Traveling with Grandma and Grandpa...

[jetprincess]

We are considering bringing My 70 and 80 year old parents with us in December. They are in relatively good health but there is no way they are going to be able to keep up with DH, myself and DD's. Walking is certainly an issue. Of course we would have to slow down our normal Disney pace. Forget the thrill rides...

So, I need some ideas for suggestions for good rest spots for Grandma's and Grandpa's. Places that they could hang out while we run over to the Mountains. I know my dad could spend an entire 7 day pass in the Hall of Presidents...

Neither of my parents have used an ECV but it might be an option. I am just concerned that WDW might not be the place for them to try these for the first time. Also, I don't know if they are ready to "go there" yet! Maybe if they took turns using it? Has anyone done this?

 

[boatbum13]

Hi there,
I'm not sure if I can help, but I can tell you about my experience...
My family took a Disney Christmas vacation in 2006, including myself, DH, DD (then 22 months), my brother, parents and my grandparents who at the time were 84 and 79, I think. They are/were in good health, but had the normal limitations that come with being that age.

The whole fam only did one whole day in the park (Epcot) together (we split up on the other day- it was a quick vacation, but the whole family except for me, DH and DD live in Fla., so it's not a big deal). Anyway, we rented 1 wheelchair and 1 electric cart thingie. My grandpa had the electric one, since he's more confident with things like that. He had no troubles at all with it and I think really enjoyed it. My grandma had the wheelchair, so we traded off pushing her around. I think that she liked it. Epcot is so big that there was no way they would be able to do all that walking, so it was really a good thing that we had the wheelchair and electric thing (ECV?).

As far as things they could do in the park, they actually did a lot and had a great time. My grandpa loved Test Track and my grandma loved Soarin'. If we wanted to do something that they weren't up for, they would just find a shady bench and wait a while. We toured all the countries, and they both loved that. In all, it was a really great experience to have the whole family at Disney. True- you won't be able to keep up your normal Disney pace, but that's OK.

So, for your trip, I would definitely recommend renting something for your parents to make walking easier. Don't worry about the "first time" thing- they are super-easy to use. There are loads of places to sit and rest too. Have fun!!

 

[Aliceacc]

If your budget allows it, you might consider staying at a monorail resort. That way, grandma and grandpa can get back to their resort more easily (even if it means that one of you escort them back, then meet back with the family a bit later.)

 

[ISP2MCO]

Carousel of Progress would be something they could do while you are on space mountain

 

[JennyJ]

We traveled wiht our 2.5yo twins and my 81yo Grandma last June. We rented Gma an ECV, and it was a lifesaver. No way could she have walked those parks, and she is in great health.

She wasn't too great at it the first day, but after that she got the hang of it, and did ok. It was great for her to be able to "keep up" with us.

I definately suggest getting one for the trip...you can talk to the concierge about setting up the rental for the length of stay, so you can take it to the room and not have to wait to rent one at each park.

 

[disalver]

Do your research. Disney Guides (official and unofficial) are good for matching interests with the needs and interests. There are always park benches near at hand but you need to be able to gauge your or your older relatives endurance. Also, get familiar with the electric cart rentals and or activities that keep you close to the park exit.

I found the Disney Railroad to be a great asset at Magic Kingdom. The distance from Epcot entrance to World Showcase was an issue for us. We just took lots of rest and did not stay late. At that time, we were unaware of alternatives to walking. I don't know if there are any additional alternatives. From the MGM area, you have the boats, the monorail from Magic Kingdom. Again, for long walks, consider renting carts. I'm sure there are other options also available.

Don't know if I can receive replies.

I'm still earning my Mousing privileges.

 

[Rylee]

We are considering bringing My 70 and 80 year old parents with us in December. They are in relatively good health but there is no way they are going to be able to keep up with DH, myself and DD's. Walking is certainly an issue. Of course we would have to slow down our normal Disney pace. Forget the thrill rides...

