ADRs with mobility issue

[MagiKitty]

Again, silly to ask, but better to ask than be surprised.

We have lots of ADRs with free dining, including Coral Reef. Someone said that its multi-level, and BF has mobility issues. Should I let my ADRs have a notation that we may need particular seating? Or will we just have to wait until a certain table opens? Are there any other restaurants that may pose difficulties that we should be aware of? We also are planning to do the Spirit of Aloha...

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Kitty, don't 'beat' yourself up so much by calling your legit questions silly. There's no need.

With ADR's they don't actually give you for instance table 14. They'll be on the look out for the first available table of your size. However, with obvious mobility problems they tend to keep a quick eye on that also, in my experience. Sometimes they gave me a different table (use a powerchair), sometimes they did a bit of re-arranging the tables and seat around, that stuff. When doing a buffet, my server always asked me if I wished any help with that and assured he/she would be very happy to help out. Same with the CM's working the buffet etc.

I always had the CM put a note in my ADR when making them. While it's not a 100% safe system, it worked perfectly for me. All of the resturants knew I would be rolling in even before I'ld gotten there.

I would add a note in the ADR's. It's no big hassle for you but can help prevent uncomfortable situations. However, about the Spirit of Aloha I'ld ask the CM. I know there is at least one tier that also holds wheelchairs (so your BF should be ok with his crutches to get at least to that tier). I'ld ask which tiers might have obstacles like small stairs/steps he'ld want to avoid so you can book accordingly.

On a whole however they are very accomodating and thoughfull. Just remind the CM at check in if need be (for instance you checking in and not visable within seconds for the CM that your BF has a disability). It's Disney and they tend to keep up the great level of accessibility inside also.

 

[MagiKitty]

Thank so much goofylonglostsis! You've eased my mind (first timers here). I read that the Spirit of Aloha has long tables, and if we're not seated at the end, it could be a difficult beginning to dinner!

I'll make sure to call and just have them put a note in, it couldn't hurt! We're also planning on showing up way early for our ressies, just in case.

 

[dclfun]

I also note that I am travelling in a power w/c when we make ADR's. For this fall several of my grown children and myself will be at WDW with free dining and have ressies at HDDR, Spirit of Aloha, and Mickey's Backyard BBQ. It was specifically mentioned to me that at HDDR we would be seated on the ground floor- the CM even said they would be the "best seats". I actually forget what was said to me but we were told where our seats would be for Spirit of Aloha also. I'd give a call back to dining and have it noted on your ADR's- esp at the dinner shows where there is limited seating for guests t/w wheelchairs, you want to be sure that a seating area is blocked for you.---Kathy

 

[MagiKitty]

I did call and update them about my ADRs. The main concern I had was for Coral Reef and Spirit of Aloha. The guy was really nice on the phone but he didn't have any more information for me aside from the fact that he had "tagged" my reservation.

I think WDW does an excellent job in accomodating our issue with crutches, I just didn't want to show up for lunch somewhere and have to wait two hours until a particular table opens. I'm very relieved now. Thanks!

 

[MarieS]

Both of my boys use wheelchairs and we ate at Coral Reef for lunch last trip--great meal btw. We had to be seated on the top level where you enter the restaurant since the the lower two levels have steps. We had a great view of the tank. The seating is a little tight with a wheelchair but it worked out fine. When I call to make ADRs I always have then note WC and I also tell them again when we check in at the podium.