Wheelchair accessible transfers to/from port

[twinmum]

Hi - I will also post this on the DISabilities thread. We are excited about our upcoming Disney Fantasy cruise. We need to decide between bringing power or manual wheelchair for our DS15 (he has cerebral palsy).

We usually bring his manual chair so we have options for transfers. A power chair is more limiting for transportation but will give him his independence...but will be our first time flying with the power chair etc.

We have 2 nights pre-cruise and 2 nights post-cruise. Post-cruise is at the Swan, and we're still deciding about pre-cruise. It may even depend on transportation (i.e. stay on Disney property to use the bus transfers, which we haven't done before).

Does anyone know if DCL buses go to/from the Swan? I don't think so, but will be happy to find out I am wrong!

Can anyone recommend wheelchair accessible tranportation options from Orlando to the port and airport?

We're relieved we haven't had to cancel - he is still in rehab after major orthopedic surgery in November, and he's had some major complications. However, the surgeon has given him the go-ahead and his whole team thinks this will be great motivation for the next few weeks!

Thanks!

 

[dumbox2]

Frankly I would bring both chairs! We just did the fantasy over christmas and i brought both my power and manual chair. having the power chair gave me freedom to be as independent as possible while on the ship which is so important to anyone but especially a kid. while the manual didnt limit us to going on excursions at ports and such. for the cruise we took the autotrain so i could have my powerchair but i have flown before with it. airlines can be rough on the chairs so if it were me i would prelook up a repair place just in case something happens since you will be down there a couple days beforehand. and me does have buses with lifts to get you to port. and supershuttle can get you to the swan. a lot of attractions at disney have limits on power chairs so on your park days you will probably want the manual.

let me know if you have any other accessibility questions about the fantasy. i was pretty concerned beforehand but for the most part it was all fine (a couple things were an issue for me but wont be as major a problem for your son) but happy to chat and help get your son the motivation he needs to recover quickly!

 

[Four Bears]

Hi,
I agree with the PP about having both chairs available for both of the reasons you listed above.

Here is a thought...Can your son make do with "an off the shelf manual wheelchair" or is he is a custom wheelchair? If he can make due with the "off the shelf manual wheelchair" then you can arrange to rent one in Florida. This way you are only dealing with the hassle of transporting one chair. In the airport, you could use the wheelchair service in the airport since neither wheelchair will fit in the plane aisles.

Obviously this wouldn't work if you son has specific seating needs that require specialty back, cushion (although you could take yours from home), or harnesses, or other special seating considerations.

Brevard Medical services the Orlando area and they also have other equipment like shower chairs, lifts, etc.

(I am an Occupational Therapist)

 

[lanejudy]

... Can anyone recommend wheelchair accessible tranportation options from Orlando to the port and airport? ...

So putting aside the debate about which chair to bring, if you want to bring the powerchair I think I answered on the disAbilities forum the other day...if you are looking for him to remain in his powerchair, and it is equipped with tie-downs, I think your "easiest" option is DCL transfers. Make sure the reservation notes you need a lift. If he can/will transfer, that may open other options - but then again you still need to get the powerchair to port even if your son sits on the regular seat in the vehicle.

DCL transfers will run from MCO or WDW resorts (including the Swan/Dolphin) to Port Canaveral, and the reverse. Cost is $35 per person each way.

Magical Express is a free service between MCO and WDW-owned resorts, but does not provide service to the Swan/Dolphin. So you'd need to look into other transportation to get to the Swan. Or could you change your resort to take advantage of ME? Again, if taking ME you want to make sure they have it noted on the reservation that you'll need a bus with a lift.

Enjoy your vacation!