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Three Generations Aboard Ship; fireworks; night
  • On Jan 19, 2013
    Katie Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We're sailing on the Dream in Feb with our 5 y.o. non-verbal son. Can we connect ahead of time with a manager from the Oceaneers club to discuss his special needs? What else can we do proactively to make the sail a nice trip for our special needs guy? Thx!

    Katie, welcome aboard! 

    Disney Cruise Line is fantastic with special needs children. The counselors are experienced with children of all different needs and will do their very best to ensure that your little guy has the time of his life when he visits the Oceaneer's Club and Lab.

    Before you sail, be sure to call Disney Cruise Line to discuss specific needs for your son. They will note this information on your reservation, which will then be sent to the Club, so the counselors are aware and can prepare before your son even sets foot on the ship.

    Once onboard, be sure to make a plan with the Oceaneer's Club director on the first day. Don't bother waiting in the long Club registration line at the port terminal. Pre-register him online during your online check-in. Then, once onboard, go to the Oceaneer's Club to pick up his Mickey band. That is a great time to have a one-on-one conversation with the director or counselors  to discuss the best ways to provide your little man with a great experience while he's on his own in the Club. Each child is unique and responds differently to situations, and you as the parent have the best information on what works for your son.

    Then, give it a try. You will have a wave phone, should the Club need to reach you for any reason. Also, you might not know that throughout the cruise there are Open House hours in the Club and Lab. During these times, parents stay with their children to engage in the activities and events. You might find this a good time to give the Club and Lab a first try with your son, and to familiarize him with the areas before you check him in for secured programming on his own.

    Most importantly, Katie, relax and know that Disney is there to make this the most wonderful vacation you can imagine, and that means not just for your son, but for you too. So, find some time to treat yourself as well! You deserve it! Let me know if you have any other questions before you set sail! 
thumbnail image for Marcy

Meet the Panelist: Marcy, Ohio

Welcome aboard! I'm the mom of two tween/teen Castaway Clubbers who would live on any of the Disney ships if they could. I would love to help your family discover the magic that awaits you on the open seas with Disney Cruise Line. Learn More About Marcy

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