Best resort for mobility challenged About This Page:

[disneyagogo]

I am taking my beloved MIL to WDW next fall. She has a neurological disorder similar to MS that causes her to have balance issues and severe muscle spasms. She can walk, but we will be taking her wheelchair to let her concentrate on enjoying the trip and not on walking.

Our biggest needs will be to have a handicap accessible shower, two beds and good transportation options. Cost isn't much of an issue. What are your choices for best resort? Room type?

I am leaning towards either Grand Floridian or Polynesian, but the Epcot resorts are very appealing also.

Thanks,
Lynnette

[Teddysmom]

Lynette,
Welcome! I've done Wilderness Lodge with DS and his wheelchair. He is much like your MIL and in need of his chair most of the time but can move to transfer, etc. We also did Contemporary and Boardwalk with DM and DS in their chairs. My favorite was Boardwalk Inn but only mostly because of proximity to Epcot. All the resorts were AMAZINGLY accesible. I have found WDW to be one of the easiest places to vacation with regard to accessability. If we had a problem getting in somewhere the CM's were extremely quick to make sure we could enter or participate. Good luck planning and have fun!

[disneyagogo]

Thanks, Michele,

I want this to be an easy trip for MIL. She has become almost housebound due to her mobility issues, but has decided to do as much as she can as long as she can.

My DH, DS, and I did WL last November and loved it. My only concern was getting on and off the boats to MK. Her balance would make off-loading and stepping onto the boat difficult. I know that Disney will be great. She went about 12 years ago when her symptoms weren't as evident and she didn't think she could do it now. My FIL got her an awesome new wheelchair (a big deal for his accepting her condition) and she is raring to go.

She is as excited as I am about the trip and can't wait to go. I am going to do a dream book with pics for her stocking. I would get her a Passporter, but she doesn't read much due to the effects of the disorder.

Thanks,
Lynnette

[CRCrazy]

Another good choice would be the Contemporary - we stayed in a North Garden Wing handicapped accessible room in March 2002. Although we did not have any walking disabilities - I had requested a room close to the main building as DH was recovering from a bout of pneumonia. This room had the large handicapped accessible bathroom, but two queen sized beds, as well as a daybed. I know that a lot of the handicapped rooms only have a king bed, so this is something to consider. It did not have a great view - as it is on the parking lot side, but it was literally 10 steps to the the door at the Food Court - a quick elevator ride up to the fourth floor, and you are at the monorail! I think the room number was 7188.

[Teddysmom]

Lynette,
Sorry I didn't see this sooner. We used the boat launches in February at WL with no problem. We also used the boats at Boardwalk this past September with no problem. DS and DM were able to stay in their chairs while getting on and off the boats. I see you have chosen the Poly though and really how could you go wrong with that resort?!? I bet you guys all love this place. Your dream book idea for your Mom's stocking sounds awesome. Happy planning and feel free to PM me if you have any other questions wheelchair related or otherwise.

[disneyagogo]

Hi, Michele,

I haven't made the final decision and the info about WL helps. I have three trips planned in the next 12 months. The first one is with our best friends Jan. 31-Feb. 7 at the Poly. The second one is with my folks at AKL April 21-25. The last trip is with my MIL and will just be the two of us as keeping up with my four year old DS and MIL is too much for me.

I loved WL last November when we went and Randall Clayman from the Concierge staff is phenomenal. It would be nice to be there as it is so peaceful.

Take care,
Lynnette