Which Resort 'easiest' for Elderly Parents?

[debg]

Long time OKW owner here (1993) planning an 80th birthday trip for Dad. I'm trying to figure out which resort would result in the least amount of walking to get from the unit to the car *and* have the least amount of stairs. Mom has bad depth perception so she has trouble with curbs, stairs, and such. Dad has hip and back problems and lives with daily pain. Neither are ready to accept wheel chairs. Both would refuse a handicap accessible room because they'd feel they were taking it away from those who really need it.

My main goal is to not exhaust them before we actually get in the parks as I'm thinking they'll only be able to do a half day max, anyway, and 2-3 hours is probably more realistic. The trip is more about togetherness than the parks, but they do love the parks so I want to make that as easy as possible.

I plan on driving us everywhere. Don't want Mom going up and down the bus steps and the closer to the parks' entry gates the better because Dad's only got so many 'steps' in him before the pain is too great and he's done for the day. Also, I'm not confident he could always get a seat on the buses and I know he couldn't stand the whole time, especially if the bus is crowded. Mom would be fine once she's on the bus - it's the getting on and off that's a problem for her.

Don't want BW or BCV.

So... OKW has parking at the door, but the possibility of a 3rd floor room. SSR might be good as it has elevators to higher units. I could drop them at the bus stop for the WLV, which would shorten their walk. I haven't been over to Kidani to I've no clue if there's a way to get them close to their unit. I know that they'd be thrilled having animals outside their rooms but haven't paid any attention to Kidani so I know absolutely nothing about the resort... or if the DVC rooms in the AKL would be available at the 7-month mark.

I'm trying to think of all the possible problems with the various resorts, given that requests are just that - requests. I can't bank on getting them first floor rooms. I can't bank on them being right next to elevators.

They've been to OKW a number of times, so ideally we'd choose some place else... but easy is the name of the game.

Facing the reality that they can't do WDW as they've done in the past has really made me sad, but they want one more trip and I'm determined to make it easy as I can. Heck, the fact that they even say that - "we want one more trip" just breaks my heart. So anyway, any other tips for traveling with elderly parents would be greatly appreciated.

debg

 

[Donna M]

We took our 83 year old parents to VWL and the walking was too much for my MIL. We always pulled the car up as close as possible but it was still a bit too much, and we had a room near the elevator. I think OKW would be best because of the parking. That's what we plan to do if we make the trip next year. You can talk to someone and say it is medically necessary to have a first floor room. I think they honor that request.

I hope they will reconsider the wheel chairs. Walking the parks will be miserable, and they'll miss a lot if they only stay a couple of hours.

 

[JimMIA]

When we took Grandma and Great Aunt (both your parents age, and Grandma requires an scooter), we stayed in a two-bedroom at OKW. We requested "ground floor non-HA for medical reasons" and got it. (Ground floor for obvious reasons, non-HA because we didn't want to take an HA room away from someone who needed it.) It was perfect for us and them.

That kind of a request is just a request and is not guaranteed, but I suspect they don't get many requests for ground floor because most guests want the nice veranda.

The other option is to ask MS to put you in touch with the Special Needs office (not sure of its correct name) and have them make the arrangements. If you do it that way, your reservation is made by that office and IS guaranteed, but I'm not sure what the qualifying requirements are for that service. If you don't get a definitive answer here, try over on the DISabilities board.

 

[bobbiwoz]

When I've stayed at OKW, I've asked for "first floor or elevator building" and that's what I have gotten.

The value rooms at Jambo are pretty close to the entrance for cars, but they don't guarantee a savannah view. At Kidani, the parking is convenient to elevators except for the top most bead.

If you don't want OKW, my choice would be Kidani, requesting close to elevaotr, savannah view.

Bobbi

 

[Brian Noble]

One of the condo resorts (OKW or SSR) would probably be your best bet. You'd have to trade the closer parking at OKW for the gaurantee of an elevator at SSR. SSR seems less risky to me, unless you can get a ground floor guaranteed.

 

[CruznLexi]

My Mom will be 79 on our trip and gets around great but I feel parks like AK, Epcot and MK require too much walking so we are going to rent a scooter and will stay at BCV so we can take the scooter easily to Epcot and HS. We don't stay all day in the park generally a few hours in the am and a few in the eve with Pool time in middle or naps. She is very excited about going.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Don't want BW or BCV.

.... I could drop them at the bus stop for the WLV, which would shorten their walk. ...

My suggestion was going to be BCV - close up parking; short walk to Epcot; small resort.

You cannot drop them off at the bus stop for VWL. No cars are permitted there. You'd have to drop them off at the main Lodge entrance.

Kidani might be the best bet - use the elevator closest to your unit and park there, too. Otherwise the corridors are pretty long. Or OKW ground floor unit. We had one in May/June and it was pretty nice.

