Which option do I choose?

[abear_hugs]

So here is my difficult choice...

Myself, 26, my Mom, 58 and my Dad, 60, who has been in a wheelchair for 7 years due to a stroke. He can walk but not far at a time and has only fell twice in the last 6 years. We will also be taking a caregiver along with us who will say in a room with me. Anyways on to my question.

We are planning a two week trip to Disney in September 2010 and plan to spend it in a Value Resort with a meal plan. I have booked this trip once before directly through Disney with just my Mom and myself, never had a problem.

Is it better that I book this myself as I know what I want and can talk directly with Disney? or should we book through a travel agent?

How far in advance should we be booking?

As for the flight, we are from Alberta, Canada and i can get a direct flight not far from here. Is it better to be booked through a travel agent so that I don't have to deal with the airline? I book with this company regularly but we have never done anything like this with my Dad.

I guess the biggest concern is that the travel agent won't really understand our needs the same way we ourselves do and I don't want it to be a bigger issue then it needs to be.

Thank so much for your help in advance.

 

[jmartinez1895]

If I were you I would book myself using the special reservations line. I will Pm you some information. I like to book all of my own stuff so that I have more control over it and what is going on. The flight should be easy for you to book as well. When you book let them know that your dad will be in a wheel chair and the flight crew will already have a heads up. They will let him and a member of your group ( if not all of you) pre board wich will be much better for him. He will be able to take his time.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

My leanings would be make the reservations directly yourself. If you do go with a TA, make sure that you deal with one that specializes in Disney, because if you use one that really is not familiar with Disney things can get messed up.

One reason I make this suggestion is that whoever makes the reservation also "owns" the reservation. If you make it yourself you can talk to such places as the office that controls the accessible rooms. If the TA makes the reservation the people at special services will refuse to talk to you.

Again, if you are used to dealing with the airpline, you are probably best off doing the reservations yourself. And again, you would be able to deal with the airline's Special Services desk.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree that you should do it yourself to have the most control.

If you are dealing with a travel agent, you have to explain your needs to the TA and hope they understand it so that they can explain it to the hotel and airline.

Much better to not have the middle man.

If you want the number for WDW Special Reservations, follow the link in my signature to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. The first post in that thread is an undex to tell you which post contains which information.

 

[abear_hugs]

Thanks so much for the quick responses. I was leaning that way but well of course I just needed a little reassurance.

I love all the information people post on here. It make it so much easier then any other trip we thought about taking.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Thanks so much for the quick responses. I was leaning that way but well of course I just needed a little reassurance.

I love all the information people post on here. It make it so much easier then any other trip we thought about taking.

I would also suggest you book everything yourself, but also wanted to say, that Disney to us was the best place to visit when you have a family member that is differently-abled. My mom loved it and wouldn't go anywhere else, because she was treated so special and made to feel like she was at home, whether at a Value or a Deluxe resort.

Suzanne

 

[kampfirekim]

I would also suggest you book everything yourself, but also wanted to say, that Disney to us was the best place to visit when you have a family member that is differently-abled. My mom loved it and wouldn't go anywhere else, because she was treated so special and made to feel like she was at home, whether at a Value or a Deluxe resort.,

Suzanne

I love that! Differently-abled. What a great way to put it. I agree Disney is the greatest at accommodating families with special needs. CM's seem to go out of their way to be kind to those, especially children who are "differently-abled". At least in my experience.