Prem/Plat Plans with a Special Needs Child

[kittycat9]

I'm very disappointed right now. I have a child with cerebral palsy that only eats special food through a feeding pump (nothing by mouth ever). In past when we did the dining plan, we don't include him on the tix purchase and just buy park and event tickets when we arrive (per Disney). This year we wanted to really have the ultimate disney experience - so were planning on going with the Platinum plan. I called to see how I need to do things for my son (by seperate event tix, or is there a break away to exclude the dining portion) - and they tell me I have to buy the entire platinum package for him, I can't buy the separate segments for him. I'm on hold now to speak with a supervisor - ugh, I"m so upset.

 

[LindaBabe]

Kitty, How did it work out for you?

 

[SueM in MN]

Curious how it worked out.

 

[Mouse's Shadow]

Were you talking to a special needs specialist? Even if you were, I'd encourage you to call again. I've found that sometimes multiple calls get multiple results. I just go with the one that gets me closer to what I want.

My son also has a feeding tube I can understand your upset.

 

[jmartinez1895]

I hope they are able to help. Please post an update. Also, as shadow metioned, call the special needs department. THey are the best at helping out with things like that.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

I thought Disney's policy was that everyone in the same room had to be on the same package. I know some parents of 10/11 year olds who hardly eat get frustrated that to do the package they have to pay adult price for someone who won't eat more than a few bites of anything. While in your case your child won't eat anything and I hope you get some one to make the exception, I think you may have to rethink whether the dinning plan is the right choice for your family or if something like an AP and Tables in Wonderland card might be more flexible.

 

[clkelley]

You know, though, so much is included in the Premium/Platinum Plans that the meals are really just a freebie.

You will pay so much more purchasing out of pocket for him for the "experiences" that you do than just purchasing the plan.

I'm probably going to do Premium Plan for a night during my December trip. I estimate the value of the experience I'm going to do those two days is $350, not including the meals.

Add up the cost of what you are scheduling as far as activities go and the cost of the adult meals you have planned. I bet you still come out ahead just paying the package price.

 

[kittycat9]

Much of the Platinum things my son wouldn't be able to do period. We ended up booking with AAA at AKL Club level, and adding Deluxe Dining for my husband, other son and myself. Then add park tickets for my SN child. We'll add in a couple other tickets if we want more special even things for Kyle. But we had something even more disappointing happen that I'll have post about in another thread - and I'm not sure how I'm going to deal with it.