A zillion questions

[WDWKrazedKitty]

Hello fellow Disney lovers. It has been a long tie since I visited the board. It has been 13 long years since I have been to The World. We always tried to get back, but life had other plans. Anywho... I am planning a surprise trip for my Mother, who has dreamed of going, and never has been able to. The plan is for April. I used to know so much about WDW and all the planning, as I would plan hopeful trips all the time. However, it has been several years since doing this, so I am very much out of the loop. I have a million questions, and I apologize in advance for the length of this.
#1 - It has to be April. So, being so close to Spring Break, is there a time in April that is better, and not super crazy? My Mom is 61, and has some health/walking issues.
#2 - Is it better to rent a wheelchair or scooter? And where is best to rent from? She is mobile, but has Arthritis and all the walking would be too much without. Is it possible to use a 'walker' there?
#3 - Though I would love to stay at POR, I have to cut some costs as much as possible. So we will be staying at AOA. Can anyone tell me what area would be best to request? We will be relying on Disney transportation, so where is closest to the bus stops?
#4 - How is the Magical Express? I am planning on using this, rather than cab, etc. to also cut some costs.
#5 - Memory Maker! Both my Mother & I have photo taking nuts. I will be doing research on this more, but can anyone give me any info. on it? Pros? Cons? Is it worth it?
#6 - Unfortunately, we will only be able to be there for 5 days. But 5 days is still 5 days at WDW!!! Any suggestions on what days of the week is best for each park? And when are hours posted for extra magic hours (is that still a thing?)?
#7 - If I did decide to do a split stay (3 at AOA and 3 at POR), is that a huge hassle without a car? Is there a way to get our belongings from one resort to the other aside of a cab/bus? And if we did this, how complicated does it make it for the Magical Express. (my heart really wants at least a few days at POR )
Whew. I think that is it at the moment. If you have read through all of this, thank you!!! Sorry to sound like such a newbie!!!!

 

[LaurenT]

Hello fellow Disney lovers. It has been a long tie since I visited the board. It has been 13 long years since I have been to The World. We always tried to get back, but life had other plans. Anywho... I am planning a surprise trip for my Mother, who has dreamed of going, and never has been able to. The plan is for April. I used to know so much about WDW and all the planning, as I would plan hopeful trips all the time. However, it has been several years since doing this, so I am very much out of the loop. I have a million questions, and I apologize in advance for the length of this.
#1 - It has to be April. So, being so close to Spring Break, is there a time in April that is better, and not super crazy? My Mom is 61, and has some health/walking issues.
#2 - Is it better to rent a wheelchair or scooter? And where is best to rent from? She is mobile, but has Arthritis and all the walking would be too much without. Is it possible to use a 'walker' there?
#3 - Though I would love to stay at POR, I have to cut some costs as much as possible. So we will be staying at AOA. Can anyone tell me what area would be best to request? We will be relying on Disney transportation, so where is closest to the bus stops?
#4 - How is the Magical Express? I am planning on using this, rather than cab, etc. to also cut some costs.
#5 - Memory Maker! Both my Mother & I have photo taking nuts. I will be doing research on this more, but can anyone give me any info. on it? Pros? Cons? Is it worth it?
#6 - Unfortunately, we will only be able to be there for 5 days. But 5 days is still 5 days at WDW!!! Any suggestions on what days of the week is best for each park? And when are hours posted for extra magic hours (is that still a thing?)?
#7 - If I did decide to do a split stay (3 at AOA and 3 at POR), is that a huge hassle without a car? Is there a way to get our belongings from one resort to the other aside of a cab/bus? And if we did this, how complicated does it make it for the Magical Express. (my heart really wants at least a few days at POR )
Whew. I think that is it at the moment. If you have read through all of this, thank you!!! Sorry to sound like such a newbie!!!!

1. The later in April the better, avoid the first week at all cost.
2. Get a scooter if your mom would be comfortable using it ... Otherwise you'll be getting a workout pushing her everywhere in a wheelchair.
When my husband needed one, I think we used Walker, but there are several good companies that are more convenient and cheaper that ranting onsite - check the disability board.
3. I don't know, I've never stayed there.
4. Magical express is a breeze.
5. I think memory maker is expensive for 5 days worth of pictures for two people, but others will disagree. I'd you have a camera or smart phone, any CM will be happy to take your picture with it - including the photo pass people.
6. Check the crowd calendars at easywdw.com for the best park per day and the Extra Magic hours (but extra magic parks attract more people and will not usually be the best park for the day)
7. Split stay is no problem. Check out in the morning, letting them know you're changing resorts. Give your bags to bell services. Go to the parks. Return to the new resort when you're reasy and your bags will be there waiting for you.

 

[ars0525]

I second later in April better. Gets you away from the Easter/spring break crowds.

I'd rent a scooter rather than a wheelchair if she's comfortable with it (they aren't too hard to use).

Magical Express is easy & as for the rest of the Disney transport I just always allowed ourselves an hour whenever using it. A little more if during "peak" times like dinner or park openings.