So, I need some ideas for suggestions for good rest spots for Grandma's and Grandpa's. Places that they could hang out while we run over to the Mountains. I know my dad could spend an entire 7 day pass in the Hall of Presidents...

Neither of my parents have used an ECV but it might be an option. I am just concerned that WDW might not be the place for them to try these for the first time. Also, I don't know if they are ready to "go there" yet! Maybe if they took turns using it? Has anyone done this?

I think the first thing to keep in mind is... this will not be your typical Disney family vacation. With patience and a few compromises it could be a wonderful experience and provide cherished memories.

I would definitely look into an ECV and/or wheel chair, and sharing one might be a great idea. Others have said, they had better luck by not asking first, but instead, have just rented one and their family member appreciated it. You know your parents and can decide which approach to use.

Make sure you grab fast passes for the attractions they won't be seeing/doing and try to get them "set up"... drinks, snack, etc., before you go off on your ride. Always choose a place to meet in case you are gone longer than expected and they want to move around a bit.

At the Studios - for ToT and RnRc, maybe they would enjoy seeing Beauty and the Beast and/or watching the street performers while resting on a park bench.

At MK - for Splash and BTMRR, the Country Bear Jamboree is close by. This is the parade route, as well, and you might experience short lines during that time. Near Space Mountain, they could ride (can't think of the name of it) the slow moving "people mover".

At AK - there's nothing close to EE (that I can think of) but perhaps they could find something they are interested in and you could just meet back up with them.

If you are staying at a Disney Resort, consider spliting-up in the afternoon, maybe they would like to return to the resort for a break, and meet back up for dinner.

 

[daisyduck123]

Last May, DH, the kids, & I brought both sets of Grandparents (all in their 60s) on an 8 day WDW trip. During the planning stages we knew my FIL would need an ECV as he was scheduled to get a hip-replacement a few months after we returned. So we reserved one for our entire stay from Walker Mobility.

Well, on the day we left for WDW, DH broke his big toe...so then we called and reserved a 2nd scooter.

Half-way thru our trip my both my dad & my MIL decided they needed them too. We looked like the "Scooter Brigade". It was pretty funny!

If my MIL can learn to drive one...anyone can.

 

[deedeetoo]

We've gone the past two years with my Mom who is now 73. Two years ago she walked the whole trip without complaining but I found out later that she was struggling but didn't want to say anything and she also wasn't ready to "go there" yet as you phrased it.

Last year we got a wheelchair for her. She argued a bit but gave in and in the end was happy she did. My mom does not drive a car and the thought of driving an ECV through the crowded parks really scared her so that was out of the question.

The wheelchair wasn't that much of a hinderance for us. I did the majority of pushing and it really wasn't that hard (Mom weighs about 135). Since she is capable of walking we usually left the wheelchair outside of attractions just like you would with a stroller. My Mom didn't do any of the thrill rides, but neither did my DS7 so the two of them kept each other company while we rode.

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

I don't know if this was posted but if you are concerned that the parks may be out of ECV's you may want to consider renting offsite they deliver it to your room and pick it. My mom rented one for seven day in 2006 and it was 175 for everything. She rented it from walker mobility they are recommended on the disabilities board.

 

[alicenwonder99]

Schedule some dinner shows for the evenings. We did Hoop De Doo Review one trip and it was the highlight of our trip! There were people of all ages there, and I think your parents would really enjoy it.

Schedule an early show, then after the show, your parents could head back to the resort and the rest of you can finish up the parks.

HTH

 

[powellrj]

If they are concerned about using the ECV, try them out ahead of time at places like Target and Wal Mart. See how they like using them there.

I used one on our last trip because I was having my knee replaced right after our trip and there was no way I could walk. It was great except that you really have to concentrate because people ignore you. They walk in front of you, cut you off and stop dead right in front of you. They don't stop instantly.

The worst was a young girl outside of Cosmic Rays who decided to use my EVC as a hurdle and jump over me.

I would check the disabilities board and they have lots of information about renting them.