? for OKW "fanatics"

[xterratri]

We are staying at OKW for our very first trip on our own DVC points. Sooooo excited even though we've only been home a month from our last trip!(You can tell that I was an easy sell for the DVC people) Anyway, I plan on taking my Grandma again like we did in Dec. After 2 days of the 7 day Dec trip, we got a wheelchair each day at the parks but Grandma walked around at All Star Movies. I'm worried about the amount of walking at OKW but I have no clue where we will be as I made no requests other than non-smoking. Should we get wheelchair rental for the length of stay to have at the resort or will she likely be OK?

We are planning a much more relaxed trip this time because we KNOW we will back (Dec 17-24, first trip "home" to SSR- time to start calling, and a Grandmaless Oct 7-10) but still plan on spending time doing the Flower and Garden Show and Soaring at Epcot, Star Wars weekend(s) at MGM, IASM(was closed in Dec) and Spectromagic at MK, and Typhoon Lagoon. Since Grandma isn't a DVC member, her annual pass will be at full price and I'm debating whether to get her the PAP or just the AP. Are there activities for her at OKW if she doesn't go with us the day we go to Typhoon Lagoon? She is a non-swimmer and will NOT actually do any activities at the water park or even use the pools at OKW(my sister and I are looking forward to trying the new slide and I'm hoping to get BWV for the Oct trip to try Luna Park). Could we possibly hook up with another DVC family in a similar situation and have the older or otherwise non-water park people hang out together so no one is left alone?

I apoplogize for the dumb questions but I'm just an enthusiastic DVC newbie.

 

[Chuck S]

First, I would wait and see where my room was actually located. Any bus will take you up to the restaurant/check-in area. There is also an internal bus to bring you back. If that is not convenient for you, and you would like a wheelchair for use at both the resort and parks...the resort has some wheelchairs that guests can use, they are first come first served, and require a CC refundable deposit...other than that they are free to use. These are standard manual push wheelchairs only. If the resort happens to be out of them, or if you'll need an ECV (scooter) type thing, there are several companies that can rent you one and deliver it to your resort on fairly short notice.

Also be aware that only the 3 newest buildings, 62, 63 and 64 have elevators. If Grandma is pretty well ambulatory in most situations, it may not be a problem for her to use the stairs...they are a gentle rise compared to many staircases. My mom does fine on them, and has had 3 surgeries the same hip, but she requires a w/c in the parks.

Chuck

 

[xterratri]

Thanks Chuck. Grandma is quite ambulatory but has had both knees replaced and I think my Pre- seeing the DVC light commando tactics in Dec were a little much. I had the best of intentions of going back to the room to rest, etc but it was her first trip EVER to WDW at age 75 and I wanted to show her everything. We arrived about noon on the 16th, checked in and went to Epcot as we had the Candlelight Processional package with PS at Garden Grill. We did some Future World stuff, ate dinner, and then walked around the Canada/UK side of the lagoon. After the Candlelight Processional(awesome, tried going again but didn't get in line early enough on the 18th) we walked the rest of the way around the lagoon and then exited. So a fair amount of walking on the first day. I hesitate to admit this but I don't remember what park we started at the next day but it was the only day we actually made it back to the room for a break. Good thing because that night was the last of MVMCP and we stayed until the second parade. By that point, Grandma's knees were toasted and we started with a wheelchair the next morning.

 

[Chuck S]

I just read some more of your post...if Grandma doesn't like to swim, and does not wish to accompany you to a water park or other destinations, you may encourage her to take a swimsuit anyway. If you don't have a jacuzzi in your room, all the pools at OKW have hot tubs nearby. I'd bet it would help her knees feel relaxed. Near the main pool and Turtle Pond pool, there are shuffleboard courts. Or, if Grandma wants to get out and about, she could take the boat from OKW to Downtown Disney and do a little relaxed shopping/browsing and return when she gets tired. If you are in a 1 bedroom or larger unit, she may enjoy just lounging around, watching TV or sitting out on the balcony with a beverage.

If she won't utilize the waterparks or other Premium option more than once or twice, I'd go with a standard AP.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think OKW has a few complimentary wheel chairs at the resort for folks who need them also. I believe they are a first come first serve thing.