Booked PPH, please tell me it is going to be okay ;)

[BlueBayou]

Okay - I booked a room at Disney's Paradise Pier hotel for 4 days next month.

We are DL vets with about yearly visits for the past 10 years. This trip is different though, because we are bringing my mom who is in failing health. She can't walk any distance and has COPD. At home she can drive herself to a handicap parking space and shop in stores that have scooters. She owns I walker she uses around the house and has a wheel chair for me to push her in for outings.

We will be renting a scooter to be delivered to the hotel.

The deciding factor for this hotel was there would be something for her to do/see at the hotel if we went to the parks without her because she wasn't feeling up to going. Also the rate was pretty good.

But I am worried about: The distance, lack of free breakfast, and cramped quarters for 5.

I am probably one of the few people who was not overly impressed with my stay at DLH a couple of years ago. Contruction was in full swing - so that probably had something to do with it. But we liked our stays at several of the Harbor Dr. hotels better. Now the Grand Californian was a different story. But I haven't seen the great post Sept 11 rate we got being offered again.

Please tell me this is going to be okay. I just don't know why I am stressing about this so much. Probably because my mom will be there - so there is already a ton of added stress.

 

[tksbaskets]

It will be fine! The main thing is you are going to be making wonderful memories with your mom.

The PPH is just across the street from the Grand Californian Hotel. We've stayed there and were amazed how close the two hotels are. You can go across the street and use the GCH entrance into DCA or DTD.

With the scooter rental I think you don't have to worry about a thing!

 

[Sweettears]

Stayed there earlier this year for the first time and thought it was great. For 5 you probably need a rollaway but the rooms seemed big enough to accomodate that. Its a bit of a walk to the parks but easy access to the GC entrance to DCA made it a lot shorter. Had a TPV room and thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

[StyledSugar]

You could always upgrade to the conceirge service which would give you breakfast, snacks and appetizers in the evening.

We've never stayed there but will be during our last two nights of our vacation. We are looking very forward to it! I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[Dobie]

The Dobies booked a stay at the PPH this summer and absolutely loved it. The walk to the parks is very easy. The only downside is the rather limited restaurant options.

 

[BlueBayou]

Thanks everyone! I am trying to get excited about this trip. The last time I visited DL with mom was 1979. I am bummed that her favorite ride (POTC) is going to be closed - but her mobility and stamina is decreasing so I am not sure she will be able to make the trip a year from now. She backed out of the May 10 trip - but I think she may actually go this time. She realizes her health is not going to improve - and I believe she wants to see DL again.

 

[Keurigirl]

Do not worry about the distance. This is a very doable 5-8 minute walk (depending on how fast you walk) to Disney - all flat and very easy. She'll be able to use her scooter to get there no problem. Cut through the Grand Californian and it will be easy.

Are you trying to fit 5 adults in one room? I'd be iffy about the space for that. I don't think those couch beds are very comfortable.

I'm not sure what you mean that there is stuff for her to do at this hotel if you guys are gone. There is a gift shop, two restaurants, a pool... not a ton of stuff.

As for breakfast, we would stop at the to-go bakery in downtown disney (which you pass on the way to/from your hotel) the day before and bring back stuff for breakfast in the morning. That way you can eat on the way to the parks. There is also room service, which actually is no more expensive than eating in the restaurant.

Is there anything else you're worried about for the hotel?

ETA: We've traveled to Disney with my grandmother twice and she used a scooter both times. It was at Disneyworld, but it was great and I wouldn't hesitate to use a scooter again. It's really easy to do and CMs are usually really helpful. I'd also make sure you get a Guest Assistance Card, so she won't have to get off the scooter except to transfer to a ride. In case you need it, more info about that is here: http://pixiedustinn.com/disabilitiesfaq/GACFAQ.html

 

[BlueBayou]

Are you trying to fit 5 adults in one room? I'd be iffy about the space for that. I don't think those couch beds are very comfortable.

I'm not sure what you mean that there is stuff for her to do at this hotel if you guys are gone. There is a gift shop, two restaurants, a pool... not a ton of stuff.

As for breakfast, we would stop at the to-go bakery in downtown disney (which you pass on the way to/from your hotel) the day before and bring back stuff for breakfast in the morning. That way you can eat on the way to the parks. There is also room service, which actually is no more expensive than eating in the restaurant.

It is 3 adults and DD11 and DD8. Typical family of 4 with grandmother

And what I mean about to do when we are gone is exactly what you mention. She is a talker - and likes being around people. I would feel much safer with her tooling around the lobby/gift shop/restaurant alone than I would hanging out on harbor (and she would never do that - in a motel setting, I think she would stay in her room)

Thanks for the tip about to go bakery. I never considered that. I was thinking VONS or something on day one.

 

[smile4stamps]

I loved the PPH this past summer. I have a number of pics in my TR of the room but unfortunately I haven't updated the Table of Contents so it could take some searching to find them. There are a couple posted at the beginning and then some more on the day titled June 11.

I was only there with one other person and the room felt spacious but with 5 that might be a different story.

Enjoy your time there. The beds are super comfy. (Not sure on the couch... maybe rotate who sleeps there?)