Medical Excuse

[Mineu]

Worried about my upcoming Thanksgiving trip-I'm having a terrible arthritis flare up and having a hard time getting around here-much less in WDW! This is the first trip since I've been diagnosed that I may need a wheel chair. Anyway, just wondering if OKW buildings have elevators and if they don't will I need a medical excuse to request a ground floor. Sorry-to complain so much-just hard to get excited tonight. Thanks!

 

[robertdangelo]

I have heard that some resorts have wheel chairs available for guests at N/C. You can ask when you check in.

I hope you're feeling better!

 

[joandegennaro]

I believe that if you contact MS and request a 1st floor Villa due to a guest in a wheel chair or building with elevator (not all building have them) they will do their upmost to honor your request. Since I am a Canadian I am not sure of the legal requirements a hotel must give to someone with a disability so hopfully someone with more knowledge with chime in.

 

[ekm]

There are three buildings that have elevators - #62, 63 and 64. These are the newest buildings, and they are located near the hospitality house.

 

[Mineu]

Thanks for the great replies-so, should I call tomorrow and add the request-I have two doctor's appointments next week-should I ask them for something to fax to MS? Thanks, again!!

 

[Dean]

Worried about my upcoming Thanksgiving trip-I'm having a terrible arthritis flare up and having a hard time getting around here-much less in WDW! This is the first trip since I've been diagnosed that I may need a wheel chair. Anyway, just wondering if OKW buildings have elevators and if they don't will I need a medical excuse to request a ground floor. Sorry-to complain so much-just hard to get excited tonight. Thanks!

HC units are direct bookings but you can request either an elevator building or first floor. DVC normally puts a high priority on medical related request but they still are not guaranteed unless you get a HC unit booked and blocked.

 

[DenLo]

You can request a first floor villa due to medical reasons and MS will enter that on your reservation. If you think that you need to be in a building with an elevator then let MS know. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[Disneywedding2010]

I have a blood clot in my left leg so doing stairs or walking long distances is difficult. We are staying at OKW for Christmas. I called Disney and explained the situation and they put in a request for bottom floor and noted it for medical reasons. Of course the nice CM lady gave the spewl about "they can't gurantee it" blah blah blah but she did say more then likely it will be granted because its for medical reasons.

 

[Figment2]

Having arthritis, I know your pain. OKW is VERY good about this. We usually request one of the elevator buildings and so far have had no problems. MS usually notes the reason for the request too.

Good luck! I had a flare up at WDW recently and was out of commission for about a day and a half. You may want to think about an electric cart for getting around the parks. An added expense, I know, but invaluable when you are hurting.

Feel better!

Cyn

 

[DVC Grammy]

I have never had a problem getting a medically necessary request granted at any of the DVC resorts, including OKW.
Also, if you feel there might be a possibility that you would need to rent an ECV (a lot easier to get around the parks), I suggest you "drop in" on the Disability forum; there are great suggestions for which company to use and what they offer, including cost/day or week, usually quite a bit cheaper than renting at the parks.
Hope your flare-up quiets down and you feel better soon.

 

[ddoconnell]

I had to have an HC unit at OKW one year and they had no problem accommodating me. Just let MS know and they will let you know what they have available. It made my trip even more magical!

I hope you can get a room that will work for you and that you have a fantastic trip!

 

[hollis]

Like everybody else is saying, yes, definitely call MS to add the request. Most OKW buildings are without elevator, but there are plenty of first floor rooms. Disney is generally very good at accommodating requests, even without any specific reason. For medical reasons, they will give you your first floor request, even though when adding the request, MS will give you the usual "not guaranteed" blah blah.

Feel better and have a magical Disney vacation!

 

[shortfieldno1]

Good luck with your upcoming trip! I was diagnosed in March and went with my two little ones in August. It was rough, but I would have been in pain at work or Disney. Better to be at Disney. I actually managed to tear a ligament in my wrist try to hold my daughter's hand. Now I am going to need surgery. Worth the price to go each year.
Just a note that I wished I would have know. If you are on the injectables, make sure you drop them off at your resort right away. They have fridge that can hold meds. You can also leave them at first aid in the park. Mine started to get a little warm.
They have usually been able to meet my requests.
Have a wonderful trip and remember a bad day at Disney is still better than a good day at home.

 

[Mineu]

Oh-I agree-I would MUCH rather be in Disney no matter how I feel . I'm just worried about keeping up-especially since I'm the planner. I'll definitely try for the ground floor-I haven't been upstairs to check on the boys rooms in a few months-so, stairs after a long day at Disney-might not be a good idea! I'm on Remicade-so don't have to worry about transporting that at least. Thanks again for all of the well wishes!

 

[joandegennaro]

While I've never had to use a wheel chair or Scooter in Disney I have used both during a knee injury. Highly recommend the use of the scooter. this way no one is responsible for pushing you around (there are more hills than you think in the world) It is also a great place to store the extra water bottles and stuff as well making the rest of your group less grumpy in the long run. I would recommend the use of an off site rental company as you may find that the parks might not have one for you when you arrive as all have been rented.

 

[katmittens]

I have had rheumatoid arthritis for the last 12 years so I know how you feel. After our last trip in Oct. just DH and I, I think the next trip I may need to get an EcV. I find I am getting more sore and more tired the older I get. We have stayed at OKW many times and I always request the buildings with the elevators for medical reasons and I have always received them.
Good luck to you. OKW is a great resort for relaxing after a busy day in the parks.
One trip I was really good for the whole trip and the last nite in Epcot I had a terrible flare up and felt I could not make it back. DH stayed with me and DS and DD went to first aid and they gave them a wheel chair to use for me to get me back to BCV.
Hope you feel better and have a great trip.