December Girls' Trip!!

[IndyPirate]

Hi! Got some questions. It might be best to split some up into different categories, but maybe y'all can help me figure out which questions to direct to which subforums.

I, a friend, and her friend have booked Coronado Springs for several nights in mid-December and are looking forward to a fun adult trip.

Friend is terminally ill, so I'm interested in finding out about any extra Disney magic that may be available for her. She's in her mid-20s. :'( Is there anything available for her to not have to wait in long lines, etc? She may or may not be in a wheelchair during some of our visit...all depends on how she's feeling at the time. She's been in contact with the local hospice, so we may find out some things from them. Any tips for wheelchair info or anything should we need it?

We booked Coronado, but she'd really like to spend at least one night at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was not available at the time. Any chance we might find availability between now and then?

Also, with all the apps and magic bands, etc, any tips on getting that all figured out for the 3 of us? I went last year and am a little familiar with the app. Friend booked the hotel. Is it hard to connect her, I, and other friend in the Disney app to connect the reservation and book fastpasses together?

I really want to make sure to show this friend a good time, so please share any info/tips that might be helpful. Thank you!

 

[Nancyg56]

Oh dear, I am so sorry that your friend is ill. I wish the three of you a wonderful magical time.

I would suggest you stop in on the Disabilities board. Those folks are so knowledgeable with regards to the accomodations that Disney has in place for those who need them.

AS to magic, I think you can make your own magic just by being aware of your surroundings. I woud not make this trip one that has a huge to do list of attractions, etc, but one that is more free flowing. I would focus on the holiday events such as the Illuminations overlay. It is a moving end to a lovely show. I like the Candle Light processional as well. The WS is filled with special Holiday events and decorations but you have to take the time to look. It is one of my favorite pastimes when I travel with a friend, and the park that we all seem to enjoy wandering around the most.

I like Future World, and we always take a ride through the Greenhouses in Living with the Land. Living Seas is special as well, and teh Nemo Attraction is fun. Totally Disney.

Make your fast passes, and know what your group really wants to see and experience, but after that focus on enjoying the sights and sounds around you. One of my favorite experiences is the People Mover after dark. Silly as it may seem, the glimpses of that gorgeous Castle dripping in lights are pretty darn awesome.

Take time to visit the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge. The Lobbies are worth the trip and if you arrive at the Grand after 3 in the afternoon, you will be treated to the Grand Pianist, and then the Grand Orchestra. It is nice to stop and purchase a beverage and then sit and relax in that beautifully decorated lobby. I will warn you, the area around the Gingerbread House can be pretty crowded. I am not sure how much time you have but the Epcot Resorts are pretty as well. If you must make a choice I would stick to the MK resorts just for convenience alone. Your friend can just scoot on and off of the monorail if you have a scooter or wheelchair, , and will not need to navigate bus transportation.

If you can vist Animal Kingdom, schedule the Safari and Festival of the Lion King. There is a lot to experience, but these two attractions are wonderful. Stop at Nomads for a rest and lounge on the veranda. Take the time to go through the animal trails. The pathways are cool, and you are not rushed to get from one spot to another. If you are there after dark make sure you stay to see the Tree of Life. Again, it may seem like a little thing, but it really is impressive, and makes a memory of what Disney can be. I have not been to Pandora, so I am cannot offer any feedback. I feel a scooter is a necessity in DAK> This is a large sprawling park.

Personally, I would avoid Disney Springs. My friend was in a scooter and that place was mobbed. We both enjoyed dinner, and really wanted to explore but we found it to be stressful. I know there are decorations, but we gave up and went back to the resort.

I wonder if you would do well to book a scooter and have it delivered to your resort. CSR is a big resort, and while it is stunning, there can be a lot of walking. If you have a scooter your friend will not need be exhausted getting to and from the bus or the restaurants. I have pushed a wheelchair and it may start out easy, but after a long day, or uphill, it can be a lot of work.
Whatever you do, temper your expectations, and choose a focus for the trip. I know. It is hard to narrow down what you want to accomplish, but once you do you will not regret it. I am not happy if I am darting from place to place, and I cannot imagine that your group will be either.

