are keeping him from being able to walk without falling etc....my question is, on the Disney cruise we have booked a catagory 6 which sleeps 4, 2 twin beds, one sofa bed and one drop down bed....would anyone know how high up that drop down bed is or if they could put a cot type bed in the room? My mom certainly can't sleep up high, my 2 year old cant, I weigh to much to sleep in that bed and my godson cant get up or down in it. He may or may not still be in a wheelchair by then but I would not want to take the chance putting him high off the ground. I also don't know if I should switch the reservation to a handicapped room since maybe he will be out of a wheelchair and I wouldn't want to take that room away from someone who needs it if he isn't in a wheelchair anymore. We also have reservations at the Poly, do they have handicapped rooms there? Do I need to bring a letter from his Dr's to Disney for him to use the wheelchair access part, plus he is not allowed to spend long periods of time out in the sun.
Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome. Sounds like you have some really nice things planned!
Pixie dust to have everything work out for you.

I can't answer the cruise parts, but we have cruisers who post on this board and I'm sure one of them will come around and answer the cruise questions.

For the park part, if he is still using a wheelchair when you go to WDW, you don't need a doctor's note to rent a wheelchair or to use the wheelchair access. Just having the wheelchair allows you to use the wheelchair access. For the most part, wheelchair users use the same lines as everyone else. Fastpass will also be a lot of help to you.
Even though he might not need a wheelchair for regular use when you get to WDW, keep in mind that there is a lot of walking involved and he might need one for WDW. You can rent one from one of these places:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

You might also want to look into a Guest Assistance Card (GAC). It would allow you to wait with him out of the sun. You can go to Guest Services in any of the parks to request one. You don't need a doctor's note to get one; you just go to Guest Services and explain what your needs are.
Teri might posting at the same time as I am typing this. If she isn't, you can look at one of her posts - she has a link to FAQs about GACs.

 

[teri]

Hi! Take a look at the FAQ - just click on the link in my signature below.

You should most definitely call/fax the Disney Cruise Line Medical Special Service Coordinator about your special needs. I don't have the phone number - they could probably connect you from the main reservation number, but I do have the FAX number - 407-566-7739.

Have you posted on the DCL Board? I will scan it, and if not I will put a link back here.

 

[TnRobin]

You are correct on the configuration of the room. The bed that pulls out of the ceiling is approx 4 1/2 feet off the ground.

Due to the size of the rooms and the strickness on the number of people in a cabin. DCL does not offer cots. But since your youngest is only two, they do have pack-n-play crib that she/he could sleep in.

 

[LindaDVC]

I would call Disney and explain that you would like to check availability of the w/c accessible rooms. They offer more floor space incase you need to bring the wheelchair. It is hard to use a chair in a standard room and people have mentioned problems even finding a place to store it in the standard cabins. Even if he doesn't need the wheelchair you may want to pack it incase he wants to have it at Castaway or on excursions. Fatique and heat ( let alone all the FUN) may effect his endurance.

Since you may need the accessible room it would be better to book it. At a certain time Disney offers these rooms as upgrades to non-w/c guests if disabled guests have not requested it. If he is feeling great and doesn't need the chair - consider it a blessing and enjoy the cabin!

We have cruised twice with DH and his power chair. The ship is very accessible and we had a great time! If you have other questions let me know!

DH's new chair is arriving tomorrow! A $20,000 Valentines day present! The timing couldn't be better!!!!

Linda

 

[mom2grace]

Hi! We just cruised 1/26 on the Magic. While thankfully no one in our group uses a wheelchiar or has any mobility problems, I did get to sneak a peek at the accessible rooms! They are FANTASTIC!

I would request one and then decline it later on if you don't need it. They were very spacious and the verandah was HUGE! The room I saw was that last one on the 66XX side (someone who is more savvy can tell you the exact number). Also, you would have plenty of room to set up a Pack-N-Play if your toddler will sleep in one.

My background is in early intervention for infants and toddlers with disabilities, so that is why I was so interested in the rooms!

Also, there were many people using wheelchairs on our cruise and it seems like the ship is really easy to manuever through. Make sure you get an umbrella and hammock on Castaway Cay. This would require you to be one of the first people off the ship and WALKING to the beach, do not take the tram. I would "mark" your spot with bags, etc. and go back to the ship to get your family.

If you go to the Cruise board, sometimes they complain about saving places on the family beach, but you have every reason to do this!!

I'm sure you will have a fantastic trip!!

Susan

 

[aprilgail2]

Thanks for all the help...I was on the phone with Disney Cruise line for 45 minutes this afternoon changing the reservation to a handicapped room....We had to upgrade from a 6 to a 5 though since the handicapped 6 rooms only hold 3 people so we have room 7638 now.
Do I have to phone the Poly seperatly fr a handicapped room there or does that follow suit with the cruise portion?
We have a handicapped pass for the car for him, anyone know if these spots at the hotel are plentyful or will we have trouble getting one?

 

[teri]

You mean parking spots - there should be plenty. Also, you should know that valet parking is free for guests with disabilities.

I believe that the resort room ressie will follow suit with the Cruise line ressie, but you should call to make sure. Also, be sure to read about the Guest Assistance Card in the FAQ - just click on the link in my signature, below. That may be something that you need, since his illness is not just a mobility issue.

 

[LindaDVC]

Glad you were able to switch rooms.
That way you won't have to worry if he is still having any trouble walking.
When do you sail?

Linda

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by LindaDVC
Glad you were able to switch rooms.
That way you won't have to worry if he is still having any trouble walking.
When do you sail?

Linda

We leave April 27th and go on the cruise part May 5th....