Travelling with Elderly Family Members

[Firepath]

We are considering inviting an elderly relative who has never been to WDW to go with us. She is 86 yrs. old and doesn't walk very well anymore for long distances. She has recently lost her long time partner and they had mentioned a few times in the past that they would sometime like to go see what it is that our family loves so much about it. We wouldn't have any kids with us and realize this would be a different sort of trip - no wild rides, a much slower pace, more shows, breaks, and rest at the resort. We would definitely rent a wheelchair. For those of you who have travelled with (or are) older seniors, does this sound like a good idea? Is 86 too old for WDW? Is a week too long? Any suggestions or advice?

 

[bobbiwoz]

We bought into DVC initially to celebrate my mom's 85th birthday, that's where she wanted to celebrate! It worked very well. Our group of 13 only were all together once a day, for instance, at the CP dinner and show, or breakfast at Kona. We did have a guest who needed a wheelchair, and she only stayed with us 2 nights.

We also celebrated an aunt's 80th birthday at WDW and she used a wheelchair all the time. We took turns pushing and she and we all enjoyed the time, including a MNSSHP.

Mom's celebration was 5 nights, Aunt Eleanor's a long weekend, 3 nights. My mom enjoyed WDW until she was 88, after that she could no longer travel. Neither celebration was in the summer, and it was very cold the December Mom turned 85.

You can do it if your relative agrees to go. You understand that it will be slower paced. Treasure every moment, take lots of pictures and enjoy yourselves!

Bobbi

 

[Goofy G]

Go for it! There is plenty to do as a group - large or small - that doesn't involve a lot of walking or even the parks. Find a resort that can keep everyone entertained and you are halfway there

 

[disneynutz]

Expect that Disney/WDW is more important to you than your relative. She may not understand what's going on, she will just go along for the ride. You should dedicate the vacation to her and modify your plans to support her. I would pick an Epcot resort spend most of your time there, short park visits, watch the heat, naps, looking at flowers and the resorts, friendship boat rides, let her sit on the balcony.

Usually depending on the person, at that age WDW can be confusing and over whelming. Take it really slow and expect her to sleep for a week when she gets home!

Bill

 

[jekjones1558]

DH is 83 and has multiple health issues. We still love our DVC. Getting a wheelchair is important (DH uses his scooter). Take your cues for pacing from your senior. Some days she may feel stronger than others. We like staying at BWV because even if DH is feeling tired we can hang out at the resort watching the Friendship boats or people and performers on the BW and still feel like we are at WDW. I would make sure to bring insurance card, medicine list and maybe primary care doctor contact info, just in case. But don't underestimate your senior either. Here is a photo of DH and me (last seat) on 7DMT a couple of weeks ago. CMs were very helpful helping him to get in the car because he moves really slowly. As the photo proves, he does much better than I do on roller coasters!

 

[Goofy G]

The front porch at BWV is a great hangout! Relaxing spot with a constantly changing view - people, boats, surreys, etc

 

[Julylady]

We travel with my 81 year old Mom. We have been doing "Disney" for 20 years so she definitely knows the ropes. I have a couple of suggestions. What are you doing about sleeping arrangements? As my Mom has aged, her snoring has gotten much worse. We are now at the point where we must have her in a separate room by herself. She also wakes up a lot at night and has to get up and walk around so having her alone works best.

Pushing her in a wheelchair is more relaxing for her than having her rent a scooter because I (or one of the older kids) is "driving" rather than her. Regarding meals, she basically just snacks through the day and doesn't eat very much at meals. I'm not sure if that's her age, or just her, but I have other elderly family members the same way. Ordering her a full meal at a table service restaurant is just a waste. We either share a meal with her or she orders an appetizer or soup.

There are times when she chooses to stay at (or return to) the resort by herself. She doesn't want us to stay with her. I actually think she wants a break from people and the busyness of the parks. In the past we would go back to the resort with her, but that really isn't what she wanted. She wanted to be alone. The heat really gets to her quickly, even though she is mostly riding. We try to keep her in shade as much as possible.

We wouldn't dream of not taking her along as long as she is willing to go along! The grandkids love having her with us. I hope you have a great trip!

 

[jekjones1558]

Great point regarding the heat, Julylady! We never go in summer but even October or March can be pretty hot (we had upper 80s every day of our recent March trip). I have to nag DH to drink lots of water. Elderly people can get dehydrated quickly and it can be serious.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

From age 79-82 my mom went to WDW with us. She was frequently the one asking when we were going back! We used the wheelchair service to get thru the airports and then rented a manual wheelchair from an outside company to use while we were at WDW. Our usual stays were 6-7 nights. You already are recognizing that it's a slower paced trip. We'd take afternoon breaks and often leave her napping in the room while we went to the pool or did a few things around the resort. Loved those trips and wish she was still around to take some more. And actually she was generally directing my husband around who still gets lost down there! Confusion was not a problem - she was a sharp lady. The heat may possibly need great attention paid to it and be prepared to bring a light sweater for her to wear when entering the buildings. Not everyone is the same but my mother did not care for the extreme temperature changes outside to inside. Plenty of water, hat for sun protection and some sort of pad or towel to make the seat of the wheelchair more comfortable.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Mom was 82 when she went on Splash Mountain for the first time. I told her about the drop, and mentioned that I thought she would enjoy the pre drop part. She was willing and enjoyed it! After she turned 88 her health deteriorated to the point of not being able to travel. Mentally, she enjoyed it all, and understood what was going on.

