pools

[Ali and boyz]

we are staying at SSR for what will be our first time in July. We missed out TL last time because my oldest son broke his neck and therefore couldn't take part but he wants his younger brother to still get and said he doesn't mind sitting watching when we go this year. but what I am wonderings is, is it just as nice to stay at the SSR resort pools . we have never stayed anywhere on site so this is all a bit new to us.
thanks

 

[Disney Doll]

I have seen, but never swam in SSR's pool, and while it is lovely, it is not a waterpark.

How old is your younger son? Will he know the difference? I mean, if he's 3, it probably wouldn't make that much of a difference to him. If he's 12, it's a huge difference.

 

[Ali and boyz]

he's 15. The waterparks as you say is much more fun, I just can't remember what kind of shade (without older son being stuck away from everything) there is a TL. When we were there last it was before my sons accident so you don't really think about these things. thought it might be a nice relaxing thing to do on the first day, then thought wonder what the SSR Pools are like. we have already bought our Magic your way tickets so that was another reason I couldn't make up my mind

 

[spiceycat]

so sorry your son had this happen to him....

just bring an umbrella for his wheelchair.

I think at both SSR and TL if he can get in the water - they are zero depth...

 

[castleri]

There are a number of places with shade that you could sit and some even have tables and overlook the lazy river. If you were to take advantage of the extra hour options you could probably secure one of them with little trouble. The following is the posted calendar of extra hours for TL for July. You have to be a resort guest to take advantage of them.
July 1 - 31 -- 8:00AM - 9:00AM

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29-- 7:00PM - 10:00PM

I would think that July is very busy at the water parks but there really is nothing else like them at any of the resorts.

Are you using a wheelchair for the older son? If so you might want to go to the disabilities board for additional suggestions about the water parks.

BB has more slides and tube rides and TL has the new water coaster and the big wave pool so it might be hard to choose.

You must be proud of your son for the consideration he is showing for his brother.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[crisi]

Last year when we were at Typhoon Lagoon there was a group of people who were disabled in the wave pool at TL. Each had someone helping them. I don't know if your older son has an interest, but a lot of folks who are wheelchair bound love to be in the water.

Also, SSR is a zero entry pool, you can roll a waterchair right into it. You may want to post over at the disabilities board for details, because I've only seen it done.

 

[T.E. Yeary]

I hope this trip will be "MAGICAL" for everyone!

Tom

 

[Ali and boyz]

thanks everyone, because we are coming fromthe UK we are usually up really early on the first day, (it takes us nearly 3 hrs from start to finish to get our sons up and in his wheelchair as he is now paralised fromthe neck down) so I thought as we are staying on site we would get the advantage of getting into TL early and we would be up early anyway. plus going in early we might be lucky and get a nice shady bit that he can still see what is going on.

he was a great swimmer before his accident, loved the flumes, shutes etc. so it worried me that he would be upset seeing what he can no longer take part in but he says he is fine and wants his brother not to miss out.

 

[Cindi0511]

Wow. That is an amazing family you have. My dad had a herniated disc in his neck that left him an incomplete quad, and my mom had the morning routine down to a couple of hours, too. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you.

It might be worthwhile to call Typhoon Lagoon and explain your concerns. I'd be willing to bet they might work with you on this because it is a medical requirement, not a wish.

Best wishes, and please let us know how it goes!

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, SSR is a zero entry pool, you can roll a waterchair right into it. You may want to post over at the disabilities board for details, because I've only seen it done.

We have not taken DD into the SSR pool, but DH and I stayed there last summer and did go into the pool. I was disappointed in it because where ever I walked in the pool, it would have been too shallow to bring DD in (except to sit in a water wheelchair). Other people have posted they thought it was deeper, but the deepest points I found were 3 and 1/2 feet deep. We need about 5 feet to bring DD into a pool.

We haven't been to any of the water parks for a while, but DD did go into the lazy river and had a great point. My biggest hint is to make sure you keep track of what access point the wheelchair was left at. If you go past it, you have to make another whole trip around to get back to the correct "stop".

You can find lots of info at the disABILITIES Board. Also, I have a number of extra copies of a fairly new book (Passporter's WDW with your Special Needs). If you would like a copy (free), send me a PM.