Travelers: me, my disabled quadriplegic husband, our 14 year old son, and my parents.

On the way to Oasis: the three of us traveled by car from Raleigh, NC because my husband’s power wheelchair is too substantial to fly. We had a brand spankin’ new handicapped converted van to drive there, a Toyota Sienna with a slide out ramp on the passenger side. We had plenty of space for luggage and everyone in the van and the drive was uneventful. We drove almost to Jacksonville the first day (we left after work Thursday) and then the rest of the way Friday, arriving at the Embassy Suites at the Pier (literally ½ mile). Our hotel room was specifically reserved as handicapped accessible … but when we got there, they didn’t have that marked down and they didn’t have a room available for wheelchairs!! ACK! The hotel manager pulled out all the stops though and gave us their “Presidential Suite” which was h/c accessible and was on the top floor with a straight out view of the Pier for no additional cost. The day was saved!

On Saturday morning, my parents, who had driven in from Atlanta, and met us at the Embassy Suites too, all piled into our van (THEN it was a little crowded lol) and we drove the 2 minutes to the pier. We all had to show ID to get into the pier when we drove in, so have that ready for all passengers if you park at the pier itself. It felt like manna from heaven fell down because JUST as we pulled in, the absolute number one, RIGHT in front of the boat handicapped spot opened up!!! We parked there!! (I always wonder when I see cars in el primo spots who on earth parks there … now I know! … we do!). It was a good omen that lasted the entire trip. Read more