resort for guest with 'stamina' issues

[RedRuby]

One of the family members who is possibly "doing Disney" with us has unpredicable health. Her stamina isn't great, and we'd like her to be able to pop into the parks for an hour or two at a time.
Therefore, I am thinking the best resorts to do this from would be:
Wilderness Lodge, via the boat (and frequent buses).
Monorail resorts (preference to contemporary since it is closest to the Magic Kingdom, then Poly, then GF)
Epcot-area resorts such as Boardwalk, Beach club, Yacht club, because they are walking distance to Epcot and the monorail for Magic Kingdom.

(JIC anyone suggests it: She doesn't / wouldn't use a wheelchair)

Questions:
Thoughts? Comments? on my thinking above. Any recs?
How often do the monorails run? Are they significantly more frequent than buses, generally? (If so, what's the rough interval?)
I'm thinking of the comparison between moderates and WL and monorail resorts, specifically.
How far is the walk (a moderate pace) from Boardwalk/YC/BC to Epcot?
How far from from Boardwalk/YC/BC to the monorail?
How often does the boat run between Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge?

 

[bellarella]

If transportation is your key and you plan on spending most of your time at MK or MK and Epcot, I would say the Poly would be my first choice. It has the most transportation options of any of the resorts. You can walk to the TTC which means you can get right onto the Epcot monorail without a transfer or get on the express monorail to the MK. You can also use the resort monorail, the resort boat launch or the TTC boat launch (all to/from MK). The bus at any of the monorail resorts share with each other. So transportation to/from AK and MGM are slower, but I don't know how they compare to other resorts. We never waited more than a few minutes for a monorail to show up (5 maybe). Bus wait times were much longer.

 

[brentalex]

I can't answer all your questions, since I haven't stayed at all the resorts. However, a few things. I would thing the contemporary or poly would be the best. They have good access to the monorail which can get access to the MK and Epcot. The epcot resorts are good for access to epcot and mgm, but not to access the monorail. To get to the monorail from them, you need to walk from one end of epcot to the other and then get to the monorail

 

[Suzanne74]

Honestly, I think the best option, although it is expensive - is Contemporary Tower Room. It is an elevator away to the monorail which can take you right to MK or take you right to TTC to transfer to Epcot. The bus station is right out the main doors of Contemporary as well - so again only an elevator aways.

Poly can be spread out so the walk to the bus station or monorail or TTC can be a big hike sometimes, esp someone with stamina issues. Same goes with Grand Floridian and AKL. Maybe Wilderness Lodge would be a second choice though

HTH

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I would go for a monorail resort!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I second the CR Tower.

As for the Epcot resorts, the walk can be a hike for someone with health issues esp. in the heat.

 

[NCombs]

I second the CR Tower.

As for the Epcot resorts, the walk can be a hike for someone with health issues esp. in the heat.

Absolutely.

 

[clombardi]

One of the family members who is possibly "doing Disney" with us has unpredicable health. Her stamina isn't great, and we'd like her to be able to pop into the parks for an hour or two at a time.
Therefore, I am thinking the best resorts to do this from would be:
Wilderness Lodge, via the boat (and frequent buses).
Monorail resorts (preference to contemporary since it is closest to the Magic Kingdom, then Poly, then GF)
Epcot-area resorts such as Boardwalk, Beach club, Yacht club, because they are walking distance to Epcot and the monorail for Magic Kingdom.

(JIC anyone suggests it: She doesn't / wouldn't use a wheelchair)

Questions:
Thoughts? Comments? on my thinking above. Any recs?
How often do the monorails run? Are they significantly more frequent than buses, generally? (If so, what's the rough interval?)
I'm thinking of the comparison between moderates and WL and monorail resorts, specifically.
How far is the walk (a moderate pace) from Boardwalk/YC/BC to Epcot?
How far from from Boardwalk/YC/BC to the monorail?
How often does the boat run between Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge?

My first thought was Contemporary because there would be a shorter walk to the monorail...on the other hand, however, if this person is going to spend lots of time back at the resort, I think the Poly has a much more relaxing and appealing atmosphere.

 

[Kimberle]

I agree, the best option would be the CR tower. It is, however, a bit expensive. Everything is up & down in elevators.

My 2nd suggestion, and a more reasonable price, would be WL. It's all under 1 roof. If she books a standard room (and least expensive), she'd be right above the lobby. If not, book a wood/lodge view and ask for a room in the Roaring Forks section. Regardless, the lodge is not huge, so nothing is more than a few minutes walk. The boats are such a nice ride to the MK! Plus, there is another boat (blue) that goes CR/WL/FW making it very easy to visit CR and FW. (If you stay at CR, it's very easy to visit WL and FW, too.)

Though the Poly & GF are lovely, she could get put in a building that is at the edge of the resort, which might make the walk around the resort grounds a bit uncomfortable.

