Disabled visitor

[DonnaMontana]

Trying to arrange a trip for my disabled mum and her friend for September next year. Want to take advantage of ddp so am considering saratoga springs and port orleans. SSR works out only £100 more than POR. However mum can only walk short distances so not sure if choosing right resorts. I unfortunately have never been lucky enough to stay onsite. Any help greatly appreciated

 

[disneyholic family]

you should post the question regarding disabled friendly resorts on the dis disabilities board...
people there are very knowledgable..

i assume you're referring to the free dining plan for next september..
if that's the case, you probably would prefer the dining plan at saratoga springs, since i think it includes table service restaurants not just counter service..
so you should take that into account..

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,

I have very limited experience of Disney resorts as we have only ever stayed on-site once.
Although we stay at Polynesian Resort next year.

We had a full tour around SSR in 2006 - personally I wouldn't choose to stay there as the resort is quite spread out and a fair bit of walking may be required, although naturally that could depend on which building you are located.

Our son Joshua is autistic and whilst fully mobile has difficulty walking long distances so we actually bring a child's wheelchair with us.
To be honest we encourage him to walk as much as we can and only really use his chair at the parks (so the circumstances are different I know)....but didn't fancy SSR as it can be a fair walk to the hub of the resort.
We chose the Poly because it is close to Magic Kingdom, on the monorail route with the likes of the Grand Floridian nearby plus whilst there are different accomodation buildings at the resort itself it isn't as spread out as some of the DVC resorts such as SSR and Old Key West.
I am sure your mum will like the theming, there are some nice restaurants and shops there too.

Being on the monorail route could be a big advantage to you I feel.
Staying somewhere like GF, Poly or Contemporary would suit your circumstances.

The other option is a standard hotel type . 1 building, easier access to everything and less walking involved.

 

[disneyholic family]

if she can only walk a limited distance, you're probably going to need a wheelchair in whatever resort you choose..

you can rent a wheelchair for use during your entire stay - there are companies that rent them and will deliver them to you at your resort..

again, i suggest you post a question about this on the dis disabilities board...

the people there probably know the names of reputable companies..

i just looked at the disabilities board..
there is a sticky post there - an FAQ thread with information about wheelchair rental companies:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

i just skimmed through that thread - it has extensive information, both about renting from disney and renting from non-disney companies....

 

[loadsapixiedust]

I could recommend POFQ. It's a lovely resort but very compact so nothing is too far to walk to from your room. It also has the option of bus and boat transportation both of which are easily accessible to guests using a wheelchair.

 

[DonnaMontana]

Thanks for all the advice. Think the Poly is the best option as the monorail will be invaluable.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Thanks for all the advice. Think the Poly is the best option as the monorail will be invaluable.

I agree - one thing to note, you may want to look a map of the resort.
Polynesian is split into several 'longhouses' so it may be an advantage to see which area you would like to request as a first option.

You will find a map and all kinds of information on this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1708173

 

[disneyholic family]

Thanks for all the advice. Think the Poly is the best option as the monorail will be invaluable.

sounds good..
the poly may have a wheelchair that you can use for your stay..

the YC did when we stayed there one time....(no charge)

 

[darthtatty]

Thanks for all the advice. Think the Poly is the best option as the monorail will be invaluable.

good choice, we stayed at the contemporary last trip and ive got to say whenever we go, we will always stay at a monorail hotel.
the monorail made a huge difference to our trip.
its easy to just push a wheelchair on.
the contemporary is the cheaper of the monorail resorts so may worth having a look.