Have just joined and love this site. I am from London Uk and my family and I are travelling to WDW on 18th May 2002. (cant wait) This is our 3rd visit and we are staying at Port Orleans Riverside. I am a little concerned as I have heard the French Quarter of resort has closed and we are worried it may not be very pleasant if building work is going on. If anyone knows what is really happening please can they let me know. Also, is it true that WDW resort guests can no longer have early access to the parks? Any money saving tips any of you kind people have would be gratefully recieved. What do you think my chances of getting an upgraded room are? Us Brits do not get to hear about all the great deals that go on offer so please, please please any inside info????????
I cant wait to get over to your lovely country. We have a 2 year old and a disabled person in our party so any tips would be great. Does any know the cost of hiring electric wheelchairs.
Thanks to all and look forward to arriving in sunny (I HOPE) Florida shortly.
Aud xxxxxx

[brumcg]

Aud,

Welcome to the site! I'll field some of the easy questions...

Yes, Early Entry is gone. WDW implemented a number of economic "cutbacks" in October 2001. Early Entry has been replaced with the Character Caravan - a bus full of characters comes to your resort every other morning for a meet & greet.

We have a 2 year old as well... My best advice is to take a mid-day break with him or her. We like to eat at the Buffets; most of them are quite good - and more importantly - it's much faster in and out.

I'm not sure what kind of money saving tips you're looking for, but mousesavers.com has all sorts of deals on their site.

Have a great trip!

Bruce

[mickey]

Audrey

Welcome to Disneycentral. As for as Port Orleans French Quarter being closed, you shouldn't even notice it. Port Orleans Riverside was originally Dixie Landings, and they were two seperate resorts. They were combinded about two years ago, but they are still seperated by a ways in distance. As a side note, POFQ will be opening up June 1.

You will love Riverside, it is beautiful, conveniently located and a all around fun place to stay. There have been many discussions here lately on where to stay in Riverside, bus stops, etc., so my suggestion would be to do a search for "riverside" in the forums. You should be able to find a map and several hints that will help you along.

I am not sure about the wheelchairs, but I know somebody else will have some info that will come along soon. Again, welcome!

[lopo]

Welcome!

I have considered traveling to WDW with companions who have disabilities; therefore, I have done some research and discovered extensive info regarding the ECVs (electronic convenience vehicles known to the rest of us as wheelchairs) here:
http://www.wdwig.com/ecv_faq.htm You may find all of your questions answered there . . .

Have a great trip!

[Cinderellafifi]

Welcome to DC! How exciting for you to be coming to the States for a trip to Disney! My mom was born and raised in England and I lived there for a year, too.

I also have a 2 year-old and a legally blind mom that we always rent a wheelchair for when we go to Disney. We hire an outside company that delivers and picks up right at the hotel for no extra charge! I find this to be much more convenient because then we can use the wheelchair wherever we want to instead of being restricted to inside the parks only. Please let me know if I can be of any help!

Be sure to visit each forum on this board - there is a wealth of information! :D :)