Elderly parent with cane going to WDW - which resort would you recommend other than monorail?

[dizgirl14]

which resort would you recommend for someone elderly going with a cane? other than the monorail ones.

 

[Karalee402]

which resort would you recommend for someone elderly going with a cane? other than the monorail ones.

Not necessarily a specific recommendation, but more of an overall tip - be sure whichever resort you choose has an elevator if mobility issues are present. Most moderates do not have elevators, and while cast members are amazing and usually accommodate with a ground floor room if it's available, if you want to be 100% certain, you may want to only consider resorts with elevators.

 

[Nabas]

Probably Grand Destino Tower. It’s a relatively compact building without too much walking to the bus stop.

 

[disney-inspired]

I would say either Beach Club or Boardwalk. They are smaller resorts, compared to most moderates, and they have quick access to Epcot via boat and they can use the boat or skyliner to get to DHS. Both resorts have one bus stop for MK and Disney springs near the front of the resort.
Room location will also be important and would request a room close to the lobby for convenience.

Also would ask if that person is able to traverse the parks. If they're not sure, I'd suggest renting a mobility scooter to have on hand. They don't have to use it all the time but it's there when they need it.

 

[MPD]

When we went with my mobility-challenged father we stayed at the Yacht Club and rented a scooter for him. He had a fantastic trip and loved being able to ride his scooter to Epcot and HS. We also requested (and received) rooms near the quick service restaurant so that he could travel a short distance with his cane for food if he didn't want to take the scooter.

 

[jo-jo]

If he resists a scooter, maybe suggest a rollator. Walker with four wheels and a seat. Even if he walks a lot at home, there's walking and disney walking. And not many benches.

 

[Mle8308]

If looking for a moderate, then Port Orleans French Quarter. It's not too spread out and only has one bus stop. Also a boat to Disney Springs. My favorite of the moderates.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Mod: POFQ
Mod+: CSR Tower (GDT)
Deluxe: not AKL. Check rates at Swan too, it’s sister property Dolphin however is more waking as it’s bigger.

Shortest walk to the room will be GDT.

The recommendations for an ECV are serious. Anyone concerned about walking distance to the room due to mobility issues needs to consider an ECV. The average WDW guest walks 7-10 miles a day. Is he doing 10 mile walks with his cane? I’m gonna guess not but maybe in which case he’ll be fine as long as he can also stand in at least a couple 45 min lines (assuming you would not do lines longer than that). Even waiting for a bus can be a 20 min wait and no, there are not always benches at bus stops. If that much standing and/or walking will potentially injure him he needs to arrange an ECV. Mentally he might be resistant as many are so he might ignore you- but another thing is he might feel bad slowing up the rest of the party. If he’s on ECV the only ones tiring out are gonna be the rest of you

 

[Simba's Mom]

Not necessarily a specific recommendation, but more of an overall tip - be sure whichever resort you choose has an elevator if mobility issues are present. Most moderates do not have elevators, and while cast members are amazing and usually accommodate with a ground floor room if it's available, if you want to be 100% certain, you may want to only consider resorts with elevators.

My first thought upon reading this was-that also eliminates Poly. But that's because Poly has some tiny elevators, and I have an ECV, so getting into elevators was a challenge for me. But he should be OK with a cane.
As MPD said above, the area where she stayed with her Dad sounds great. I stay regularly at BCV, and I love having my ECV for the short trip to Epcot.

 

[Marthasor]

Beach Club Villas - super close to EP entrance, Skyliner and bus stop for MK/AK.

 

[Minnesota!]

Something on the skyliner

 

[lanejudy]

Most moderates do not have elevators

CBR is the only resort with absolutely no elevators.
POR does not have elevators in the Bayou section but does have them in the Mansions. The sister resort POFQ has elevators.
OKW (deluxe/DVC) only has elevators in 3 buildings.

To my knowledge, all other resorts have elevator access to all rooms.

 

[TheHulamuffins]

Mod: POFQ
Mod+: CSR Tower (GDT)
Deluxe: not AKL. Check rates at Swan too, it’s sister property Dolphin however is more waking as it’s bigger.

Shortest walk to the room will be GDT.

