WDW with my 92 year old MIL...any advice?

[LuvMyEAR]

We took my DM for her first-ever WDW visit when she was 89. while her walking ability was excellent, we rented a scooter for her and told her that she could walk as much as she wanted. she ended up loving the scooter, once she appreciated just how much walking was involved, and loved being able to park it and browse through stores, walk into attractions, etc. Nighttime "driving" was harder for her, particularly in crowds, so she preferred to walk, holding DH's by the hand for stability and security. On two of our late nights when she was getting tired, we could slip the scooter into neutral and push it with her on board.

A few years later, we took her to Disneyland Resort. By then, driving a scooter was not an option, and we bought a transport chair. GREAT for airports, too! Same rules applied. She could walk to her heart's content, but the chair was always close by for a rest. We all viewed her wheeled conveyances as a great convenience, and never hesitated to let her know how much WE appreciated being able to hang bags and sweaters on it.

Depending on your chair choice, you may want to include a thin cushion, too, or some kind of fabric to ensure there is no chafing or sticking to the seat. I was frankly envious, wishing I could have a private seat readily available for parades, fireworks, and even just sitting comfortably to enjoy my Mickey Ice Cream bars.

 

[mrsksomeday]

The Voices of Liberty at Epcot are always a favorite of ours. I suggest telling her how many miles people walk per day in each park. It would be better to have the wheelchair and her not use it much than have her in extreme pain after a day or two and have to go get one for her.

 

[William Ward]

The train will also be nice and you can use it to get around the park.

 

[goodgodmrsmolly]

My first trip I was in the old toontown at MK and met an older lady in a wheelchair by the smoking section. She looked in her 90's but smoked so maybe was only 38?? She said she just liked people watching so her kids left her there while they went off. She was talking and having fun with people. She asked me to move into the shade because her family hadn't come back in a while at was getting hot in the sun. She swore like a sailor but seemed to be having fun despite being left there by her family. I could be wrong but might have also smelled some alcohol from her water bottle too! I always think of her when I go to MK.

 

[Emcalma]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions. There were quite a few ideas and tips that I hadn't thought of! I really would like to try the afternoon tea at the GF...I know that she would LOVE that. Unfortunately, there is no availability the entire time we are in WDW. I'm not sure if there are frequent cancellations for it, but I emailed the IPO for the GF and asked them if they could help me try to snag a spot.

I also love the idea of a fireworks cruise. She usually is in bed by about 9pm, but if she naps mid-day, I think she could do it. I know that at this late date, availability might be impossible, but I'm going to call today.

She usually likes to sleep until about 9am, but I am secretly hoping that her excitement over being at WDW will get her up earlier....I really enjoy early mornings at WDW and would be thrilled to make rope drop! I think that the lower crowds and cooler temps are worth getting up for...I think I will gently suggest this to her

All of your posts have convinced me even more that we should have either a wheelchair or walker with a seat for her (I would fear for the safety of the other guests if she were to try an ECV...seriously!). She is going to need a place to sit frequently and I can't count on a bench being available. I know that she wants to watch the parade, but I don't think she could stand through the whole thing after having to line up so early for a decent viewing spot (she is less than 5 feet tall and would have a hard time seeing over other adults). A wheelchair would be a lifesaver! I like the idea of bringing our own lightweight transport chair that she could even walk behind at times to help with stability issues (and thanks for the suggestion of a cushion!). I am small myself and a lighter chair would be easier for me to handle, too.

I am really looking forward to this trip and trying WDW at a leisurely pace! I am ashamed to admit that I have never stopped and listened to the Dapper Dans or any of the other Main Street entertainment. I am usually out-voted when it comes to Hall of Presidents, Voices of Liberty, and films in the World Showcase. Again, thank you all for reminding me about all of those often overlooked gems that my teens have no interest in (so we tend to just forget about them in our ride-centric touring).

