Suggestions for making trip magical for my aging parents?

[evilqueenmindy]

you picked a great resort to bring newbies to, I adore the pool and the food court at CBR, it's Disney and tropical vacay all in one. They might surprise you and themselves in how much they can do. We've been taking my mother (73) for years, and she's always accomplished way more than we thought she could.

If it we're me personally, I'd plan a lot of early morning and late(ish) night stuff with afternoon breaks/naps built in. We'd do morning, have lunch in the park, go back to the resort and return after dinner. My mom always gets up early, but is a big afternoon napper, and she'd be more apt to do things in the evening that way

 

[jacksgirl]

Maybe I will do F&WF gift cards instead of the Discovery Sampler. Are the F&WF gift cards regular Disney gift cards, or are they different? Do regular Disney gift cards work at the F&WF.

 

[caroline1851]

Great dining reservations, which it sounds like you've done. And....super planning so they don't have to wait to go anything.

 

[happymommy]

As far as your dad's gout and walking, if he's okay some of the time, but needs to rest some (like my DD is) we rented wheelchairs daily at the parks. It was easy enough for me (or her friend) to push her around. Next trip we're going to use an outside company, since we'll be going to DTD and know she'll need it every day.
I would be a bit intimidated to learn to use a scooter, so just saying that may be an option if he's never used one.
It would be best to have something for him just in case. Nothing worse than not being able to get around or be in pain!
I would also print out the itinerary to give them (even if you make changes, which we always seem to do!). Us older folks (lol, I'm 48) tend to like the good old pen and paper!
I hope you all have a great trip!

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, this 'old' lady is spending her 66th birthday, in 10 days, with a bunch of 30-somethings in WDW!!! They tend to forget I'm older than most of their parents!!!! Even wanted me to stay with them, off-site, and sleep in a sleeping bag....um, no. Too old to be sleeping on the floor and sharing bathrooms with a bunch of kids. So, got my own room!!!! Anyway.....I digress.
Your parents will have a ton of fun. Just don't expect them to keep up with you guys. Let them sit and relax, people watch, have a snack or such. Do as many shows as you can fit in...they should enjoy that.
As far as ecv's go....I've seen a company called Scooterbugs delivering to the resorts on many occasions. Don't know a thing about them, but they catch my eye because we used to call my 21 y/o dd 'scooterbug' when she was a baby/toddler. Perhaps if you can rent just one, your parents can take turns riding it. Just be sure they practice around the resort before hitting the parks!!!! They should be comfortable on them. When it comes to the buses, I would have either you or your dh drive the ecv up and onto the bus....so you guys need to practice as well. Getting on and off the buses seem to be the spots that most people have the most trouble....most aren't used to riding ecvs.

I would get them a guidebook....maybe Birnbaum's Official Guided to WDW. Yes, it's all magic and pixiedust, but that's what they need. It will give them a good idea as to what to expect. Then, give them a copy of your plans for each day. Let them go through that, at their own pace. If they have any suggestions, cheerfully discuss it!!! But listen to what they're saying, and how they say it. You should be able to get a feel for what they need.

As for them being 'old before their time' goes? Well....my ds's inlaws are just like that. They are younger than I am, but man, they look and at about 20 years older!! It's just the way they were brought up, in the area they lived in.....Georgia I believe. And it was a fairly poor area to boot!!! Just have patience with them.

 

[happymommy]

Side note: they do have their own room, right?

 

[Cee]

This thread got me thinking about the time I was on the Metro and offered a Senior my seat. When we got off my daughter said, "Mom.....I don't think that person was as old as you!" Oops!

 

[MataHari22]

Maybe I will do F&WF gift cards instead of the Discovery Sampler. Are the F&WF gift cards regular Disney gift cards, or are they different? Do regular Disney gift cards work at the F&WF.

The F&W gift cards are wearable and reloadable.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...d-for-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/

Cannot answer for sure if the regular GCs are accepted, but I think they are. I've never used GC personally.