Wheelchair-accessible room

[nemmie]

Hi all!

When looking to book a wheelchair-accessible room the message

“By selecting a wheelchair-accessible room, you have indicated that you or a member of your party has a disability that requires the features of this stateroom. You may be required to provide written confirmation of this need.” appears.

Does anyone have experience with what it is DCL needs? A doctors letter as confirmation of the disability?

TIA

 

[Chipmunkmaniac]

Hi all!

When looking to book a wheelchair-accessible room the message

“By selecting a wheelchair-accessible room, you have indicated that you or a member of your party has a disability that requires the features of this stateroom. You may be required to provide written confirmation of this need.” appears.

Does anyone have experience with what it is DCL needs? A doctors letter as confirmation of the disability?

TIA

I bring my parking card but they have never asked for it. I do have mobility devices with me so I'm not sure if they would ask if the handicap is not visible....

 

[bobbiwoz]

I bring my parking card but they have never asked for it. I do have mobility devices with me so I'm not sure if they would ask if the handicap is not visible....

I never gave a thought to bringing the HA card, but I also need a mobility device. I have needed a cane long before I ever had an ECV with me. They have never asked why we book a HA room.

 

[nemmie]

Thank you! So they didn’t contact you after booking before the cruise to confirm or provide proof? I wonder what the message means on the website. Perhaps just a confirmation point that you actually need the disabled access room to avoid booking in error.

 

[Chipmunkmaniac]

Thank you! So they didn’t contact you after booking before the cruise to confirm or provide proof? I wonder what the message means on the website. Perhaps just a confirmation point that you actually need the disabled access room to avoid booking in error.

I believe they put it there to avoid abuse and that when they suspect abuse they can ask for proof

 

[Erica1016]

When we sailed with my dad in 2022, we booked my parents an accessible room. He did bring along a manual wheelchair, but he could also walk short distances. His need for the accessible room was more because of the bathroom. We were never asked for any documentation.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thank you! So they didn’t contact you after booking before the cruise to confirm or provide proof? I wonder what the message means on the website. Perhaps just a confirmation point that you actually need the disabled access room to avoid booking in error.

Perhaps.

I know in the past, many years ago, I booked a “guaranteed “ room and at times I got a HA room when I didn’t need one. But now, I do need one, so I book one.

In fact when I look online for future cruises, the HA CLASS comes up for me to OK, so, it’s in my profile, I guess.

 

[Erica1016]

Perhaps.

I know in the past, many years ago, I booked a “guaranteed “ room and at times I got a HA room when I didn’t need one. But now, I do need one, so I book one.

In fact when I look online for future cruises, the HA CLASS comes up for me to OK, so, it’s in my profile, I guess.

I have the same neuromuscular condition as my dad does. I don't have many particular symptoms when I'm seen out and about. My problems come when I'm trying to walk around without shoes on, issues with balance, etc. I can still do a regular room and shower, but on our last cruise I am starting to realize that my days of that are numbered. It's just not as easy to get in and out without feeling like I might fall.

We've also had some HA rooms as GTY and it is certainly better for me. There are a couple of rooms on the Dream/Fantasy that used to be HA and no longer are. We snagged one of those last time and it was wonderful!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I understand that there may be somethings that are available on DCL to make it easier to either step into the tub which is high, or something to hold onto. I need the walk-in shower, so, I never really learned how they could help me in a regular stateroom.

 

[Evil Queen 2]

Way back when I first booked a handicap accessible room for the folks on DCL they requested a letter from the doctor. But in recent years I have requested and booked handicap accessible rooms through the website and/or my DU travel agent. I do not use a wheelchair, but need the walk in shower.

Just a quick note ~ I understand that on the newer ships (above Magic and Wonder) that there are wheelchair accessible rooms and there are handicapped accessible rooms. I found out about this when looking to book a wheelchair room for the in-laws when the Fantasy / Dream where first launched.

 

[nemmie]

Thank you for your replies everyone. That’s really helpful. I can provide proof if needed but it seems it may not be.

