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,
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.
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:
that flash the
lights, emergency alarms are flashing instead of audible, both also shake the
bed to awaken a sleeping hard of hearing guest. The Disney Wish has hearing impaired
cabins and does not have portable devices for the hard of hearing. Make sure
your request a cabin for the heard 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 no extra charge and available upon request.
For the blind
there are the following services:
Alternative format
on select 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, numbers, or resources
to provide the 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.
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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