Taking 81 Year Old to Disney

[Lucky4me]

I wouldn't take her the end of August if you want her to have a good time. We went August 24th several years ago. NEVER AGAIN. We were a group of healthy adults and young kids and the heat and humidity made us all miserable. The very young and elderly have an even harder time with it.

 

[klmall]

Though I haven't taken my 85 year old mom to Disney she was still going for day trips through her early 80s with friends. She wants to go even now at 85 but her health is too fragile to handle the heat, travel in general and the crowds. She would definitely need to rent a scooter and would not be able to do a full-day for sure.

DH is 64 with major mobility issues due to scoliosis and we have rented scooters inside parks and also from outside Disney and had them delivered to our onsite hotel. He is not the biggest fan of Disney but the scooter made his trip very enjoyable and much more pleasant for the rest of the group. And an outside rental guarantees that you will have one to use at your resort and on the monorail etc. Twice in non-peak times Epcot and MK ran out of scooters (ECVs) and we found wheelchairs hard to use.

If you go in August I would limit her time in parks to early in the day and then in the evenings.

Bring grandma!!!

 

[minnierocks]

We took my husband's 80 year old grandma...I highly recommend it! She had a great time and we made some wonderful family memories. We went for Thanksgiving...the weather was perfect (the heat would have been too much for her) and she loved seeing all the Christmas decorations. We rented a wheelchair and pushed her around all week. She would not have been comfortable driving a scooter and navigating through crowds would have been stressful. With a wheelchair, she could sit back and enjoy the park.
She loved the shows and did most of the rides. She avoided the roller coasters and the ToT. On rides that load from a moving belt, my husband rode with her and assisted her on and off. She loved every park! We even took her to the Grand Floridan to see the gingerbread house and the decorations. She had a blast at the Hoop de Doo Revue.
Take her! You won't regret it. Allow for some extra time as she will move a little slower and not want a fast paced day...but she will have so much fun and you will appreciate the time spent with her.

 

[LucyBC80]

My mom is 71, will turn 72 years old during our trip. She has some light mobility problems but doesn't use an ECV when we're at the parks. We take it slow during when we tour the parks and we do take breaks during the afternoon but she has no problems keeping up with with me. She rides everything but Space Mountain, Everest and RnRC and loves the fast rides like Test Track and BTMRR.

It all depends in what your grandmother is interested in, but I'm sure she'll have a great time.

 

[WDIFanBoy]

1. What all can an 81 year old woman do at Disney World?

Almost everything. When I used to work there, it got to a point where I'd get tired of riding the attractions all day long every day, so I'd just sit and take the time to watch how people react to certain events in the parks. There's always something so moving about watching people cry while viewing Wishes (Magic Kingdom Fireworks).

2. Is there a way to rent any kind of electric wheelchairs? If so, how much do they run? Are they per day or per park?

Yes. I'm not too sure of the prices right now. They are per day the last time I checked. They give you a ticket or receipt and you can just show it to the CM's at the other parks and they will give you a new one.

3. Should we take her? My wife and I want to take her and my grandmother wants to go but we don't want her to be miserable or not enjoy her trip (which by the way, she would never tell us if she DIDN'T enjoy it because she never complains about anything---that is why my wife and I wanted to do something fun for her).

ABSOLUTELY! Everyone should get the chance to experience Disney. It may strike a very strong emotional cord in her. She may remember being a little girl and watching the Disney movies, or a Disney TV show. I'm sure she will love it and get a great sense of nostalgia. You are doing a wonderful thing for her. You rock dude!

 

[kwelch10377]

We took my grandmother 4 or 5 years ago and she was 80 at the time. She didn't need to use of a wheelchair or scooter, but we did take a lot of time taking breaks or when we went on certain rides she would sit on one of the benches and people watch. She did go on some rides, mainly the boat type ones and the CMs were great about helping her in and out of the boats, etc. and went to most of the shows. We also made sure that we took afternoon breaks for a sit down lunch.

We had a great character experience with her at 1900 Park Fare with the Mad Hatter and we took her to the Castle for breakfast. Overall she had a great time and I am so glad she went with us and that I have those memories with her.

 

[Marilou]

My mom is 73 and she loves WDW!
She is also in a wheelchair these last few years for the long distance walking issues.

We fold up her wheelchair (like a stroller) and she walks on the busses which helps her not feel so self-conscious.

The rest of the day we take turns pushing her around. We do not want an electric cart.... to hard to maneuver and we have plenty of hands to help push her. She can transfer into any ride and wait in line if its less than 20 minutes.