Have you thought about a scooter or wheelchair for them? When we brought my mom, we got a w/c from OKW to use. At first she didn't want to use it, but my dear husband said he would be glad to push the chair and she reconsidered right away.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

OKW or SSR. At OKW make the request as a "ground floor or elevator building due to medical reasons." We did that when DH had his knee operation. Just be certain to put down that it's for medical reasons. I believe they try very hard to honor this request and there are so many units at OKW that it shouldn't be too difficult for them to switch to a first floor if they don't have you in that at first. When we did this we ended up on the first floor in a building with an elevator! (62)

Kidani might work also since the elevators go down to the parking area. BLT might be an option b/c you can drive to the door to drop them off. But if you did get assigned a room further from the elevator it might be a bit of a walk. Not terrible b/c BLT isn't that big but something to consider.

Just to mention - my DM refused wheelchairs and the like for a long time as well. Finally I just insisted and there's been no looking back. She gets around much more now than she had, is not stressed and we aren't stressed and move around more freely as well. When DH had his knee operation he actually was going to stay home from the trip! I reserved a scooter so he decided he'd go and give it a try. No regrets there either after he hopped on and was able to get around without crutches. For both it was more of a "why did I resist doing this?!".

 

[Snurk71]

Here's a different idea - take them out to DL instead. VGC is essentially connected to DCA and DL isn't much further of a walk. And DL is much more compact than MK, which reduces the walking even more.

 

[spiceycat]

would go with BLT - even it furthest away from elevators are closer to the elevator than SSR, BCV, BWV, AKV, VWL. it has 2 elevator sections - so it is close to both north and south sides.

the parking lot is about as far away as OKW/SSR. talking about walking out the room door to the car.

plus it has the monrail for MK (walking is faster) and Epcot - (never take the short cut route - go out the main entrance and up the regular resort monrail - the hill is less)

besides they just might enjoy the monrail for a ride.

also would get a wheelchair - say you need it. then when you use it for junk - believe me one of your parents will get in - in the end.

mother use to say the same thing. then I went thru knee surgery and had to have a wheelchair or the doctor would not let me go. guess what she used the wheelchair more than I did.....

after that trip she never argued about one again - and even asked for one.

plus if they are at BLT - and you are gone - they can easily walk over to CR for meals and shopping. they won't need you to be there.

the atmosphere is very protected at BLT - much more than all the other DVC resorts.

 

[debg]

Thanks for the many replies. You've given me much to think about.

I hadn't realized that parking for Kidani Village was under the building(s). That fact makes it a real possibility, which is perfect as AK is the one park my parents haven't visited and I know they'd enjoy a balcony overlooking the wildlife.

DH, DD, and I all love SSR and I think that's a real option too.

I believe OKW is probably the best/easiest of all, but it would be so nice to stay somewhere new. If we decide on OKW I'll definitely state my 1st floor request exactly as some of you have advised.

I've ruled out the Wilderness Lodge villas. I hadn't realized that dropping Mom/Dad off at the bus stop would be prohibited and the walk from the entrance to WL is farther than I'm willing to consider.

This trip will definitely be different than those in the past - the last time we went Dad was sliding down Summit Plummet and teasing us about Tower of Terror being a classic Disney trick and we'd only moved two feet.

Thanks again for your advice and ideas. I really appreciate your taking the time.

debg

 

[debg]

would go with BLT - even it furthest away from elevators are closer to the elevator than SSR, BCV, BWV, AKV, VWL. it has 2 elevator sections - so it is close to both north and south sides.

the parking lot is about as far away as OKW/SSR. talking about walking out the room door to the car.

plus it has the monrail for MK (walking is faster) and Epcot - (never take the short cut route - go out the main entrance and up the regular resort monrail - the hill is less)

besides they just might enjoy the monrail for a ride.

also would get a wheelchair - say you need it. then when you use it for junk - believe me one of your parents will get in - in the end.

mother use to say the same thing. then I went thru knee surgery and had to have a wheelchair or the doctor would not let me go. guess what she used the wheelchair more than I did.....

after that trip she never argued about one again - and even asked for one.

plus if they are at BLT - and you are gone - they can easily walk over to CR for meals and shopping. they won't need you to be there.

the atmosphere is very protected at BLT - much more than all the other DVC resorts.

Actually, I had immediately dismissed BLT simply because the decor wouldn't be as much to their liking as the other resorts, but your points make it sound pretty doable/interesting. DH & I would love it there - the Contemporary has always been our fave non-DVC resort. Dad loves fireworks. The only thing is, if we skip any parks it would be MK. Still, if I'm already driving everywhere I guess it makes no difference which park we're staying near.

I'm going to print out all the different suggestions and reasonings as to why or why not particular resorts would work. And we're going to take a look at the calendar and the point charts for the various resorts tonight. Mom and Dad both have mid-April birthdays so my choices are to go early 2011, or not until next fall. I don't want to go during spring break - the more people there are the more difficult things will be - and May through September are out because Mom simply can't take the heat and I don't want to add another problem to the mix. But I don't really think I should put this off for over a year... Dad's mobility is failing fairly quickly.

