Well ahoy there Charlene, and welcome aboard planDisney!
When it comes to accessibility, I find myself constantly being mindful of the ways that we can make the experience better and easier for everyone with mobility needs. My father uses a mobility aid from time to time and on our most recent
Disney Cruise onboard the Disney Wish, we went to Castaway Cay with our friends who had an ECV and I am happy to relate to you our experience getting around:
Before you
disembark at Castaway Cay, it's always a great idea to have a peek outside to determine whether the gangways are available at both the Forward and Aft ends of the ship. For folks using wheelchairs and mobility scooters, finding space in an elevator may pose a challenge; we had greater success in choosing the elevator lobby towards the Forward - furthest from the dining locations on board where folks would be coming from en masse before descending to the disembarkation Deck.
At the
Kargo Handling Tram Stop you may be able to take advantage of the accessible front row of the shuttle vehicles, depending on the size of your ECV or your ability to transfer from your scooter. Alternatively, you can get a nice scenic overview if you choose to scoot down to the first available parking area with sand wheelchairs available adjacent to the entrance to
Scuttle's Cove. In fact, the paved pathways seem to make it possible for you to make it to Serenity Bay on your own but the distance and a number of uncovered stretches with limited shade may make this challenging. (We definitely tried our best!) If you weren't able to board the tram at the stop closest to the ship, you may have luck like we did requesting a ride at the
Pelican Point Tram Stop to take you all the way to Serenity Bay.
It is worth noting that as with any offerings, accessibility services may be limited at times and are subject to availability; be prepared and stay hydrated in the event of a longer wait time and know that these are subject to change without prior notice. It's always worth telling the Cast Members you pass by about your intention to get to Serenity Bay, so that they can do everything they can to assist you on your way. Also be sure to get in contact with
Disney Cruise Line Special Services as they have been incredibly helpful in the past, especially if you choose to
fill out a Request Special Services form ahead of your voyage.
As one of my
Princely Picks, Tips and Tricks, I recommend requesting an additional towel to drape over sand wheelchairs; depending on when you choose to use one, they're often exposed outside to the weather and may either be incredibly warm to the touch (think of a car seat out in the sun all day), or slightly damp from fellow guests in wet swimwear. They are typically available first-come, first-served and may be a bit bulky or incredibly difficult to maneuver without having someone helping to push - so keep that in mind!
Feel free to
come back to planDisney again for any more questions you might have before you sail, and reach out to our Disney Cruise Line specialists
Tracie and
Adrianna for their personal tips and tricks!
Here's to scooting towards a bit of Serenity on your next voyage!
Prince