In MK- Carousel of progress is sooooo sweet and corny (and air conditioned)
My mom loves Small world, Peter Pan, Pooh, Haunted Mansion, Hall of presidents (to cool off) Pirates of the Caribbean, and Jungle cruise.
My mom also loves the Dapper Dans in MK

In Epcot- she loves Soarin' , Living with the Land, Figment, Ellens universe of energy, the Mexico boat ride and I even con her onto Maelstrom each year.

In Hollywood studios- Great Movie Ride, Backlot tour, Muppets, Toy story Mania, and the two shows Indiana Jones and Lights Motor action.

Plus the night shows in all 3 parks are phenomenal.

 

[JennyDrake]

I'm going to ramble for a bit and you can extract any info that may help you on your trip--- my circumstances were different.

I went to WDW 3 times over 18 months as a traveling companion to an 85/86 yo lady w/ mobility issues (broken hip) and mild to moderate dementia. Her son is a friend and he needed same sex help with mom. My input in planning, etc was somewhat minimal and that's OK!

Because of Miss M's loss of short term memory, getting her up, dressed, and out the door (on an ECV that she had never driven) was a good hour or more; then to the food court and another 30-45 min for breakfast, then wait for bus and enter park- another 30-45 min. So you can see that by the time we got *into* a park, she had already been up for 2-3 hours.

[Just my opinion - I think it would have been preferable for someone to go get breakfast and bring it to the room, bypassing the schlepp to the food court and the change in surroundings for her.]

So we would arrive at a park about 10 a.m. By 3 p.m. she would start "sundowning" and by 4 she was pretty done in. Back at the resort by 5 and she was too spent to focus to eat.

An Epcot resort would have been a good option, but it was not affordable. I do think that if we had taken her back for a midday rest, we could not have gotten her out and about again. We sorta tried on Trip #2 for her to see Illuminations, but she didn't want to go and I don't think she would have gotten much out of it except more fatigue.

While the ECV was a good option--it was not a great option in HER case. She had never driven a car. The ECV required a lot of concentration on her part and she made a lot of mistakes, most of them harmless to herself and others. The most memorable was semi climbing the walls at the Country Bear Jamboree....

[Just my opinion - after the first trip I REALLY wanted a push wheelchair.]

The third trip her son discovered HE could pilot the chair while walking alongside. This was easier on both her sanity and mine.

She enjoyed all of the shows and LOVED Beauty and The Beast. American Idol also ranked high. Country Bears was rather lost on her and she found the Tiki Room "weird" LOL!

Other than FotLK, AK was pretty much a loss for her. MK was "too much." And while DHS is my least favorite park--it was her favorite

Again, everyone is in a different situation so certainly YMMV!

 

[Travelgrrl]

Heaven help me, I read the previous post as "some sex help" and not "same sex help"!

Back on topic - we're having an All Girls Trip to Disney in October, with chicas ranging from age 2 to my Mom at 88. She is SO fired up about it! We're going to MNSSHP and she has already sewed a dalmation costume to match my sister's Cruella De Ville one - she was picking out hats today, has her tote bag packed and is starting on her suitcase.

We plan to take a fold up wheelchair and push her. She can walk fine but not such far distances. No problem getting on and off rides, and I think she'll enjoy everything but the fastest most wild rides. (She's been once before, about 8 years ago, when she was the young age of 80!)

For my Mom, being in Florida, enjoying the hotel (Shades of Green), hanging out with her daughters and granddaughters, will be as enjoyable as anything at the parks themselves. Although she is mighty psyched about the parks and what she's going to wear each day! She's going to be the oldest Disneybounder ever!

 

[Bete]

We did trips with my mom up to 90 years old. She had medical issues galore including incontinence. We did a wheelchair. The crowds are wild at times and to try and get her to scooter is wrong. If she was proficient at it back home that would be a different story, but it's harder at Disney no matter what. You can get a lightweight wheelchair for $150 or less if you hit a sale. You can rent one, too. If you are flying this is not counted against you for luggage and you don't pay a fee. It can be real handy to have a wheelchair at an airport and at the resort and the parks. With a wheelchair you will have access to the handicap areas for the shows and parades.

There is plenty to do with live street entertainment, shows, movies, exhibits, parades and fireworks. If all you want to do is go on ride after ride then it may not be a good idea to take her. Use fastpass plus as much as possible. Alternate rides with shows and such. This will get her into air conditioning and that should help with the August weather. You can get free water with ice at many quick service restaurants for free. You must get her to drink more at Disney. Also, make sure you get many restroom breaks done if she needs them. Typically, if we knew it was a long ride queue we would use a restroom before and sometimes even after the ride.

