Originally posted by snowiit
Sue, would you have any suggestions for me? My mother has congestive heart failure, so walking far is a big issue for her. She doesn't like using a wheel chair all the time (in parks it's almost a must), Esp at the resort. When we did our last land/sea package trip through a travel agent (I never use one, mom does) I suggested a couple of buildings that would be better for mom so she wouldn't have to walk so far to the restaurants, lobby etc. (This was at the Poly) supposedly the TA was supposed to inform them about her problem but they didn't address it and we were far out. They had nothing closer and everything that WAS avail. was even further away. Next June we are doing another land/sea and staying at the CB. I know when we stayed there years ago it was probably as far away from the food court etc there as we could get. I want to tell the TA again about last years room problem, but will she have to handle all this herself, or would it help if I called a few days before our arrival?
Nancy
Sorry, I can't give you a lot of advice about this. We use a travel agent for our flights, but not for room reservations where ever we go. Most travel agents don't really k now how to deal with special needs and don't realize how important they are to some people. We've had travel agents tell us that airline seating for people with special needs is always arranged at check in, when right on the airline website, it says seat assignments for people with special needs can be made at the time the tickets are bought!
I don't know if travel agents use the Special Reservations number or not. I'm also not sure if you can call the resort yourself for a travel agent reservation to make sure you get what you need.
I'd suggest telling the Travel Agent about the problems you had last time, making a list of exactly what you need. I suppose you could call the Special Reservations number to ask them how to deal with a Travel Agent reservation.
Another thing you might want to look into is whether your mom would consider using an
ecv (electric mobility
scooter). A lot of people don't want to use a wheelchair because it makes them dependent on someone else pushing them. They feel like they are a bother to others. With an ecv, she would be able to conserve her energy, maintain her independence and not feel like she is inconveniencing anyone or holding the group back.
If you want more info on
ecvs, follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board. We've got a lot of people who were relucatnt to use an ecv at first, but realize it is the best decision they made.
I think I will call later this morning, just to inquire. I'm sure all is well, just a little strange.
