Disney Magic

[Mawg]

I’ve heard stories of Disney doing some extraordinary magical things for their guests. Has anyone experienced anything like this and care to share? What were the circumstances that resulted in the extra magic?

The reason I ask is after many trips to the World my DMIL has decided she has had enough of our stories and wants to come too with the whole family she is kicking in some of the cost and we are having a family reunion there. There will be four families 11 people in total. Since my family is the most experienced in going she gave me the task of planning everything. We are staying at POR in June for 9 days. I’ve booked everyone’s room, bought all the plane tickets and planned 5 Dinning Reservations (Would love to reserve more). Even though she is covering some of the cost I worry about the other families. One of the families has a young boy (my nephew) who has CP. I know they are always worried about future expenses and I’m trying not to go overboard with Table Service meals and trying to take advantage of discounts. I really just want this vacation to be very special. I would love it if Disney could do some of their magic and upgrade us to a monorail resort so transportation with a handicap child would be so much easier (he needs to stay rested with afternoon naps or he suffers seizures) or if they could put some big surprise in the room for them or throw in the Dinning Plan for free. I know I’m dreaming about those magic things that everyone wishes would happen to them and I don’t think we especially deserve them more than the next. But, does anyone know how I could go about putting in some kind of request without coming across as someone looking for a handout (Even though I guess I really am).

I’m sure we’ll have a great time no matter what, even if this fastpass+ stuff keeps me awake at night as it’s so unknown and I would have to schedule all the rides now too for 11 people.

Thanks!

 

[Figgy1]

I’ve heard stories of Disney doing some extraordinary magical things for their guests. Has anyone experienced anything like this and care to share? What were the circumstances that resulted in the extra magic?

The reason I ask is after many trips to the World my DMIL has decided she has had enough of our stories and wants to come too with the whole family she is kicking in some of the cost and we are having a family reunion there. There will be four families 11 people in total. Since my family is the most experienced in going she gave me the task of planning everything. We are staying at POR in June for 9 days. I’ve booked everyone’s room, bought all the plane tickets and planned 5 Dinning Reservations (Would love to reserve more). Even though she is covering some of the cost I worry about the other families. One of the families has a young boy (my nephew) who has CP. I know they are always worried about future expenses and I’m trying not to go overboard with Table Service meals and trying to take advantage of discounts. I really just want this vacation to be very special. I would love it if Disney could do some of their magic and upgrade us to a monorail resort so transportation with a handicap child would be so much easier (he needs to stay rested with afternoon naps or he suffers seizures) or if they could put some big surprise in the room for them or throw in the Dinning Plan for free. I know I’m dreaming about those magic things that everyone wishes would happen to them and I don’t think we especially deserve them more than the next. But, does anyone know how I could go about putting in some kind of request without coming across as someone looking for a handout (Even though I guess I really am).

I’m sure we’ll have a great time no matter what, even if this fastpass+ stuff keeps me awake at night as it’s so unknown and I would have to schedule all the rides now too for 11 people.

Thanks!

Probably won't get an upgrade. But get a guest assistance pass for the child with cp. As for saving money Disney has many wonderful counter service restaurants just read the reviews. I know you'll have a great trip!

 

[bsiev1977]

I’ve heard stories of Disney doing some extraordinary magical things for their guests. Has anyone experienced anything like this and care to share? What were the circumstances that resulted in the extra magic?

The reason I ask is after many trips to the World my DMIL has decided she has had enough of our stories and wants to come too with the whole family she is kicking in some of the cost and we are having a family reunion there. There will be four families 11 people in total. Since my family is the most experienced in going she gave me the task of planning everything. We are staying at POR in June for 9 days. I’ve booked everyone’s room, bought all the plane tickets and planned 5 Dinning Reservations (Would love to reserve more). Even though she is covering some of the cost I worry about the other families. One of the families has a young boy (my nephew) who has CP. I know they are always worried about future expenses and I’m trying not to go overboard with Table Service meals and trying to take advantage of discounts. I really just want this vacation to be very special. I would love it if Disney could do some of their magic and upgrade us to a monorail resort so transportation with a handicap child would be so much easier (he needs to stay rested with afternoon naps or he suffers seizures) or if they could put some big surprise in the room for them or throw in the Dinning Plan for free. I know I’m dreaming about those magic things that everyone wishes would happen to them and I don’t think we especially deserve them more than the next. But, does anyone know how I could go about putting in some kind of request without coming across as someone looking for a handout (Even though I guess I really am).

I’m sure we’ll have a great time no matter what, even if this fastpass+ stuff keeps me awake at night as it’s so unknown and I would have to schedule all the rides now too for 11 people.

Thanks!

I appreciate the sentiment of what you are saying, but don't expect any kind of hotel upgrade or a free dinind plan. Not a realistic expectation.

