Do you have a good handi resort tip?

[Wheelsie]

What would it be?


Mine would be....

ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS....to DIS....your friends...your Dr...call the resort....call any place you may be going in the area

[lisapooh]

Do not stay at PO-R

[Wheelsie]

heheheheh agreed Lisa...or Contemporary :)

[teri]

If you need a tub, and are able to walk short distances, do not request a wheelchair access room - they have roll-in showers. Request "Ground Floor for medical reasons" instead.

[SueM in MN]

And even if you told the CM that you had a wheelchair or ecv when you made the reservation, make sure that your reservation confirmation sheet says "First Floor for Medical Reasons" not just "Request first floor."

[lisapooh]

Teri,
Not true at some of the newer resorts. AKL and Ft Wilderness and from what I was told CSR have 2 levels of handi rooms. I level has rool-in showers and the other tubs with grab bars.
They seem to be learning.

[SueM in MN]

I hadn't thought of it, but I think the different levels of handicapped access might also be present at some other resorts besides what Lisa listed.
So, if you absolutely need a tub with grab bars or a roll in shower, ask questions (lots of questions).

[Andrew Bichard]

Housekeeping may have aids in store that will help if you have mobility problems.

I always ask for bed boards, because a stiffer bed is easier to get in and out of.

I always ask for a raised toilet seat which housekeeping keeps in store.

Off site medical suppliers can provide more than just ECVs. Last trip I rented a wheelchair with a commode seat from Walker Medical, to use in the shower. - my power wheelchair doesn't like water!

AKL, Polynesian & GF have zero entry pools with special wheelchairs that can be ridden into pool. (AKL & Polynesian are definite - haven't checked for certain at GF). Many (but not all) of the pools at other resorts have 'bump staircases' that let you transfer from a wheelchair to the pool if you have good upper body strength.

If you are staying at a resort without a zero access pool or other suitable means of access for your needs - pool hop to one that does. Ask first to be certain, but I have been told that in the case of 'disabled' circumstances, an exception to the 'no pool hopping' rule is likely to be made.

If you want to get 'offsite' with a wheelchair, remember that all LYNX buses (Orlando's public transport system) are wheelchair accessible, though you do need to get to TTC to get one.

Also- The cab company that serves WDW has a few wheelchair adapted vans. The parking valet at the entrance will be able to call one for you.

Also - Mears bus service proviide wheelchair vans to & from the airport, Sea World, Universal International Drive etc. They will pick up & drop off at any Disney resort.

Andrew

[Wheelsie]

Any other tips?

[Wheelsie]

This is from March but what do you think? hmmm

[dclfun]

I have a question rather than a tip. Are all the handicapped accessible rooms fitted with a lower bed? Someone has to transfer me and my chair is higher than the bed- easy getting into bed but very difficult getting out? I'm worried about our stay at Yacht Club this December and thinking perhaps I could sleep on the daybed if it's higher. Anyone know? ---Kathy

[Andrew Bichard]

My own experience is that Disney Beds are higher than wheelchair seats, but can be rather soft.
I am on the heavy side, and the mattress sags when I sit on the edge to get up which makes the transfer back into my chair more difficult than it might be otherwise. I always request a bed board from housekeeping to stiffen the edge. Taking my own sliding-board also helps.

Housekeeping are very good indeed. They will go out of their way to help you. One hotel that I stayed in (not Disney) had blocks to put under the legs of the bed and raise it - I am sure Disney would have something similar if you asked.

Andrew

[SueM in MN]

Are all the handicapped
accessible rooms fitted with a lower bed? ... I'm worried about our stay at Yacht Club this December and thinking perhaps I could sleep on the daybed if it's higher.

That sounds like a question for WDW RESORTS/SPECIAL RESERVATIONS
(407) 939-7807 [voice]
(407) 939-7670 [TTY]

We've found that the beds in the regular rooms are quite high.

[dclfun]

Thanks Andrew and Sue. I'd call the special request res. folks but I can't use the phone. I'm planning to have my daughter call over Thanksgiving week when she's home to find out about the bed height. I know the king bed in the AS resorts is much too low. I have to be totally lifted along with all my hoses and tubes so its not even a pivot transfer- much too hard on my poor caregiver friends. Sue-you're right about the regular beds being really high. When I was still walking I practically had to jump up into the beds at Old Key West! ---Kathy