Resort Pros/Cons

[sdgilliland]

I'll be visiting for the first time with my family this year, and we are so excited! My DD is 2 and has spina bifida. She does well walking with her leg braces and we use our stroller for long distances, but "Miss Independent" would much rather we let her walk, than strap her into a stroller. Realistically though, she wears out quickly, and I would hate for her to tire herself before we ever reach the parks.

I am wondering if there are certain resorts that are better suited as far as proximity to lobbies, transportation, food court, etc...for our kiddo? I have heard that many resorts do not have elevators, but I am having trouble finding a list that calls out each resorts details specifically. (very new at this!) Please fill me in on the pros/cons of any resorts you are aware of. Thanks!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Hello and welcome!

What resorts are you interested in? Some of the resorts are quite large and spread out ... the smallest, most compact resort is POFQ (Port Orleans French Quarter). I believe POFQ does have elevators in all buildings (someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong).

If you go to the top of the page (under where the large DISBOARDS logo is) ... click on RESORTS ... then highlight ON-PROPERTY RESORTS ... then click on MAPS. You can choose whichever resort you are interested in and view the entire property map. This will give you a better idea of how large each individual resort is and what the layouts are.

You can also request a building/room closest to the main building in each resort, tell them why you need it - but please keep in mind that a request is just a request.

HTH

 

[SueM in MN]

The ones that don't have elevators are:
- Caribbean Beach
- the Alligator Bayoo area of Port Orleans Riverside (the Mansion area does)
- Old key West except or 3 buildings

All the other resort do have elevators.

Port Orleans French Quarter is a favorite of people with mobility disabilities because,as was already posted, it is the smallest and most compact resort. It is a sister resort with PO Riverside and they are connected by a walkway along the water. Guests at those 2 resorts can use the pool and other facilities at either resort. There is also a boat that goes between the reorts and Downtown Disney.

In some resorts, the buildings closest to the main building are considered 'preferred' and are a separate booking category with an extra charge. I am not certain, but believe all the Moderate Resort do have preferred areas.

 

[dclfun]

Depending on your budget, if you are looking to be on the monorail line there are three resorts with varying prices. I think the Contemporary garden rooms would be the least costly. There are also the Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts. These would offer you the most convenience however you will pay for it. Since your dd is young and you'll likely be spending most of your time at the MK, you'd be able to get on the monorail and back to your resort quickly for napping or a swim. If price is a consideration, as Sue mentioned, POFQ is the smallest of the moderate resorts. If you are looking for a value resort lots of disabled guests like Pop Century as there is no bus sharing. I also like All Star Music as they have lots of fun family activities during the day.

 

[Bete]

that the preferred locations mean you are near the pools or food courts and closer to the bus trsnsportation. It still can be a walk; it's just you are closer to the main lobby building and such.

The fee for value resorts on this preferred location is an extra $15/day.

If you are going to use the public buses to get back and forth to the parks it's still a good hike even from preferred rooms especially at he end of a day.

When you get there the front desk CM gives you a map/layout and usually circles your room number. Take a hard look at the location before agreeing to a room, even a preferred location. See if you can get something better right then and there. Sometimes, you can get a ground floor room, too for asking.

Finally, you can walk from 6 to 12 miles a day there depending on the length of your day at the parks.

 

[sdgilliland]

Thank you all so much! Great info, as usual...Lots to consider!

 

[Michigan]

I like Port Orleans French Quarters. It has it's own bus back from the parks and going to the parks if you share with Riverside you are the first picked up. It's not a real big resort so walking to the bus stop or the pool is easy. The boat to Downtown Disney is behind the pool and then entertainment is good.

 

[dclfun]

I actually prefer to be on a higher floor vs. ground floor, esp. at the value resorts. There is a lot of foot traffic, esp. in the morning, and if there are sports or cheer groups there during your stay, you will likely hear them more on the ground floor. There will be happy sounds but also the occasional shrieking child who will prevent you from sleeping. All the value resorts and all the moderate resorts ( with the exception of Caribbean Beach) have elevators that are quite large and you won't have a long wait.

 

[I Love Pluto]

All of the values have a lot of open & level concrete areas for her to walk with better stability. The doors to the food court & bus stops open automatically at the values - without pushing any buttons. There isn't any fear of getting through the doors before they slam on you. The open doors remain open so that you can easily get through without panic.

POFQ is the only mod small enough, and with open areas. You will run into curbs here, as well as some areas with uneven pavers. The doors are not automatic, and they have a push-button to get through. The entrance to the food court is a small door that someone else has to help you with. It was hard for me at this resort with my ECV, and with my walker.

A value resort also has central air in the rooms - a bonus for those who wear leg braces. I favor the Values for mobility issues - both on foot & on my ECV.

Enjoy your vacation!