Taking 77 year old mother to SSW....how bad is that going to be?

[pooh6890]

I am taking my 77 year old mother to SSW for the first time. I rented her a scooter for the trip. I have gone to SSW many times with my daughters, but never with an older person or scooter. Are there specific areas to park it when not in use and special lines for the soap people/areas? I am very nervous for her as she has never been to DW before and has no idea how crazy the crowds are for that event. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[everylastbreath]

Be prepared to go slowly. Although ECV's are helpful to the elderly, the do slow you down tremendously. Crowd conditions dictate how quickly you can move and although some rides have handicap entrances, most use normal line ques and require some twisting and turning. Going into any store are challenging. I suggest if your mom is not familar with ECV operation, you take her somewhere to practice before going to the parks (especiall Magic kingdom). If possible avoid the parades/fireworks or just pick a spot and stay put, it will be very difficult to move with her when there is a huge crowd. Just take your time, if possible set up someone to walk in front of her to kind of clear the way.

Just be prepared to move very slowly, but the trip is soooo worth the effort. We took my 81 year old Mom along with my 3 year old GS in August and although trip was tough, it was worth seeing my mom's face when she looked at my GS as he watch fireworks. Appreciate the time you have with Mom, make it a trip to remember. Also, one recommendation, buy her a hat (or have her bring one) ECV riders seem to have the sun beating down on their heads more than us (I don't know why that is), and make sure she drinks lots of water to stay hydrated. Enjoy your trip- it will be a memory of a lifetime.

 

[pooh6890]

Thank you for the tip on walking "in front" of her. I would not have thought about that. I have been to DW so many times, but never with someone in a scooter. I am always aware of them in front or behind me, but I see SO many people just stop or walk in front of them and then call it "their" fault. She is able to walk a great deal even at her age, so I plan on taking her to EPCOT first on Friday to get used to it, and see how much walking she can do for SSW on Saturday and Sunday. We plan on taking it slow and enjoying our time together. Again, thank you for the reply.

 

[everylastbreath]

Your welcome, my mom also does pretty well with walking, but the distances in Disney are unreasonable for an older person to handle. Make her use the ECV even if you can park it for a while and let her walk around a specific area. You will find you can accomplish a lot more with her that way. Especially going into store, let her park and walk in the store, but moving from one area to another take the ECV. Give her plenty of time to feel comfortable with it, and seriously watch the people around her, they are so blind to ECV's as you said they walk in front and too close to the side wheels with little ones.

Also another tip, carry a cheap poncho just in case you get caught in the rain, and try to avoid large puddles - the motors are not made for going thru water, so if you think it might downpour, just pick a spot and hang out until it stops.

Please feel free to pm me if there is anything else I can help you with or give you anymore advice. But really- enjoy the time with Mom, long after the frustration wears off she will be remembering this trip with you. I was so glad we did the trip.

 

[Andrea209]

My Mom is pro on her ECV. But I still get run over at least once a trip. Sometimes her fault sometimes mine. Here's a tip:

When your stopped either waiting in line or waiting for a parade or anything, make sure she turns the key to the "off" position. More than once the scooter was "on" and someone accidentally bumped that little "go" toggle and got their toes squished (usually me).

Andrea