Advice for taking mother for "may be her last" trip to Disney

[SpaceMountain77]

I have taken my Mom, who is 86-years-old, to Walt Disney World 10 times over the past four years. We have always rented a wheelchair because it is easier for us. Because of crowds, she is not confident in her ability to drive through the parks. Also, driving does require manual dexterity, which can be challenging for someone with arthritis in their joints.

This past trip, to make things easier, we took advantage of the Minnie Vans, through the Lyft app, for longer rides. Although the service is $20, the drivers were patient, assisted us with her wheelchair, and dropped us off at the entrance to our building. It was a welcomed alternative to monorails and buses.

One thing that I have done with each trip is book more signature dining locations. For us, it is both the experience and trying things that we have yet to do.

 

[SueM in MN]

I think the issue of ECV versus wheelchair depends on the person. When MIL was 85, we took her to WDW and originally rented her an ECV. It was a disaster. She was so slow moving in that thing because she was constantly afraid of hitting all of the people that cut in front of her. We ended up renting a wheelchair and took turns pushing her. She used it like a walker when she was up to walking. If you mom has used an ECV before and is comfortable with it, that might work. If she hasn't used one before, have her use one in Walmart during the busy shopping season to get an idea of what it will be like. She can then decide if it will work for her.

I agree with the idea of a wheelchair rather then an ECV being probably the better option.

Operating an ECV requires constant alertness, which can be very tiring. You have to be watching where you are going, watch for other people and be constantly ready to stop. Unless she is very opposed to someone else pushing her, I think a wheelchair would be a better option.
In general, the larger the wheels on a wheelchair, the easier it is to push. The park rental ones are very heavy (and pretty wide if she is small); the outside rental ones tend to be nicer.