Help us choose a resort (need a handicapped friendly resort)

[NWDMD]

We're Disney-regulars but need some advice with our cast of characters changing this trip. I'm planning a trip and we're inviting our in-laws, my mother-in-law is disabled, she can walk a few steps but is in a wheel chair usually. We'll also have a newborn with us (our first). We're planning on taking it slow this trip and we're anticipating taking lots of breaks.

So, what resorts are the most friendly for disabled guests? What resorts offer the best transportation for a family that may be heading back and forth from resort to parks? I'm thinking of alternatives to always riding the bus (We understand there can be hard feelings with waiting in line for the buses). We're aware of the monorail resorts, which ones use boats? Swan/Dolphin?

Thanks!
NWDMD

 

[Clare Voince]

All the Epcot resorts have boats to DHS and Epcot: Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club, Yacht Club and Swan/Dolphin. POR and POFQ have a boat, but it only goes to downtown Disney. Wilderness Lodge has a boat to the MK.

 

[Mickey-Mommy]

Whenever we can, even staying on property, we rent a car. This way we don't have to worry about waiting in line for he buses with a wheel chair (m-i-l rents a scooter that you can fold down and put in a trunk every trip) and worry about folding up our stroller to board a bus. This way we can wheel our stroller right out to the car without waking up baby to board a bus or tram, you can use the handicapped parking if you have a handicapped thing you hang in your window. You won't have to pay for parking while staying on-site.

Plus if you have a car you don't have to worry about bringing all the diapers, wipes or formula with you since a grocery store or Wal-Mart is near by.

 

[rkelly42]

I would say Boardwalk, Yacht and or Beach clubs. You are able to take the boat to DHS, walk to Epcot and cut across epcot to take the monorail to MK. The only thing you would have to take the car to really is AK and DtD or any waterparks you wish to go to. I personally believe those are the best choices but others might have more insight.

 

[Computer Magic]

I would say it depends are where you will be spending the most time. If MK and Epcot then a monorail resort. If Epcot and DHS then Yact, BC or Boardwalk.

 

[disneygirl76]

We're Disney-regulars but need some advice with our cast of characters changing this trip. I'm planning a trip and we're inviting our in-laws, my mother-in-law is disabled, she can walk a few steps but is in a wheel chair usually. We'll also have a newborn with us (our first). We're planning on taking it slow this trip and we're anticipating taking lots of breaks.

So, what resorts are the most friendly for disabled guests? What resorts offer the best transportation for a family that may be heading back and forth from resort to parks? I'm thinking of alternatives to always riding the bus (We understand there can be hard feelings with waiting in line for the buses). We're aware of the monorail resorts, which ones use boats? Swan/Dolphin?

Thanks!
NWDMD

I recommend Yacht and Beach Club - easy access to Epcot - which is great for adults - the back gate is awesome and a boat ride to DHS. You get easy - and by easy I mean non bus transportation. Also Boardwalk is here as well. There is the obvious monorail as well - but I like the Yacht and Beach best - great pool for a relaxing breaks!!!

 

[DisneyWall-E]

The Contemporary. A monorail to Magic Kingdom. Boat to Hoop De Doo. Monorail to TTC then on to EPCOT. Boat from EPCOT to DHS. Only have to take a bus to Animal Kingdom, which would be the same from every resort but AKL wouldnt be a vary long car trip.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

In all honesty...I think all resorts are pretty wheel chair friendly. The monorail and boat resorts might be a little bit easier because getting on to those forms of transportation is more convenient. However, every resort has handicap accessible room and buses all have the ability to board wheelchair guests without them having to get up.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

I think every resort is required to be handicap accessible. That being said, you should tell them when you make reservations. Request that you have the best room to suit your needs. They could give you a room close to the elevators, or on the ground floor, etc. Disney is known for being very helpful with that.

I would say the Contemporary is the most logical choice due to the reasons DisneyWall-e gave. I'm also a fan of the Boardwalk since you have easy access to Epcot & Hollywood Studios. And you can always hop on the monorail by going into Epcot & getting on it, assuming you have a hopper pass. A bus to Animal Kingdom would be your only bus requirement.