I would suggest booking anything that you think you'll want to do now and then cancel them when you are figuring out the priorities. I suggest that because if you are going for Dapper Days, everything will be extremely crowded and full.
It's hard when someone who would benefit from an ECV won't use one. I have that issue with my husband sometimes. He says he isn't disabled and doesn't need one, but there are times when he can barely walk. Just a couple nights ago we had to walk from IASM to the Villas at the Grand with him barely moving. He weighs too much for me to carry him, but he really needed that kind of help. I mentioned that if we had the ECV, he would have been a lot more comfortable and he just said he only needed his hiking sticks (which were at home).
Since walking/standing is going to be an issue, I'd book every sit down experience available for your dad. Carnation Cafe, Carthay Circle, WOC dessert party, Blue Bayou are just a few coming to mind. Also, the quick service at the Grand is very good. The new Craftsman (formerly White Water Snacks) has very good food. You can eat it there or take it to the room. I am working on a trip report that will have pictures of the food from Craftsman - which I highly recommend.
What about renting a Cabana for half a day? You get wait service and you have both a covered area and full sun area. There's a TV, too. It could be a really nice memory of a special splurge for the family.
I am sure you'll have a beautiful and magical time no matter what you book. I am very sorry to hear about this situation and I will continue to hope for a change for the better. It sounds like it is going to be a very special memory and it will be more valuable than any money you put into it. Book stuff as soon as the booking window opens!
