Trip with Mom

[tigefan]

Hello Everyone,
We (dh, 2 six-year old kids and I) are planning a trip to DW the first week of December, and we're taking my 80-year-old mom.

Mom has Congestive Heart Failure and is unable to walk long distances or stand for long periods. We're planning to rent a wheelchair as I think she'd be uncomfortable with an ECV. She also recently lost most of her hearing. Her eyesight is ok, not great.

Do you recommend Passporter/Special Needs in our situation? Do you have any other tips for us? My main concern, I think, is making sure she enjoys the shows, etc. I understand there are closed-captioning devices available, but this is new to me & I'm not sure where to start. My mom is always concerned about causing "trouble" for anyone, and I want to make sure that she doesn't feel that way. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!!!
TJ

 

[Mouse's Shadow]

MY son is in a wheelchair and has hearing as well as vision impairments. The CMs were wonderful when we were there earlier this month. Many of the shows do have wheelchair seating in the front of the theatre. Just tell a CM as you enter the show. My son needs to be on the right side of the stage in order to see. They were very understanding and helpful. The shows that come to mind that have front row seating are: Indiana Jones and Beauty and the Beast at MGM. Flights of wonder & The Lion King at Animal Kingdom. Crush at Epcot. I think the 3-D attractions are big enough that they are pretty easy to see, even from the back.

We took my son's push chair with us, because we knew it would be too much stress for him to try to drive in the crowds. He pushed easily through the parks. There are spots where there are inclines that call for muscle, but it is very manageable. Disney Transportation worked wonderfully for us.

I did buy the Passporters Guide. It does have great information, but I found it to be incomplete for many of the mobility questions I had. It does have information that addresses hearing and vision impairments. I'm a planner and don't want any difficult surprises that I can avoid. If that sounds like you It might be a good guide to read. Plus the Passporter Guide might have some info. that you can't find elsewhere. (ie. the location of compainion restrooms)

Your mother will have a great time. I'm jealous that you will get to share your Disney experience with her. Good luck and have a great time!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would agree that you will find the Passporter useful.

As far as the rest, you might be having logistical problems.

One thing to consider is your mother's weight. Most people do not notice it, but there are hills at WDW. Pushing a wheelchair when not used to it can be rough. Who will be doing the pushing, you or DH?

Then with two 6-yos will they be walking or in a stroller; if in a stroller who will be pushing?

If her eyesight is good it may be worth reconsidering use of an ECV for her. You might want to take her to a large Grocery store or discount store that has shopping ECVs. Just be aware that the shopping ones are much more cumbersome than Disney's, and the off-site rentals are even better and easier to use than Disney's.

 

[tigefan]

I'm going to go ahead & get the Passporter. I'm not yet sure if we'll be renting strollers - we'll probably play that by ear. Although I wish she'd at least give it a try, I'm pretty certain Mom won't want an ECV. She's pretty light though, and I will rely on dh quite a bit. We plan on this trip being a stop-and-smell-the-roses kind. We'll probably focus on the shows and, of course, the food this time around. I'm so excited to be able to share this with my mom!

You guys are a great help. Thanks!!!

TJ