Sailing Disney Cruise Line with Special Needs/Disabilities
Let me share our experience sailing Disney Cruise Line with special needs. DCL is amazing in the way it makes everyone feel included.
In 2005 we sailed
on the Disney Magic. We were a group of 15 family and friends traveling
together. None of us had ever done DCL before. 3 were elderly with mobility
issues, using Scooters, vision and hearing impaired, and cognitive issues. 1
person used a CPap, 1 had diabetes, 6 had food allergies, 1 child with ADHD in
the spectrum, and 1 adult with ADHD. Yes, we covered the spectrum of
disabilities. DCL was amazingly accessible and helpful. From boarding the ship
to disembarking the Crew took spectacular care of us. In 2017 we took Mum on
her first Disney Cruise for her 90th Birthday. She LOVED it! She
felt spoiled. She had Alzheimer’s and the last thing she could remember and
clearly talk about was that cruise. She could not remember our names, but she
remembered that cruise! It helped her remember we loved her. It gave us
priceless memories of the best time with mum.
The attention
given to those with special needs that have been to the Disney Parks and Disney
Cruise with us has been amazing. We believe that it has improved and lengthened
their lives. Trips to Disney Parks and Cruise have given them a reason to fight
on. Those with cognitive issues it has given a reason to improve and has in
fact improved their functions. Those with emotional issue we have seen it bring
joy back into their lives and give them a reason to keep positive.
For Guests with
Mobility Issues:
Accessible cabins
can be found in most cabin category levels. Accessible Cabins have larger doors
with no lip to make it easier for wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers to access.
There are wider walkways in the cabin for getting around. Instead of a split
bathroom there is one bathroom with a roll in shower. Again, the bathroom door
is larger for easier access.
For the hearing
impaired there are the following services:
A door alarm that
flashes the lights, emergency alarms are flashing instead of audible, both also
shake the bed to awaken a sleeping hearing impaired guest. The Disney Wish has
hearing impaired cabins and does not have portable devices for the hard of
hearing. Make sure you request a cabin for the hard of hearing when booking. If
you contact DCL ahead of your trip they will arrange for ASL interpreters to be
at the shows for you. There are a limited number of DCL cruise out of Europe
that you can request ASL interpreters. There are also amplification devices and
Closed Caption Screens for the hearing impaired. All is at no extra charge and
available upon request.
For the blind
there are the following services:
Alternative format
on selected communications, audio described movies and Braille signage. The DCL
Navigator App features the daily schedule and menus with audio and
magnification functions. Additionally, Crew Members can assist with reading
menus, price tags, and other forms of Guest Information.
For Children with
Disabilities:
The kids clubs are
designed to be age appropriate. Children 3 years old that are potty trained can
go to the kids clubs. There are clubs for kids 3-17 years of age. Your child
needs to go to the AGE-appropriate area. The Clubs are accessible for those
with physical disabilities. If your child is 15 but functions at the level of a
8 year old they can not go into the younger age area. They can go into the area
with the teens of their age. If your child is 18 and functions at the level of
a much younger child, they can not go into the kids clubs. Everything is based
on age not cognitive ability. The Crew does not have the training, staffing, or
resources to provide the one on one care your child needs.
Guests with
Medical Needs:
Do you need to
bring medical equipment or medication? This includes things like CPap, Oxygen,
IV Pump, medication that needs to be refrigerated, need for a 2nd
refrigerator, sharps disposal box or anything else? Just ask DCL and they will
make sure you have what you need. There is a Sharps Container in every cabin
and public restroom. They are small but you can get another one if it fills up.
Here is a link to
the DCL book for guests with disabilities:
If you have any
questions feel free to ask.
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