going with my Dad on his first trip

[dzny12]

Well we were going to go in October now we have to wait until May.
We are taking my Dad on his first trip to Disneyland. He is 65 and slightly disabled.He walks well 2-3 miles a day with a cane but due to his disability (he has a broken pelvic bone which cannot be surgically repaired) he can't go thru turnstiles. I think i know the rides we need to use alternate entrances on... but any suggestions are welcome. i would like to hear from other seniors about their experiences especially any other first timers. Also when did grad nights start this year?

 

[Pesky]

First stop: City Hall to pick up a GAC for your dad. Explain the situation and you'll likely be given a GAC so your dad can use alternative entrances on rides with turnstiles.

 

[WaltsMartini]

I don't know if you're considering a wheelchair for your dad, but the DisUnplugged had some good advice on this in one of their podcasts. They had rented a wheelchair from an outside place; can't remember the name of the place, but they said it was great and that the place made sure the wheelchair was waiting at the hotel. Apparently, the hotels can run out of wheelchairs; you can rent them at the parks, but cannot take them out of the parks to the other gate or to your hotel. This means that your dad might be pretty tired/sore at the end of the day and will have to walk across the esplanade (boo)

Of course, this is only if he needs a wheelchair at some point - if not, completely disregard this info

 

[BlueBayou]

We rented a scooter for my mom with mobility issues. We went with her last October. Her only other DL trip was in 1979. We were very pleased with Deckert Surgical. The scooter was high quality and cost less than $40 a day.

 

[tinksdreamwishes]

i would agree to rent him a scooter! they are so much fun! I believe there is a scooter rental shop in front of Ramada ... Ramada Omg there is so many Ramadas and my mind is blank... its the one the redisgned the pool on Harbor.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would ask him if he is amendable to these types of transportation before making any kind of decision..many "seniors"(hate that term) will not use wheelchairs or ECV's, they will just take it slower.

Jack

 

[nannyz]

I would definitely rent a wheelchair from an outside source if your dad feels he would like to have one.
As to what to do, I would let Dad see all that is there and let HIM decide what he would like to do. My husband is 65 and doesn't get around well due to a bad back. He really enjoys sitting and listening to the musicians or watching shows, etc. He doesn't go on a lot of rides and I don't force the issue.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I would ask him if he is amendable to these types of transportation before making any kind of decision..many "seniors"(hate that term) will not use wheelchairs or ECV's, they will just take it slower.

Jack

When we took my grandma she was not to happy about the scooter we'd rented for her, 1/2 way in to our 1st day, she was glad she had it

 

[hootey]

Most defineately go to City Hall and get a "Guest Assistance Card", this will allow your group to use all the special entrances. Not having to stand in lines for the rides will make a huge diffrence in how he feels at the end of the day. Take your time and see everything. Most people get in a big hurry attempting to see everything in one day. It can't be done. Relax and enjoy your stay..

 

[dzny12]

thanks for the feedback we are considering using a portablew/chair for him if he wants it really at WOC...we will be doing the dinner and don't know about how long he will be standing. we will be staying at BWAI but even that is a walk. also for aladdin that can be a long wait also. elsewhere there are plenty of sittn spots as he calls them so he should be ok. he has came a long way since the rehab days and walks 2-3 miles everyday up and down hill, he never fails cause he say he knows what its like to not be able to walk so he has to do it now. He has never been to any amusement park except for a couple of state fairs as a kid. We were going to go in October but my partner just received a fantastic new job offer and now won't get vacation until may 2013. so im really looking at the stuff from this year to know when to go next year. probably another price rise in fall?

 

[SeattleRedBear]

I agree with others...get a Guest Assistance Card. Also, at least investigate getting some kind of assistance (eg, wheelchair). Don't know about your park style, but we typically walk at least 5 miles during an active day at the parks...there's only so many sittin' spots in the park.

As for the price increases, I don't think they've happened more frequently than once a year (although others with more history might know better).

 

[blackjackdelta]

thanks for the feedback we are considering using a portablew/chair for him if he wants it really at WOC...we will be doing the dinner and don't know about how long he will be standing. we will be staying at BWAI but even that is a walk. also for aladdin that can be a long wait also. elsewhere there are plenty of sittn spots as he calls them so he should be ok. he has came a long way since the rehab days and walks 2-3 miles everyday up and down hill, he never fails cause he say he knows what its like to not be able to walk so he has to do it now. He has never been to any amusement park except for a couple of state fairs as a kid. We were going to go in October but my partner just received a fantastic new job offer and now won't get vacation until may 2013. so im really looking at the stuff from this year to know when to go next year. probably another price rise in fall?

Just a small not but make sure it is a wheelchair and not a portable chair they are not allowed in the parks unless the rules have change. Hope you all have a great visit.

Jack