Advice, please...my Mom and Dad may come with us!

[pennymom]

OK, here's the story. We're planning our trip second trip ever in December 2009 for DH, DS7, DS4 and myself. My mom moved in with us last year, and is also coming with us. She has some arthritis in her hip and walks slowly sometimes, but I think she'll love it as we were only there once pre-Epcot, for a day, when I was a kid. And if she doesn't feel like walking, she'll do her own thing. My dad (they're separated but not divorced) is retired military and wants us to use the military hotel discount and "companion tickets" that are available, which we can as long as my mom is with us (the military member's spouse). So we were going to stay at POR in a room with a trundle, as there aren't any ASMu suites available. And I was going to put down the deposit this week.

My Dad is a control freak and terrible to travel with, but I got guilty and invited him. And he said he'll think about it and will let me know in a day or two. I warned him that I plan thoroughly and he's welcome to come, but can't be in charge...we'll see how that works!

But now we'll need two rooms, probably at a value or a moderate, depending on if we can have the military rates for two rooms. Anyone know if that's possible ?

My parents are on speaking terms, but only barely, and I want everyone to have fun. And any ideas on how to stay sane during the trip ?

 

[K and K's Mommy]

My parents come with us but only for half the week. They would just get too tired with a whole week!

One thing we have in common is that my mom is a control freak. I have found that in Disney she is not at all. She just goes with what we are doing. I think she just really enjoys seeing her grandkids there. Plus, she knows I research a lot and she knows next to nothing.

My parents are also good with taking breaks so they aren't with us 24/7. I am not sure I can imagine going with parents who barely speak though!

Good luck!

 

[TinaLala]

Let them make their own plans, but plan with them. We woould start at breakfast, then everyone would do their thing during the day and then we would meet for dinner. Seperate during the day - maybe one day you spend together, but have seperate vacation.

Maybe contact Randy mobility for a motor cat for your mom - they deliver - reasonably priced.

I don't know about the military room rate, but I would sit them down together and make it known what the intention is for the trip.

 

[RN4Babies]

You and your family may qualify to stay at Shades of Green; I'd check that out as an option as well.

As a pp said, I'd strongly recommend renting an ECV for your mom. I have arthritis in my knees and hips, and standing in lines for more than 5 minutes would have bothered my joints a lot more than the walking. I rented an ECV from Walker Mobility during our trip, and can't say enough about them.

Have fun!

 

[pennymom]

Thanks for the ECV idea...I'll talk to her about it. As for Shades of Green, we'd still need two rooms, as I would never ask the two of them to share a room. With my dad's grade, I'm pretty sure that the 40% off moderates military special will be less expensive, but I'll check.

Thanks!

 

[Figment_Fan]

We have been fortunate to take my DW's mom and on two other trips my dad. On the last one with my dad, due to knee problems and recent lung surgery, he rented an ECV. At first he was very self conscious about it. He refused to let us take pictures with him on it. After two days, he loosened up, and in his words it was the best Disney trip ever.

Watching the grandparents with the grandkids at Disney is priceless. They are not your parents at Disney, if you do it right, they become grandparents only - a very separate animal than the people you grew up with.

You may also get some separate time with your spouse while the grandchildren go with the grandparents - together and or separately. And sometimes, the age difference between grandchildren and grandparents is transcended and they meet somewhere around age 8-10. Okay, sometimes I think I trusted my 10 year old to make better decisions than the grandparent.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

My parents are coming with us for the first time this Sept, but they will only be there for 4 days. We are planning on possibly doing a park or two with them, but mainly spending time with them at night for dinner & the shows. My mom walks slow because of her bad ankle and I don't want to rush her. I am normally a rush rush traveler.

I hope that everything works out for you & I wish you lot's of luck. Let us know what you decide to do.