HELP...family is not cooperating!

[DisMom-2-SSS]

Okay, here is my sob story! My Grandma (aka "Mama Burns") along with my Papa, Mom, brother and I took our first trip to WDW back in the early, early '80's (year before Epcot opened). Since then I went back in 2002 with my husband, oldest daughter and son and again in 2004 with my husband, now 2 daughters, son, brothers, Mom and Mama Burns! She was 88 at the time and had a BLAST! She rode everything that they would let her ride in the wheelchair (still walks but just a lot easier) and my kids LOVED that she was with them!
My husband, daughters and son and I went back in March of this year but could not bring Mama Burns because she was having some radiation treatments on a couple of skin cancers (all cleared now...YEAH!). All she has talked about is going back and would LOVE LOVE LOVE to celebrate her 92nd birthday at WDW in April, 08! Now before I go on, let me say that this is a southern woman....and even though she is 91...she is active, alert, lives on her own and still "babysits" my 15, 9 and 4 year old!
I have been planning this birthday trip for months...have researched the best resort for this particular trip (poly), figured out dining spots and birthday celebrations (my Mom's b-day is same week), etc.
SO, here is the sobby part of my story...my family (mom and brother) are pretty much poo-pooing the idea of the trip! And I would just say....see ya and leave them behind, but I know that I cannot keep up with the kids and push her wheelchair by myself.
How do I handle this without being....well....a brat!

 

[amyhughes]

Can she (by chance) drive an ECV??? I suggested it to my MAMA, same thing about being able to walk but the wheelchair making it easy (she has arthritis in her knees), and she was hesitant afraid she would bump into someone but we got her one at the local mall as a rental and she tried it out and REALLY liked it! (sorry for the run on!)

They can have the ECV brought to your hotel if you call the front desk before arrival. Also you can make sure the airport can meet you at your gate with assistance. My grandmother has had to do this on previous trips and it has made the trip SOOOO much more enjoyable for all!

Best of luck, I know how magical those trips are with G-MA!

 

[DisMom-2-SSS]

I've tried to get her to try one but she won't. Anywhere we go, like the mall or stores, etc. she just pushes the buggy or her "cadillac" walker (got a little storage compartment and she can park it and sit). But she couldn't use her walker at WDW....too much walking!

 

[Traveliz]

Well I think you can do it - you have a 15 year old to enlist as a helper and a 9 year old who can probably be alot of help.

I say go for it! Explain to your kids and make it an adventure!

Liz

 

[amyhughes]

I would ask my 15yo to help either push the toddler or G-MA. The 9 yo should be fine walking along side your party either in between or holding G-MAs hand. If there are rides that are too much for your 4 year old and G-Ma do a fastpass or take turns on different nights having members of your family go.

Does that sound like it would work?

 

[DisMom-2-SSS]

You guys are great! I was feeling a little bummed and that I just couldn't do it but I think that I am going to go ahead and plan the whole trip and if the others want to join.....they can....if not, we are still gonna have her best birthday yet!!
Thanks SO much!
jd

 

[amyhughes]

Just glad to help! Let us know how it all goes! Hope your Mama Burns has a wonderful time with you all!

 

[K and K's Mommy]

Definitely go and make your 15 year old help. My 87 year old grandma has always been in great health but just recently has been experiencing some problems so you really should go!

 

[DisMom-2-SSS]

Crazy question!!!!
On one of our trips to WDW, I noticed that you can "hire" a person to show you around the "world".....
Do you think that they do this kind of thing to assist with the wheelchair?

 

[amyhughes]

A CM is not allowed to push a wheelchair due to insurance reasons. Even if they think someone is stranded etc. they have to ask a good natured guest to assist. Now, someone outside of the parks you could hire I don't know. Just know the base rule for CMs in training.

 

[DisMom-2-SSS]

ok...good to know!
I spoke with DD15 to explain the what is going on and that she would really have to step up and help..... She said, and I quote...."Burns is gonna be 92 years old and whatever she wants...she should get! I will do whatever I have to do!"
Well, thank the Lord SOMEONE other than me in this family gets it!!! She (DD15) is VERY close to Mama Burns.
So, I am gonna make the arrangements and surprise Mama Burns at Christmas. ANy helpful info would be much appreciated...especially if you have traveled to WDW with kids and a wheelchair rider!!!!
Thanks!

