getting a frig for medical reasons

[ohiodad]

I read somewhere that if you have a medical reason for having a frig that disney will give it to you at no cost, is that true and do you need something from your doctor to get this? thanks

 

[FloridaCat]

That is right, just tell the CM when you book your room.

 

[ducklite]

Actually, this was at one point the case. It no longer is guaranteed due to abuse.

You should plan on paying for it, and if you aren't charged be grateful that you saved some cash

Anne

 

[KevinFSU]

I seem to recall asking for one some time ago, since my wife is diabetic and needs to keep the insulin refridgerated. They said I'd still have to pay for one. Never asked again. We do OK anyways by just filling up a large thermos with ice in the morning and again at night.

 

[FloridaCat]

It was true in September

 

[piratesmate]

Actually, most doctors & pharmacists now tell you that you don't need to keep insulin refrigerated - at least your current bottle...especially in an air conditioned resort. (It's absorbed better if it isn't cold.) That may be the reason that they sometimes charge - if the reason given is "diabetes."

 

[PTarbay]

I called to find out about this a couple days ago.They guarantee you will have one to store medicine but you may be charged.One nice surprise since we will be in concierge they said it's included.

 

[justhat]

Does anyone know what the valid medical reasons are for getting a fridge? We'll be in concierge during both stays with our newborn so it won't really be an issue, but we will have a non-concierge room too and I'm wondering if we can get a fridge for that room so that if my mom ends up staying there she wouldn't ahve to run back and forth to our room. We'd need it to store breastmilk and my mom's cancer medication. Would that be enough to get a fridge for the non-concierge room? If it's not we'll just use the one in the other room so that we're not paying for another one, but it would be easier if we could just get 2.

 

[gardendame]

I suggest you simply call the resort, explain your situation. I have two children with diabetes and, contrary to the belief of some un-informed posters on this board, their insulin must be stored in the refrigerator. There are those on this board who, for some reason or another, have a hard time accepting the fact that WDW is allowing us to have a fridge in our room (asked about one when making ressies, and was told it would be in our room with no charge).
It is the OPINION of some posters that myself and others should not store this insulin in the fridge, and that me attempting to do so is 'abusing' the kindness of WDW. I am not asking to park my vehicle in a handicap spot, I am not requesting that my over-stimulated, temper-tantrum-throwing child be allowed to get on a ride ahead of everyone else. I am simply asking for a place to store their insulin (liquid life support).
I say, as long as your doctor says to store your medication in the refrigerator, as long as the pharmacist has given you those same instructions, that whatever agreement you make between yourself and your resort about your medical needs is a private matter. Some people here are so worried about others getting "special treatment" that they overlook common courtesy and get too opinionated.

 

[ducklite]

I hope you didn't think that I was implying that you were trying to abuse the system.

WDW used to give a free fridge for anyone who requested it "for medical reasons". Word got out, and they fould that people were saying that they had medical needs to get a free fridge when in fact they just wanted to save the money.

Regretfully this ruined it for everyone, and they started to charge everyone for the fridges, regardless of why they needed it.

Now, that's not to say you will be charged. It's very possible that you won't be. I was trying to manage your expectations that it's possible that you might be charged because they no longer guarantee a FREE fridge for medical reasons, and that it's too bad that some rotten apples had to spoil it for people like your family who do truly have a need.

Anne

 

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by gardendame
Some people here are so worried about others getting "special treatment" that they overlook common courtesy and get too opinionated.

Whoa! gardendame... that is some pretty strong wording...

I have seen posts from DIS'ers saying they have a fridge for their kids penicillan and want to know if milk and bread and coldcuts will fit in it. LOL

If my kids needed medication I would have no problem paying for a fridge. If I needed my bologna cold I would have no problem paying for a fridge.

It would not even occur to me to ask for something for free but if Disney offered it out of the blue I think it would be very nice of them

It's the people who demand and expect things that irk me

>>^..^<<

 

[piratesmate]

Just a quick comment before I use the "Back" button & run away . . . . .

I did not intend to comment on anyone's doctor's advice or suggest that requesting a refrigerator implied abuse of the system. The doctor who told me NOT to refrigerate my current bottle of insulin is a specialist - a higher regarded endocrinologist. It was not the "belief of some un-informed posters on this board."

