Father coming to Disney with us and I need help

[Jailen's Gma]

My father, who is 83 years young will be coming with us to Disney this year and I don't know where to start with planning.
We will be staying at the Marriott's Imperial Palms in July. There will be myself, my father, my son, his girlfriend, his son and maybe her girls. We will be there for 8 days and will also being going to Sea World. I just don't know where to start. Its usually only myself and gs that go, so we basically do what he wants and I plan accordingly.
Can someone get me started atleast?

Thanks
Mary

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I would start by renting him a scooter. Try www.randysmobility.com They're great! They will deliver the scooter to your resort and pick it up on the day you check out. Since you're not staying onsite, this could be really helpful to your day so he doesn't have to walk all the way accross parking lots and such, and they are easier to operate than the ones they rent at WDW. Also, I would plan at least one sit down meal per day, just to let him take a break and get out of the sun for a while.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, you know your dad best...and you've been to WDW before, so you know what you're facing. I would try to set a slower pace with your dad. Do those things that might be really enjoyable for him, rather than focus on gs this particular trip. After all, you will be 'making memories' for gs! Be sure to plan for lots of sit down breaks. And plan on those easy going attractions...IASW, Mickey's Phiharmagic...that sort of thing. Depending on how steady he is on his feet, you could do the Peter Pan type attraction with those moving walkways. I know they throw my dad for a loop! But most of all, have fun!!

 

[philaround]

Warning about a scooter at an offsite resort. Not all shuttles from offsite are ECV accessable [wheelchairs yes, ecv's no]. This, of course, will be no problem if you have your own transportation.

 

[bopper]

Check out the disAbilities forum here for more info about scooters (Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs)).

As far as what to do...do you have a "goal" for this trip? Like making memories with Grandpa? or Having Grandpa watch the little ones at Disney?

Make sure the schedule is slow paced...with plenty of pool time and rest time. Make sure you use the "photopass" at disney and get lots of pix of the family!

 

[LadyZolt]

My first question is: What climate is your father living in now? I live in New Mexico where there is very little humidity and the difference in climate between here and Orlando would be, in my opinion, pretty overwhelming for someone who is 83 years young. If he's used to the humidity, just take things slow and let him set the pace. There's enough attractions that he would be able to enjoy to make the trip a special and memorable one for him. I wish you all the best!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[Jailen's Gma]

Thanks for all the info.

My father gets around very well, but I had thought about asking him if he would like a wheelchair or scooter.

I had a Disney planning dvd sent to him so he could get a idea of the parks and things he might want to do. So alot of the planning will around what he wants.

Thanks again
Mary

 

[BYC]

Can't you change your hotel to an on site one? That way, if he gets tired, or overheated, you can bring him back, and he can stay in the AC, while you go to the pool with the others. Or, some can go back, and some can stay in the parks. I think it would be so much easier staying onsite!