Pirates and Pals Cruise Help!

[steffali]

Yesterday I spoke with WDW and they said that this cruise was wheelchair accessible but I couldn't book it until today, so today I called and they said they could not get a wheelchair on it I am soooo confused I can't imagine how they can give me different information???
Anyway I am here to ask the EXPERTS about how you get on the pirates and pals cruise?? Is it a ramp or step down??? HELPPPP PLease!!!!!

TIA

 

[SueM in MN]

Yesterday I spoke with WDW and they said that this cruise was wheelchair accessible but I couldn't book it until today, so today I called and they said they could not get a wheelchair on it I am soooo confused I can't imagine how they can give me different information???
Anyway I am here to ask the EXPERTS about how you get on the pirates and pals cruise?? Is it a ramp or step down??? HELPPPP PLease!!!!!

TIA

I have not been on it, but the boat shown on the Disney website (which you can only see the top of) looks like it would be wheelchair accessible because of the size.
If you have not called the number listed on this page to book it, I would try that number.
Also try the Special Reservations Line: (407) 939-7807
This is the number for making all types of special needs reservations - rooms and tours.

 

[steffali]

Thanks I just called over there and they transfered me over to a voicemail for the Pirates and Pals Cruise so I left a message and I will see what happens.

I would think this would be a common concern for others as well

 

[barrysprot36]

I've booked this for next month and I'm sure the CM said DS2 would need to be able to transfer from his wheelchair to access the boat when I booked it.

Caron

 

[steffali]

I am surprised that they wouldn't make it wheelchair accessible. My DD is 23 and there is no way we can lift her in or out of the boat.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I have not been on it, but the boat shown on the Disney website (which you can only see the top of) looks like it would be wheelchair accessible because of the size

That boat? That boat looks like it has a 'gate' for an entrance to the boat (look slightly to the right of center) that WILL accommodate a wheelchair. Ideally, someone who's been on the boat with a wheelchair will see this thread and respond. I truly can't see Walt Disney World initiating this nightly cruise with this style vehicle - different from the one used when it was a Grand Gatherings-only feature - and NOT making it wheelchair accessible!

 

[steffali]

I got a phone call back from the place Special Needs transfered me to. The guy told me that there is a ramp to get on and that there is spots in the back for wheelchair/ECV.
I would " ASSUME" he knows what he is talking about seeing as he was calling me from the Pirates and Pals Dept. at the CR, if not there will be a lot of screaming going on Oct. 2nd.

 

[SueM in MN]

I got a phone call back from the place Special Needs transfered me to. The guy told me that there is a ramp to get on and that there is spots in the back for wheelchair/ECV.
I would " ASSUME" he knows what he is talking about seeing as he was calling me from the Pirates and Pals Dept. at the CR, if not there will be a lot of screaming going on Oct. 2nd.

Hopefully someone will report on it before you go - lost of opportunity before October for someone to go on it.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The Pirates & Pals Fireworks Cruise used to be for Grand Gatherings. The boats hold about 100 people. They board at a floating dock, so the dock height is always level with the boat (just as the Friendships at Epcot and Crescent Lake). There are spaces for wheelchairs and EDvs in the back of the boat.

I've not done it since it became open to everyone. However, when it was for the GGs all rows were assigned to specific groups and if a person was in a chair they could not be with their group unless they were able to transfer to a bench seat.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the information, Cheshire Figment.

 

[steffali]

Thanks for the info

 

[barrysprot36]

We have booked this for 4th June so I could report back if you would like me to.

Caron

 

[steffali]

We have booked this for 4th June so I could report back if you would like me to.

Caron

Thank you that would be great!!! I hope you have a good time

 

[barrysprot36]

As promised I'm reporting back to you

We went on the voyage last night and was pretty disappointed TBH with the whole wheelchair experience. I'll give you details on what happened during te evening.

We checked in on the second floor of the Contemporary at 8:30pm. We were given pirate scarves each and out seat rows and boat (Mr Smee's). DS2 was given row 22 with his wheelchair with either my DH or myself to sit next to him. Our other seat was on Row 20 in front with another family.

At 8:45pm the area was opened by two pirates where snacks and soft drrinks/coffee were available and limited seating area. Captain Hook and Mr Smee were there for autographs and photos (no photopass). At approx 9:15pm after a restroom call we were escorted (along with strollers) to the elevators down and outside to the waiting 2 boats at the end of the boat dock. This was the first part we were disappointed with as it meant DS2 totally missed out on as the others followed either Capt. Hook or Mr Smee down to the dock and it looked liked there was fun there.

To board the boat it is fully accessible with a ramp brought to the back of the boat (similar to the monorail) and DS2 was informed which side of the boat to sit with his wheelchair and DH beside him. It was easy enough and both had a great view down into the boat. I sat in front and below them.

The voyage started with the Pirate Patch being extremely entertaining. We watched the Electric Water Parade then went to take our place on the lake ready for Wishes. As we were sat on the starboard side (RHS looking to the front of the boat) we were at the back looking across to the castle when it was moored up. This was the other major disappointment. Because of the difference in height at the back of the boat DS2 couldn't see any of the high fireworks as the boat's roof blocked his view. There is space for another wheelchair at the port side of the boat which would have made viewing better for a wheelchair user. However, a manager sat here and the strollers were stored in that area.

Before Wishes started Patch did a Disney quiz and posed with the kids for photos.

When we docked back at CR Peter Pan was there to meet the boats and a photo opportunity. DS2 was really tired by this time so we didn't wait.