 

[TLinden16]

Just an FYI, if this person doesn't have stamina, staying at an Epcot area resort and planning on using the monorail isn't a viable option. The walk from an Epcot resort to the monorail to the ticket and transporation center is probably a good solid 20-30 minute walk, depending on which resort you are staying at. And then you have to switch monorails (which requires going down one ramp and up another) to get to the Magic Kingdom. It's easier to just take the bus to the MK from these resorts--it drops you off just a few minutes walk from the main gates.

I found the transportation from the Poly to be excellent. We stayed in the Tokelau building, and we were just a few minutes walk to the great ceremonial house, and maybe seven minutes to the ticket and transportation center. It was also just a minute or two to walk to the bus stop.

To be honest, you may find it just as easy to stay at a resort like Pop or POFQ where there is only one bus stop, and she will most likely be able to get a seat on the bus.

Karen

 

[kandeebunny]

A monorail resort would be your best bet. I have a walking disability with stamina issues as well, but I've learned that if I want to make it through the parks I *HAVE* to rent an ECV and will actually soon be purchasing my own. (That said I am only 21 but this condition is permanent) Perhaps you should discuss the option of an ECV, I know it's rough and a blow to the ego, but show the maps and explain the miles that will be walked. Depending on where you are in the park it can be a hike to ANY resort.

 

[minnie61650]

One of the family members who is possibly "doing Disney" with us has unpredicable health. Her stamina isn't great, and we'd like her to be able to pop into the parks for an hour or two at a time.
Therefore, I am thinking the best resorts to do this from would be:
Wilderness Lodge, via the boat (and frequent buses).
Monorail resorts (preference to contemporary since it is closest to the Magic Kingdom, then Poly, then GF)
Epcot-area resorts such as Boardwalk, Beach club, Yacht club, because they are walking distance to Epcot and the monorail for Magic Kingdom.

(JIC anyone suggests it: She doesn't / wouldn't use a wheelchair)

Questions:
Thoughts? Comments? on my thinking above. Any recs?
How often do the monorails run? Are they significantly more frequent than buses, generally? (If so, what's the rough interval?)
I'm thinking of the comparison between moderates and WL and monorail resorts, specifically.
How far is the walk (a moderate pace) from Boardwalk/YC/BC to Epcot?
How far from from Boardwalk/YC/BC to the monorail?
How often does the boat run between Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge?

Several years ago I stayed at the Contemporary and loved it because I was so close to everything. However,that can be quite expensive. Since then I have become disabled and I rent an ECV from an offsite company. Care medical 1-800-741-2282 and Walker medical 1-888-726-6837 are just two of the companies. They deliver the scooter to the bell desk at any of the Disney hotels so she pick it up at checkin. It runs about $200 for a week and it's always availble for the park,the pools,the resturants,and DTD. All the buses have lifts. She can use it on the monorails and most of the boats too.She can park it and stand in line for the attractions if she wishes. I feel so independant when I use it and I know I'm not holding anyone in my group up . Hope you all have a great time.
Linda
only118 more days

 

[JudyS]

Redruby, I'm not sure if you have been to Disneyworld before, but just about everything is very spread out and requires a lot of walking. This doesn't mean your relative shouldn't go, but definitely don't underestimate the distances involved!

As an earlier poster said, getting to the Monorail from an Epcot resort is really not practical. You have to walk from the resort to the "back" (World Showcase) Epcot entrance, walk all the way through Epcot, and out the front entrance to get to the monorail. This is at *least* a 20 minutes walk even for someone in excellent health.

I agree with the idea that a monorail resort would be best, with the Contemporary Tower rooms the most convenient. My understanding is that monorails run more frequently than the busses. Also, the Magic Kingdom has the advantage that it has many attractions in a relatively small area, and a train you can take to the back of the park. Some of the other parks (Epcot, say) just aren't set up for a short visit.

I have various health problems, and I have rented an ECV at Epcot even though I have never had to use one anywhere else in my life. It just wasn't doable otherwise. I felt a little strange in a "wheelchair" at first, but was still glad I did it.

I would also suggest going between November and February. Disneyworld can be remarkably hot the rest of the year.


You might also want to ask for advice on the DISabilities board.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

If you plan to be at MK and Epcot a lot, I would definitely go with a monorail resort.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I agree with CR Tower or Poly (Poly atmosphere CANNOT be beat!) I also wanted to recommend that at the time of your reservation, at the time of your confirmation and your check-in, you always emphasize your request for a room that is close to transportation due to medical reasons. You can have a doctor's note stating this for emphasis (though I doubt anyone would go that far to check) I have done Disney with my mother several times and although she rented an ECV at the parks, getting around resorts, to the parks was a challenge. We needed to stay at a mod to stay within the budget and we stayed at CBR three times and each time they placed us in Martinique, right between the bus stop and Old Port Royale. This was perfect. Cast members can do a lot to accommodate you wherever you stay and a well thought out room location makes more of a difference to someone with difficult mobility than which resort you choose. Have a fabulous time!!!
Aloha!
Lulu

 

[Sammie]

As Judy stated getting from the resort to the parks is just the beginning of the journey. The MK park is over 100 acres with Epcot being over 300 and AK being around 500 acres. We are talking HUGE!! The walking can be alot for someone in great health.

