to think centre Parcs are money grabbing disablist idiots!

[lisad123]

We have gone to CP every year for last 4 years with my two girls who both have autism and my mum and dad normally come and help too.

We dont normally have too much of an issue with my girls and dont tend to ask for anything ontop of normal package.
However, my mum had a major stroke at Easter this year. This has left her with mobility problems, lose of 50% of her sight, cant manage large crowds and having fits.
With this in mind I asked if they could move us to a closer villa, because shes not able to walk far at all so will be in a wheelchair (and those that know CP, its quite a walk from some villas to the centre). We also asked for a slightly earlier check in, so that she can get in and rest especially if shes been having fits (which at the moment she is having almost daily)
They have refused both of these requests.

They have said we could have a closer villa but it would be £180 more!! Oh and they told me that they have to limit the early check because of cleaning BUT if i wanted to pay for early check in suddenly that isnt an issue

Should add, that i wouldnt mind paying for early check in, BUT comes with 2 bikes which we cant use because of mum and her wheelchair!!

I am never booking with them again, I am shocked that such a large company is willing to charge people extra for services they need because they are disabled.

I will be writing to head office but think this is something that needs to be public knowledge.

I haven't read the whole thing (sorry) but I went with friends and they ran a shuttle thing but it was more like a taxi - she called it and we (she was allowed a friend with her) waited at the villa or at the point at the centre and they collected us. It was great - do they not do that?

im glad you said that lilackaty, was starting to panic about the shuttle bus after what another poster said. We will be making good use of it that week im sure.
I have found about villa, closer, which wasnt there earlier in the week, which takes dogs, but its another £99 (which is better than orginal cost i was quoted over the phone). Will talk to mum and see if she can afford that for a closer villa, as clearly as you all pointed out Im unreasonable.
Will also suggets mum arrives later with dad.

bugger villa is closer but cost £159 more, which is too much for us all :(

Oh well clearly its going to a be a hard holiday as "im taking on too much"!
thank you for all the suggestions.

It have written to head office, as even if it doesnt help me maybe they will think twice about the fact that a closer villa is a nice thing for some families and for others its a need! :(

Lisa

Is it worth going straight to reception when you arrive? You could sit your Mum in the Coffee shop and then ask if they have anything free to upgrade to for a bit less?

I really feel for you as I know where your coming from, and I don't have a 10 th of the daily frustrations you face.

Well....

Centerparcs rang this morning to discuss my email. They have offered us a closer villa!!! And a disabled one at that!! So wont be lifting mum in and out the bath, helping her to see the steps everywhere, and worrying about getting chair out of villa

We have had to downgrade our villa, so no dishwasher, free towels, dvd or extra tv in the bedroom, but I dont care! I know mum and dad will be able to get about alot easier without having to worry about the shuttle bus running, or that is will take forever to walk/wheel anywhere.
Also given early checkin minus the bikes and food!!

Thank you for all your wonderful advice and support. Next year we wont book with the dogs, but given we didnt know mum was going to fall ill, it was just one of those things.

I know some people will think this deeply unfair, but I dont think it is.
Dont think that someone disabled got something extra, just that they are now able to have the same access to the things you take for granted

Good for you lisa. I think sometimes people confuse treating everyone one the same with giving everyone the same access. I see it a lot on MN. They don't seem to realise that in order for someone to have equality you may have to treat them differently. Enjoy your holiday.

Oh I am glad Lisa. Well done CP fir seeing sense. 100% agree with Kladkakka too