Hi Lynn!
Thanks for sending your questions to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Disney's Art of Animation is great but the Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are spectacular! Last August, my whole family decided to stay at the cabins for a mini-family reunion. We were able to convince our 82 year old grandma to come along (she too has mobility issues). First, we were able to rent her a ECV or scooter for the parks. (There are several companies that will rent these to you and have them delivered to your Disney Resort - check out
ECV Rentals). As for the Trail's End Restaurant, that section of the resort can only be accessed by taking one of the internal buses and then a short walk to Pioneer Hall, where the restaurant is located or by electric golf carts. Which takes me to my next recommendation,
renting the golf carts. I highly recommend renting a golf cart because you can explore the resort grounds and access areas that are exclusive to golf carts and would allow you dad to get around with ease. My grandma highly enjoyed riding the golf cart, especially at night where we would see the deer roaming around. She also enjoyed the cabins because she felt that she wasn't in a hotel room per se, and she didn't feel cooped up. Needless to say that she loved it so much, we will be staying there in a few weeks! Also, if needed, you can request a cabin with a ramp if the short stairs are a challenge for your dad. I hope this helps!
It has been a real pleasure assisting you Lynn! If there are any other questions you may have please feel free to send them my way!
Happy Planning!
Yael