resort/bus info please

[sunflowerfields]

Hello. My husband and I are bringing three grandchildren to DW June 4th through 10th. We have never been and I am feeling more and more overwhelmed. I would like to know how far we may have to walk to get on the bus to go from the Music Resort to the parks. Also then once we are on the bus how much time might it take to arrive at the parks? My husband has bad knees and I am just trying to figure out how far the distance might be for him. I didn't realize how huge everything is until I started reading some Disney information books. I want to be as prepared as possible. Thanks for any answer.

 

[sunflowerfields]

oops! I found a Music Resort thread shortly after I posted my questions. I knew that would happen! Questions answered!

 

[patty57]

There is a lot of walking at WDW. Maybe you should consider an ECV for your husband. You should also check out the DISAbilities board here. Lots of good info for people with bad joints and other issues. Best of luck with your trip, and enjoy your grandchildren. They will never forget this trip!

 

[POOHsie]

Magic Kingdom - 107 acres
Epcot - 305 acres
Disney's Hollywood Studios - 135 acres
Disney's Animal Kingdom - 410 acres (most acreage devoted to the animals)

Walt Disney World is said to be twice the size of Manhattan, or approximately the same size as San Francisco.

If you are concerned for your husband walking from your resort room to the bus, also from the bus to the park gate, that is only the beginning of your trek. The buses take 15-20 minutes to the parks. There may be a wait for a second bus if the line is long.

I would suggest you go to our DisAbilities Forum, to the DisAbilities FAQ at the top of the selections, which discusses use/rental of an ECV or wheelchair. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

Remember, too, that June is Summer in Orlando. Very hot, very bright sun. An ECV would be much easier than you pushing your DH in a wheelchair in the hot weather. I use an ECV full time and have visited WDW alot. It is quite doable with mobility equipment; one of the most accessible places in the world. You'll see lots of families there with a family member using mobility equipment, so staff at Disney will be very familiar with your many questions and concerns. It won't take very long to get comfortable there and have the trip of a lifetime for all of you.

 

[sunflowerfields]

Thanks so much for responding. From your answers I feel we will be fine. A lady here in our community said they had to walk forever to get on the bus to go to the parks. I guess I panicked! From your answers and those I read on the Music Resort thread I think he will be fine. I will read the Disabilities Board and keep the information handy in case the walking becomes too much. He never complains about it, but I can tell when his knees are hurting bad. It is not all the time. Once we get in the parks he would be able to sit and rest on a bench or at a picinic table if neccessary. I am so happy we are getting to make this trip and I know we will all have wonderful memories forever. I have filled a notebook so far with helpful hints from this site. Thanks everyone for sharing. Thanks also for posting the size of each park. It just amazes me!

 

[Reddy]

lots of walking - so remember to stop & smell the roses
I seen where someone posted that they walked at mini 8 miles in a day - just at the parks - the most they tracked was 18 at epcot

have him pratice with the ECV at grocery stores or Wal-mart in case you need to rent one - better safe than sorry

 

[ADisneyQueen]

Maybe you could change your resort reservation to a preferred room for a little more money and then you would be sure to be closer to the food court and bus stop?

 

[sunflowerfields]

I tried to do that when we made our plans but the travel agent said preferred wasn't offered there. I had read where it was but didn't question her, assuming she knew more than me. That would have been a good thing to do. Maybe because we are staying in a family suite it isn't offered?

 

[maxiesmom]

Family Suites are all placed in the preferred buildings. So you are all set there!

I want to warn you a bit though, about the whole bench and picnic table thing. There are not many benches placed around the theme parks. And no picnic tables. There will be quite a lot of walking between one bench and another. You really should check in to renting a ECV for your husband. Or at least budget for it, and know you can get one at the parks if he needs one.

 

[sunflowerfields]

ok. thanks for the heads up on the benches and tables. I will make sure then that we can get the ECV if we need to. Adding that to my list of things to do! It sure takes a lot of planning to pull this trip off!