Need advice - new here :)

[Bwalker]

Before I start, I just want to thank Wheelsie and lisapooh and everyone else I've met in the chat room who encouraged me to post a thread of questions

Also, I wanted to say thanks for all the great advice that is already posted here - I've learned a lot

In May, we are taking both sets of grandparents to WDW. They'll be eight of us all together - the four grandparents (80, 77, 77, 77) our two kids (18 and 21) and us (both hit the big 5-0 this year!)

The two grandmothers will be in wheelchairs even though one of them will be able to get in and out, up and down steps etc. The other cannot so we are relying on busses with ramps etc and will only do rides that are easy access on ... and off. It's going to be a slower trip for us but we are so excited to be able to have them with us It'll be a first for them - it took a lot to talk them into this

Here's my question: I'm debating between OKW and BWV - the 2 bedroom.

I know there will be rests in the afternoon and possibly staying in to watch a video at night and maybe play some cards. My dilemma: OKW is roomier, has a nice porch with four chairs, enough couch space to watch tv and of course a table for four so they can play cards or eat together. But there's no where to really walk around and do stuff. On the other hand, BWV is so convenient to MGM and Epcot (no busses), we can even stroll the BW/Y&B, etc for just something to do, but it's a tighter space.

Any advice on which you think this group of novices should go? I'm even thinking that perhaps we should divide up our time? Everyone with the exception of my mom (the one in the wheelchair) is perfectly mentally healthy. My mom is struggling and is really like a little kid at this point. She's feeble (we'll need to rent a portable commode) and sometimes she's super alert and other times, extremely confused - so I want things to be simple.

Thanks again!!!!

Aloha,
Lorraine

 

[SueOKW]

Sounds like you have quite a trip ahead of you! I hope everyone has a wonderful time and that your Mom is 'with' you more often than not!! This trip will certainly build a lot of memories.

As you can tell from my name, we love OKW!! You are right about not much to do - but the trade off is the serious peace and quiet. And, like you said, it is very roomy! Since I've never stayed at BWV, I can't give you an unbiased opinion.

I do have a tip if you don't mind - - One thing we did on a special trip like yours was to hire a Disney photographer for family pictures.

Enjoy!
Sue

 

[Nanajo1]

I think your idea to split the trip sounds good. The first part at BWV to do all the busy stuff and then OKW to unwind and relax. We just returned from BWV. Remember in the second bedroom ay BWV you have a queen size bed and a sleeper sofa. At OKW there are two beds in the second bedroom. My daughter just spent three nights on the sleep sofa and complained of a sore back on the third day. ( her dad traded off and slept there the last two nights). I don't know what your sleeping arrangements are but you may want to think about who will be on the sofa.

 

[teri]

I have been at WDW with elderly relatives in wheelchairs and out, and I highly, strongly, seriously recommend Old Key West Resort for sooooooo many reasons. You can park your car right up to the unit - no parking hassles, no long distances to traverse. You can get a ground-floor unit - no ramps, no stairs, no elevators. Elderly folks will not want to spend all day at the parks, they will need a place to relax and take it easy - the units at OKW are roomy and comfortable, and they have lovely porches with pleasant green and water views. Nobody with aches and pains wants to sleep on a sofa bed. There is more room to maneuver wheelchairs. The tables and chairs arrangement in the living area is set aside and very comfy. The kitchen is big enough for people to putter and cook all they want.

There is a community hall with games you can check out. Olivia's appealed to all in our group - 5 elderly in all.

I STRONGLY recommend that you rent a large car, not take buses. You can have the car valet-parked for free at any of the resorts if you have a disabled guest. You can just drive over to Y&B, have the valet park the car, stroll... no walking over the hilly walkways and jarring, bumpy boardwalk.

I thought Boardwalk would appeal to my folks, we went over there to visit - it didn't. Ramps, hills, bumps, elevators, overstimulation.... they didn't like it. The only advantage might have been room service, for the times when they just did not have the energy to leave the room.

Be sure to look at the FAQ - click on the link in my signature, below.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome. Glad you stopped by.
Here's another vote for OKW.
We are members of DVC at OKW. We have never stayed at BW (well, my DH and my older DD stayed in a studio there once).
We did walk thru the model unit at BW with our DD and her very narrow adult wheelchair (14 inch wide seat). There were a lot of places that were quite tight and I could see that if we stayed there, it would be difficult for her to manouver around in there compared to OKW. There isn't a large table and chairs where a whole group can sit; there's a smaller table and then a breakfast bar.
OKW rooms are very easy to get around in a wheelchair. Each room and hallway is just a tad bigger, which makes a big difference when you are talking about wheelchairs. We stay in a 2 bedroom with 8 people and never feel cramped. We go once a year with my MIL and FIL (in their mid 70s). The things my MIL and FIL like to do are playing cards at the large dining room table, sitting on the large (and very private porch) and walking down to the Hospitality House area. There are tables along the water and by the pool where you can just sit outside and watch the people. We also found there is a shuffleboard court (near the tennis courts), just my in-laws type of sport. I think if you are potentially going to be spending a lot of time in the room, I would go for OKW. Being able to park right outside your door is another big plus.
We also like to rent a pontoon boat and take a cruise toward DD and up the river to Port Orleans. It's a nice ride, about an hour or so and a wheelchair can be driven right onto the pontoon boat in most cases. There's also a shuttle boat that goes back and forth to DD.
For your mom, think about whether the BW area will be too busy for her. It may be more disorienting for her to stay there because it is more busy.
Good luck on your decision.

 

[Bwalker]

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

I'm sure I'll be writing more and asking more questions, but thanks so much for this info. I think OKW has our vote.

Aloha,
Lorraine

 

[Wheelsie]

Hi Bwalker!!! sorry I didn't get to see this post untill right now I'm glad you did decide to come over though!! WELCOME!!

 

[LindaDVC]

I personally would hate to pack up and move from OKW to BW!
Loading and reloading the luggage -- I'd find that a pain though some folks seem to enjoy changing resorts. Maybe because we pack so much stuff!!!

Both resorts have pros and cons.
One trip my mom hurt her leg and Dan always uses a w/c so we had two chairs.
We used the OKW buses without any problems at all. Mom was able to get out of her chair so once when another w/c person was at a bus stop we folded hers so no one would have to wait on the next bus!

Where ever you stay we hope you have a GREAT time!

Linda