 

[amyhughes]

Good for her! Tell her she rocks!

I am REALLY close to my Mamaw as well, and have been since I was much younger.

Really the way Disney is set up it is VERY wheelchair friendly. When you approach the attraction approach the CM standing outside. There usually is at least one CM around the front of each ride to help direct traffic. Ask which way you need to go in for the wheelchair and they should be able to direct you. I would say "Go in the EXIT" but it is usually better to ask first as some of the newer attractions may have different protocal. Most of the ride-mobiles are accessible for wheelchair riders or if she can step in with assistance that will help as well. I know standing in line can be VERY difficult, on many rides she will be able to enter a special way (Referred to above) and then either pack the wheelchair into the ride-mobile or sit in the wheelchair throughout the ride.

Check this link out: http://www.officialticketcenter.com/mobility.htm

It tells you all you need to know about the different attractions and there protocols for boarding etc.!


Best of luck!

 

[newtowdw1]

Hi! I use an ecv, so know that you NEED to go to the disabilities board here on Dis. Also, get the Passporter for Special Needs Travel guide. Very helpful.

 

[Aliceacc]

ABsolutely go and have the time of your lives!!!

I once saw a card in a card shop and should have bought a case: a huge elephant was flat on his back, overrun by turkeys. You opened it and read...

"DON'T LET THE TURKEYS GET YOU DOWN!!!"

Life's to short to let other people determine how YOU'LL spend your time and money.

 

[DisMom-2-SSS]

Thank you SO mush for the helpful sites!

This is going to be a bit of a challenge but I am getting more and more confidant with your tips and comments! And I know that it will be SO worth it!
Thanks and please keep the suggestions coming!

 

[badblackpug]

ok...good to know!
I spoke with DD15 to explain the what is going on and that she would really have to step up and help..... She said, and I quote...."Burns is gonna be 92 years old and whatever she wants...she should get! I will do whatever I have to do!"
Well, thank the Lord SOMEONE other than me in this family gets it!!! She (DD15) is VERY close to Mama Burns.
So, I am gonna make the arrangements and surprise Mama Burns at Christmas. ANy helpful info would be much appreciated...especially if you have traveled to WDW with kids and a wheelchair rider!!!!
Thanks!

This is wonderful!

 

[DisMom-2-SSS]

In the past, we've driven to WDW (about 14hrs) but I think that it would be much easier (on me and Burns) if we flew. I noticed that if I make arrangements right now with Continental, it would be about $260 per person. I would have to rearrange days a little but that's no biggy!

For any of you that have flown with someone needing a wheelchair....give me the low-down!
Thanks!

 

[LadyShea]

Just wanted to comment on what a wonderful teen you seem to have raised, and wish you and your family a great time with Mama Burns.

My 91 yo grandpa will be visiting us in October, for the second time in two years, as all he wants to do before he passes is go fishing again with my hubby and my brother. He is on dialysis, and we have had to make arrangements for that locally, and find a way to get him on and off the boat safely, but he is a treasure and when we lose them we can't get back missed time....so whatever has to be done is worth it to us. I hope your mom and brother don't regret this decision

 

[DisMom-2-SSS]

To LadyShea: Thank you so much for the post and sharing....I pray that your family and Grandpa have the best fishing trip! I think that it is SO wonderful that you are making his wish come true!

I truly believe that what you give to others comes back to you...and she has given me and my children so much that this is her "come back"!

I am so blessed to still have her and knowing that all of my children are still making memories with her that they will not forget...is priceless!
Thank you again!

 

[Nancyg56]

ok...good to know!
I spoke with DD15 to explain the what is going on and that she would really have to step up and help..... She said, and I quote...."Burns is gonna be 92 years old and whatever she wants...she should get! I will do whatever I have to do!"
Well, thank the Lord SOMEONE other than me in this family gets it!!! She (DD15) is VERY close to Mama Burns.
So, I am gonna make the arrangements and surprise Mama Burns at Christmas. ANy helpful info would be much appreciated...especially if you have traveled to WDW with kids and a wheelchair rider!!!!
Thanks!

Your DD must be a lovely young woman. I think that you are going to have a wonderful time and your children are going to have the best gift....being able to help their Great Mama Burns and take her needs into consideration with their own will make more memories that you could imagine.

I wish that I had suggestions, but all I can say is to have a wonderful vacation and take a lot of pictures.