 

[IndyPirate]

Oh dear, I am so sorry that your friend is ill. I wish the three of you a wonderful magical time.

I would suggest you stop in on the Disabilities board. Those folks are so knowledgeable with regards to the accomodations that Disney has in place for those who need them.

AS to magic, I think you can make your own magic just by being aware of your surroundings. I woud not make this trip one that has a huge to do list of attractions, etc, but one that is more free flowing. I would focus on the holiday events such as the Illuminations overlay. It is a moving end to a lovely show. I like the Candle Light processional as well. The WS is filled with special Holiday events and decorations but you have to take the time to look. It is one of my favorite pastimes when I travel with a friend, and the park that we all seem to enjoy wandering around the most.

I like Future World, and we always take a ride through the Greenhouses in Living with the Land. Living Seas is special as well, and teh Nemo Attraction is fun. Totally Disney.

Make your fast passes, and know what your group really wants to see and experience, but after that focus on enjoying the sights and sounds around you. One of my favorite experiences is the People Mover after dark. Silly as it may seem, the glimpses of that gorgeous Castle dripping in lights are pretty darn awesome.

Take time to visit the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge. The Lobbies are worth the trip and if you arrive at the Grand after 3 in the afternoon, you will be treated to the Grand Pianist, and then the Grand Orchestra. It is nice to stop and purchase a beverage and then sit and relax in that beautifully decorated lobby. I will warn you, the area around the Gingerbread House can be pretty crowded. I am not sure how much time you have but the Epcot Resorts are pretty as well. If you must make a choice I would stick to the MK resorts just for convenience alone. Your friend can just scoot on and off of the monorail if you have a scooter or wheelchair, , and will not need to navigate bus transportation.

If you can vist Animal Kingdom, schedule the Safari and Festival of the Lion King. There is a lot to experience, but these two attractions are wonderful. Stop at Nomads for a rest and lounge on the veranda. Take the time to go through the animal trails. The pathways are cool, and you are not rushed to get from one spot to another. If you are there after dark make sure you stay to see the Tree of Life. Again, it may seem like a little thing, but it really is impressive, and makes a memory of what Disney can be. I have not been to Pandora, so I am cannot offer any feedback. I feel a scooter is a necessity in DAK> This is a large sprawling park.

Personally, I would avoid Disney Springs. My friend was in a scooter and that place was mobbed. We both enjoyed dinner, and really wanted to explore but we found it to be stressful. I know there are decorations, but we gave up and went back to the resort.

I wonder if you would do well to book a scooter and have it delivered to your resort. CSR is a big resort, and while it is stunning, there can be a lot of walking. If you have a scooter your friend will not need be exhausted getting to and from the bus or the restaurants. I have pushed a wheelchair and it may start out easy, but after a long day, or uphill, it can be a lot of work.
Whatever you do, temper your expectations, and choose a focus for the trip. I know. It is hard to narrow down what you want to accomplish, but once you do you will not regret it. I am not happy if I am darting from place to place, and I cannot imagine that your group will be either.

Thank you so much for your detailed response. We're really excited to see the Christmas decorations. I love that you mentioned Animal Kingdom and Epcot as those are her favorite parks (mine, too!). The scooter sounds like a good idea, and I'll check in with the DISabilities subforum. Thanks, again!

 

[AMK53]

call Disney reservations and explain your friend's situation. they may be able to help with the Animal Kingdom room.

a scooter can make such a difference for an enjoyable trip. Coronado is huge so getting one that can be delivered to your hotel and can be used for your entire trip will really make a difference for your friend. There are handicapped viewing areas for people in scooters for the parades.

sorry this is happening to you but hope that it works out to be a magical experience for you.