Dining Plan- J-Tube-Fed 3 year old?

[emma'smom]

My cousin is planning on taking his daughter to WDW in February (a big family trip). She will be 3 at the time so they will buy her a ticket for the parks, count her in capacity for rooms, etc.

However, she has had a trach until very recently and is fed by feeding tube. She doesn't eat regular food (just a special food supplement that is injected into ports that lead to her stomach and intestine).

It seems crazy to charge them for her dining plan since she can't medically eat any food.

Does anyone know if there is some sort of policy that would allow for a variance or exception to the "dining plan for everyone in the room" rule that they can apply for with proper medical documentation?

Just thought I would inquire for them....

 

[lil mermaid]

I agree that it would be crazy to charge them for the dining plan for her, since she isn't going to be able to eat anything on it.

I would think though, that if you want to inquire for them, that calling Disney directly would be your best bet.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

This probably isn't completely legal, but I'd put her down as 2 on the reservation, and then just buy her a ticket separately. If I was coming in for EMH I'd just pass her off as 2 (unless she's really big for her age) and then make a note to not use one day of the ticket. Seems like Disney would then get the money for the things she used, and there would be no hassle re: dining.

 

[ms_missy66]

I would definitely just call. When I needed to contact disability services at WDW about my dad during our last trip, they were super. They sincerely wanted to do all they could to make our trip magical for dad, who had challenges. It feels like they would be tripping over themselves to do that for a child. Besides...what you're suggesting simply makes sense. There is no food available for her to eat in the World, period. How could they possibly charge her for it. And it feels like any waiter would just need to be told, "She's not on the dining plan due to special needs." and that would be the end of that.

On a side note, I'm sorry your cousin and her little one have to deal with that.

 

[singnring]

I totally agree w/ calling and speaking to Disney directly.

And don't stop with a CM who says they can't do anything. Keep moving up the chain of command until someone helps.

There is no way your cousin should be charged for his child who is incapable of eating the food @ Disney.

Good luck and I hope you are able to get this worked out for them. How nice of you to care enough to take the initiative!

 

[DISNEYNV]

YES, call Disney and explain your cousins DDs medical situation with the Dining plan. I am sure it has been a question they have had before and they will most likely accomodate as neccesary

 

[mickeymouse1017]

I do remember reading about someone with this same issue before and know that they were able to get help by calling Disney. But as some others said, don't stop if you first get a no, not everyone knows exactly how to help you. There is no way that your friend should be charged for their child that will not be eating. Bless them!!!

 

[AKADrea]

check out the DISabilities section - I'm sure someone in there has more experience with this!