Endurance Issues and Transportation to and from Room - Onsite or Offsite?

[HarleenQ]

You've already been given lots of advice, but just wanted to throw out my opinion on driving.

We drive. Period. We did a bus only trip when we stayed at AKV and I despised it. For someone with stamina issues, I'd think it'd be even more difficult. Nearly every time we were leaving the park, no matter the time, we ended up having to stand the whole way. Toss in the bumping and motion from the bus with people shoulder to shoulder, it may be difficult for your wife. Do not rely on the kindness of strangers to give up their seats.

Driving, while it sounds inconvenient, was incredibly easy. Once we got to the car, it didn't take longer than 15 minutes or so to reach any resort we've stayed at. If you're on site, parking is free. If you're off, you'll have to toss that into your budget, which makes offsite less financially appealing than it seems at first. We even prefer to drive to MK, although many people don't. We don't mind parking and hopping on the Monorail - it's still more convenient to me than a bus ride full of people.

 

[gap2368]

Just something to think about but people with wheel chair ECV or other mobility devices board first and they will have a seat to sit in the lines st the MK for the fairy or monerai can be just as long as the bus and once on them you my not have any where to sit. There really is no perfect answe for this.

 

[Nevada Jen]

We always do off-site (Sheraton Visitana, which I highly reccomend) and drive to the parks. We get a two bedroom unit which gives us one room with two twins and one with a king. We eat breakfast and dinner there because there is a full kitchen. We have a wheelchair hang tag (which she should get if she doesn't have one). I feel like we always park right up front with no problems. I am honestly surprised more people don't do it this way. From an ease of access point of view, I really do think it is the easiest. Public transportation is HARD on a person with stamina issues or in a wheelchair. WIth a car, she doesn't even have to go back the resort, she can go sit in a car with the a/c on and lean her seat back and rest in private. Add a portable rental ECV to the mix and I suspect she will have the easiest and best vacation she has ever had.

 

[Dr. G]

So many amazing tips and insights. It is so great to hear the various options and synthesize it into what feels like it will work the best for us. We are SO GRATEFUL for all the help!!!!

 

[ErinTwinmom]

Have you considered renting dvc points. A one bedroom would give you the larger bed and bath an long as the teens can camp on the fold out in the living room. if you can get one of the 1 bedrooms that sleeps five they can even have separate fold outs. And having been the teen in that situation its not bad, you have a tv in living area and you don't have to share a room with mom and dad.

 

[stitchlovestink]

You might want to check out renting dvc points. Check out the dvc thread for information on how to do it.

Off site, bonnet creek is really a great place. It's condos that are still onsite, but not owned by Disney. Check out the Orlando board for information.

My DD used uber this spring when she stayed offsite in her friends parents condo.
It was very reasonable and they felt very safe. They had several soccer moms driving them! They used the poly as their pickup point.

Contrary to popular misconception, Bonnet Creek is not on WDW property unlike the Swan and Dolphin or Shades of Green which are on actual Disney owned property. Bonnet Creek is adjacent to property and shares WDW's roads.

Here is a great site explaining how this "happened".

http://www.yesterland.com/bonnet.html

Now that said, it can be very convenient to WDW attractions. But I know as of recent, they charge for the use of their shuttle. Not sure if it a per use or all day charge, but it is per person. I believe they also have resort fees, and if you drive to a park, you will have to pay for parking because BC is not on property. Just,make sure wherever/whatever you decide you factor the additional off property costs into your budget.

Also in my experience it has been much easier staying on property with stamina issues. I find the various ways to get around property with an ECV to be MUCH easier than driving with a few exceptions. When we have chosen to drive it was the exception due to bus difficulties I experienced at a few hotels we have stayed at (All Stars were by far the worst).

 

[FortForever]

I'm trying to figure out if it's worth $100+ per night more for the on-site convenience of getting back to the hotel.

Yes, yes it is. Beyond the shadow of a doubt.

 

[DisneyOma]

Contrary to popular misconception, Bonnet Creek is not on WDW property unlike the Swan and Dolphin or Shades of Green which are on actual Disney owned property. Bonnet Creek is adjacent to property and shares WDW's roads.

Here is a great site explaining how this "happened".

http://www.yesterland.com/bonnet.html

Now that said, it can be very convenient to WDW attractions. But I know as of recent, they charge for the use of their shuttle. Not sure if it a per use or all day charge, but it is per person. I believe they also have resort fees, and if you drive to a park, you will have to pay for parking because BC is not on property. Just,make sure wherever/whatever you decide you factor the additional off property costs into your budget.

Also in my experience it has been much easier staying on property with stamina issues. I find the various ways to get around property with an ECV to be MUCH easier than driving with a few exceptions. When we have chosen to drive it was the exception due to bus difficulties I experienced at a few hotels we have stayed at (All Stars were by far the worst).

Also - those shuttles do not get prime spots for drop-off or pick-up on WDW property. Expect a hike to and from the designated areas.