Have fun!!

 

[starjazz]

I'll echo everything above, except our family thinks MM is worth the money. We've only done PP+ in DLR, but it sounds basically the same for WDW (only its more expensive at WDW).

 

[Ursula's Apprentice]

Personally, I purchased MM for a 7 day trip with 7 of us, and I ended up with about 300 photos. It really all depends on how much you'll use it. If you take advantage of getting your pic taken everywhere you can, then you're good. In your situation, I'd so go for it, so you have those photos of your mom's first trip!!! And they just dropped the price, so that helps too.

 

[Stefecatzz]

#6 IME, early in the week is better to begin with AK & HS, midweek MK & Epcot since it seems the majority of people arrive early in the week & go to MK & Epcot first, then HS & AK. But I am there during non-peak times so it might be different during April for Spring Break. Either way, have a great trip!!

 

[pad406]

For us too MM is worth it, there are plenty of photographers around and lots do magic shots which are really cute.

Just on the EMH, particularly the morning ones. Generally a park with morning EMH will not be recommended, but this is really for off-site guests, for on-site they are fantastic. BUT you have to be there at opening to get the most of them. If you can't do that then skip the park on those days, as they will tend to be more crowded. The general plan for on-site guests is get there early, ride all you can and leave mid/late morning. Go to a different park either then or later in the day and have your FP+ scheduled for there.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

for AoA if it is just the 2 of you - you'll be in the Little Mermaid rooms - everything else is suites ($$) you might want to request to be closer to the buses / main building. Not sure which building that is (when we stayed we were in the Ariel building and it was the furthest from the buses etc - I think the King Triton building is the closest but it's been awhile...

 

[Katniss]

For me I am THE WORST photographer ever So I love MM and I am quite happy having 300 photos one trip and 50 the next trip. I love the photos that you can get from MM and no matter what I take with my camera it's just not the same LOL. So if you can spend the extra for it - I wouldn't hesitate. You will have some really nice memory's with your mom. Have a great trip.

I leave in 6 days and staying at POR. I was there last March and we loved it. Thinking AOA for our next trip so do come back and tell us what you think

 

[gap2368]

Hello fellow Disney lovers. It has been a long tie since I visited the board. It has been 13 long years since I have been to The World. We always tried to get back, but life had other plans. Anywho... I am planning a surprise trip for my Mother, who has dreamed of going, and never has been able to. The plan is for April. I used to know so much about WDW and all the planning, as I would plan hopeful trips all the time. However, it has been several years since doing this, so I am very much out of the loop. I have a million questions, and I apologize in advance for the length of this.
#1 - It has to be April. So, being so close to Spring Break, is there a time in April that is better, and not super crazy? My Mom is 61, and has some health/walking issues.
#2 - Is it better to rent a wheelchair or scooter? And where is best to rent from? She is mobile, but has Arthritis and all the walking would be too much without. Is it possible to use a 'walker' there?
#3 - Though I would love to stay at POR, I have to cut some costs as much as possible. So we will be staying at AOA. Can anyone tell me what area would be best to request? We will be relying on Disney transportation, so where is closest to the bus stops?
#4 - How is the Magical Express? I am planning on using this, rather than cab, etc. to also cut some costs.
#5 - Memory Maker! Both my Mother & I have photo taking nuts. I will be doing research on this more, but can anyone give me any info. on it? Pros? Cons? Is it worth it?
#6 - Unfortunately, we will only be able to be there for 5 days. But 5 days is still 5 days at WDW!!! Any suggestions on what days of the week is best for each park? And when are hours posted for extra magic hours (is that still a thing?)?
#7 - If I did decide to do a split stay (3 at AOA and 3 at POR), is that a huge hassle without a car? Is there a way to get our belongings from one resort to the other aside of a cab/bus? And if we did this, how complicated does it make it for the Magical Express. (my heart really wants at least a few days at POR )
Whew. I think that is it at the moment. If you have read through all of this, thank you!!! Sorry to sound like such a newbie!!!!

I also took a 15 years off and then went back to disney for a week for my birthday at the end of april ( went for a few days the summer before for a conference )

1. I think the end of april would be good ( that was when I went last year and I am going again this year)
2 if you get a wheel chair they are very hard to push and if it is just you and your mom you will be pushing it most of the time. it is also hard to talk to each other one being in the front one being in the back the front person has to turn there head and talk louder
ECV they can be a little hard to drive I would have your mom go to target/ walmart/ any store that has them and try them there some if your mom can drive a car she can do the ECV. I would also look at the DISability bored for tips on wheelchair ECVs
3 never stayed there I do love POP and have stayed at the all star sports/ Music 60 days before your trip you can do the online check in ask for a room close to transportation and make that your only request ( or pay a little more for preferred and do the same thing) also rent the wheelchair/ ECV offsite you do not need a handicap room there will be plenty of room for you to park what ever you have and your mom can walk around in the room ( if it is just the 2 of you) again look at the DISability word
4 free
5I have never gotten this you can always hand your camera/phone to the person taking your pictures and they will take it for you the only down side is no ride photos
6 I normally do between 4 and 6 days and have a blast yes there are still extra magical hours for guest I would look at the parks and see what you want to do and then do do that I would also get park hopper if you think you would want to do more then one park a day I like to go to the park with morning EMH and then go to another park late afternoon