You do need to be aware of her schedule back home. Does she take a nap? My mom would nap at some shows in the wheelchair. It was good for her to get a short nap at times. The sun can get you tired. Make sure she has sunglasses, suntan lotion on, and perhaps a sun hat. You can get cheap cooling bandanas, too. When does she get up normally and when does she go to bed. You should follow that routine at Disney. I took my MIL one year and she enjoyed spending the evening back at the resort and she retired early. We spent some evenings in the room with her and other days we went off on our own. She was okay with being alone. If she is on medicine make sure she takes her medicines each day. She could forget with all the excitement or she could be too tired to remember to do it. I agree with the other poster that it will take a lot more time for her to get ready in the morning. You can see if she will let you help her get ready. My mom was very slow with eating. She was the same at home; so, we knew it would take more time on that count.

My mom absolutely loved the meet and greets. I was surprised by that aspect. Rides and attractions that were a favorite included the Safari, Buzz Lightyear, the train at MK and AK, It's a Small, Small World, Tiki Room, Hall of Presidents, Philharmonic, Great Movie Ride, Beauty and the Beast, Fantasmic, Toy Story Mania, Muppet show, Soarin', Universe of Energy, and World Showcase (we did it all). We did other rides and attractions, but these were her favorites. She loved the parades and fireworks. She liked the character dining restaurants especially the Cinderella's Royal Table.

We would skip rides and attractions if the waits were too long. You can't expect to do as much in the parks as if you were on your own. Also, allow time to take a lot of pictures. Then, do a memory book for the both of you.

 

[kmb584]

We just got home a bit over an hour ago and my 80-year-old Gam was with us (and has been with us on our last 7 trips). My vote is to definitely take her. My Gam doesn't have any mobility issues but we do walk at a slower pace and rest when needed. She goes on everything except for the coasters and boat rides like IASW as she finds it too difficult to get in/out of the boats, so when we're riding she finds a spot in the shade and relaxes.

 

[Junebugwv]

You obviously know granny better than I, but my suggestion is not to take her. My main reason is because your mom thinks you should not. No one knows an elderly mom like a daughter who spends time with her. Plus, the heat in August is brutal for the elderly.

Have you been on an overnight trip with your grandmother recently? If you have observed her in new accommodations, eating a variety of foods, using unfamiliar modes of transport and know she enjoyed it, maybe she would be okay on the trip.

 

[Junebugwv]

You obviously know granny better than I, but my suggestion is not to take her. My main reason is because your mom thinks you should not. No one knows an elderly mom like a daughter who spends time with her. Plus, the heat in August is brutal for the elderly.

Have you been on an overnight trip with your grandmother recently? If you have observed her in new accommodations, eating a variety of foods, using unfamiliar modes of transport and know she enjoyed it, maybe she would be okay on the trip.

 

[mousefan73]

You obviously know granny better than I, but my suggestion is not to take her. My main reason is because your mom thinks you should not. No one knows an elderly mom like a daughter who spends time with her. Plus, the heat in August is brutal for the elderly.

Have you been on an overnight trip with your grandmother recently? If you have observed her in new accommodations, eating a variety of foods, using unfamiliar modes of transport and know she enjoyed it, maybe she would be okay on the trip.

This!

Not sure of your grandmas daily living. Does she live alone, does your mom take care or help her. Your mom is really only looking out for her and only has her best interests ar heart. Most likely your mom knows her conditions ( if she has any) or basic health. Now way to sugar coat it but 80 is not 60/70. dont mean to offend any elders out there. There are 80 yr old fitter than some in thier 60s but there still might be considerations.

It's also mental too. I have know many older people who cant handle crowds, loud crowds, pushing, music blasting etc. Constant switch from A/c to tropic heat

My grandpa lived to 94. there were so many things I still wanted to do with him until the end. My mom would remind me he is no longer 60 and she was right.

( grandmas at 80 on coasters like that pic is IMO the exception not the rule).

My concern are two things:

1. heat. But i see you are from Texas. Aug is ver hot and HUMID.

2. is it just you two and grandma or also little kids?? This also makes a difference. If no kids you guys can concentrate on doing fitting things for her. And not have to put her on back burner for " kids time"
Is she the grandma type that is content sitting for an hour or two, people watching while you guys do other things? Or will she freak out after 30 minutes thinking " they left me" . From my experience nothing worse than having kids full of energy, sprinting from one ride to next and also having to be slow for grandma.

I think there is alot for older people to enjoy at disney. Some one mentioned the great hollywood ride for example.

Good thing with fps you can now really scedule them to limit waits times

 

[Arielle22]

In 2001, we took my MIL. She was 66 but had a massive stroke the year before. We used a push wheelchair for her. She enjoyed the shows and mild rides. She also enjoyed people watching.

