the problem with MYW plans...

[Lori Anne]

UG!! drives me nuts!! Our daughter is 13 years old, non-verbal, no purposeful movement, has seizures, is visually impaired, AND is fed formula thru a g-tube, but because she travels to WDW with us, she HAS to be on the magic you way dining plan!!! I can understand the tickets, etc.. but why dosen't disney have an accomodation for people like rachel, where we are spending a couple hundred extra bucks for food she cannot eat!!! AARRGGHH!! thanks for letting me vent!! anyone else run into this???
Lori.

[mouseketeer mom]

You've got to be kidding! There MUST be some way around this issue. Perhaps someone who has experience with this can help further. I can't understand how this can be the case in your particular situation!! Hope someone comes around to offer some good advice for you.

[gerald72]

Why don't you just not get the dining plan. The point of it is to save money. It doesn't fit in with everyone's plans.

[sisterdisco]

Have you tried speaking w/ Disney's Disability Specialist? This would be someone who would assist in answering accessibility questions. I pulled these phone numbers off the disneyworld.com website under disability access
General Information: Voice: 407-824-4321 TTY: 407-827-5141

Resort Reservations: 407-939-7807 (TTY: 407-939-7670)


I would try there. I would also keep trying until I got a different answer. It is ridiculous for you to have to pay for a dining plan for one family member who cannot take food by mouth.

Good Luck and I hope it works out.

[merlinmagic4]

Wow, I can't believe that! It is absolutely absurd. Have you spoken to anyone at WDW? I can't imagine they wouldn't work with you on this one. Let us know what happens.

Oh, and welcome from a fellow Cape Codder (although I seem to remember welcoming you before this!).

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I am sure it has to do with continuity.
2) If exceptions are made, where do they stop?
3) How bad does someone have to be for an exception?
4) It could get pretty mired.

[DawsonAR]

We are basically in the same position with our DD. We just don't purchase the dining plan. I wish there was another way, but there isn't that I'm aware of.

[MsMin]

I think there should be exceptions. Can you ask that they feed her? Ask if they provide a trained nurse and supplies to feed her since they are charging for her meals. How do they intend to feel her b/c they are charging for it so you should get the service.
Maybe they just figure that you can use the extra points on other family members.
If they make you pay then you should get something for it.

[Georgesgirl1]

I can't imagine Disney wouldn't make an exception in your case. I mean we are not just talking about a kid with picky eating habits or allergies, this is a child who can't eat the food, and I would be disappointed in Disney if they didn't make this right for you!?

I would definetly call the disability specialist someone else talked about. Let us know what you find out.

Good luck...

[Puppy Mom]

1) I am sure it has to do with continuity.
2) If exceptions are made, where do they stop?
3) How bad does someone have to be for an exception?
4) It could get pretty mired.

Wow! That is a bit harsh don't you think.

I think it is ridiculous to expect a family to pay for food for a child that is incapable of eating. That sounds VERY un-Disneylike to me.

[ElenitaB]

I think this is pretty cut-and-dry. She receives all her nutrition though her g-tube, therefore, will not partake of anything through the dining plan. Please check with Disney's disability team. They will be able to give you a definitive answer.

Please let us know what happens.

[Lori Anne]

Thank you so much for your suggestions! I had no idea there even WAS a disability specialist!! We sent most of her consumable supplies down ahead of time, and worked great!! The medical company (care medical) put supplies we rented from them in the room, and we were all ready to go!! (bath chair, extra suction machine, trach supplies, etc...) We are not planning to go till last few days of Nov. '09, but knowing there is someone to talk to at Disney about this, is really cool!! Oh- I went to disney florist web site, and they have a tiara on a pretty pillow, (albiet pricey!!!!!) that could be delivered to a special location while we are there.. I was thinking during lunch at the Cinderelle Castle... what do you all think?? She was granted a wish when she was three, not through make a wish tho, they said "she was too scrambled to appreciate anthing.." and had a wonderful time! she has been once since, and now that she is 14, every time we get to go with her is super special! I want to "do it up" for her!! will also bring a little tabletop tree, and mini decorations, and window clings to add to the festivites!! oohh!!! getting excited!!! any body have any other ideas???
lori.

[sisterdisco]

Lori,
I have been anxiously awaiting......did you call and get anywhere w/ the disability specialist?
I hope so....
Please let us know!

[Lori Anne]

ug! we're all sick here! summer colds are gross!! I was thinking of calling in August, when the 2009 rates are out. Do you think that's a better idea?? Since we won't be going till the end of then anyhoo. anyone else planning to go then???? I am sitting here by the living room window, wishing someone would stop by and buy the kiyak for sale in my front yard!!! have great night!
Lori.

[sisterdisco]

Hope you all feel better.
PM me when you find out.
Lori

[gerald72]

Let us know what the verdict turns out to be.
I'm not trying to be harsh, but like other people said, if they give you an exception, where do they draw the line? Some people are allergic to foods, some people are just picky and won't eat anything.
Oh, I think the tiara idea is great. I might even do that one.

[chick20679]

I'm not trying to be harsh, but like other people said, if they give you an exception, where do they draw the line? Some people are allergic to foods, some people are just picky and won't eat anything.

I think the line would be, if you CAN' T (rather than won't) eat on the dining plan, then there should be an exception.

I would imagine Disney must have some sort of procedure already in place for this situation.

Let us know what you find out.

[Puppy Mom]

I am just guessing here, but doesn't the Americans with Diabilities ACt require that accomodations be made by businesses for disabled people?

[minnie1956]

I believe the ADA is meant for physical accommodations and accesibility. I don't believe it was ever intended to cover a vacation package. I think it would be very nice for Lori to let everyone know what really happens after she talks to the disability specialist down there. Disney generally is top of the line when it comes to assisting folks. I just can't believe that they would intentionally hose a guest.
PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!

[bkfree]

I have a special need son and a FIL and mother that are in wheelchairs, so I am very cognizant of the issues associated with this.

I agree that a person that is tube fed should be the exception to the rule.
I can also see how some may find ways to abuse this loophole. When you make the ressie, they would really have no way of knowing if your were being truthful or just did not want to pay it for one of the family members.

I think that they could require you to purchase it, then when you checked in and they saw the individual in person, they could credit the amount back to you for that person's portion of the DDP.

BUT, easier I think is this. Since she is 13 and you would have to pay the adult portion, it is financially better to just forgo the DDP for the rest of you this trip.
BUT, maybe once you arrive- you can speak to someone in the know about this issue and maybe they could add it for the rest of you or at least explain to your face why your tube fed daughter would be required to purchase it.

Hopefully, you were able to talk to the individual posted above and can post here what became of that conversation.