Taking an 80yr old newbie...Help!

[spotty]

For my dad's 80th b-day, my DH is selflessly going to live with DSis's kids and DH while we take my dad down for a 5 day trip for his 80th B-day (did I mention the kids are 5, 2 and 8 months!)
My Dad and Sis have never been and I (who am a Mouse Freak) am in charge of it all and on one hand am about to burst with anticipation to share the magic and on the other hand am freaking out that it won't be special enough.
Does anyone have any tips to help make this trip super magical?? My dad's mobility varies and we are getting a ECV, which will be a new experience for me. This is is also most likely going to be the first (and sadly) last trip he will get to have alone with his two kids.
I am great for planning romantic and high activity trips with DH and friends, but am not sure what all to do with them!! Any tips will be appreciated!!

 

[EeyoresBuddy]

You might want to think about Tour Guide Mikes. This will be our first trip, but he has a lot of information on the site.

 

[spotty]

THANKS! I started poking around and it looks great! The disabled part is what worries me the most I think and trying not to wear him out too much.

Have a blast on your first trip, please let me know how it goes. The first time my husband took me down I was hooked. I was planning the next one by the time we got back!

 

[aubriee]

I took my 73 y/o mom down for her first trip Dec '05. She loved it and after saying it was a 'once in a lifetime trip' and that she knew she'd never go back, she went back with me May '06 and Sept '06 and is now talking about going back May '07 for the flower festival and 'just maybe in Sept '07 if they offer free dining again'. Every trip she's said there's no way she'll ever go back due to her poor health, but as soon as I mention another trip she's ready. Anyway my point is that your dad may get hooked too.

As far as the trip itself I knew there was no way my mom could do the walking, so rented her an ECV from Walkers. I then took her to Walmart to practice using one. I'd be sure to rent one from offsite as they are easier to drive than the ones you rent from the parks and also he'd have it to use at the resort and for the buses. With the ECV he'll be guaranteed a seat on the buses. For her first trip I planned alot of character meals and my mom really enjoyed them. You might also check into buying the DDP. My mom really enjoyed being able to order anything from the menu without looking at the prices. I knew she'd like the Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the shows, but was really surprised when she enjoyed so many of the rides. Point out some the details in each of the parks. She also enjoyed that. Get him a birthday button from Town Hall and he'll get extra attention from CMs and characters. Don't be afraid to take a mid day break to go back to the room to allow your dad an afternoon nap. There's no way they're going to see everything, so pick and choose a few things for each day. Again on her first trip the character meals were the things my mom enjoyed most. We had one for almost everyday and sometimes two a day. She acted like a little kid (something I had never seen or expected).

 

[powellrj]

I would ask your question on the Disabliaties Board. They are great and can really give you great advise!!

 

[Tink901]

I took my 85 yr old gram and she said one trip only and we have done 2 and are planning a 3rd. She loved all the characters and the character meals. I got her an autograph book and took lots of pictures. She looks at them regularly and tells everyone they need to go to WDW.

We put her in a wheelchair since her vision isn't the best. We have a plan for each park with rides and character pictures. She loves the attention from the characters and even enjoys just talking to people and wdw staff.

Its great to see her as a kid again!! She even went on Splash Mountain and Big Thunder and loved them and she wants to go back on them next trip. I tell her exactly what happens on each ride and let her watch the ride then decide if she wants to go on it.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[kristielee]

we are leaving this weekend with my inlaws (both 80) and my dad, 68. I think the biggest thing is to stay at a Disney resort (we are dvc'ers and the comforts of home cannot be beat!) Also, don't try and commando the parks. hit the highlights, and anything else is gravy. We go out early, finish in the early afternoon, go back to our room for a rest, and maybe go back out later depending on how they are feeling. Sometimes we just take the kids, and the grandparents stay in. Also, I don't over schedule meals. We pick one nice sit down meal a day. First, the portions are enormous. I don't know too many people who can finish a meal at Disney who are NOT elderly. I think all the constant stimulation is exhausting for them. As much as we all love it, I'd rather call it a day a little early instead of wiping them out. You Dad is so lucky to have you do this for him! I bet the part he'll love best won't be the rides, or the shows, or the attractions..... it will be spending time with you and your sister!!! Have a wonderful trip and make lots of memories!