HELP planning a trip for my sick mum, please.

[Ember]

My mum has inoperable, terminal cancer. Initially, she wanted to go to Disney World. Then she shyly asked if we could do Disneyland instead, which she has never seen. (She's done Disney World a few times.) She also wants to see a little of Hollywood.

I'm trying to plan a trip for the end of the month. We'll be going for 8 to 10 days and I'm looking to stay as close as possible to make going back and forth easy. She does well in the mornings but gets very tired in the afternoons. I'm looking at hotels that all say "across the street" but which would be the easiest?

She's determined to walk the whole time, but does anyone know where I can rent a wheelchair or scooter if walking proved to be too much of a strain?

Basically, any help at all would be appreciated. I've been to Disneyland once before about 4 years ago, but I don't remember enough of the surrounding area to be of much help...

 

[blabbermouth]

Hi, sorry to hear about your Mom. I recognize you from all of my lurking on the wedding board.

Here's a good link with tons of info: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276

And here's a map of the closest hotels: http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/556/11450dlgoodneighbormap1.jpg

I would say stick to Carousel Inn, Tropicana and BW Park Place, and there's also one there called Camelot Inn that's cute and castle-y. They're all RIGHT across the street, walk out your door to the crosswalk-ish. But ask for a room close to the front b/c I think some of the hotels are pretty long.

I think you can rent the things immediately after you go through the turnstiles. I know at DL it's on the right hand side.

 

[Sherry E]

Oh, bless your sweet mom's heart for wanting to go to Disneyland and see Hollywood! I am so sorry about her condition. She sounds like a real trooper. We will all help you to make this as wonderful a trip as possible for her and you!

It will most likely be very hot when you go to DLR (it always seems hotter inside DL), so you will definitely have to take precautions to make sure your mom is comfortable. I think the Tropicana is directly across the street from the gates. It is not a high end hotel, but as far as convenience, that would be great.

Can your mom eat without too much trouble, or is that a big issue right now? In other words, does she have to adhere to a special diet and eat light foods, or can she eat anything without a problem? If she can, let us know and we can all suggest some wonderful dining experiences for you at DLR. Maybe a fun, lively character meal?

Make sure you take advantage of the PhotoPass photographers around the two parks so you get some wonderful photos of all of your group together.

 

[ballarinamom]

I'm so sorry about your mom. I lost my brother last year to pancreatic cancer and I applaud you for taking this trip for her. I know it's definataly not the same, but my mother-in-law has severe arthritic knees. She wanted to walk the whole 5 days. We rented a scooter from a medical company the hotel recommended none the less and it was waiting for us at the hotel when we checked in. It was a lifesaver. She ended up using it every day and her knees were still really hurting her. The walking back and forth to the hotel is tough after a long day.
Also, either get a handicap pass from City Hall or you can use your scooter key to go through the handicap entrances. It will save her alot of time having to stand in the ling lines.
God bless you and her and enjoy your trip

 

[pixiewings71]

I have no additional advice, I just wanted to give you and your Mom both (((HUGS))) I have a friend with cancer right now (and he's 34) and we aren't sure what is going to happen with him. Anyway, my thoughts are with your Mom and you, I hope you both have a truly magical trip. The hotels closest to the cross walk are the BWPPI, Tropicana and something on the other side that I haven't stayed at. You might also consider staying at the Grand Californian.....that would be a truly amazing place to stay and I know that if you explained your situation to the CM booking your stay they would do everything they could to get you a great room.

 

[Tasscrapper]

I would try to convince her to get an ecv no matter what. She doesn't need to spend what energy she has on walking all over the place. They come with a basket that could come in very handy to hold sweaters, drinks, snacks, or anything else she might need. You can also hang a bag off the back of them if you need more storage. Much nicer than carrying it around. It is a hard thing because she probably wants to maintain her independence for as long as she can but it would make a world of difference in her experience and probably yours too. It could make a difference in just getting back and forth to the hotel. She is probably going to need to have at least one nap or downtime during the day. Also, if you have a wheelchair you can go to the handicap spot for Fantasmic and not have to worry about the huge crowds.

 

[Tasscrapper]

Deckert's Medical Supply at (714) 542-5607

 

[Ember]

Can you mom eat without too much trouble, or is that a big issue right now? In other words, does she have to adhere to a special diet and eat light foods, or can she eat anything without a problem? If she can, let us know and we can all suggest some wonderful dining experiences for you at DLR. Maybe a fun, lively character meal?

She can eat alright, she doesn't eat much. Usually only a child's size portion. She tends to eat a more healthy diet just because fatty foods tend to upset her tummy.

I thought a character meal just because we could be indoors out of the heat and the characters come to you... She loves Winnie the Pooh so I'll see if there's one with those characters.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

Oh Bless you and your mom! I think this is a wonderful thing you are planning.

