Disney Wonder Activites

and we are back.....

Lets begin with our arrival to the Seattle Port. After the drive though the downtown area, very exciting, I mean panic inducing anxiety, we finally found our way towards the cruise dock. I have to admit when we turned the corner and the ship came in to view I teared up a bit. It was stunning and I felt sure this was the trip of a lifetime.
My tears of joy quickly turned to tears of frustration when I discovered that there was no accessible shuttle from parking back to port. (as I was told when I called to make special arrangements for us to get from the lot to the ship.) No one had any clue what to do, security told me to leave her with the luggage and ride the shuttle back alone, same with the shuttle staff and the lot check point.
(Disney was extremely sorry about this and made certain I had a ride back to my car when we returned.)
For future use, the protocol for this to be avoided is that you call ahead and the shuttle service is arranged via a wheelchair accessible taxi at no cost to the guest.

I got through security very quickly after my 2 hour parking issue. It is amazing how quickly a manager comes when you get snippy at the metal detectors. They fast tracked us in front of the first class line.

Now back to the ship.

Our cruise on the Disney Wonder had endless opportunities and activities, too bad for us that we were unable to gain access to some of the sections. The areas were ADA accessible, and from what I saw of them they were really cool.

We were not permitted in unless it was "open house" programming. All other times were considered secure programming where only children within the specified age limits would be allowed to enter. It was very secure, kids over 12 were not permitted in the youth areas, teens past 18 were not allowed in the teen lounge. Very strict rules and for good reason, parents want to ensure that their children are safe. The Disney executive I spoke with has already started a dialog on how to make these areas more available to children with medical needs, while also making sure that people without the need do not try to take advantage of the accommodations.

In the past people with needs like Jazmine would have been able to bring on a helper at a discount but due to program abuse they had to stop allowing it and charge the same rate for everyone.

Prior to my purchase of this vacation I spoke with the Disney staff regarding the special needs issue and sharing the details of possible medical intervention. I asked for accommodation and was informed that my request would be arranged. Once on board I found out that I was given false information regarding the accommodations available.

(Disney management on board helped arrange for some special activities for Jazmine and offered to have the programming manager work with her 1 to 1 during special activities, but I declined to leave her for safety concerns)

Even with this hiccup, we stayed busy. The daily schedule had options for character meets, tea parties, comedy shows, and movies. Lounge areas were kid friendly and many areas had games to play. Adults had different activities the spa, cash prize bingo each day, special programming on wildlife and glaciers, fitness activities, plus large areas dedicated to 18 and over for enjoying views, relaxing and nightlife events.
(I regret not trying to sneak Jaz into these places, she certainly is starting to look old enough)

The live theater shows were 5 star all the way. I have been to Disney on Ice shows and the on board entertainment was SO much better. Toy Story the Musical and Disney Dreams were so amazing that Jaz opted to skip the sit down meals and see the shows twice. (since there were 8 other places to get meals it was not a problem). They did not allow any photos during these shows, but they were so good that you didn't want to miss a second of it fiddling with your camera. Seating in the Walt Disney theater was always available and staff was on hand to fetch a chair for the companion.

Shopping on board was limited, but offered everything at regular price you would pay on land. I did not visit the duty free shop for smokes or booze, but they had a price list in the room and it seemed like totally regular costs to me.

We had a wonderful tea party with Ariel and Tiana, a private meeting with Goofy and every character greeted Jaz by name and made a few extra minutes to chat with her whenever we saw them in route. (which was A LOT). The characters are everywhere on board. They have time to be playful with kids, do photos and autographs.

Even with the false information we were given, it did not sour us on Disney Cruise Line for vacation options. (15 night Hawaii cruise? one can dream)
Mistakes happen, and now I have the contacts and experience to plan for the future...

Look for another share on the activities we did on land in a few days.