 

[DVC Jackie]

I just had an experience where my husband and I were booked in a regular verandah room on the Fantasy for the September British Isles cruise (because I booked it several months after opening day and there were no handicapped verandas available). I had been watching the website to switch to a handicapped verandah (my husband has a neuromuscular disease and needs a walk in shower). When one opened up - I called to switch. The agent asked why we needed the handicapped cabin- that was as far as the conversation went. We have never been asked to provide proof- his handicap is not always visible- his leg braces may be covered by pants. Hope this helps!

 

[holula]

I understand that there may be somethings that are available on DCL to make it easier to either step into the tub which is high, or something to hold onto. I need the walk-in shower, so, I never really learned how they could help me in a regular stateroom.

My dad also needs the walk in shower, but nothing else in the HA rooms. If Disney made some rooms just with a walk in shower instead of a tub (much like the rooms on the Dream/Fantasy which were clearly built for HA but didn’t meet the requirements and are in the regular room stock) it would probably free up some rooms for people that truly do need the additional space. Just have a separate category for them and a tick box advising this room only has a shower and no tub.

 

[Erica1016]

I just had an experience where my husband and I were booked in a regular verandah room on the Fantasy for the September British Isles cruise (because I booked it several months after opening day and there were no handicapped verandas available). I had been watching the website to switch to a handicapped verandah (my husband has a neuromuscular disease and needs a walk in shower). When one opened up and I called to switch. The agent asked why we needed the handicapped cabin- that was as far as the conversation went. We have never been asked to provide proof- his handicap is not always visible- his leg braces may be covered by pants. Hope this helps!

This sounds like many people in my family!

 

[LAS2AMS]

When we’ve been able to book a handicap accessible room, we’ve never been asked for “proof” - although it’s only when my mom is traveling with us, and looking at her you wouldn’t question her handicap!

Many people book these rooms because they’re larger. Other cruise lines sell accessible rooms that use to be suites, and still have the hard amenities of the suites. So, the verbiage is there to discourage people who don’t needed these rooms from booking them.

 

[OKW Lover]

I wonder if it's even legal for them to ask for "proof" or a Dr note.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I wonder if it's even legal for them to ask for "proof" or a Dr note.

They usually say that you’ll be asked to sign an assertion under perjury that you have supporting documents, etc.

It’s more of a deterrent than anything.

 

[happycamper47]

I wonder if it's even legal for them to ask for "proof" or a Dr note.

Yes it is and that's the problem they don't and it does get abused. They need to start asking for proof as they did years ago. Other Cruise Lines state if you do abuse it they can make you change cabins.

This was discussed many times during COVID.

HIPAA does not prohibit someone from asking you to provide health information; it only regulates how healthcare providers and other covered entities can collect, use, and disclose your protected health information (PHI), meaning they cannot share your medical details without your consent unless there are specific exceptions outlined in the law; therefore, people can ask you about your health, but your healthcare provider cannot disclose that information without your authorization.

 

[brentm77]

Hi all!

When looking to book a wheelchair-accessible room the message

“By selecting a wheelchair-accessible room, you have indicated that you or a member of your party has a disability that requires the features of this stateroom. You may be required to provide written confirmation of this need.” appears.

Does anyone have experience with what it is DCL needs? A doctors letter as confirmation of the disability?

TIA

No. But I would also like to say to anyone thinking of getting a room who doesn't really need it, please don't. These rooms can be difficult to obtain for people who need them. Please don't decide that having a larger room is worth making it so someone else cannot cruise because an ADA room isn't available.

I personally wish they would ask for proof, as I don't think most people who need these rooms would mind providing it to avoid abuse and to keep them open for those who need them.

On the legal side, HIPAA does not apply here. It is a very misunderstood law, but it applies only between you and your healthcare provider (and the business associates they use, such as software vendors). It never applies to the relationship between a customer and Disney. The privacy provisions of the ADA might apply, but the ADA has limited application to cruise lines, and I doubt the question of whether the privacy protections apply has been litigated (but also haven't checked). Assuming it is applicable in this context, it might limit requiring a doctor's note, since that usually isn't allowed for public accommodations, but would allow the cruise line to ask some basic questions about the need in an attempt to avoid abuse. Frankly, as a parent of a disabled child, I would fully support an amendment to the ADA to allow better checking for need by airlines, theme parks, and hotels, to curb abuse. I think the benefit to the disabled community would be outweighed by the burden of obtaining the proof.