I'm outta here!

 

[gardendame]

>>^..^<< and ducklite,
Perhaps I should have vented this on those responsible for my getting on my soapbox - please forgive
The refrigerator question had come up on the disABILITY board earlier, and there were a few posters who really didn't like the idea that we were keeping insulin in the fridge, or that WDW was giving us a fridge free of charge. We are following doctor's orders, period.
I wouldn't mind paying for the 'ice-box' as my MIL calls it. When making ressies, the CM was told that we needed one and why. We were told that it would be in the room and that there would be no charge. If it shows up on my bill, I'll pay it - I just need for it to be in the room.
Please blow some pixie dust our way - this will be our first family vacation ever. The youngest was diagnosed 5 years ago at the age of 14-months and the second to youngest was diagnosed last year at age 6. For the most part, I have found these boards to be extremely helpful with our planning.
I wonder if I can buy a "mickey muzzle" to put on the next time this subject comes up and I jump up on my soapbox.

 

[gardendame]

Originally posted by piratesmate
Just a quick comment before I use the "Back" button & run away . . . . .

I did not intend to comment on anyone's doctor's advice or suggest that requesting a refrigerator implied abuse of the system. The doctor who told me NOT to refrigerate my current bottle of insulin is a specialist - a higher regarded endocrinologist. It was not the "belief of some un-informed posters on this board."

I'm outta here!

Deb, please read my above post. I'm sure you are following your doctor's orders, just as my family is following doctor's orders. I am also happy to hear that you think so highly of your specialist - your endocrinologist. We are very pleased with all 3 of our pediatric endocrinologists, our CDE(certified diabetic educator) and our dietitian. Children's Hospital is wonderful and I trust their staff completely.

Have a nice day

 

[indyanna]

We just got back yesterday. My husband is an insulin dependent diabetic and our refrigerator was ready and waiting when we got to our room at the WL. We stayed on the Concierge level, and honestly, I haven't a clue whether we paid for the fridge or not. Ten bucks a day seems like a bargain compared to the cost of everything else at Disney!

Just my two cents, but we've been told that insulin doesn't necessarily have to be refrigerated, but it has a very short shelf life if it isn't. Better safe than sorry.

I don't begrudge anyone requiring medication a free refrigerater. I'd choose to be illness-free and be charged for a refrigerater any day.

 

[Threehearts]

It is true that some medications previously thought to be unstable without refrigeration have now changed to cool or room temperature recommendations. I take a drug that I used to refrigerate but now can take if kept in a "cool, dark place." Several of the antibiotics we give children(I'm a pedi nurse) can be kept at room temp but taste MUCH better when refrigerated. I feel that if your physician orders that the med be refrigerated then it seems it should be. If Disney comps you the fridge, well then I'm happy for you. I'm sure you'd rather not need a refrigerator or have an illness. Good luck to all of those who truly must rely on medications. Threehearts

 

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by gardendame

The refrigerator question had come up on the disABILITY board earlier,

Ah! Now your post makes perfect sense to me... you had already been embroiled on this topic prior.

Have a great trip, hope the kids are well and have a super time..

Pixe dust for you my friend... *~*~*~*~*

>>^..^<<

 

[SueM in MN]

Here is a link to the refrigerator thread on the disABILITIES Board that was mentioned.
I usually suggest people mention that they have a medical need for a refrigerator when making a reservation, make sure the medication is labeled to say it needs refrigeration, ask about the refrigerator when checking in and check your statement afterwards to see whether you were charged.
Whether the fee gets waived or not seems to be inconsistent. People have posted that they went as far as talking to the manager and were told the fee could not be waived. Other people got it free of chrge without any discussion.
About 2 years ago, many people were told they would be charged even if they had a medication that needed refrigeration. Lately, people have been reporting they have not been charged.

 

[PTarbay]

It depends on exactly what kind of insulin you use whether it has to be refrigerated and for how long.I used to have to refrigerate but with my new insulin pen it can be left without it for up to a week.

 

[dcgrumpy]

I leave in 3 weeks, my documents say "ref for babies formula nc"