Help picking resort restaurant for parent with COPD

[mousestruck]

Hi everyone. My family has had the joy and privilege of vacationing at WDW with my parents for the last 15 years. They live in Florida, so typically they would drive up and stay with us for couple of days during our annual WDW trip. This year, sadly, my mom is suffering from severe COPD. She uses oxygen as needed, and has trouble walking long distances or dealing with the heat and humidity. The parks are out of the question, but my parents would like to come for one night and have dinner with us and spend time at the resort. She is fine in air-conditioning, when she doesn't have to walk around a lot.

We're staying at Kidani Village, but they will probably stay off-site and drive over. Since they don't have park tickets, it would be best to meet them at a resort restaurant - preferably a resort where my dad can drop her off at the entrance and she doesn't have to walk far to get to the restaurant. I'd like to avoid a buffet, but it's not out of the question. (Of course Sanaa would be a fantastic choice... if my dad was not such a picky eater!)

Any advice or suggestions?

 

[clanmcculloch]

How about California Grill at the Contemporary, timed so that you can watch the fireworks together? With her handicap tag (I assume she has one with her inability to walk any kind of distances) I believe they can valet park for free right at the resort main entrance and it's not a long walk to the elevator up to the restaurant.

 

[catne]

Grand Floridian Café at the Grand Floridian is a nice setting and not too far of a walk. She can take a break halfway there and sit in the beautiful lobby to catch her breath. Does she have a portable wheelchair? That would help immensely getting through the hotels. Kona Café at the Polynesian is also nice--it is on 2nd floor, but there is an elevator. Cape May Café at Beach Club is good and not terribly far from the front door drop-off area, and has many selections to please picky eaters (I have a son that won't eat any fish, hates cheese, no sauces etc. But he loves the carved meats and the fried chicken found at many Disney buffets) As others have said, at the Deluxe hotels, if she has her handicapped license plates or hang tag on display, they will do the valet parking as courtesy, no charge...just have a couple of $ to tip when you get the car back at end of your visit.

If she would like to join you in the park--consider renting a scooter for the day. I am on oxygen 24/7 and have several lung issues. Yes, the heat and humidity bother me, but when I don't have to walk I find I can cope a lot better. The scooters have baskets to hold the O2 (whether it is concentrator or tanks) And majority of Disney attractions and rides she can ride the scooter right in through the lines and very close to where you get on the ride itself--within feet in many cases. Her scooter is waiting where she exits the ride. With so many rides and attractions inside in air conditioned buildings, I am able to thoroughly enjoy Disney days, even in the heat of September with the full-on tropical storm season 90+ temperatures and matching humidity.

 

[Allison]

What about Jiko? It is close to the entrance at the hotel and you would be where you are staying.

 

[mousestruck]

Grand Floridian Café at the Grand Floridian is a nice setting and not too far of a walk. She can take a break halfway there and sit in the beautiful lobby to catch her breath. Does she have a portable wheelchair? That would help immensely getting through the hotels. Kona Café at the Polynesian is also nice--it is on 2nd floor, but there is an elevator. Cape May Café at Beach Club is good and not terribly far from the front door drop-off area, and has many selections to please picky eaters (I have a son that won't eat any fish, hates cheese, no sauces etc. But he loves the carved meats and the fried chicken found at many Disney buffets) As others have said, at the Deluxe hotels, if she has her handicapped license plates or hang tag on display, they will do the valet parking as courtesy, no charge...just have a couple of $ to tip when you get the car back at end of your visit.

If she would like to join you in the park--consider renting a scooter for the day. I am on oxygen 24/7 and have several lung issues. Yes, the heat and humidity bother me, but when I don't have to walk I find I can cope a lot better. The scooters have baskets to hold the O2 (whether it is concentrator or tanks) And majority of Disney attractions and rides she can ride the scooter right in through the lines and very close to where you get on the ride itself--within feet in many cases. Her scooter is waiting where she exits the ride. With so many rides and attractions inside in air conditioned buildings, I am able to thoroughly enjoy Disney days, even in the heat of September with the full-on tropical storm season 90+ temperatures and matching humidity.

Thank you for the advice and for sharing your experiences! I really appreciate your thoughts!!!

 

[mousestruck]

Thanks for all the great suggestions!