Grammy, Pap and now what should I do???

[katyjeka]

We(dh and 3 dd's)have a December trip planned.(12/08 -12/17). I was starting to work on reservations for our meals, when my inlaws and brother-in-law asked if we could make it an extended family vacation. My parents go in November, and this somewhat motivated them to want to experience WDW. Inlaws have never been to disney, brother-in-law, once in 82. I'm actually kind of excited to show them this magical place, but WOW, I'm kind of nervous as all the plans fall on me. My father in law may need a wheelchair if he gets to tired, so I'm thinking of a smaller resort to make getting around easier. Any ideas???? I feel as if I'm back to step one, as we will need to take it slower.(This is fine as we've been to WDW many times)Thanks for the help. Janice

 

[Piglets Mommy]

My in-laws are coming with us Dec. 1-5. I ,too am a bit stressed over planning. I am trying to do something for everyone, but it's tough. We chose WL for several reasons...
1. We have heard it's beautiful at Christmas.
2. It's all under 1 roof which could be easier with mobility issues
3. It is fairly easy to get back and forth for breaks with the boats to Mk, CR, & FW.
4. Price. (good deal through AAA)
We love the Poly, and they liked POR (although thought it was a bit big) so we thought the WL would be a good place to try.

I am the most stressed over ADR's trying to find something to please everyone. We usually do Character meals for most of our TS meals, but I want to balance things out a bit for the in-laws. They are leaving WDW a day before we are, so that is making things a bit harder too...we are on DDP, so they will have 1 day less credits than we will.

All of the planning stress will be worth it though, as DD & DS will have a magical vacation with Grandmom & Grandpop there. Dh is really excited to be "Going to WDW with my Mommy & Daddy for the 1st time in 25 years"

As long as everyone can "go with the flow" and realize that everything can't go perfectly, we'll have a great time.

 

[kathie859]

As a Grandma in charge of planning the next trip with DH, DD, SIL, DGS, DGD--it's a challenge to coordinate everyone! My last trip in March was with DS, BIL, DN, her best friend (both early teens) and DS best friend (a 50 yr old Disney virgin!) and found that having a family meeting (including the friends) was very helpful because everyone had a chance to say what was important to them and what their expectations were. It takes the pressure off making all the decisions--and makes everyone feel included in the process.

If you do have someone who is unable to walk long distances, I would check out renting a wheelchair or like device ahead of time and planning to have one of the faster members of your party go for the FP's.

Have a great family vacation!!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you go to the disABILITIES Board, you will find information about places to rent wheelchairs and ECVs (power mobility scooters) in the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the board.

 

[DisneyWalkerGirl]

My mom has some difficulties walking, so we opted for POFQ for our trip in Feb. I made sure to mention this when I made our reservations and called a week before we arrrived to confirm. We had "garden view" rooms and we thrilled to be placed in building 4. Mom and Dad had the corner 1st floor room directly across from the food court. It faced the parking lot, but you couldn't see it because of the trees. It was an easy walk for her to handicapped parking spaces.

We got her an ECV each day in the parks as we are all early risers and were at each park at opening. If you park hop , you simply need to show your reciept and you can get another EVC for no additional charge. Don't panic if you arrive at a park in the afternoon and don't see any EVCs immediately. this happened to us at MGM one day and we found out that there is an "off-stage" area where there were more EVCs being re-charged.

Have a great time.

 

[katyjeka]

Thanks everyone. I love to plan, but still I'm worried that all will turn out well. DH suggested renting points sooooo, something else for me to look into. Janice

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Renting points isn't a bad idea at all. It would certainly allow for more relaxed mornings and evenings to not be in 3 different hotel rooms. Would probably save some $$$ too.

 

[spiceycat]

resorts
deluxe WL/VWL
moderate - POFQ
value - POP

Pop and WL have elevators - not sure about POFQ.

disney has free wheelchairs (manual - you will need to push) at the front desk or bell services.

renting points at a DVC resort is an ideal - VWL might be a good choice. that say - a 2-bedroom will do 8 guests.

2 rooms at Pop would be less money for 8 guests. Not nearly as much room - but definitely less money.

 

[Piper]

resorts
deluxe WL/VWL
moderate - POFQ
value - POP

Pop and WL have elevators - not sure about POFQ.

disney has free wheelchairs (manual - you will need to push) at the front desk or bell services.

renting points at a DVC resort is an ideal - VWL might be a good choice. that say - a 2-bedroom will do 8 guests.

2 rooms at Pop would be less money for 8 guests. Not nearly as much room - but definitely less money.

You cannot be sure of getting a free wheelchair at the Disney Reesorts. They are on a first-come, first-served basis and you cannot reserve them. It is much better to rent through an outside agency. (I speak from experience.) Actually, renting an ECV is probably the best way to go. Pushing a WC is not easy and an ECV gives the person so much more independence.

POFQ does have elevators.

WL may be "under one roof" but it is sometimes very far to the elevators from your room. To someone with mobility issues, that is not a good thing. (Don't know about WL DVC)

Please check out the FAQ thread on the disabilities forum. It has very accurate and up-to-date information--not hearsay!

 

[katyjeka]

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the ideas. We finally today, decided on Bonnet Creek. I know its not on Disney property, but we were able to reserve 9 nights for $1400. It is a three bedroom unit, and we always drive and seldom use the buses, mainly due to the stroller and now with a wheelchair, we planned on driving and parking anyways. I'm a little worried about being off property, but the place looks beautiful, so we will give it a try. Thanks again. Janice

 

[Piglets Mommy]

That sounds like a great deal! Have a fun trip! keep mus posted on the rest of your plans!