I would definitely suggest an ECV and definitely try to avoid the heat and crowds.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

A monorail resort would be your best bet. I have a walking disability with stamina issues as well, but I've learned that if I want to make it through the parks I *HAVE* to rent an ECV and will actually soon be purchasing my own. (That said I am only 21 but this condition is permanent) Perhaps you should discuss the option of an ECV, I know it's rough and a blow to the ego, but show the maps and explain the miles that will be walked. Depending on where you are in the park it can be a hike to ANY resort.

I would definitely stay on monorail. Be aware that each resort has free wheelchairs (subject availability) that you can borrow for your entire stay. Usually held in the luggage storage area. Perhaps without paying for it, she may be more inclined to try a wheelchair.

I've never been disabled so I do not understand the apprehension and refusal to ride in something that will make your trip a lot more enjoyable. My mother was afraid of the stigma and was very apprensive. She relented when she was faced with the fact that without assistance, her family would never travel to the world again with her. She refused the wheels but did get an ECV. In January--she finally relented to a push wheelchair available at the resort that they were able to take to places such as Downtown Disney.

She understands that part of having a good time is to place her concerns and apprehension regarding those things aside so that she can have even a better time with a much reduced walking requirement.

I'm not certain if you have been to the parks with someone in a similar circumstance---on the surface it may appear that it won't bother anyone---but it could have a very negative impact on the vacation. Going to the parks for just an hour or two for someone with low stamina is going to turn into a 3 or 4 hour ordeal. I've been there with my mom.

 

[RedRuby]

I would definitely stay on monorail. Be aware that each resort has free wheelchairs (subject availability) that you can borrow for your entire stay. Usually held in the luggage storage area. Perhaps without paying for it, she may be more inclined to try a wheelchair.

I've never been disabled so I do not understand the apprehension and refusal to ride in something that will make your trip a lot more enjoyable..

I appreciate the sentiment, and the wheelchair issue isn't due to cost. In fact, the family member in question has a few medical issues which I don't feel comfortable discussing on the internet. I just mentioned that the wheelchair wouldn't be an option because, well, it won't solve her problem. I wasn't sure of how to describe it other than "stamina" without getting into personal details....

I do think that when she's there, she might try a wheelchair or ECV to see if it would help; it's just not likely to do so due to her particular issues.

I'm thinking Poly or WL at this point (we'll have a car to help out if need be) - I'm sufficiently dissuaded from the walk-into-Epcot idea. I think most of the family will spend most of their time at MK and Epcot, with a half-days at the Studios, so monorail makes sense. Just not sure about the budgetting (since we'd all want to stay at the same resort, and my immediate family was originally looking at POP and a car rental; then moderate, now deluxe I or deluxe II!)
I know, we don't have to stay at the same resort but for practical reasons like child care and transportation, it makes sense.
Who knows? Maybe this will be our rationale for staying at the Poly on our first onsite visit! My husband would prefer the Contemporary but I think everyone else would prefer the Poly.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well with the boats---won't have to climb up the monorail ramp at MK

 

[JudyS]

I appreciate the sentiment, and the wheelchair issue isn't due to cost. In fact, the family member in question has a few medical issues which I don't feel comfortable discussing on the internet. I just mentioned that the wheelchair wouldn't be an option because, well, it won't solve her problem. I wasn't sure of how to describe it other than "stamina" without getting into personal details........
Just not sure about the budgetting (since we'd all want to stay at the same resort, and my immediate family was originally looking at POP and a car rental; then moderate, now deluxe I or deluxe II!) ....

Well, about the budget, you might want to consider checking out the DVC rental board here on the DISboards. Depending on the day of the week (weeknight or weekend) and the time of the year, it can be much cheaper to rent a room from a DVC member than it would be to reserve a similar room directly. The DVC has rooms at WL (although not in the main building); it also has Beach Club rooms that are *very* close to the Epcot World Showcase entrance.

You don't need to tell me anything about your relative's health problems, but if it's something like needing frequent access to restrooms, I'll bet Disney gets plenty of people in that situation. I'm sure they could give you information on where the restrooms are located, and I think it's possible for people with medical needs to leave the attraction lines to use the restrooms. I'd bet there's info on the DISabilities board for people with those sorts of problems, too.