On the other hand, I've read many posts about people requesting things for special occasions, like a surprise in the room. Call them, tell them what the occasion, and find about about having a surprise set up in the room for your arrival.

For your nephew, I assume he's in a wheelchair, so maybe look into renting a special van for the week, so he'd have an easier time coming and going from the parks. Just have his parents a handicap tag for the car if they have one. Since you are staying onsite, parking would be free at the parks.

 

[Mawg]

Probably won't get an upgrade. But get a guest assistance pass for the child with cp. As for saving money Disney has many wonderful counter service restaurants just read the reviews. I know you'll have a great trip!

Thanks, do you know much about the guest assistance card? I know up to 5 people can accompany but there are 11 of us, so most of us will wait in standby or get fast passes and then meet the other half of our party when they come in the exit with the GA card (if we all want to ride together) at least I think that's how it would work? He has a special fold up stroller (he's 9) but he's too heavy to carry for very long. I know a lot of queue's can take the wheelchairs now so we'll have to ask everywhere we go what we should do.
Should they use the handicap line for the buses? The reason why I ask is they will end up being one of those families that folds up the stroller at the last minute, for good reason, he can't walk. But we don't want to hold up the line either. I anticipate some dirty looks either way.
Counter Service restaurants are great, I agree. Do you know if they will blend the food at them? When I made reservations at the Table Service I told them about the special dietary requirements and they said no problem, the chef would come out and talk to us and do anything we needed. My guess is at the counter service they will not be equipped to deal with this and we'll have to bring in food for him or go back to the resort.

 

[Mawg]

I appreciate the sentiment of what you are saying, but don't expect any kind of hotel upgrade or a free dinind plan. Not a realistic expectation.

On the other hand, I've read many posts about people requesting things for special occasions, like a surprise in the room. Call them, tell them what the occasion, and find about about having a surprise set up in the room for your arrival.

For your nephew, I assume he's in a wheelchair, so maybe look into renting a special van for the week, so he'd have an easier time coming and going from the parks. Just have his parents a handicap tag for the car if they have one. Since you are staying onsite, parking would be free at the parks.

Yeah, it's not realistic; this is not some episode of Full House!
I'll call and see about the special occasion in the room. It would be awesome if they would do something for the family reunion.
We thought about renting cars/vans but the added cost of 3 rentals didn't seem worth it, but now that you brought it up maybe having just one would be a good idea since only some of us will be going back and forth to the resort a lot. We do not need a special van as he can just sit in a child’s harness seat.

 

[bsiev1977]

Yeah, it's not realistic; this is not some episode of Full House!
I'll call and see about the special occasion in the room. It would be awesome if they would do something for the family reunion.
We thought about renting cars/vans but the added cost of 3 rentals didn't seem worth it, but now that you brought it up maybe having just one would be a good idea since only some of us will be going back and forth to the resort a lot. We do not need a special van as he can just sit in a child’s harness seat.

In that case you would do well with renting just a compact size car, or maybe one size bigger.

 

[real mad hatter]

Well last year was our third vacation staying at PORS ( 2008/2010/2012/) It's a great relaxing resort.The food court is one of the best in Disney property IMOH,then there's " Boatwrights " a really good TS restaurant,a lovely river boat to downtown on the Sassagoula river.As far as extra magical things.Just being on site with my family and enjoying the Disney atmosphere does it for us. Memories last forever.

 

[bsiev1977]

Yeah, it's not realistic; this is not some episode of Full House!
I'll call and see about the special occasion in the room. It would be awesome if they would do something for the family reunion.
We thought about renting cars/vans but the added cost of 3 rentals didn't seem worth it, but now that you brought it up maybe having just one would be a good idea since only some of us will be going back and forth to the resort a lot. We do not need a special van as he can just sit in a child’s harness seat.

Another thought I just had for one of your TS meals, order a special cake to be delivered to your table.

 

[docdebbi]

i don't know the answer to most of your questions, but as far as the bus, I wouldn't fold up his stroller. If he can't walk, there is no reason to carry him up bus stairs, etc. Having recently had surgery and been a temporary ( praise the Lord) wheelchair user, I know that you can use the handicapped lift, as long as there is a brake on it. I traveled several public bus lines while incapacitated and they always let me ride up the lift and secured my wheelchair in the bus. If he can't be safely secured in the bus, it is a lot easier to pick him up and put him in a seat after you are in the bus.
As far as dirty looks, I can't imagine a person in the world who would give dirty looks to a little kid in a specialized stroller. Some folks on these boards may look askance at the ecv users who have no visible handicap- not getting into whether that is right or wrong- but a child with an obvious problem, I can't see it happening. I went to Catholic school- old school Catholic school- still do as I was taught, so trust me, lots of people passing you by are saying little unheard (by you) prayers for your nephew and his family.

 

[Figgy1]

The GAC is for up to 6 people more than that I don't know. Each ride or attraction will handle this card differently if there is a problem just explain the child's needs best wishes!