Jean, I loved seeing your picture!

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Mom was 82 when she went on Splash Mountain for the first time. I told her about the drop, and mentioned that I thought she would enjoy the pre drop part. She was willing and enjoyed it! After she turned 88 her health deteriorated to the point of not being able to travel. Mentally, she enjoyed it all, and understood what was going on.

Jean, I loved seeing your picture!

My Dad was 75 when he went on Rock N Roller Coaster for the 1st time. He did much better than I did!

We went to DL last December with my Mom and Dad (he's now 86). He was the oldest of our group of 11; the youngest was 8 months.

We are heading to WDW this coming December because my Mom wants a seat for the CP! But next December, we will likely be back at DL and will rent my Mom a wheelchair for the CP if needed. My parents have a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass for this year and next and plan to do some serious traveling. -- Suzanne

 

[Muhlenberg]

Go for it! I'd taken my parents well into their 80's, and since my dad passed at 86, my mom still went with us, even when she was 90! You've gotten great advice. I'll add one more thing along the lines of needing "room space." I'd go for a 1 BR because there's a door between the bedroom and sofa bed. You will need your sleep without being disturbed. I'd also go for a room that has two bathrooms, if possible.

Most of all, enjoy! You never know when it's the last trip. We have one planned for December, but I doubt my mom will be able to travel by then, as she has serious health issues. She'd be 92.

 

[Firepath]

Thank you everyone for the great advice, and Jean for the photo - I love it! We were thinking of getting either a 1 BR with DH & I probably on the pull out, or preferably a 2 BR. We are going the beginning of December so heat shouldn't be a problem. Have you all had a car or used Disney transportation? I think the narrow steps getting out of the ME bus would give me nightmares!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Some ME buses have wheelchair lifts. I think you have to mention one is needed, maybe when you order ME. Before my bilateral knee replacement, I had a very difficult time doing those steps, but I did manage. It was mentioned to me that there were busses with lifts.

 

[Hisgirl]

We took my 83-year old parents in 2013. They balked at having electric scooters but we insisted. They were such troopers! The only issue was them manuevering the scooters off the monorail. They loved everything about the parks and resort. They were back to the room after lunch every day for a rest and never stopped going. I was so proud of them! Daddy LOVED soarin' but mama hated it. It was such a joy to share our Disney with them.
Just keep the pace slow and understand their need to breaks. Post pics!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

'

Some ME buses have wheelchair lifts. I think you have to mention one is needed, maybe when you order ME. Before my bilateral knee replacement, I had a very difficult time doing those steps, but I did manage. It was mentioned to me that there were busses with lifts.

There are but they don't allow them to be used essentially as elevators unless perhaps you got an untrained driver. The person needs to be in a wheelchair.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thank you everyone for the great advice, and Jean for the photo - I love it! We were thinking of getting either a 1 BR with DH & I probably on the pull out, or preferably a 2 BR. We are going the beginning of December so heat shouldn't be a problem. Have you all had a car or used Disney transportation? I think the narrow steps getting out of the ME bus would give me nightmares!

We used to get a car to use to/from the airport as my mother could walk a little with a walker. We used buses and other transportation exclusively once we got to WDW.

 

[Muhlenberg]

Thank you everyone for the great advice, and Jean for the photo - I love it! We were thinking of getting either a 1 BR with DH & I probably on the pull out, or preferably a 2 BR. We are going the beginning of December so heat shouldn't be a problem. Have you all had a car or used Disney transportation? I think the narrow steps getting out of the ME bus would give me nightmares!

I tried using ME once. My dad got very dizzy and it didn't have good results. I ended up renting a car anyway. That particular trip, which was the first DVC trip, I was trying to cut corners and was following the advice of a friend Up until that point we had always rented a car.

So if dizziness is of any concern, I'd go with a rental car. Also consider the ability to get on/off a bus as a car will probably be easier.

 

[oufpat]

This has been a very positive thread to read. Disney is for all ages and a wonderful place for families to re-connect!

 

[mecllapfigment]

It would be wonderful of you to do that for her. With some "if's" -- is she willing to use a wheelchair without fussing about it? Is she mentally ok enough to understand all the logistics involved.? My Dad was great into his early 90's (golfing, concerts,etc. but never any interest in Disney [sadly for me, because we have loved to take him], although he was the first to take my daughter on a roller-coaster ride). One of the reasons I bought into DVC (in my late 60's, several years ago) was so that I could still go along on trips to WDW, with the comforts of the resort and relative ease of transport between parks and resorts. Only you know your relative and her interest in going, and her willingness to make the accommodations she would need to make in how she gets around and how you plan the time. If she's cheerful and still wants to go, and accepts her limitations, by all means, go for it, and take lots of photos. Patience and planning. It will be a wonderful family memory for you. Have fun!