Acessible suites/homes/condo for 7??

[Ahrizel]

We're already planning our trip to Disney in early December this year for 6 adults. Now I'm getting the crazy idea of adding the girl I work with to our trip. She's spastic quad cp, non-walker, completely dependent etc., as well as a general goof I'm just trying to figure out accomadtions. Two couples in our group, plus a non couple. I know we need a kitchen, and a washer and dryer would be lovely. Any ideas, suggestions, places to advoid? I'm a pretty decent Disney planner, but this mixed group might be challenging. All ideas are appreciated.
Mar

 

[JudithM]

Have you given any thoguht to staying at one of the three DVC locations on WDW property? They include Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas & the Villas at Wilderness Lodge. There is a two bedroom unit at each of these resorts that accomodates eight people - one king size bed in the maaster bedroom, two queen size beds in the other bedroom & a queen size sofa sleeper in the living room. The living room/kitchen/dining area has a full size refrigerator, stove, microwave oven, TV/VCR, etc. There is a washer & dryer in each unit. There are two bathrooms - one with each bedroom. Just a thought ..

 

[SueM in MN]

The girl you work with sound like my DD. She is 15, spastic CP, totally dependent, non-verbal, but understands everything and likes joking (she once used her wheelchair to try to push her sister in the water at WS, because sister was complaining of the he at).
Anyway, we are DVC members at OKW and a 2 bedroom works out very well for us. There are totally accessible homes, but even the regular first floor ones have bathrooms that are big enough to get a wheelchair in. The only problem with the regular ones is that there is a tub in the second bedroom and the shower in the master bedroom does have a lip, so you can't roll her in. Other than that, the rooms are spacious and not a problem for manouvering a wheelchair.
We have not stayed at BWV or WLV, but have taken a tour of the "example" room at Boardwalk. The rooms are a little smaller and moving around in a wheelchair would be possible, but nowhere near as easy as OKW.
Most of the buses have wheelchair lifts, so getting to the parks is not a problem. There is also an accessible pool at OKW. We were planning to look at it during our trip last September, but we ended up leaving early because a hurricane was set to hit.

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES

 

[SueOKW]

Can't say enough good things about OKW. It's a great resort. If you are not in DVC though, you can't make reservations until 6 mos prior to your visit date.

Options could be visiting the DVC board, points for rent etc... someone there may sell you enough points and make reservations for you. December is a peak time for DVCers...

At one point we had reservations at Disney Institute - they also had all the amenities you are looking for. then, we realized that the cost of those reservations alone could help us to join DVC, we joined, and I cancelled DI. So, I have no input about that place.

Were you planning on staying on site to take advantage of Disney transportation? Would be a lot easier with your friend's chair etc.
Good luck - enjoy your planning!
sue

<img width="200" src="http://www.geocities.com/dmurphydis/cleveland.gif">

 

[teri]

The OKW 2 Bedroom ground floor units are wonderful... the biggest advantage to those is that you don't have to park far from the room. My favorite resort for any reason! BWV and WLV have remote lots... it can be quite a hike, or a wait for the valet. the BWV rooms are nice, but they are much smaller as Sue says, (we have stayed twice) and you have to deal with elevators. WLV rooms are exactly the same layout as BWV rooms, the atmosphere is more private and serene. OKW is still the best choice onsite.

"My brain takes a vacation just to give my heart more room..."
teri@iluvdisney.com

 

[Ahrizel]

I would love to stay onsite, however I know it would blow our budget to shreds. I would really love to stay onsite with this girl, I know Disney's rep for accomadation. However it will not happen this trip. I would prefer to have a tub actually, I don't have anything to put in her a roll in shower. She's petite, size of a 10yr old. She is mentally retarded, but very alert, and a wacked out sense of humor Any suggestions for off-site, or how to afford onsite? Actually any ideas and suggestions are much appreciated.
Mar

 

[SueM in MN]

You could also look into the camper homes at Fort Wilderness (someone help me out here, I'm having bedtime brain lock). I don't know how many they accomidate and they don't have washer or dryer in the room as far as I know, but would hold quite a few people and thye have varying levels of accessability from fully accessible to wheelcahir will fit, but not fully accessible.
i don't know much about off site, but maybe someone else will add that.`

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES