Mom's 90th Birthday Celebration - Help Please

[GrammieMame]

I've arranged for a 7 person family celebration at WDW for my Mom's 90th birthday. We will be staying at BCV for 2 nights, one of which will be her birthday. She gets around pretty well, but very slowly. No chance of talking her into a wheelchair or any device where's she's sitting while everyone else is walking.

I'm thinking of doing one night at the German restaurant at World Showcase. She would definitely enjoy the entertainment there (plus they gave me a great cake for my birthday recently, and I'm only 65). My other thought for her birthday night is the castle for dinner - it seems like it would be really special.

The problem is getting her and the group to the castle and back. She does have a problem climbing a steep step like the ones on the bus, so that's out. I thought of the handicapped entrance to the bus, but she wouldn't like the undue attention nor thinking she is handicapped. My first thought was to drive, but I definitely don't want the hassle of the monorail or ferry to get to MK. Now thinking of taking her and a couple of others by taxi and let the remaining people take the bus and meet us there. But now I'm wondering if the taxi would be allowed to drop us off near where the bus would drop us, or do we have to deal with the monorail/ferry. Also, the availability of a taxi to bring us back. I've never noticed taxi stands or anything, but I haven't been looking.

Can anyone suggest a good option for us? If all else fails, I'll do dinner someplace else, but the castle seems such a good alternative I'd hate to give it up.

 

[spiceycat]

they won't let her own the handicapped entrance without a wheelchair. Besides it only comes down to pick up the chair.

get one from the resort.

if she is having trouble with the steps - she will hate WDW without a wheelchair.

you can't do what I did to get mother in one.

I had knee surgery a month before our Disney trip. the doctor says I could go but only if I had a wheelchair. Well guess what I didn't need it most of the time - and mother decided that since I was using it to help me walk - she could seat it....

so guess who know WANTS a wheelchair....

when she had refused them before....mother was so bad at one park - that one of the CM offered her a wheelchair.....she refused it.

Your mother is not from the South too - is she?

anyone in your family going to have surgery......

 

[rascalmom]

The handicap parking at MK is still in the main parking lot - its just up close to the main road so that the tram does not have to be used. You still have to walk through the TTC area & either take a monorail or ferry to the MK entrance.

If the monorail ramp is not too steep for her, you could have the taxi take you to one of the monorail resorts & ride the monorail from there. But it is still quite a walk down that ramp & all the way to the castle.

Eating at the castle makes for a wonderful "special occassion" meal, but I would really try to get her to use a wheel chair for the evening. The castle restaurant is upstairs - she will need to use the elevator.

 

[spiceycat]

well you could always only get on the newer buses....

with the smaller steps.....

if she asked when the older one come - just say you aren't going there....

of course you could be waiting a long while.

I would call the front desk that morning ask to speak to the bus controller (I think) - if they won't allow you to do this - ask to speak to the manager - tell him/her that you NEED one of the newer buses for your MK bus ride.'

they can work wonders.

she won't have a problem with the new bus steps. My mother certainly doesn't.

 

[fkj2]

It gets pretty hot, esp. for an elder, walking around WDW. I didn't notice if your post said when you'd be travelling but if those of us who are younger (notice I didn't say young) get tired, I'm pretty confident a 90 y/o will too. You could rent a chair there or at the resort (I think) and you might be able to sell her on the idea that it's available if she'd need it--give her the option. Other than that, she might want to "Push" it just to have something to hold on to.

One year when we went, my feet hurt so badly from blisters I could barely walk. My mom wouldn't sit in her transport chair all the time for the same reasons you listed about your mom. My travelling companions plopped me in the chair. It seemed pretty wierd but I'm not sure how I could have made it back to the hotel otherwise. A humbling experience.

 

[JimMIA]

I have several suggestions.

The first is try to get her to use an ECV. It's not a question of handicap, it's a question of comfort and convenience.

A LOT of non-handicapped people use them just to make the visit easier and more enjoyable. (There's even a big article in Newsweek about the use of scooters as a "lifestyle" by non-handicapped people.)

Talk to her about the enjoyment of being able to get around easily and comfortably. ECV's are not just for disabled people, and one would add a lot of quality to her special vacation. She doesn't have to use the handicapped access to rides, etc, if she doesn't want to -- but at least, encourage her to get from Point A to Point B comfortably.

Seriously -- I don't care where you go, or what you do, at WDW you are going to be walking MILES...not yards. She needs an ECV. If she is really not willing to use one, you have to consider the possibility that WDW may be the wrong venue for her gala 90th.

Second -- no matter where you go or what you do, take a LOT of pictures and create a photo album in multiple copies for all the major players. We did this for my Dad's 90th, and it was a wonderful idea, even though it was "not invented here."

Be sure you include a separate photo of her with each of her guests. It's not only important for her; it will also be treasured by each guest.

Third -- consider doing Living Legacy at Epcot. Unfortunately, the tiles are too small for group shots, but as a minimum, do one of her so you can bring future generations to the wall and show them her picture on her 90th birthday.

Fourth, and possibly most important -- plan some significant blocks of casual conversation time. Your mother might really WANT to ride Space Mountain twelve times, but the thing people will really take away from this event is the intimate time spent with her on this wonderful trip. That's what's important. SHE's important. So let folks spend serious time with her.

