Make a Wish Disney Cruise

[MrsValla1715]

My Daughter was just granted a Disney Cruise with make a wish. She has a rare cardiac condition called hederotaxi syndrome with TAPVR and dextrocardia. This truly was an unexpected blessing for us, and i am truly grateful for make a wish for this amazing once in a lifetime opportunity for our family. i am a little nervous however because this will be her first time on a cruise and she has numerous limitations and I'm hoping that there will be things for her to do. she is still in pampers and I'm hearing a lot about insurance concerns on a boat?? i have looked at past post of the Make a wish tread.. but it is sort of outdated. i think i saw the last post was in 2012. Im just curios with anyones experiences with DCL and disabled children. She 6 but mentally is 24 months in age. i have so many questions but i know this our wish coordinator first cruise wish as well so she not really sure on some things and i don't want to keep bothering her lol (even though I'm sure she dosen't mind) I'm hoping to get some more in site from other dis-ers

thanks

 

[lanejudy]

Welcome!

Here is a link to the latest Make A Wish thread -- it appears the latest post was in November, but I expect if you post you'll get responses. It seems to be a terrific group of MAW families who share their experiences. http://www.disboards.com/threads/ma...tions-wish-trippers-unite-volume-six.3084932/

As to questions about a DCL cruise -- insurance? Do you mean travel insurance? I would absolutely want to have travel insurance -- this is something to discuss with your wish granter to make sure you are covered; you'll likely need a policy that covers pre-existing conditions, so that usually needs to be bought relatively soon after booking the cruise with deposit. Of course, check with your/her primary medical insurance to see if that extends to foreign coverage when traveling, but many do not.

She's in pampers -- assuming she can function in a typical group setting without direct 1:1 assistance, I believe the pampers won't be an issue for the Oceaneers Club/Lab; you likely will be requested to return periodically to check on her as the CMs in the Club/Lab are not allowed to change a child or help with toileting. If she is not able to attend secured programming in the Club/Lab, you are welcome to take her to "open house" times scheduled each day (and stay with her), and there are many other activities around the ship depending on interests.

Feel free to post other questions!

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[MrsValla1715]

Thank you for the feedback and information! and she is not verbal and does need assistance for certain things. So it looks like i would have to be with her, which is never a problem i want to share these moments with her regardless. its just good to know if she can partake in anything like the other kiddos, and ill have to look more into the travel insurance i wasn't sure if that was something MAW does or if i would have to arrange it.

thanks again

 

[lanejudy]

Non-verbal may not be as much of a challenge as you think if she is able to communicate her basic needs -- sign language, gesturing, a communication tool, etc. And I guess it depends "need assistance for certain things" what things exactly. Dressing, eating, etc. shouldn't be a concern. Fine motor skills, again probably not a problem. Does she attend school, childcare, church programs or anything with other kids? If so, and doesn't need full-time 1:1 aide, she's probably ok at the Club/Lab. Definitely take her to open house on the first day, speak with the CMs, and see how she does.

I don't have first-hand experience with what MAW can or will cover, but travel insurance (particularly the medical side) is a very valid concern and worth discussion with your wish granter. I suspect they insure it for themselves anyway, though you may be able to purchase a travel medical plan separately. If you Google something like "trip insurance comparison sites" the top few results are usually very popular (and reputable) -- and you can poke around there to see what's offered and call with questions.

Enjoy!

 

[Joanna71985]

The pool may be an issue, as no diapers are allowed (even swim diapers)

 

[Weedy]

I don't have a special needs child but have been on many cruises. You will have a wonderful time.
There are many activities onboard that you will be able to enjoy.
There are 3 Broadway style shows that will play.
There will be character meet and greets.
Each day you will receive a Navigator that will list the days activities. Here is a link that has copies of past ones so you can get an idea of what happens each day. http://disneycruiselineblog.com/personal-navigators/
Also try posting your questions on cruising with a special needs child on the cruise board thread. Lots of people have cruised with kids that need a little extra help. You will get lots of replies.
http://www.disboards.com/forums/disney-cruise-line-forum.9/

 

[SMD]

Don't rely on just your medical coverage to extend to the ship or ports. You'll want a travel policy that in addition to pre-existing conditions covers evacuation. Otherwise if it's decided by the cruise company that a medical condition is serious, they can drop you off in a port and you'll have to find your own way home. Also, you'll want to get passports instead of relying on birth certificates. If something does happen, you won't be able to fly home from a foreign port without a passport.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I am a coordinator of volunteers at Give-Kids-The-World, as well as a MAW "Wish Granter" (they are not the same nor connected).
2) MAW Wish Granters do not actually make all the arrangements - these are done by PAID staffers, not us Volunteer Granters.
3) You can ask your Granter, and in-turn they will contact others for alternatives.
4) Please remember:
. . . Disney (parks nor Cruise Line) "manage" special cases all that well
. . . they have routines (like Guest Service escorts), but do not dedicate people or services for/to special needs
. . . simply too much liability
. . . Disney does not want to create "permanent employment for lawyers"
. . . the responsibility is strictly up to the parents or care-giver

NOTE1: At GKTW, we do a better job than Disney at special-needs care-giving, because GKTW was established for that purpose. Whether volunteers or paid staff, GKTW takes better care of WISH kids.

NOTE2: Glad MAW was able to grant your wish, and hope you have a good time. And, as listed above, PLEASE get the travel insurance. BUT, make certain the insurance covers per-existing illnesses and conditions. Travel Insurance is not like Obama-Care, and pre-existing coverage is not mandatory and is seldom offered. You could be in trouble somewhere and have to shoulder all the expense, including a special flight home for treatment if required. We talked to one family, after their trip, that had this happen and they had to pay UPFRONT with their own credit cards of over $6,000 to get flown home mid-cruise. And, since this was a medical "service", the credit card company would not even accept a later dispute for the charges.

 

[MrsValla1715]

Wow, is all very helpful! @TheRustyScupper @lanejudy @Weedy and @SMD. this was all great information. i will defiantly be talking to my wish granter once all this is more in place with my daughters wish. thanks again!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Wow, is all very helpful! . . . this was all great information. i will defiantly be talking to my wish granter once all this is more in place with my daughters wish. thanks again

1) I would contact your Wish Granter NOW.
2) Once things are in-place, it can be hard to change.
3) If not able to accommodate you, the child may miss out on an alternative Wish being granted.
4) Wishes have been pulled back when the family was not happy with the plans.
5) You would be surprised at how many families come back after arrangements made and
. . . want different arrangements
. . . want items or activities added
. . . want extra privileges
. . . want venues changed
. . . want to add people
. . . want different dates

 

[lanejudy]

I'm not sure exactly where you/they are in the process of granting this wish, but with regards to the travel insurance you definitely want to speak up sooner rather than later. To have pre-existing coverage, most policies require it to be purchased with a few days (<14) of initial deposit. So by the time they have everything set and in place, it could be too late.

Enjoy your WISH cruise!