Thanks for tossing BLT into the mix! I really hadn't even considered it.

debg

 

[Dean]

With the car, I'd put them in this order.

AKV Kidani
BLT
BCV
BWV
AKV Jambo
VWL
SSR
OKW

While it would be less walking to get to the car at OKW and SSR, you'd have to go to the car more trips in all likelihood including meals. Plus at OKW you might end up not getting a unit you could access without stairs. Kidani due to the underground parking, BLT due to it's design and BCV because of the proximity of the entrance to a good pickup point. If you don't get a scooter, all of the resorts have wheelchairs you could use to minimize the walking and they only charge a deposit. Personal preferences would have a large influence on my recommendations as well. Have a great trip.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

With the car, I'd put them in this order.

While it would be less walking to get to the car at OKW and SSR, you'd have to go to the car more trips in all likelihood including meals.

The walking could still be much less when you compare walking from the room at BCV or BWV or VWL to dinner - or really most of the resorts. It's going to be less b/c you can go to the car and drive to your location. If you were talking time to get to dining then it could be more but just walking distance - as a wheelchair pusher - I'd disagree.

 

[NewDCLGuy]

If I may suggest a different approach...

Do whatever it takes to get them to rent scooters for the duration of your stay. It sounds like they will resist... But for both your sake and theirs push hard for them to do it.

We finally got my dad to rent one a few years back. It not only allowed him to have his best vacation in many, many years, it not only allowed the rest of us to have a better trip, it literally changed his life. He saw how useful the scooter could be and ended up getting his own for day to day life. It's geatly expanded what he can do for himself.

 

[joandegennaro]

While I completely agree with the scooter option (being a 40 something mom with knee injury almost ruined our trip) I would be a little concerned with your mothers sence of depth perception while on a scooter. Your father however would be able to reclaim so much of the Disney he has loved over the years to be able to do it with less pain. I would consider enlisting the help of any Grandchildren..having them ask/encourage your parents to give it a go. A little grandchildren guilt might work in your favour which in the end will make this possible last trip a more memorable one for all envolved.

Regardless of what you end up doing and where you end up staying enjoy, build memories to last a lifetime.

 

[simmons_m]

Similar situation last year on our trip. In laws stayed at BWV, in hindsight BLT would have been better in my opinion.
reasons...
front door access to the the elevator closest to the contemporary. You could drive up fairly close to the walkway.
Monorail access to MK and Epcot, if you ask a CM you can bypass the ramp by exiting between the monorails, just make sure you let them know what and why.
Monorail access to Poly for Restaurants
Easy elevator ride to towl (night cap)
I would request a room closest to the elevator near the CR walkway.

 

[Beckypooh1972]

Having driven in WDW with elderly parents myself I can tell you the handicapped parking is very limited at the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian.
Any of the value resorts would be a long walk from the parking lot to your building. The handicap parking availability is not bad at the Poly.
By the way we haven't stayed all these places but we have been to many of the resorts for dinner and there just don't seem to be enough handicap spaces at the Deluxe Resorts. Not sure about the DVC villas . As for moderates: we were almost always able to park right in front of our door at C. Beach but this was not the case at PO Riverside. Boardwalk has valet parking, don't think it's free anymore though. Have a great trip! My parents really enjoyed the wonder of Disney - it was like they were kids again.

 

[ToddyLu]

My FIL got a scooter after having bilateral hip replacment surgery and cancer. It was a terrific trip and one that he enjoyed so much. He was nervous about it but once he practiced a little bit, he was gone....the scotter was waiting on him at the resort, when it needed a repair it was replaced and waiting in the lobby the next morning. We made use of his basket for holding trinkets. My MIL still talks about the fun she had with him on that trip.

DH and amy BIL would wear sunglasses (both are shaped like bouncers), and would get on each side of him and escort him around the park like Secret Service. It was too funny. FIL's code name: Nemo

BIL would phone DH when they got of the bus so we could meet them at the gate...he would say "Nemo has left the reef, I repeat, Nemo has left the reef". It was classic and such a fun memory.

 

[Deb & Bill]

My FIL got a scooter after having bilateral hip replacment surgery and cancer. It was a terrific trip and one that he enjoyed so much. He was nervous about it but once he practiced a little bit, he was gone....the scotter was waiting on him at the resort, when it needed a repair it was replaced and waiting in the lobby the next morning. We made use of his basket for holding trinkets. My MIL still talks about the fun she had with him on that trip.

DH and amy BIL would wear sunglasses (both are shaped like bouncers), and would get on each side of him and escort him around the park like Secret Service. It was too funny. FIL's code name: Nemo

BIL would phone DH when they got of the bus so we could meet them at the gate...he would say "Nemo has left the reef, I repeat, Nemo has left the reef". It was classic and such a fun memory.

Sounds like you really made lemonade out of lemons. Can I borrow your family sometime?