Resort for Mom w/ Leukemia

[melomouse]

Hi All -
I haven't posted in awhile, but I am needing my next Disney fix and my mom, who visited WDW for the first time in 8/02, has expressed a desire to return "when it's cooler". Back then, we stayed at WL courtyard room with my 2 kids. She has just relapsed from AML and will probably be reciving more chemo before we plan this trip, and it would likely be her last - I am even hoping we can plan it for January and that she will make it.
Any suggestions as to the most economically feasible accomodations with privacy, room to move around, access to parks, etc?? Should I try and stay offsite in a rental home - saving money, extending the stay, but travelling to and from the parks? Should i bite the bullet and go for a WL villa or some other DVC property? Go with renting points in the off season>? Of course my preference is onsite - and probably best for her...we are also now me, my BF(HS sweetheart who reappeared after I was widowed), my 13 y/o DS and 8 y/o DD. Mom is 71, may use a walker sometimes, probably rent an ECV from Randy - and will need rest periods thru the day.
Any comments, suggestions on this very tentative plan would be appreciated. Planning this trip is bittersweet, but I think I need to do it, and Mom will likely help out with costs. Thanks in advance for your support!

melomouse

 

[dclfun]

I would strongly suggest a DVC property and of those, would suggest Old Key West as it is more spacious and if driving, you are able to park right at your door. It's a beautiful setting, beautiful accomodations and as you mentioned, has the convenience of being onsite. Of all the DVC properties, points there are less, thus point rental is less. You may want to look at the DVC rent/trade board. Most people rent their points at $10.00 a point. Since January is "low points", your stay would not only be cooler for your Mom but would also be more cost effective. If she is sensitive to the cold though, January can sometimes be very cold...just a thought. Kathy

 

[dclfun]

I forgot to add....if for some reason you do end up staying offsite, or if your Mom would like to rest without returning to the resort, first aid in all the parks has cots where she could take a nap/rest during the day. I've found it to be a wonderful way to get some rest and respite without having to travel to/from and the nurses there are wonderful. Kathy

 

[gritzel4]

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. The pain of seeing someone you love going through chemo treatment is horrible. My mom passed away 10 years ago from leukemia - she was only 55 years old. It is wonderful that you want to create happy memories for you and your family. My advice is to try to rent points from a DVC member. January is a low point month for DVC. With 6 people you would need to rent a 2 bedroom villa. At Old Key West Resort for a Sunday - Thursday night stay it is approximately 22 points a night. Points are currently renting on the rent/trade board for $10-12. At $10 a point this would be $220 a night - much cheaper than what going through Disney would be. The 2 bedroom villa would have: a master bedroom with king size bed, master bath with jacuzzi tub, full kitchen, washer/dryer, living room with pull out couch, 2nd bedroom has a separate bathroom and 2 beds. It would give all of you plenty of space to move around and have privacy. There are other DVC properties on site but with higher point charges per night. Hope this information helps you - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

 

[melomouse]

Thank you all for your kind words of support and for suggesting OKW! Seems like a sad occasion - but what better? - to finally get to OKW in the 2BR. I will be doing my DIS HW and keep you posted on what our plans are - depending on the results of Mom's bone marrow biopsy late next week. the doctors are probably looking for "quality of life" right now vs. quantity, and it is my hope that one more trip to WDW will add to that plan...
Gritzel, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom - I realize what a deadly disease this is and also how blessed I have been to still have my mom 9 months today since her Dx. Miracles keep coming in my life, and maybe there will just be time for another few...
Thanks again - many hugs and prayers!
Mary Ellen

 

[cupcake]

I am also very sorry about your mom. I wanted to add that since you are traveling in a low season, you should also ask for the annual passport (AP) rates. The rates for January should be coming out pretty soon.

Here is a link with some info on AP rates. http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html#ap

They tend to be quite good and it is often worth it to get one person an AP to take advantage of them. Just an idea to check out in case it proves to be a good deal for you.

Lots of positive thoughts are coming your mom's way from me.

Cupcake