Best way to get to/from airport for MIL in wheelchair?

[magyar2]

We are cruising in a few months with my MIL, and while my family will be driving down, she will be flying in a day early. We will try to make it to the airport before her plane gets in, but you just never know. So, I need opinions on what is going to be the best way for her to get to the hotel first (we will drive the following day from the hotel to the cruise, so she will be with us then), then on the way back from the cruise, to the Hyatt at the airport.

My MIL is 73 years old, and not steady on her feet. She can not walk a straight line, is weak, and tires easily. She will most likely be traveling with a wheelchair, and will need help getting from the terminal to the baggage retrieval and from there to the hotel (Coronado Springs). Has anyone one had experience with something like this?

We were thinking of using DCL transportation for her, and most likely will from the cruise back to the Hyatt MCO, but will DCL transport be a good option for her arrival (when I call them, I get varying answers)? Or are we better off with an independent limo service that will meet her at the gate?

What would you do with a 73 year old MIL that can't get around as well as she used to, but really wants to go on a cruise?

 

[mcnuss]

I think I understand the questions, so let me break this down:

Airport: when she checks in, she should request airport assistance. They can either 1) get her to the plane in a wheelchair (they will generally help her into the seat & everything) or if she can get on the plane ok, some airports have little golf cart type thingies that transport people from security to gate, etc. She can even call the airline ahead and ask for this type of assistance.

Airport to Cor. Springs hotel: She should get a limo or van service (Mears is the preferred Disney transportation) and should tell them she needs help. At some airports, the limo driver meets the passenger in baggage claim and will help with luggage. You'll have to ask. If they don't do that, then she should be able to find a porter at MCO.

Port to Hyatt: DCL bus should be able to accomodate a disabled passenger. I cannot imagine why they could not!

Hyatt to terminal: Call the Hyatt to see if they have someone (eg: a bellman) who can help get her into the airport. Since it is attached, it should not be too much of a hassle, esp. for a good tip!

Hope this helps.

 

[abitjaded]

Call her airline well ahead of time and state her limitations clearly, they will flag her as needing assistance. Then have someone help her check in (assuming you are there at check-in) and reiterate the problems. Our airport (DIA) allows me, with ID, to assist my mother and her wheelchair driver to the gate, great for someone who is not assertive and also hard of hearing as my mother is. Right now checking in at an airport can be especially intimidating, double check for sharp objects in purses, metal shanks in shoes, etc., things that cause upsets on going through security that can really rattle a senior. Make sure she has dollar bills for tipping her wheelchair assistants.

I hope others can assist with a good shuttle. I have been less than pleased with Mears, and my personal opinion is to avoid them and find a more "intimate" company. The concierge at the hotel might help. You might also post this to the disABILITIES board, while there are not many who have cruised over there, they can answer or find the answers to just about anything you need.

Carla

 

[magyar2]

Thanks so much for the help! I will print out the answers and talk with my MIL about some of her options.

Unfortunately, we will be unable to get her to the airport for the trip down, as we will have left the day before to get to Florida (long drive!). She is having a hard time realizing that she is not as able to walk as she used to be, and even though she can't manage to walk down her driveway to get her mail, she does not want a wheelchair, but she really wants to go on this cruise, so I am trying to make it as easy as possible for her. With all your help, I should be successful!

 

[abitjaded]

Check out this link:

http://cruise-forums.com/forums/read.php?f=50&i=277&t=277

There is a disability message board at cruisecritic.com also. None of the boards are particularly busy, but someone there may have some advice. I also PMd you.

Carla