The recommendations for an ECV are serious. Anyone concerned about walking distance to the room due to mobility issues needs to consider an ECV. The average WDW guest walks 7-10 miles a day. Is he doing 10 mile walks with his cane? I’m gonna guess not but maybe in which case he’ll be fine as long as he can also stand in at least a couple 45 min lines (assuming you would not do lines longer than that). Even waiting for a bus can be a 20 min wait and no, there are not always benches at bus stops. If that much standing and/or walking will potentially injure him he needs to arrange an ECV. Mentally he might be resistant as many are so he might ignore you- but another thing is he might feel bad slowing up the rest of the party. If he’s on ECV the only ones tiring out are gonna be the rest of you

This recommendation for an ECV is so true!

I suggest renting an ECV for the length of your stay. The company (ScooterBug, I think) will deliver it to your resort, and pick it up from your resort.

I have used one at WDW for the past 4 years. At home, I get around with a cane. I don't think of myself as elderly! But an ECV is so much better than the long slog through the parks!

The ECVs are easy to maneuver and have very small turning radii. I have had no difficulty that I can think of in any of the parks. The bus drivers in general have been extremely helpful with getting onto and off the buses--since I don't use an ECV at home, I am not the best at parking the ECV on the bus. Enough guests are using ECVs in the parks now that it does not feel awkward at all, and the cast members are all very accommodating on the rides. You can go into some ride queues on an ECV. On others, you get a return time for you and your party, come back at that time, and walk on.

I found it a little tricky to get on and off the elevators when I am alone, but I have managed that.

I would say that AKL is fine if you have an ECV. Otherwise, if you rely on the buses and then have to walk down the corridors to the room, it can be a very long walk at Kidani. If you are at Kidani and someone is driving, they can park near an elevator, or let the elderly person off near the elevator. Another advantage of AKL is that it is pleasant to just watch the animals on the savannah, if you don't feel like going to a park one of the days. Also the pools are excellent there. We have stayed at AKL for about 10 years now, both pre-ECV and with an ECV for me.

 

[sdk1231]

If looking for a moderate, then Port Orleans French Quarter. It's not too spread out and only has one bus stop. Also a boat to Disney Springs. My favorite of the moderates.

I like POFQ, but correct me if I'm wrong - aren't the main walkways/streets there all of the "cobble" style, to suggest New Orleans? I seem to remember that last time I was there. If the streets/walkways are cobbled, might not be good for someone walking with a cane (and it makes for a rattly ECV ride if you rent an ECV).

 

[SharonZ]

Talk to him about renting a scooter.

 

[DizneyFamof4]

I like POFQ, but correct me if I'm wrong - aren't the main walkways/streets there all of the "cobble" style, to suggest New Orleans? I seem to remember that last time I was there. If the streets/walkways are cobbled, might not be good for someone walking with a cane (and it makes for a rattly ECV ride if you rent an ECV).

POFQ has some regular sidewalks and some paver type sidewalks and the streets only have bricks on the side by the curbs.



OP, How bad is their mobility? I ask because our friends mom uses a cane but it's more there to help with balance and not because and doesn't put a lot of weight on it.

 

[Hisgirl]

I took my parents when they were 83. One used a cane and they walked a bit for exercise but I made them get scooters and they loved them!

The first day, though, they tried to resist but I made them use them and boy were they glad. Walking a mile is a lot different than walking eight miles especially if it's warm.

Can't suggest a hotel, as we stayed in a monorail resort, but all the best!

 

[Sammie]

Beach Club.

 

[Babsy]

sorry didn't notice the other than monorail part. Gran Destino in CSR for an upscale moderate, POFQ also has a small footprint, AKL pool view, third floor, request near the lobby is a good deluxe is often lower priced than other deluxe resorts. WL is also very nice and close to the MK, but not on the monorail. The Swan is a nice deluxe where you can sometimes get a good deal, but it isn't actually Disney owned.

I use a cane and find the walking in WDW difficult on times. Sometimes, I have rented a scooter, especially on days with more walking. the other thing that he might consider is a cane that folds out into a seat. I have one called the Ta Da cane that I purchased on Amazon. That way he can always sit for a bit if he gets tired, at least. Alternatively a walker is nice. The scooter is the all around best option, but I understand not wanting to ride on one. I find it daunting to maneuver in crowds and you feel less a part of the group because you are seated and they are walking. That means that you can't take part in the conversation with others as well.

A suite at the All Star would be fairly close to the food court and buses for a nice value optionj