HELP!! POR question

[cstraub]

I need a room for 5 but am a bit concerned over the fact that this resort looks so spread out and that some buildings have no elevators. My dad has walking disabilities. He spends most of his time at the resort, mostly walking to the food area and shopping.

Do you think I should try somewhere else instead?

 

[A Mickeyfan]

No, you do not need to look anywhere else. When you book, just tell them about your dad. There is a bldg that is in Aligator Bayou which is directly next to the food court. I believe they try to place people with walking disabilites (not just handicapped) in it. I know when we stay, my husband has a hard time because of his knee. We ask for something near there. We let them know he can walk, but not very far. We usually get the bldg next to it. I have never requested that particular one since I wouldn't want to take a room from someone that is on crutches or something.... we have always been granted our requests with PO-R.

 

[goofy4tink]

We got lucky and were put in bldg 14 in Alligator Bayou. It was wonderful...incredibly close to the bus stop (main stop in front of the resort) and the food court and main bldg. There are only two floors in the AB bldgs, so be sure to ask for a 1st level room. I would suggest that you make it clear when you book that your dad really can not navigate any stairs and needs to be as close as possible to the main facilities. Bldg 15 is also pretty close and only the two levels. And it is only the AB rooms that will squeeze in that 5th person. Your only other option would be to get a deluxe room, which sleeps 5 or two rooms at a value resort. They all have elevators.

 

[Livie's Mommy]

Yes, definitely stick with your plan to stay at POR and call the WDW reservation number in advance and tell them you have someone in your party with a walking restriction --specifically request building Alligator Bayou building #14. We went to POR with my MIL (had just had major surgery a couple of months before) about 2 years ago and told them in advance that we had someone with walking limitations. They put us in the front rooms of the Alligator Bayou building directly next to the Main building (building 14--we requested that building specifically). We literally walked down 2 steps and down our walkway and into the main building. They were very accomodating to our need for a close room.

 

[Disney Spaz]

Just let them know when you make the ressies and they will put youin a close room. At least they always have for my family.

 

[duck_adoo]

I would go through special services to make this request. We were just there 8/20/8/27 and had 2 people w/disabilities and had requested bldg 14. We were given bldg 37 which is the furthest point from the food court & the pool. I had also spoken w/a CM at PO before my arrival and was told it was 'all set'. I'm not sure what this special services number is, but maybe somebody here can provide it for you.
Good Luck!

 

[cstraub]

Does anyone know this special service number? If my dad was far away from the food court and shopping it would be a disaster.

Thanks so far for the responses!

 

[lovethattink]

I don't have the number off hand, but once when we needed special services the Disney reservation person called them for us and I was on hold 'til they finished. We were then guaranteed our request.

 

[eeyore45]

Please check out the disABILITY Forum here on the Dis, there are a lot of people with great experiences to help you!! If you can, check out Ray Sharpton's post on renting an ECV (scooter) he posted a pre report on how he didnt want to 'not walk' but discovered so much he missed... other people have these same experiences, just using a scooter around the Resort will help your dad with his energy levels...

Call Special Reservations 407 939 7807 for help, they can block off rooms for you if it is a special needs request. BTW, as in all things Disney, this isnt a foolproof method, there have been reports of not getting "requests" so you may need to keep the number with you if you do have problems.
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[snowmouse]

We've stayed in building 14 a couple of times. It is very convenient to the food court area. It does not however have adjacent parking as some of the buildings do, it's not too far, but for some it is right outside the door. I know I have seen property maps (I think Allearsnet), check those out before you get ahold of special services.

 

[goofy4tink]

Bldg 14 is right next to the parking lot....about a 7 second walk. At least that's where our room was situated. If you were on the other side of 14, it would be a bit longer. Most of the bldgs with parking right next to the bldgs are way in back of the resort. We were so close to the parking lot that I was very concerned about any noise issues. But, no problem at all. A bit more foot traffic but that wasn't a big deal for us.