Questions about WDW for my mom

[Iowamomof4]

I would love to bring my parents to WDW next year. I know it'll take some convincing to get my mom to agree to it as she'll have a lot of concerns, but we've talked about it generally and she hasn't shut me down yet. I'm hoping you fine folks will help me put her mind at ease!

1. She has a pacemaker and has had a hip replacement. How might these two devices impact her experience at airport security and Disney security (metal detectors outside of the parks)?

2. She has Crohn's Disease and will be very concerned about being far away from a bathroom for extended periods of time. She's had it for a long time and does know ways to mitigate the risk, but at the same time, she can need a bathroom rather suddenly. How can I help calm her fears about this?

Our travel party will include 8 people (Me, Dh, our 4 kids (ages 10-19), Grandma, and Grandpa).

Thank you!

 

[gap2368]

I would love to bring my parents to WDW next year. I know it'll take some convincing to get my mom to agree to it as she'll have a lot of concerns, but we've talked about it generally and she hasn't shut me down yet. I'm hoping you fine folks will help me put her mind at ease!

1. She has a pacemaker and has had a hip replacement. How might these two devices impact her experience at airport security and Disney security (metal detectors outside of the parks)?

2. She has Crohn's Disease and will be very concerned about being far away from a bathroom for extended periods of time. She's had it for a long time and does know ways to mitigate the risk, but at the same time, she can need a bathroom rather suddenly. How can I help calm her fears about this?

Our travel party will include 8 people (Me, Dh, our 4 kids (ages 10-19), Grandma, and Grandpa).

Thank you!

For Disney security, you can bypass the meter detector and ask to be wounded instead

 

[SteveMouse]

Wanded, not wounded (I hope)

Both airport and Disney security are accustomed to these kinds of things. She will need to tell TSA that she has a pacemaker and they will address it. Give a few extra minutes to get through security at the airport.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you have a smartphone, download the My Disney Experience app.
It’s the official Disney park app and includes maps that you can interact with. There are filters so you can show specific things on the map - like just look for attractions or just look for Restrooms.
Wherever you are, you can find the nearest restroom.

I’d also suggest picking up a park map at each park. There are kiosks at the front of each park and you can also find them at shops.

 

[mamabunny]

@Iowamomof4

I'm sure you have already thought of this, but the time of year y'all plan to go could impact her overall experience; from about April 1 through at least mid-October, it's *so* easy to get dehydrated because of sun, heat and humidity. If you have the option, try to go in January or February; they are the coolest months (and have the benefit of also being about the least crowded time of year as well)

Remember that all Quick Service locations will give you ice water for free, but you have to stand in line for it. We always bring our Resort mugs to the parks to put ice water in, because they are insulated, and then we also have them handy when we get back to the Resort to grab a drink on the way back to the room!

In addition to using the MDE app to locate restrooms and services, remember that First Aid will have restroom facilities, and it's a great place to go if she needs a bit of respite. Most bathrooms at WDW will have line (almost always for the ladies rooms, and often for the companion/family bathrooms also) but the "hidden gem" bathrooms tend to be those in the Resort lobbies! These tend to be immaculately clean *and* (relatively) empty. Some resorts (POFQ and POR come instantly to mind) also have a set of bathrooms tucked away just off the QS dining room floor.

Remember to have a frank discussion with her regarding any potential mobility issues; the average Guest at Disney World will walk between 3 & 10 miles *per day*, so it's important to have a plan up front if that will be needed. If she wants to rent an ECV (scooter) then renting from an outside vendor is typically cheaper than renting from Disney at each Park (plus she will have it for Disney Springs and the Resort). If she is planning on using a wheelchair, it looks like she will have lots of "pushers" - might want to bring along a cheap pair of bike gloves or golf gloves to help prevent blisters on the pushers hands, and protect them.

Last thing you might want to consider is what she actually wants to do while at WDW. My Mom's final trip, she didn't really care to do anything other than MK - we first visited WDW in 1972, so to her, MK was the "original" Disney World! We focused all our Park time there, and she was so happy. We relived our first trip (as much as possible - LOL things have changed a *teeny* bit since 1972 LOL) and although she has been gone since 2011, I am still so thankful today that we had that one last amazing trip together! Your Mom may be mostly interested in just one or two of the theme parks - or maybe all she wants to do is spend time at Disney Springs! (Although I think it may never be "done", most of the big construction is done, and it's so amazing now!) Whatever it is she really wants to do, help her expectations of WDW become reality, and y'all will have a wonderful trip!

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

Regarding Crohn's speak to a cm at Guest Relations about getting the DAS. She would have to explain to them why it would be difficult for her to wait in a long line without access to a washroom, basically what you stated in your op. Very valid reason, imho, for getting the DAS. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[DisneyOma]

Regarding Crohn's speak to a cm at Guest Relations about getting the DAS. She would have to explain to them why it would be difficult for her to wait in a long line without access to a washroom, basically what you stated in your op. Very valid reason, imho, for getting the DAS. Have a wonderful trip.

What if the OP's mom has to go during the ride though? Whatever precaution one would take for that would also work for the queue, IMO.

 

[gap2368]

What if the OP's mom has to go during the ride though? Whatever precaution one would take for that would also work for the queue, IMO.

most rides are 2 or 3 minutes most lines without the FP or DAS can be 30-60 ( and I am not thinking of the newer ones like the Pandora or TSL) Yes the OP mom could have a problem on a ride a ride could break down and they could get stuck on a ride for a longer time then once thought but I think the DAS could be something to help the OP mom out and using it like insurance where they have it if she feels like she needs it. OP I would be worried about some show where you can not leave if need be ( caracel of progress comes to mind) and maybe stay away from those.