AKL with wheelchair

[jacknsally19]

we are taking my FIL to WDW for the first time in December. He will need a wheelchair since he is on oxygen due to lung disease. I was planning to stay at AKL with him (and the rest of our family) but my husband thinks it's too far away and we should stay on the monorail. Money isn't an issue so I am open to any options. However, I know that my husbands family will love the aesthetics and the access to the wildlife. I also thought it was a good resort if my FIL need a lot of downtime. Anyway, I was wondering if you could give me some advice ? This may be better served in the resort thread but I really want feedback from folks who have had to navigate hotel buses / monorail with a wheelchair.

TIA!

 

[Wendydagny]

How will his o2 be provided? Tanks or concentrator? How long will he have on a tank or battery before he needs to swap it out? If time is going to be a big factor I'd stay monorail resort.

We had a long period where my dd was ventilator dependent AND on a very high flow of o2, so we had 3-4 hours max in the park at a pop, and that was WITH storing a spare tank at first aid. We stayed in the contemporary and the poly during that period and both were great for ease getting back to the room. (Though I do havd a very unfond memory of running from the gate of the mk to the contemporary while her vent alarmed low battery because it needed to be plugged in.)

 

[jacknsally19]

Oh wow - I hadn't thought of that issue. Unfortunately, I don't really know what his condition will be at that point in time.... It kind of depends on how treatments go over the next few months. But that is a great point. Perhaps I will book at the Poly or GF. I love the Contemporary but I think that the hustle and bustle might be a bit much for him.

 

[tobikaye]

Some other considerations:

1. Which parks will you spend the most time in?
2. Are you only using WDW transportation to get around?

If you will spend most of your time at MK and/or Epcot (particularly FW), then a monorail resort might be best. If you plan to spned most of your time at Epcot (particularly WS) and/or DHS, then an Epcot area resort might be best.

If you will have a car, then other than going to MK, the parks will not be too far out of the way to get there by driving on your own.

 

[Glittercat]

we are taking my FIL to WDW for the first time in December. He will need a wheelchair since he is on oxygen due to lung disease. I was planning to stay at AKL with him (and the rest of our family) but my husband thinks it's too far away and we should stay on the monorail. Money isn't an issue so I am open to any options. However, I know that my husbands family will love the aesthetics and the access to the wildlife. I also thought it was a good resort if my FIL need a lot of downtime. Anyway, I was wondering if you could give me some advice ? This may be better served in the resort thread but I really want feedback from folks who have had to navigate hotel buses / monorail with a wheelchair.

TIA!

Hello there. As a person who has spent time at Disney World in a wheelchair I have to say I now have a bus phobia. That is a bit embarrassing but when we were there almost 5 years ago the alienation of irritating half of those around you- especially those with strollers it seemed- was just not worth it. This time we'll be staying closer in at the Poly in an accessible room, and have it planned for using buses only one of the 8 days.

What about WL I've read wonderful things about it and the theming, and it is on the boat transportation which is not bad at all in a chair-sometimes you just need to wait a little longer for a boat the wheels can go in- but everyone is often less harried at the docks. Also recommended to me were all of the Boardwalk area hotels as one can easily get to EPCOT, HS, and MK with very little trouble. No matter what resort you choose requesting a wheelchair accessible room is vital, as they are nearly impossible to get on the spot.

If he has to spend a lot of downtime outside of the parks I would look at restaurant options within the resort (or surrounding area), amenities, and also entertainment that is easily accessible.

Everyone has their own perspective and I would just spend some time discussing the different resorts with him. Good luck to you and good wishes to your FIL as well-he's lucky to have such a thoughtful DIL!