Taking spry 80 yr old Mom - Poly???

[dreamscometrue47]

Hi,
I'm thinking of doing a mother/daughter trip this October. Mom will be 80, but acts like 50! The only issue is is that she had a hip replacement a year ago, so she's a bit slower but still gets around fine by herself with her cane. We'd have an ECV so she doesn't have to walk in the parks too much and will be spending a lot of time in Epcot, some in MK and some in MGM (for the shows!) She's been to Disneyland twice but never to WDW, and we both really want to do this together. (no kids/no grandkids!)

I think the best place to stay would be a monorail resort, and I'm leaning towards the Poly. What do you all think? Any ideas on what building to request? Any other ideas?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[Goofy4]

We are splitting our stay, in part to benefit my somewhat limited mobility inlaws. They will be at the Poly for part of the stay, then we'll all be at the Boardwalk for the remainder.

In both locations we'll be hitting the "local" attractions, and they should be able to enjoy themselves if they choose to stay behind for a morning or afternoon

 

[pumba]

we rented a wheelchair and had a great time. We stayed at the Dolphin...was fantastic .. We also had easy access to the Epcot and MGM boat to go to each of those or we walked.....plus Boardwalk was there at our disposal too. I honestly believe she had a great time as we all did with her....4 generations at Disney.....Have a great time and just remember the water trip.....drink it even if you are not thirsty.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Since you will be spending a lot of time in Epcot I would recommend one of the resorts in that area. You have a choice of Disney resorts Boardwalk, Yacht Club or Beach Club. You also have the Swan and Dolphin (not run by Disney).
You can easily walk to Epcot (or boat). You can take the boat to the Studios. The only bus travel from the Epcot resort area is for the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, the waterparks and Downtown Disney.
Check out the info on hotels and dining on allearsnet.com.

 

[Chuck S]

Personally, I would not let proximity to a park dictate my resort choice. Every resort has ECV compatible transportation options.

If I were a regular, non-DVC guest, and had my choice of resorts...I too would probably pick a monorail resort. My favorite of the three is Contemporary...just because I actually like the design and theming there. But any monorail resort is a good choice as they provide relatively easy access to both the MK and EPCOT, and well, I just like the monorail

 

[Tikiman]

I disagree with the recommendation of being down at an Epcot resort being easier. You can get to Epcot just as fast from the Polynesian as we did walking from the Yacht Club and half the trip from the Polynesian is riding the monorail. Also being on the monorail gets you to the MK and the resorts on the monorail very fast so you have easy access to the other resorts for food and shopping also. We did much more walking at the YC and waiting for busses than we ever have at the Polynesian. Also you can watch the fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant from the beach of the Polynesian or your room if you get a lagoon view room.

When do you plan on going? Summer?

 

[dreamscometrue47]

We're planning on the 3rd or 4th week of October. I think I'm still leaning towards the Poly, because 1) I KNOW Mom will love it! and 2) easy access to the monorail for both Epcot and MK. We could always take the boat from Epcot to MGM, for a couple of half days.

I stayed at the Boardwalk last April, and even though I loved the location, I think she'd like the Poly atmosphere better.

 

[Tikiman]

I was going to say try another monorail resort if it were when it was going to be cooler out but October should be ok as long as the hurricane season is better than last year.

As far as going to MGM, going to the boat at Epcot is a good idea unless you want to get there quicker, than take the bus at the Polynesian to MGM and maybe boat back over to Epcot to get on the monorail to return to the resort. That is what we have done.

We enjoyed the Yacht Club when we stayed there and would do it again but it is more walking.

Aloha

Steve

 

[dreamscometrue47]

Let's hope Florida doesn't have another hurricane season like last, Tikiman....

I like your idea of taking the bus to MGM, then taking the boat to Epcot, and then the monorail back to the Poly. You're right.. I'm trying to limit her walking as much as possible.

Just love planning a trip to WDW under 3 feet of snow!

 

[spiceycat]

the Polyn definitely.

the epcot resorts are nice - but the monrail can't be beat - her transportation is itself a WDW ride....

the buses are nice - but they can't beat the monrail.

if your Mother is like mind - she will love both the MK and EPcot - she doesn't care that much for studios - other than the Great Movie Ride - mother just didn't enjoy that park. her comments "this is more for teenagers than my age...."

however you mother may disagreed completely. I love your mother using the ECV - my mother tried one once and won't even attempt to use one now - so I end up pushing her in a wheelchair....and boy that is hard work.

 

[dreamscometrue47]

Yep, mom is funny. She wants to see Wishes, Fantasmic and Illuminations and all of the parades. At the studios, she really just wants to see great movie ride, voyage of little mermaid, beauty & the beast, backlot tour, millionaire, one man's dream and indiana jones. I've done the thrill rides at all of the parks on all of my family trips with the kids, so I'm really looking forward to a different type of trip. I do want to see the new auto car stunt show; she's not interested but said she'll just do a bit of shopping.

Still leaning towards the Poly.

 

[BCV23]

I second what Tikiman said about the Polynesian. It is very easy to get to EPCOT from the TTC and fun as well.

It is also nice to be on the monorail circuit. Many nice dining choices as well as some good shops. More selection in dining and shopping than the EPCOT resorts.

Another plus is the larger rooms especially since you wil have an ECV to fit in the room.

The biggest plus is the resort itself. It is beautiful, relaxing and you can't beat looking across Seven Seas Lagoon to the Castle.

Great choice.

 

[twocat]

Since you'll be there during the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, I would vote for one of the aforementioned Epcot area resorts for the following reasons:
The food booths and all activities (but one seminar area) are located in the World Showcase A very easy walk or boat ride from the Epcot resorts.

The monorail stop is quite a hike to get to World Showcase area.

Maybe a split stay between the Poly and an Epcot resort. I understand this is pretty easily accomplished but your mom may not like the upheaval.

If the Food and Wine Fest activities aren't really important, go for the Poly. There is no other place like it as far as atmosphere goes.

Donna

 

[steveanddonna]

I agree with Tikiman about the Poly. Took my aunts, 84 and 80 at the time, in 2000 and they loved taking the monorail and being able to watch the EWP. Also, they loved the relaxed atmosphere of the Poly, as it was a nice change from the more frenetic pace of the parks. We visited BWI, which they enjoyed but emphatically said they wouldn't want to stay there because it was too busy. We also ate at Yachtsman Steak House at YC, and they thought BC & YC looked too big. I think the Poly just felt more intimate and laid-back to them.