DisneyWorld+Cruise with terminally ill baby (NOT a Wish trip)

[elinzer]

I have a terminally ill 6 month old who has Disney on her bucket list (created by family and friends). We have decided that, logistically, a Disney cruise coupled with 2 days at MK will be the best way to go (we also have a soon to be 5yo and a 3yo).

I would like to book through a person - not simply a reservationist at the 800 number, but an actual agent that may be able to direct us to programs or offers Disney may provide for people in our situation. Does anyone have someone they would recommend?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!


NOTE: this is not a Wish trip, as my daughter is an infant (wish-granting organizations generally begin at the age of 3, but her prognosis is about 2 years of life).

 

[livndisney]

I have a terminally ill 6 month old who has Disney on her bucket list (created by family and friends). We have decided that, logistically, a Disney cruise coupled with 2 days at MK will be the best way to go (we also have a soon to be 5yo and a 3yo).

I would like to book through a person - not simply a reservationist at the 800 number, but an actual agent that may be able to direct us to programs or offers Disney may provide for people in our situation. Does anyone have someone they would recommend?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!


NOTE: this is not a Wish trip, as my daughter is an infant (wish-granting organizations generally begin at the age of 3, but her prognosis is about 2 years of life).

What type of programs are you looking for? Almost any travel agent can book a trip/cruise.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Disney, as a matter of policy, does not give any economic support to anyone or any organization that is not a 501(c)(3) organization.

About all I could suggest is contact a travel agency which specializes in Disney trips, such as Dreams Unlimited which is a major sponsor of DisBoards. All of their agents are Disney specialists wich a lot of support for what they may not individually know.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I'm so sorry your baby is sick. A family trip for your other kids to have those memories would be very special. If you can't afford it, and your baby is under the age of the wish trips, maybe your community could plan a fundraiser for your family.

 

[elinzer]

Thanks everyone!

I wasn't necessarily looking for financial support - though an upgrade would be nice! Just really someone who is familiar with any rule bending they may do, any special treats for these types of cases, things like that.

I'll check out Dreams Unlimited. Anyone else have any other recommendations for TAs?

 

[SueM in MN]

Sorry to hear about your situation.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'rule bending' or 'Special treats'.
Since it is a 6 month old, there are not that many special things that can be done that a 6 month old would enjoy.

I would suggest checking out post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread for information about Guest Assistance Cards (GAC). You csn find that thread near the top of this board or follow thw link in my signature. The thing that might be useful to keep the baby comfortable may be to use a stroller as a wheelchair. That would allow you to bring the stroller in line with you for the attractions the baby would be going on. (The GAC is for use to meet the baby's needs and is only for use on things the baby will go on).
There are quite a few attractions that the baby will be able to experience with the rest of the family - basically any attraction without a height requirement.

 

[elinzer]

Sorry to hear about your situation.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'rule bending' or 'Special treats'.
Since it is a 6 month old, there are not that many special things that can be done that a 6 month old would enjoy.

I would suggest checking out post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread for information about Guest Assistance Cards (GAC). You csn find that thread near the top of this board or follow thw link in my signature. The thing that might be useful to keep the baby comfortable may be to use a stroller as a wheelchair. That would allow you to bring the stroller in line with you for the attractions the baby would be going on. (The GAC is for use to meet the baby's needs and is only for use on things the baby will go on).
There are quite a few attractions that the baby will be able to experience with the rest of the family - basically any attraction without a height requirement.

Thanks Sue!

I should have been more specific on the rule part. Another item on her List is dressing up like a princess. I know the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is 3+ and I was wondering if they ever make an exception to that, or even offer in-room service for someone under 3. Not looking for someone on the board to know that, just those types of questions / knowledge coming from a TA.

I appreciate your suggestions and everyone's input

 

[livndisney]

Thanks Sue!

I should have been more specific on the rule part. Another item on her List is dressing up like a princess. I know the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is 3+ and I was wondering if they ever make an exception to that, or even offer in-room service for someone under 3. Not looking for someone on the board to know that, just those types of questions / knowledge coming from a TA.

I appreciate your suggestions and everyone's input

Bibbidi Bobbidi no they don't make exceptions for a child that young due to the makeup not being "safe"/tested for younger children.

You can get an in room babysitter through Kids Night out.

 

[SueM in MN]

Bibbidi Bobbidi no they don't make exceptions for a child that young due to the makeup not being "safe"/tested for younger children.

You can get an in room babysitter through Kids Night out.

Agree with livndisney - that is the same reason I have heard about not doing children under the age of 3. Plus, a big part of the experience is hair styling, which a 6 month old could not do.

If you want some kind of 'makeover' for the 6 month old, you could get some kind of princess themed outfit and dress her up.

 

[Sorcerer Jody]

I don't have any suggestions, but I just want to say I am so sorry for your precious baby's health problems. I think it is wonderful that your friends and family have created a "bucket list" to make sure that her time on earth is as special as possible, and I hope it helps you to enjoy the time you have with her as much as you can under such difficult circumstances.

Actually, here's one suggestion - she definitely needs to get her own pair of personalized Mickey ears!

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[arminnie]

I think you might get more information if you posted in the families section and specifically asked for suggestions about how to make your trip extra special with memories for all.

Many people have taken small children and infants (although not ill) on trips and some people have just had terrific creative ideas of things to do. I'll bet you'd get better suggestions there than from a Disney employee.

Just make it clear that you are asking for ideas and not asking for actual aid. Unfortunately there have been scammers on occasion with a sob story that have tried to get money. I know this is not you but make that clear up front as many get a little sceptical.

You might ask also on the cruise line and community boards.

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy every minute with your family.

 

[lanejudy]

...an upgrade would be nice! Just really someone who is familiar with any rule bending they may do, any special treats for these types of cases, things like that.

First, so sorry to hear about your baby's situation.

I think it's great that you want to make some special memories for your family while you can. That said, I really don't know that there is anything a TA can do. Most "pixie dust" happens without asking or expecting - such as upgrades, family of the day, etc. No TA can make pixie-dust happen for you.

I do suggest that if you really want WDW to know your situation, you could have it noted on your reservation. When making a reservation they ask if you are celebrating anything...maybe you could say your family is celebrating the baby's life and her only trip; something along those lines. Wearing celebration buttons will sometimes get you noticed, though there are plenty of people wearing them around the parks so don't expect any special treatment. But your older kids might get a little extra special greeting or picture or something.

As SueM noted, a 6-month-old is just too young for some of the "special" experiences that might be available or offered. As for BBB, I'm sure you can find a special "princess" outfit for an infant and have her dressed up. If you do BBB for an older DD, maybe the baby could join in some pictures.

On the cruise, a 6-month-old will be cared for in the nursery. You are limited to the # of hours you can reserve ahead, but once onboard it is usually fairly easy to get more time. As long as your baby isn't on oxygen or needing other special equipment they will care for her in the nursery. Your older children will enjoy the Oceaneer's Club/Lab as long as they are both fully potty-trained (if not potty-trained, the 3-year-old would have to go to the nursery though you could bring him/her to the Club during "Open House" hours). Again, a notation on your reservation MIGHT get you a little extra notice.

My prayers are with your family, may you create some wonderful memories with the special little one.