Space Mountain will be there for her 100th!

 

[Hef4545]

My mom is just like your mom although she is a younger woman. 85... I don't have an answer but a similar dilemma. I hope someone here has a solution. Maybe you could call guest relations or the beach club and ask if they have any suggestions? I hope it works out great.

 

[Simba's Mom]

How about just staying in the area and having her birthday at B&C, sharing a Kitchen Sink. Sorry, but I just had to suggest that. The first time we ever saw a Kitchen Sink was when a family had ordered it at B&C for their mother/grandmother/great-grandmothers 90th birthday party. She had such a big smile on her face, everyone clapping. I told DH then"That's what I want for my 90th!"
Seriously, my Mother's the same way-absolutely refuses to use a wheelchair. She calls it "stoic", I say dumb.

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you do go to the German restaurant, be sure that to ask that you sit on the same level as the food. Last year we had a person in a wheelchair, much younger than your mom, only 50, and it worked out. This year, my friend using the wheelchair wasn't with us, and we were on another level, and it was hard for some people to go up/down the steps to get the food. So, I'm not sure the German restaurant is the best choice either.

I like the ECV idea. Also the Kitchen Sink!

I have an uncle who is missing all of our family parties because of the walking issue, and doesn't want to admit to needing assistance. We miss him, but keep sending him postcards. I hope one day he gets the message and joins us. He's 82.

Bobbi

 

[spiceycat]

an ECV might to hard for a 90 year old to understand. Mother hates them.

they go to fast for her to control.

the wheelchairs are free - just tell the front desk you want one. If they have them (and they generally do) - you will get one.

tell her is depriving her grandchildren (what - great-grandchildren from pushing her around)....

good luck!!!

 

[jdvm]

My mom's 91 so I know the issues. I'd set up a birthday dinner at California Grill at the Contemporary. Explain to them what you're doing and they'll be extremely helpful. It's easy to get to. Just use valet parking and she won't have a problem at all. Spectacular views of Disney property and of course the Magic Kingdom. You don't say when you're visiting but try to time your dinner around the fireworks. You can all stroll out to the viewing area atop the Contemporary and have a great view and experience without making your mom walk forever. You can even take a glass of champagne to toast her birthday as the fireworks fill the sky. She and your family will enjoy it. Hope this helps.

 

[GrammieMame]

Thanks for all your responses; I really appreciate it. An ECV is definitely out of the question. She doesn't even drive a car and would have lots of problems with it. Actually, she will be able to handle the walk from the monorail to the castle without a problem, just kind of slow. Up to October, she was walking 5 - 10 city blocks in New York without any problem, but has had a more trouble since moving to Florida and walking less. She can also handle normal stairs just fine; just not the steep step up a vehicle that's high off the ground, where you have to kind of step high and pull yourself up. Actually, we are so fortunate to have mom in such good health at her age - sharp as a tack, too.

I think the idea of a taxi to a monorail resort is a good one. Even going down the ramp, my brother and I can hold on to both sides if she feels uncomfortable. I'm also liking the idea of getting a wheel chair as an option, just in case.

 

[mydogdrew]

I agree, California Grill scheduled around fireworks is a great choice for a special meal. Castle is nice too. I would think France would be better than Germany (and real close to BCV).

 

[spiceycat]

if the day you are going to the MK - the new bus comes - you will be fine - those things have the regular steps (BIG IMPROVEMENT) and a lot more room inside.

the steps inside the bus however are a different matter.

I hope that the right bus comes for you and her, and she gets to arrive with all her family!!!!

 

[cindyf]

One more thought on the new busses...the bus driver can lower the whole side of the bus to accomodate her with NO problem at all. My husband had knee surgery just before our trip in November and several bus drivers noticed him "limping" as he approached the bus and just like "magic" they lowered that step right down...it was really wonderful! I think a 90th birthday party in the castle is fabulous! I hope to have mine there as well. My family is planning for Thanksgiving at OKW this year and my mom will be 84 and still loves Disney!

Have a blast,
cindy

 

[peterpan321]

I just got back from Disney celebrating my mother in laws 74th birthday. It was her first time there. A few months back when I mentioned a wheelchair she said no way - then as the trip got closer, she seemed to have changed her mind. I think it was her friends telling her that she should use one. Maybe you could get someone other than family to suggest it. For some reason when it comes from other people it sounds like a better idea. I know what my feet feel like after walking Disney, I can't imagine being 90 and walking all day. Maybe just rent one telling her it's "just in case." Tell her that if you don't rent it now you'll have to come all the way back up to the front and what a pain that would be if she changes her mind later. It's only $10.00 a day for a wheelchair. Also, let her know that with the wheelchair you will get up front great seating for all of the parades and firework shows in the wheelchair sections and you won't have to wait around for hours before the show starts. We went to Cinderella's Castle for breakfast for her birthday - she loved it! We got the kitchen sink one afternoon after lunch and boy was she surprised. She LOVED it! We also played miniature golf one afternoopn and had a blast. Make sure she wears her birthday buttons. I loved the suggestion about spending time with her. Some of our best memories of the trip are of the time we spent hanging out, relaxing and chatting in the hotel. I told my husband that I never thought I would say this in my lifetime, but I really miss your mother. We had a great time. I hope this helps.