Tips for my traveling with my father?

[LollipopPanda]

Hi!
We invited my parents to come to disney with us. We are excited to have them around. My kids can't wait!

My sweet dad is almost 70 years old, and he has a really bad knee. He hobbles quite a bit. I am so worried about all of the walking that Disney entails.

What can we do to make his trip more enjoyable? I want him to enjoy himself just as much as the kids. I plan on pacing our activities around him. I don't want him to feel rushed, and I know my kids will be on hyperspeed. LOL

Any input and suggestions is greatly appreciated. My dad hasn't been to disney since I was a child. I know he will love experiencing it with the grandkids.

THANKS!!!!!!!

 

[Smile&Nod]

If the cost isn't too much and his pride will allow it, get him either a wheelchair or a scooter - that way he can experience everything you do without wearing himself out! Taking my mom in January and getting a wheelchair - even if she doesn't need it all the time having it available will make life easier.

 

[ElizabethB]

Rent a scooter.

 

[RaySharpton]

I would definitely rent an offsite mobility scooter to use from your WDW resort to the parks.

Plan events where he can sit and enjoy the Disney atmosphere and watch his grand kids enjoy themselves whether at the parks or at your resort.

Find out what he did with you when you were a child that he thought that was memorable to you. Sometimes what you thought was more memorable might be different from what he had planned for and that he thought was memorable for you as a child.

Make new memories for all of you to enjoy at the parks and parades and the fireworks.

Do things with him in a relaxed, unrushed way.

Try not to make him responsible for reserving your spot for the parades or fireworks at Epcot Illuminations while everyone takes off and do other things. This could become very stressful if you leave him to do this. He might feel responsible and not relaxed when other guests try to take up your space instead of enjoying himself.

 

[kath2me]

def. rent a scooter,

 

[LollipopPanda]

Thank you for the suggestions. I hope to convince him about the scooter. I think his pride would be hurt at first, but I think he would enjoy it as the day went on.

i definitely want this trip to just be a relaxing, easy paced vacation. I can't wait to experience this with my parents and my kids.

 

[RaySharpton]

Thank you for the suggestions. I hope to convince him about the scooter. I think his pride would be hurt at first, but I think he would enjoy it as the day went on.

i definitely want this trip to just be a relaxing, easy paced vacation. I can't wait to experience this with my parents and my kids.

If he does feel uneasy about using a scooter, maybe you can still plan ahead of time and know where to call to get a scooter and what kind of scooter and the cost etc..

Then after he is in the park awhile and changes his mind, you can just call from the park or resort and maybe the scooter company can deliver the scooter right to you that day.

There is one company that keeps several trucks onsite ready to deliver scooters when needed.

Just do some research on the sticky at the top the the disability board and check out the companies and see which one that you like the best and which one might work with you if you need the scooter quickly.

Just remind granddad that you want to make new memories with him and his grandchildren and they can't do that if he decides to stay in his room because he can't walk or in pain.

Best Wishes and Good Luck.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Two things:

One is select a place that is about a mile from his house. Ask him if he would have a problem walking there. Then, after his response, say "And Back". After that response, say "Four Times In A Row". Explain to him that most people walk 8-12 miles per day at WDW. And that once around the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon Promenade (without actually going into anything) is almost 1½ miles.

Then ask the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[LollipopPanda]

Great tips! THANKS!!!!!

I don't think he can make 4 miles a day...or even 2 miles back to back. He will be resting quite a bit. The 8-12 miles is a big eye opener. I will mention that to him.

I will go ahead and look into the scooter companies ahead of time. Good idea!!!

Thanks!

 

[Bete]

First, he can get use to a scooter for free at the store. Target, Walmart, and others have them. The store ones are actually harder to use in most people's opinion, but it gets you prepared. You may want to consider helping him to park or reverse or go on and off the bus with one. Be aware there are crowds galore especially for parades and fireworks. We usually let the crowds go and then we will scooter onward. You lose about 15 minutes waiting for the crowds to go. You do need to drive the pathways that are handicap; don't go over the curbs. This is the worse at MK. Scooters are treated just like wheelchairs for the parades; so, you can use handicap areas for it.

Mixing your activities between rides and shows and eating is the best way. The shows and eating provide rest periods. For some rides I would suggest having someone go ahead of your dad and someone be behind him (ei-test track at Epcot). He may need a helping hand both in and out of certain rides.

If you don't scooter think about a rollator walker; so, he can sit when he wants to.