I don't want to put anyone off as the voyage is great fun but a wheelchair user has a 50:50 chance of having a very limited view of Wishes.

caron

 

[dclfun]

As promised I'm reporting back to you

We went on the voyage last night and was pretty disappointed TBH with the whole wheelchair experience. I'll give you details on what happened during te evening.

We checked in on the second floor of the Contemporary at 8:30pm. We were given pirate scarves each and out seat rows and boat (Mr Smee's). DS2 was given row 22 with his wheelchair with either my DH or myself to sit next to him. Our other seat was on Row 20 in front with another family.

At 8:45pm the area was opened by two pirates where snacks and soft drrinks/coffee were available and limited seating area. Captain Hook and Mr Smee were there for autographs and photos (no photopass). At approx 9:15pm after a restroom call we were escorted (along with strollers) to the elevators down and outside to the waiting 2 boats at the end of the boat dock. This was the first part we were disappointed with as it meant DS2 totally missed out on as the others followed either Capt. Hook or Mr Smee down to the dock and it looked liked there was fun there.

To board the boat it is fully accessible with a ramp brought to the back of the boat (similar to the monorail) and DS2 was informed which side of the boat to sit with his wheelchair and DH beside him. It was easy enough and both had a great view down into the boat. I sat in front and below them.

The voyage started with the Pirate Patch being extremely entertaining. We watched the Electric Water Parade then went to take our place on the lake ready for Wishes. As we were sat on the starboard side (RHS looking to the front of the boat) we were at the back looking across to the castle when it was moored up. This was the other major disappointment. Because of the difference in height at the back of the boat DS2 couldn't see any of the high fireworks as the boat's roof blocked his view. There is space for another wheelchair at the port side of the boat which would have made viewing better for a wheelchair user. However, a manager sat here and the strollers were stored in that area.

Before Wishes started Patch did a Disney quiz and posed with the kids for photos.

When we docked back at CR Peter Pan was there to meet the boats and a photo opportunity. DS2 was really tired by this time so we didn't wait.

I don't want to put anyone off as the voyage is great fun but a wheelchair user has a 50:50 chance of having a very limited view of Wishes.

caron

Thanks so much for the detailed review. If I were you, I'd write a letter to Disney letting them know that the other side of the ship is best for w/c viewing vs. storing strollers in that section and that your son did not have a view of most of Wishes due to the placement of his w/c. It's disappointing enough to have a less-than-everyone-else experience, but even more disheartening to know that part of it could've been prevented by a little forethought.---Kathy

 

[Schmeck]

Was the boat tied to a dock during the fireworks, or was it anchored? If it was tied to a dock, then yes, it made no sense to have empty strollers getting the best view! But if it was on an anchor line, then there really is no way to adjust which side of the boat is getting the best view, as that all depends on the wind and currents.

 

[SueM in MN]

It sounds like the roof was the biggest obstacle to seeing the fireworks.
I agree with Kathy that you should send a letter - maybe not saying the view would be better on the other side (they might just move it without it actually being better). I think sending a little shorter version of what you posted here would be helpful.
It just shows that there is more to accessibility than just adding a ramp.

 

[barrysprot36]

Thanks so much for the detailed review. If I were you, I'd write a letter to Disney letting them know that the other side of the ship is best for w/c viewing vs. storing strollers in that section and that your son did not have a view of most of Wishes due to the placement of his w/c. It's disappointing enough to have a less-than-everyone-else experience, but even more disheartening to know that part of it could've been prevented by a little forethought.---Kathy

We spoke with an Entertainment Manager at the Contemporary the following day about DS2 experience. He agreed it wasn't right and has re-funded DS2 Voyage payment. I did say it would be a good idea for any further guests be advised that a wheelchair user may have a restricted fireworks view before they booked.

It sounds like the roof was the biggest obstacle to seeing the fireworks.
I agree with Kathy that you should send a letter - maybe not saying the view would be better on the other side (they might just move it without it actually being better). I think sending a little shorter version of what you posted here would be helpful.
It just shows that there is more to accessibility than just adding a ramp

Exactly

Was the boat tied to a dock during the fireworks, or was it anchored? If it was tied to a dock, then yes, it made no sense to have empty strollers getting the best view! But if it was on an anchor line, then there really is no way to adjust which side of the boat is getting the best view, as that all depends on the wind and currents.

The boat was anchored. Another guest asked which side of the boat had the better view and was told it was up to the captain which way the boat was facing for the fireworks.

Caron

 

[Schmeck]

The boat was anchored. Another guest asked which side of the boat had the better view and was told it was up to the captain which way the boat was facing for the fireworks.

Caron

Unless they anchor both stern and bow, there is absolutely no way to control which way a boat sits in the water. It's very dangerous to anchor a boat that way, as the wind could shift, and capsize the boat. The CM that told the guest the captain controlled the way the boat faced basically has no clue as to how boats float! Even in a lake, there is a current, and wind, and the boat settles on the anchor line in a path of least resistance.

Was the HA seat the only one with a blocked view, or were all the seats in the area blocked by the roof?

 

[barrysprot36]

Unless they anchor both stern and bow, there is absolutely no way to control which way a boat sits in the water. It's very dangerous to anchor a boat that way, as the wind could shift, and capsize the boat. The CM that told the guest the captain controlled the way the boat faced basically has no clue as to how boats float! Even in a lake, there is a current, and wind, and the boat settles on the anchor line in a path of least resistance.

Was the HA seat the only one with a blocked view, or were all the seats in the area blocked by the roof?

Only the two HA seats at the back were blocked views. I was sat the furthest away from the fireworks and could see them all if I bent slightly down. I could do this as no-one was sat next to me.

Caron