I would seriosuly reccomend renting a scooter. When my mom was in the same situation (terminal lung cancer) we went to WDW. She wanted to take my dd (18 months at the time and her only granddaughter). So off we went without a scooter. After one day we were able to rent one.

She was similar to your mom in that she was ok in the am and tired in the afternoon. Once we had the scooter her endurance was much longer.

Also take pictures, pictures, and more pictures!!! I love looking at those pictures and so does my dd.

 

[Escape2Disney]

I'm sorry to hear about your mom, and hope your trip is full of wonderful memories! I'd also suggest renting a scooter from an outside company so you can take it back and forth to the park.

 

[Sherry E]

She can eat alright, she doesn't eat much. Usually only a child's size portion. She tends to eat a more healthy diet just because fatty foods tend to upset her tummy.

I thought a character meal just because we could be indoors out of the heat and the characters come to you... She loves Winnie the Pooh so I'll see if there's one with those characters.

Minnie & Friends breakfast at the Plaza Inn features some of the Pooh characters (though not always Pooh himself, from what folks report). That would be great - the only issue that could be a problem there is that you have to carry your own beverages to the table and wait in a line for food (and the food itself is buffeteria style so you go up and get pay and get your food up at the counter). But that is likely where you will find Pooh characters. Lilo and Stitch and Storytellers Critter breakfast do not have Pooh, but they do have menu ordering so you don't have to go and fumble with a buffet, nor do you have to pay big bucks for a buffet, and the server can bring everything to you. Goofy's Kitchen has all buffet, but the servers bring the drinks to you. Ariel's Grotto breakfast is served family style.

 

[MCSfromWA]

I am sorry that your mom is sick. What a wonderful idea to go to DLR!

You were asking about the hotels across the street, but have you considered one of the DLR hotels? We are going next month and my mom is coming with us. In the past we have stayed at hotels across the street and the Disneyland and Grand Californian. For this trip we decided to stay at Grand Californian because it is closest to the parks. Further, my mom will be renting an ECV from one of the companies that rents medical equipment so that she can have it available outside of the parks. She isn't sick, just older and uses a cane to get around at home. The evc makes the trip more pleasant for her on so many levels. I also requested a room near the lobby elevators because at the hotel she will likely just use her cane. I would suggest that you order an evc for your mom to use (if she wishes). Plus, with the heat we this hotel is just more convenient. Good luck as you plan your trip. Hopefully you will find the perfect hotel for your budget and situation.

 

[Ember]

Just an update: My mum has a series of tests tomorrow and we're going to check with her doctors about the timing of the trip. We're thinking we'd like to go before chemo starts, so we're still thinking the end of July.

We've decided to take one night to stay at the Beverly Hills Wilshire Hotel right on Rodeo Drive. So for one night we're going to live it up!

I'm not booking anything until probably next week, but thankfully the packages on Travelocity and Expedia seem to be working out to a good deal.

Does anyone know of a good tour of Hollywood that we might take?? (Something a little sedate without a lot of walking?)

Thank you all for your help. I hope you know how much it's appreciated.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I dunno if this will help much, but my MIL found it a lot easier to rent a really nice scooter from a medical supply place in Anaheim than try to battle it out for the crappy ones at disneyland. I know that probably won't help for Hollywood tho.

 

[pinkblush]

Hi, I just wanted to send hugs and prayers to you and your mom.


We'll be at the parks starting Aug. 2nd, so if you will be there at the same time, my family (dh, ds5 and I) would be happy to help you out if there's anything you need. We could take photos/videos for you, be your FP runner, or maybe even stake out a spot for F! or the fireworks for you and your mom.


If we can help out in any way, just let me know!



Michelle

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Hi, I just wanted to send hugs and prayers to you and your mom.


We'll be at the parks starting Aug. 2nd, so if you will be there at the same time, my family (dh, ds5 and I) would be happy to help you out if there's anything you need. We could take photos/videos for you, be your FP runner, or maybe even stake out a spot for F! or the fireworks for you and your mom.


If we can help out in any way, just let me know!



Michelle

Michelle, you're adorable and this board is fantastic

 

[Ember]

Hi, I just wanted to send hugs and prayers to you and your mom.


We'll be at the parks starting Aug. 2nd, so if you will be there at the same time, my family (dh, ds5 and I) would be happy to help you out if there's anything you need. We could take photos/videos for you, be your FP runner, or maybe even stake out a spot for F! or the fireworks for you and your mom.


If we can help out in any way, just let me know!



Michelle

Oh, goodness, this brought tears to my eyes! I know I'm a tad weepy, but this is a beautiful offer and I thank you for it. I'll keep you updated on any plans we make.