Best resort for wheelchair guest

[Leslie]

I will be traveling with a lady in a wheelchair. If budget does not matter, what is the best resort for a wheelchair guest and why? I am looking for the most comfortable room, easiest access to transportation, etc. Thanks!

 

[teri]

A ground-floor room at Old Key West resort. Large rooms and bathrooms, ability to park right up to the unit, very accessible. If you get a 1- or 2- bedroom, there is also a comfy couch to sit upon during the downtimes. No elevators to deal with, no need for valet parking but plenty of bell services if you need them. They have wheelchair-accessible units for those who need roll-in showers, lowered cabinets, etc. at all the resorts, but the moderates and budget resorts have much less space.

Next best would probably be just about any of the EPCOT resorts. Also, Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. With all of those you will have valet parking and a hike + possibly elevators to the lobby area to get from your room to your car.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

My recommendation would be the Contemporary, especially in the Tower. Don't forget valet parking is free with HP tag or plates (but tip well, especially if they assist with the chair). The elevators are efficient and you don't have to go outside to go to any of the restaurants. You would have to take the special elevator between the Grand Canyon Councurse (4th Floor) and the Monorail, but you can get to MK and EC easily. The buses stop very close to the main entrance. The basic rooms at the Contemporary (Tower or Wing) are all 440 square feet, two queen beds and a day bed. Note my signature below for my stay history.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Wheelchair transport to the parks and 'disabled' rooms will be good most everywhere at WDW. Disney is fully complient with ADA and ahead of it in some respects!

I think your choice of Hotel should be based on your favourite parks - in other words, ignore disability access when making your choice.

I almost always stay at the Boardwalk because it has good access to my two favourite parks Epcot & MGM, good restaurants nearby.

I'm getting too old to enjoy Magic Kingdom! so the 'monorail' hotels don't appeal so much.

One factor no-one else has mentioned is access to the hotel swimming pools. Most hotels will have regular pool steps. If your friend cannot climb steps she needs a hotel like Beach/Yacht club and Wilderness Lodge which have what I call 'bump' steps which allow you to bump yourself out of the water one step at a time on your backside until you are at wheelchair seat level.

Some hotels such as Animal Kingdom Lodge, Polynesian and Grand Floridian have 'zero entrty level' pools that slope up to the surface like a beach. They have special waterproof wheelchairs on free loan so you can wheel your friend right into the water.

Your friend should consider renting a scooter for the duration of your stay. The average visitor is said to walk about seven miles in a day ther - that is av long way to push a wheelchair. Disney transportation is scooter friendly.

Andrew

 

[Wheelsie]

My handi recomendations are Dolphin, Fort Wilderness, the AS resorts, oh and di I mention the Dolphin???

 

[Towncrier]

FYI - The pool and hot tub at the Beach Club Villas (that opened on July 1st) both have the "bump" steps.