The same year we took her to Hershey Park. She went on the wooden roller coaster along with DH and our nephew. We asked her if she thought it would be ok and her response was "what is the worst thing that can happen to me?" She went on the Ferris Wheel there are well.

I think the important parts will be the planning and expectations of everyone. If I am taking an older person (or children) then I plan on everything revolving around them and I take my fun where I can get it. Their needs will come first.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I'm taking my elderly parents (84) in August. We will stay at the GF and they will not do the parks. They can watch the fireworks , water show, eat at the character meals with the grandchildren and relax at the resort. They will take the ME to the airport for home a few days before the rest if the family when we will be commando touring.

Go for it and take it easy.

 

[ShannonMB]

Well if gramma is of sound mind, then I say let HER decide. I'm sure her DD (your DM) is trying to look out for what's best. But if I was an elderly lady and I wanted to go to WDW (which I'm sure I will) and reasonable accomodations could be made to get me there safely, DD would be in big trouble if she tried to stand in my way!

I don't know if your gram is a Disney enthusiast to the extent of some of us here, but I know for me, just that feeling I get being there would be worth the trouble if someone were willing to take me. You are a kind grandson to try to make that happen for her!!!!

 

[glassslippergirl]

My grandma took her most recent trip to WDW when she was 86. We pushed her in a wheelchair. She can walk, but not all that is required at WDW. We used the manual wheelchair because she never had a driver's license and would have had trouble with the ECV. If I were you, I'd rent an ECV offsite because you will always have it. Disney ECVs have to be returned when you leave the park. It's also cheaper offsite.

My grandma loved Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. Seriously, she would get off and want to get right back on. Don't shy away from mild thrill rides if your grandma is interested and has no health restrictions. When my grandpa was alive, she would always stay with him when we went on these rides. When he died, she suddenly wanted to go on BTMR-- a hidden thrill ride junkie.

With or without the thrill rides, there's plenty to do. Definitely take her. Make sure to get a picture of all of you in front if the castle-- it will be a treasure for always.

 

[pdarrah]

Well if gramma is of sound mind, then I say let HER decide.

THIS! I just lost my grandmother last year at 104 years old. The biggest frustration for her during her last few years was everyone else making decisions for her when she was perfectly capable of making them herself. I can't count the number of times she told me, "I'm old. Not deaf, blind or STUPID!" Obviously, all people vary and not all are as capable in their later years, but if she is - let her make her own decisions

My grandmother traveled to WDW with us when she was 91 (and my son was 6 months) and she had a wonderful time. We did insist she use a wheelchair which she did not do at all at home at that time. After the first day, she agreed that it was a good idea as the walking would have exhausted her. Since she was mobile, she went on everything that wasn't a thrill ride. If the ride wasn't long, she usually preferred to park the wheelchair and go through the normal line. That was 14.5 years ago, today we could probably take the wheelchair through most of the lines We did go in early December, so excessive heat wasn't an issue. We also always went back to our resort for a break/nap in the middle of the day and only stayed late for fireworks one night. I think she enjoyed the people watching as much as the rides/attractions.

 

[Julylady]

I would suggest spending the day with your Grandmother somewhere locally and see how she does. Maybe a shopping trip to the mall with a lot of walking? Maybe a local zoo? Is she able to do a lot of walking? Does she tire easily and need rests? Is she exhausted the next day?

My 78-year old Mom comes along on all our trips. She typically rents an ECV from an outside company. However, in the Magic Kingdom we usually rent a manual wheelchair at the park since she won't drive her ECV on a bus. Honestly, I think we both prefer it when we have the wheelchair since its more "restful" for her as she doesn't have to watch out for other people (someone else is doing the "driving"). You can usually "borrow" a wheelchair from your hotel for your entire stay as well.

She cannot spend the entire day in the park. Either the entire group returns for a swim/nap in the afternoon or she just returns to the hotel by herself. Alternatively, she will meet us at the park at a later time in the morning particularly if our plan is to ride headliners that she doesn't ride anyway. She will just meet up with us about 10am or so. She never goes from rope drop to park closing like some of our younger family members do.

She also stays back in the room at least 1 entire day each trip. She picks the day we go to Animal Kingdom since she doesn't care for that park.

When we are in the parks, I need to be conscious about slowing down our pace so that she can keep up. No running from attraction to attraction, lots of breaks, and finding shade for her to sit in. She loves to people watch and doesn't mind sitting while we are in line for a ride.

There are more rides/attractions she likes than doesn't like and she has a great time on our trips. We wouldn't think of going without her!

OP - I really hope it works for you to take her along with you on your trip.