Special needs child in Oceanears club

[Cindy Girl]

Does anyone have any experience leaving their special needs child in the club? My friend (whom we are traveling with in October) has a 3.5 year old boy non verbal at this time, autistic (just diagnosed) but no sensory issues. He is in pre school non one on one and does great. He just doesn't speak. Right now he's not potty trained, but they say they will accept him since he is special needs.

Just wondering what experiences you all might have. Thanks!!

 

[scubamomma]

I don't have any experience with a disabled child but my guess is the potty training thing is going to be an issue. For the child to be allowed to be dropped off they have to be 100% potty trained. The CM are not even allowed to go into the bathrooms and help the children. You are more than welcome to accompany the child and stay while they play but you can't go into the bathroom and help them either. There are no adults allowed in the bathrooms in the kid's clubs. Non-potty trained children can only be dropped off at the nursery and there is a fee. We sailed on the Magic in 2011 and that was the policy then. Double check to see if it is still the same. I don't know about an upper age limit for the nursery. I just brought a book and found an empty chair when our 2 year old wanted to play. Her 5 year old sister helped her in the bathroom or we went to find another one outside the kid's clubs. Good luck.

 

[Dug720]

One thing to be aware of is that there is no way the club staff can be 1:1 with him. In order for an adult to go with him, it would be limited to open hours. If he is accustomed to/dependent on someone being 1:1 with him, I wouldn't count on being able to drop him off.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I don't have any experience with a disabled child but my guess is the potty training thing is going to be an issue. For the child to be allowed to be dropped off they have to be 100% potty trained. The CM are not even allowed to go into the bathrooms and help the children. You are more than welcome to accompany the child and stay while they play but you can't go into the bathroom and help them either. There are no adults allowed in the bathrooms in the kid's clubs. Non-potty trained children can only be dropped off at the nursery and there is a fee. We sailed on the Magic in 2011 and that was the policy then. Double check to see if it is still the same. I don't know about an upper age limit for the nursery. I just brought a book and found an empty chair when our 2 year old wanted to play. Her 5 year old sister helped her in the bathroom or we went to find another one outside the kid's clubs. Good luck.

There have been some changes to the over 3 non-potty trained group. Oceaneer's Club now will allow non-trained 3 year olds in there with the proviso that the parent will return regularly to attend to toileting needs. Non DCL adults cannot remain in the children's clubs during secured programming, only during Open House events. A 3 year old can no longer use the nursery.

 

[Weedy]

The rules have changed. Adults are not allowed in the clubs except during Open House times.
There will be time everyday where adults can accompany their child in the clubs.
It has been said on these boards ( by people who say they work for Disney Cruise Lines) that if a child is 3 potty trained or not they will be allowed in the clubs. Cast members are not allowed to change diapers or assist with the bathroom ( in the kids clubs)
Once you board go to the club and talk with the cast members. They can help you know the times it won't be as busy and he will be more successful in the club on his own. The age spread is age 3-12 and can sometimes be overwhelming for younger kids. It can be very busy in the evening after dinner.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Correct. As long he is okay in a group, you can drop him off

 

[Cindy Girl]

he is dropped off at preschool so I think he'd be fine. He doesn't need 1 on 1 and I am sure she'd go check on him often. Thank you all for the info!
!

 

[bumbershoot]

A 3 year old can no longer use the nursery.

I thought it was determined that while un-trained 3 year olds can now go to the Lab, they can also still stay at the nursery if they aren't ready. That there is a very needed and kind overlap with the age?

 

[TestingH2O]

I thought it was determined that while un-trained 3 year olds can now go to the Lab, they can also still stay at the nursery if they aren't ready. That there is a very needed and kind overlap with the age?

Yes, this is also my understanding. The online booking system allows it too as I've booked a few hours for my 3 year old just in case she doesn't care for the lab.

 

[lanejudy]

he is dropped off at preschool so I think he'd be fine. He doesn't need 1 on 1 and I am sure she'd go check on him often. Thank you all for the info!
!

She should be good dropping him off, then. Since he is not potty-trained, they likely will require an adult to return periodically to check (I've read hourly, but not sure about wiggle-room on that). I do suggest your friend take him for Open House on the first afternoon to help him acclimate to the space and discuss any concerns with the CMs so they are aware of his needs. She may want to work up to longer stays gradually -- drop off for 30 minutes and pick-up, then late do an hour before pick-up, etc. But since he's used to preschool, that may not be an issue.

Enjoy your cruise!