Friday, June 23, 2023

Sailing Disney Cruise Line with Special Needs/Disabilities

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:

https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/dcl/finder/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/DCL_Guidebook%20Rev.%2020%20Feb.%202018%20version.compressed.pdf

 

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Carolyn-Tinky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Scott-Sparky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

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