Best SS rooms for my 87-year-old mother?

[2thdr]

I have a trip booked for early March for me, my mother (age 87) and two daughters (27 & 22) at Saratoga Springs. I've stayed there once before, but I didnt pay much attention to walking distances, bus stops, and other issues that might make a difference to an 87-year-old. I have reserved a car, but my mother thinks we don't need one. She can walk long distances (slowly), but I don't want to tire her out before we even get to the parks! What buildings/rooms are best for proximity to bus and ferry stops, and is driving to the parks, parking, and taking the trams a wash time-wise, compared to taking the bus? Also, if I request a handicap accessible room, how do they differ from regular rooms?

 

[jade1]

Not sure of the SSR layout but we took DW's 80yo Dad last winter to BWV and rented a scooter. It was great esp for DHS/EPCOT. It was pretty reasonable and delivered/picked up right there. We would do the same even if at SSR-but the bus thing would get pretty old. Let me know though if you want details-could dig it up.

 

[Chuck S]

Has you mom had any procedures that affect her mobility, like hip replacement, knee replacement, etc.? My mom is 86 and we always stay at OKW. While she gets along fine at home, Disney is just too, too much walking for her. We bring our own manual wheelchair. I'd strongly suggest for somone of that age, who walks slowly, that they rent a wheelchair or scooter. People are in such a hurry in the parks, she could easily fall or get knocked over by someone not paying attention.

There are a few different types of handicap accomodations, but in general, they will have limited under counter storage to allow for wheelchair pedals under the counter. They will have roll-in showers, many with a seat. Beds are often (but not always) lower, to facililtate wheelchair to bed transfers.

One bedroom and larger units will have a roll in shower as well as the jacuzzi tub (with the exception of a one bedroom unit at Jambo AKV. There is a unit there without a jacuzzi tub.)

We drive to all parks, except MK, where the handicap parking is not convenient. Does she have a handicap parking placard? Be sure to bring it with you.

 

[2thdr]

Thanks for the feedback. My mother has flatly refused to use a wheelchair. She has no joint problems, but has had a couple episodes of back pain so severe she couldn't walk. I'm guessing if that happens, she'll just stay home. She doesn't have a handicap placard. She travels to Italy once a year, and says she doesn't have any trouble with that, so why should she at Disney World? (She's just a wee bit stubborn.) I'd still like to know which building to request to be closest to the bus stop and ferry.

 

[Chuck S]

You might want to tell her that it is not uncommon to walk 6 to 8 miles per day at Walt Disney World. One lap around World Showcase is over a mile.

 

[dgaston]

Grandstand is the first bus stop, and not too far from Carriage House, but many recommend Springs for access to feature pool, and the QS and TS restaurant. I think either of these would help.

 

[sarahk0204]

..this past December, but I'll throw my thoughts in.

Another vote for the Grandstand. Being the first bus stop meant we always got a seat. The buses were often SRO before we left the resort. It is walkable to the main building as well.

Ask for a room near the elevator. Can't hurt, and it could save a little bit of walking.

DH and I have dealt with aging, stubborn grandmas and parents, so I feel your pain. Good luck!

 

[jade1]

Thanks for the feedback. My mother has flatly refused to use a wheelchair.

I say good for her. My DMI is the same way-but mostly because she refuses to "hinder" everyone else while she gets a scooter on a bus. DFI rented a scooter as I mentioned and when she realized that staying at BWV (or BCV) eliminated a bus about 3 out of 4 days-she became very interested for our next trip. That way she will skip the scooter on MK days, and have no walking or buses on EPCOT and DHS days. Very effortless.

 

[hakepb]

Although springs is near the main area, I cannot recommend it anymore because its the last stop and busses are usually standing room only. I think the Grandstand recommendation is also the best.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We stayed in an SSR studio in August, and on line I requested "near transportation." We were put in Paddock (I think that was it) and it was right across from the Congress Park bus stop. It was a very convenient location for us. The CM at check in noted where our unit was and where the bus stop was, so I know they took that request into consideration.

Bobbi