Special Needs at the Poly

[jenn-n-okla]

We will be visiting the last week in May through the first week in June 2008.
My question is in regards to special needs. My daughter uses Oxygen. What would be the best area for us to stay in, nearthe Lobby or TTC? We have a garden room view booked, which I know can actually mean parking lot view. That doesn't really matter as much as ease of access. Any tips or advice would be wonderful.
I have been 14 times this will be my 15th. This is however the first time we will stay at Poly with my 6yr old who uses the Oxygen. Last year we stayed at Pop Century. Nice affordable rooms but way too cramped with all her medical equipment, and this year my husband is coming along in addition to the two girls and my mother. So this is the reason for the better hotel.
I have lots of tips for traveling in the parks with the Oxygen but none for the Poly Resort.

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Possibly the building near the TTC which has it's own parking lot?

Do any Poly experts have any ideas?

 

[jenn-n-okla]

We will only have a rent a car for 2 days....to use at Universal and for an airboat ride (my husband's choice). Parking isn't going to be a huge factor. Walking long distances with no stroller will be. Last year we did get the week long stroller rental for her with the "stroller = wheelchair" sticker. That was a HUGE help. It was from the gates, to the busses, then to the rooms that were the pain. Although, one day a Magic Kingdom employee found us a wheelchair to use from the entrance to the busses. I am very excited we will be at Poly and have only a short time to wait from MK and Epcot. I still don't know if we should request a room close to the food and lobby or if over near the TTC would be better. My gut is saying the lobby, so we don't have to walk long distances to eat while in the resort.
Jenn

 

[Native NYer]

I'd get the room near the lobby. You can get the monorail there and transfer to the one at the TTC if the walk to the TTC is too much for your daughter.

 

[Piper]

You may want to post on the disAbilities! board. Although I haven't stayed at Poly, I'm sure others there have.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Perhaps it would be worth a try to call the resort directly (call center) and ask to speak with a guest services manager - explain the circumstance and medical special need and they will put you through - wish I could remember the one we spoke with last December, as she was wonderful and very helpful. If I think of her name I will pm it to you.

One thing you might want to consider is that the "newer" Poly buildings rooms are a good deal larger than the older Long Houses - with your family and medical equipment that might be very helpful. Also, rooms in Rapa Nui & Tahiti have double sinks in the bathrooms, if that would be of any help.

Rapa Nui is closest to TTC - which would make an easy walk for you, but it is furthest from GCH. Newest Long Houses are Tokelau (very central), Tahiti and Rapa Nui. Have you checked Tikiman's site? You might find helpful info there and you can email him with questions - he will be very kind about getting back to you.

Have a wonderful trip...and I hope you get a perfectly lovely room location and view! Some of the garden views are so pretty - we could see the end of the lagoon.

 

[Nicole721]

If you booked a Garden View room, it's unlikely they'll put you in the main building (which is concierge level). In our experiences at the GF (with 88-year-old grandma who has her own slew of medical issues), they put us in the closest non-concierge building.

If it's necessary that you be in the main building, you might want to consider upgrading to a club-level room in the main building. Requesting a room in the main building would, essentially, be requesting an upgrade (I know, not an upgrade for the sake of upgrading but rather necessity) and an upgrade may not necessarily be available.

Contact the special needs department- they should be able to answer any questions you may have regarding your stay.

Lots of luck!

 

[BCV23]

If you booked a Garden View room, it's unlikely they'll put you in the main building (which is concierge level). In our experiences at the GF (with 88-year-old grandma who has her own slew of medical issues), they put us in the closest non-concierge building.

If it's necessary that you be in the main building, you might want to consider upgrading to a club-level room in the main building. Requesting a room in the main building would, essentially, be requesting an upgrade (I know, not an upgrade for the sake of upgrading but rather necessity) and an upgrade may not necessarily be available.

Contact the special needs department- they should be able to answer any questions you may have regarding your stay.

Lots of luck!

The Polynesian has no guest rooms in the main building. None at all.

But I agree with your advice about the special needs department.

To the OP, usually if you describe your daughter's needs, the CM will contact special needs for you.

Raratonga and Niue are longhouses that are just steps from the main building. So both are very convenient to the restaurants and monorail to MK as well as the bus stop.

As FeeFee suggested, the rooms in Rapa Nui are larger and there is a parking lot right there for unloading etc.. This building is also closest to the TTC which makes it easier to go to Epcot or take the large ferry or express monorail to MK.

But even 6 yos who aren't on oxygen might occasionally hop a ride in a stroller. I would rent a pediatric stroller or wheelchair from an offsite company or borrow one from the Polynesian. Those are limited and on first come, first served basis.

I agree to check with the disAbilities forum. The moderators, Sue and Cheshire are awesome. There are also stickies with great advice.

Good luck and happy planning!