EPCOT resort recommendations?

[joshua4]

If mom is physically up to it, we are planning on going to stay at an Epcot resort in September. She is in a wheel chair but can move around in the room and just needs handrails in the shower. I assume that YC, BC, BW, Swan and Dolphin all have accessible rooms -- I am just wondering if one would be more advisable than others. They all look fairly close to EPCOT, but maps can be deceiving. Since I will be the sole "pusher" I want to make sure that I don't pick the resort that you have to push the chair up a hill to get to (if such a place exists). Also, if one of these resorts has better accessible rooms (either because of size or view or whatever) that would be good to know.

Your words of advice always appreciated.

Thanks.

Lauren (aka Joshua4)

 

[cupcake]

as my husband's company puts us there when they have their convention at WDW. I use a scooter and find that the Epcot resort area is very convenient. If all else is equal (not so with us, plus I get a great gov't rate at the Swan & Dolphin), I would go with the Beach Club as it is the closest if you are walking. The Boardwalk is the 2d closest, but we had a somewhat noisy room when we stayed there some time back.

Someone more knowledgable will be able to tell you what the transportation options are to Epcot -- I don't think they are doing the trams anymore. For Epcot, I know the best you can do is get to World Showcase, which means in the morning, you have quite a bit of extra walking to get to Future World which is open in the morning.

Have a fun trip!

Cupcake

 

[Poohnatic]

I haven't stayed there (yet), but the Beach Club is the closest to the International Gateway entrance of the Epcot resorts. The Beach Club Villas are the closest of the rooms in the resort.

You will have to push up the bridge to the gateway. There's a bridge that goes over the road...great bit of themeing so that the real world doesn't intrude.


Suzanne

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Lauren,

The lobby of the Boardwalk Inn is effectively on the second floor, with a sweeping drive up to the main entrance. The bus stop is at the bottom with a ramp descending one floor. (and up again!). There is a house phone at the bus stop so you could call bell services for a pusher. You will not need to use the buses to get to Epcot or MGM, but you will for other destinations. Valet parking for disabled visitors is free with drop off at the lobby entrance level, though you will need to tip. Swan, Dolphin Beach & Yacht Clubs have entrance lobbies at same level as buses.

From any of the Epcot resorts you could push your mom to Epcot or MGM along one of the paths, but you should save your energy and use the wheelchair ferry boats instead.

I have only ever stayed at Boardwalk, but can tell you that the garden view wheelchair adapted rooms are oversize. They are located next to the lifts and are wedge shaped. You can even ride a figure of eight in them with an ECV without hitting the furniture! If you are allocated a room on floors four or five you will be able to watch illuminations over the rooftops.

Andrew

PS I will be staying at Boardwalk Villas in September. See you there!

 

[joshua4]

We ended up booking the Swan for Sept 4-8. (amazing recipe card rate) Are there different ferries for wheel chairs or are they all accessible? Is it hard to load on to them?

Thanks.

Lauren

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Lauren,

The ferries that ply between MGM and Epcot, calling at each of the hotels on the way are all 'Friendship' boats - the same as the ones crossing the World Showcase lagoon. All are wheelchair accessible.

I am booked into Boardwalk Villas from 10th September using DVC points but am looking for a good deal 5th to 9th and waiting for September AP discounts to be announced.

What rate did you get with your recipe cards? and what recipe cards?

Andrew

 

[joshua4]

I got the Swan for $139 a night BUT I also get a $50 food credit for each two nights I stay there ($100 over my four night stay). Just call the Swan reservations and tell them you got an email for the recipe card promotion. The food credit can be used for any of the 17 rest. they have as well as room service.

I too was waiting for AP rates, but I don't think that I will be able to beat that rate even with AP rates. If something better comes out for AP rates, I may change.

Lauren