My dad is blind..

[ahalla]

And we want to ask him and his wife to come with us next year. We are new DVC members and don't know all the possibilities there are for him. They won't be coming to enjoy the parks with us but more to get away and spend sometime around the pool. What else would there be for them. They may come to a park for a day but that will be all he could tolerate with the crowds and noise. I would love to hear your suggestions!

 

[dzorn]

You may want to ask on the Disabilities board. Passporters book for WDW with special needs may also be helpful.

Denise in MI

 

[Disneyhappy]

I am not sure if your father is completely blind. My father is legally blind with macular degeneration. He has a little bit of peripheral vision. He enjoys fireworks. Not that he can see them all but he can see the bright lights in the sky. I am planning a specailty cruise for either Wishes or Illuminations in November. Last time, I took him to the Polynesian beach to watch the fireworks. He really enjoyed it, along with the ice cream treat! My father is not a beach or pool person. He enjoys sitting on the benches and striking up a conversation with people while my mon and I are shopping or DH, DS and I are on an attraction. It works out great because he finds out useful information or interesting tidbits that he then shares with us. My father also enjoys anyy type of entertainment with music or a show that he can hear. His favorite thing is dining at WDW so that is easy! He is 76 and tires out easily so it does not take much entertaining until he is ready to go back to the room and listen to cable news. The suggestion to try the disabilities board is a good one.

 

[dianeschlicht]

There is a blind family whom we have seen often at OKW. The parents are both completely blind, and the son is mostly blind but has some light vision. They travel with seeing eye dogs, and always stay at OKW. THey hire guides for park days, and just use their dogs around the resort. They have no problem asking people things like "is the boat here to go to DTD" or "can you see if there is any room on the outdoor patio at Olivia's?" WE have spoken to them several times and have even accompanied them to DTD on the pontoon just to continue our visit. It just goes to show that lack of sight is only a handicap if you let it be. I am always thrilled when I see them strolling around OKW.

 

[ahalla]

Thanks for all your help and suggestions. My dad is completely blind. He was in an accident 14 years ago which took the sight in both his eyes. He is somewhat of a pool person and tends to shy away from crowds and noise. I just passed the idea by him and he wants to do the parks and rides with my kids so, we can hardly wait. I will try the disability boards because I'm sure they can tell me things that I need to know and don't. One other thing, we usually go for about 12 days and get the DDP, what happens if my dad and his wife join us for only half the trip and want the DDP? Thanks!

 

[Chuck S]

Before reading Diane's post, I was going to recommend OKW, and her post just reinforced my recommendation.

There may be days your folks don't want to do a park, and OKW is a lovely resort for a stroll, or a boat ride to DtD for lunch and shopping. The rooms are larger and would give them a little more "elbow room" to relax.