7 I have done a split say but I live 4 hours away so I had my own car all you have to do is pack you bags take them to bell service and tell them you are moving hotel and tell them what hotel they will do the rest for you then you go to what ever park you are going to that day and then head home to the new hotel

somethings I do to save money is I bring my own food I can go for 6 days and never buy food ( easer for me) but you can back some things in your check bags ( tuna PBJ chips, things that will not go bad) each hotel room has a small fridge

 

[PlutosUnDr8d]

#2 - Is it better to rent a wheelchair or scooter? And where is best to rent from? She is mobile, but has Arthritis and all the walking would be too much without. Is it possible to use a 'walker' there?

My MIL used a scooter, within the parks, to cut down on the walking. I agree, pushing a wheelchair would get tiresome.

#3 - Though I would love to stay at POR, I have to cut some costs as much as possible. So we will be staying at AOA. Can anyone tell me what area would be best to request? We will be relying on Disney transportation, so where is closest to the bus stops?

preferred room or request close to transportation for mobility reasons

#4 - How is the Magical Express? I am planning on using this, rather than cab, etc. to also cut some costs.
Used this only once, but it was great--comfortable, easy, no issues at all.

#6 - Unfortunately, we will only be able to be there for 5 days. But 5 days is still 5 days at WDW!!! Any suggestions on what days of the week is best for each park? And when are hours posted for extra magic hours (is that still a thing?)?
https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/crowd-calendar/april-2016/#calendar another resource that will give input on which park to go to on which day. Go early to get your "must do's", make FP+ for later in the day. I found this to work well.

#7 - If I did decide to do a split stay (3 at AOA and 3 at POR), is that a huge hassle without a car? Is there a way to get our belongings from one resort to the other aside of a cab/bus? And if we did this, how complicated does it make it for the Magical Express. (my heart really wants at least a few days at POR ) Sounds like it is not a problem. We have stayed at both, enjoyed taking the boat to Disney Springs!
Have a magical trip!

 

[AngiTN]

Hello fellow Disney lovers. It has been a long tie since I visited the board. It has been 13 long years since I have been to The World. We always tried to get back, but life had other plans. Anywho... I am planning a surprise trip for my Mother, who has dreamed of going, and never has been able to. The plan is for April. I used to know so much about WDW and all the planning, as I would plan hopeful trips all the time. However, it has been several years since doing this, so I am very much out of the loop. I have a million questions, and I apologize in advance for the length of this.
#1 - It has to be April. So, being so close to Spring Break, is there a time in April that is better, and not super crazy? My Mom is 61, and has some health/walking issues.
#2 - Is it better to rent a wheelchair or scooter? And where is best to rent from? She is mobile, but has Arthritis and all the walking would be too much without. Is it possible to use a 'walker' there?
#3 - Though I would love to stay at POR, I have to cut some costs as much as possible. So we will be staying at AOA. Can anyone tell me what area would be best to request? We will be relying on Disney transportation, so where is closest to the bus stops?
#4 - How is the Magical Express? I am planning on using this, rather than cab, etc. to also cut some costs.
#5 - Memory Maker! Both my Mother & I have photo taking nuts. I will be doing research on this more, but can anyone give me any info. on it? Pros? Cons? Is it worth it?
#6 - Unfortunately, we will only be able to be there for 5 days. But 5 days is still 5 days at WDW!!! Any suggestions on what days of the week is best for each park? And when are hours posted for extra magic hours (is that still a thing?)?
#7 - If I did decide to do a split stay (3 at AOA and 3 at POR), is that a huge hassle without a car? Is there a way to get our belongings from one resort to the other aside of a cab/bus? And if we did this, how complicated does it make it for the Magical Express. (my heart really wants at least a few days at POR )
Whew. I think that is it at the moment. If you have read through all of this, thank you!!! Sorry to sound like such a newbie!!!!

I'm planning a trip to take my Mom on her first trip, also on April. She's 72 so I have to info to help
1 - We are going 13-19. The crowds don't look too bad but it is also the weekend of the first Star Wars Marathon (we are also doing this)
2 - We went with Scooter and we rented off site because I want her to be able to use it while going to the parks, not just in the parks
3 - You will only be in 1 area, Little Mermaid. Unfortunately it's far from the bus stops
4 - Love ME. Best thing ever.
5 - Love MM. Second Best thing ever. Consider a share if you need to cut costs
6 - check crowd calendars at EasyWDW
7 - Not a hassle at all. Disney will move your bags. It takes all day but if you are at the parks, no problem