 

[Mawg]

Well last year was our third vacation staying at PORS ( 2008/2010/2012/) It's a great relaxing resort.The food court is one of the best in Disney property IMOH,then there's " Boatwrights " a really good TS restaurant,a lovely river boat to downtown on the Sassagoula river.As far as extra magical things.Just being on site with my family and enjoying the Disney atmosphere does it for us. Memories last forever.

Thanks, the boat ride is one of the reasons I picked this resort. Joe my nephew loves boats. He tends to have seizures on the first day of any vacation after traveling, too much excitement of seeing all of his relatives. I thought it would be nice to arrive in the evening and then the next day not do anything in case he has to be heavily medicated. We'll just enjoy the resort, pool and If we (he) is up to it take a nice leisurely boat ride to downtown Disney for a late lunch. Really worried about the poor guy as this vacation will be filled with too much excitement. We typically have a family reunion (on my wife’s side) every year. It's usually just camping meeting somewhere between Kansas and New Mexico always pretty laid back. This is going to be over the top for this group I think they are going to be pretty overwhelmed, not to mention Joe's sister has a huge love of princesses and I've planned a breakfast as Akershus and got dinner reservations at Be Our Guest for 11 (called the morning reservations opened). I got the PhotoPass Plus to capture all the memories!

 

[Mawg]

Another thought I just had for one of your TS meals, order a special cake to be delivered to your table.

I like this idea a lot, thanks, I'm going to do this!

 

[bsiev1977]

I like this idea a lot, thanks, I'm going to do this!

No problem. From what i've seen on here, you can get some really nice looking cakes.

 

[Zipadeelady]

Sounds like it's going to be a special time. Would love to read a trip report when you get back.

 

[BigRedDad]

I wouldn't expect an upgrade to a monorail resort due to a handicap. All buses have handicap access and loading. To get a monorail resort, you need to book it. I think the only upgrade to something like that would be Contemporary Garden room to a Tower room.

 

[Mawg]

I wouldn't expect an upgrade to a monorail resort due to a handicap. All buses have handicap access and loading. To get a monorail resort, you need to book it. I think the only upgrade to something like that would be Contemporary Garden room to a Tower room.

Yeah, I was just dreaming. I wish Joe could pull the sword from the stone.

 

[Britt]

Oh hell no, if someone gives that boy dirty looks, I'll come take care of them and shove that magic where the sun doesn't shine! I can't even process the idea if someone doing that! Don't force him to be carried

I would maybe just me mention at the front desk that this is his first trip and maybe they'll do something, but not sure

 

[coachwnh]

When we checked in this past Dec 21 for our Christmas trip it was very late. (like after midnight late). We were the only ones (me, wife, kids - 9 and 7) on the ME as we got dropped off at the YC. as we entered the lobby the CM at the counter said hello to us by name. i joked, what are we the last ones to check in. she said yes, but we saved the best for last. she asked if we had a room preference. we just said we had only stayed once and really didnt have one. she then told us to wait one minute and went from behind the desk. she came back and told us we were going to love our room. she and the manager upgraded us to a larger corner room overlooking the water. i just cant describe how nice the view was!! perfect view across from the BW and dead on for Illuminations each night. Then the CM from bell services was awesome too. His name was Eric. he ended up being the man who would help us after we checked out on the 29. as we were waiting inside the lobby to leave that day, (he told us to wait inside and let the kids watch TV since it was cold outside), he walked over to our kids with Tigger and Simba stuffed animals. from start to finish, the CMs at the Yacht Club were fantastic. what a magical way to start and end our first christmas in Disney!

 

[bsiev1977]

I can't imagine a person in the world who would give dirty looks to a little kid in a specialized stroller.

You'd be surprised.
On a related note, has any seen the story about a Houston waiter who refused to serve a man and his family?
There was a family of long time customers, who had their 5 year old boy who has Down Syndrome with them. Some jerk at a nearby table moved away because the little boy was talked and making some noises. After the family moved, the waiter heard the man say, " special needs children need to be special somewhere else." The waiter told the man he would not be able to serve him, and the man and his family left.

It's good to see a story like that, where someone stands up for people like that.

 

[Mawg]

I can't imagine a person in the world who would give dirty looks to a little kid in a specialized stroller.

Well his stroller looks pretty normal; it's a little wider than a normal stroller and has some metal foot rests and folds up the same as any stroller. And Joe looks perfectly normal, not until he tries to talk, focus his eyes on you or move can you tell there is anything wrong with him. His parents are constantly told they cannot bring the stroller in places and it takes people awhile to realize it's actually a wheelchair. He has a big motorized chair that he can drive himself (or attempts to) but we are afraid of taking it on the plane that baggage handling would break it and...he likes to run people over in his motorized chair, it's funny but not appropriate at WDW. Good thing his parents have a remote that can cut the power to it.