And goodgodmrsmolly, your post, while kind of heartbreaking for the poor woman left to wilt by herself in the sun in her wheelchair, made me chuckle, too. There have been times in WDW when I would have liked a little something extra in my water bottle!

 

[JJsmama]

What a wonderful thing! I would get her a scooter or wheelchair though even if she does use it all the time. It is a LOT of walking. But what a magical trip!! If you are going during a cool time of year, plan to find a seat for the a parades and do a lot of shows.

 

[disnut8]

Get the chair. When your grandmother wants to walk, she can walk. When she needs the chair, it's there. No one is going to look at you like you have a green head if you are pushing a wheelchair and someone is walking along with it. Trust me, I know. I've done it.

One thing with your grandmother while she is in the chair is to watch out for others who aren't looking around. I found (I've been pushing and have been pushed) is that people with wide arm swings aren't aware their movement can affect someone at their hip level. A person taking a swig of water and then lowering the bottle down to put into a pack might not notice someone is right next to them. The person in the chair is looking around so the person behind the chair needs to be a little more aware. Also, when your grandmother is in the chair, make sure she can see things. When my husband was in the chair, he mentioned several times that while *I* could see fine, all he could see was a fence

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I hope someone takes me when I'm 92. We took my eldery Uncle and spent a morning at mk doing the Hall of Presidents/ Tikki room/ River Boat/ Jungle Cruise and then lunch at the Crystal Palace. After lunch we did Mickeys Philharmagic/ Tomorrowland People mover/ Carrousel of Progress/ Monsters Inc. He may have gone back to the resort after that.
Breaking up the day with a nice lunch was a big help for resting and getting out of the heat.

 

[vinotinto]

I agree with seeing the "classic" rides at MK: Small World, Peter Pan, etc. philharmagic is lovely and a/c and you get to sit for a while. My grandparents were active until their late 80s and I really wish we could have taken them to WDW. I would not plan any touring for the afternoons.

I would also visit AK. I love FOTLK and Nemo and the theming at AK is wonderful. The Safari is unique and you spend a lot of time seated.

 

[GeraldineW]

I did a trip with my grandmother years ago. Grandma had moved to Florida when she was a senior for health reasons. In all the years she was in Florida no one had ever taken her to Disney World. . I did push her in a wheelchair. No wild rides. She loved the railroad, small world, people watching, soaking in the atmosphere, meeting Mickey and popcorn. I bought her a pair of ears with her name monogramed on them and she loved wearing the ears in the park. It was her chance to be a kid again.

 

[coolbrook]

Just a few thoughts. The train station in Storybook Circus does not require climbing stairs or a ramp. While I don't remember riding from main street station, the Frontierland station does have a ramp you can walk up instead of the stairs. It is usually roped off and you have to move the rope or request the cm to move it and let you use the ramp.

Some of the movies in World Showcase require you to stand. I think I read that the France movie has seats.

When we took my Mom and Dad we used the boats in Epcot that go across World Showcase lagoon. Just note which country they go to. There are two and they each leave from different docks and go to different countries. I would maybe go across to Morocco, walk to those center countries including USA with voices of Liberty and the American Adventure, then get back on the boat in Germany and ride back to the other dock.

As others have stated, some of the boats in the mild rides are very hard to get out of if you have any hip trouble or lack leg strength. It is helpful to have someone else get out first and give the person a hand (pull them out of the boat.) You may also want someone else in the boat behind to support from the back.

The boat ride from Epcot World International Gateway to Hollywood Studios is nice, and a good way to get a little tour of the Epcot resort area. It may be a little easier to get on at Hollywood studios unless you just happen to be in the World Showcase near the UK. My folks and I really like boat rides.

I imagine the nostalgia would be fun in Carousel of Progress. The same might be true in 50's Prime Time cafe. If you are not planning to eat there you may want to stop in the bar called Tune in Lounge just to see the decor and have a snack or drink. You can order anything on the menu from the bar. You may also want to stop in the One Man's Dream exhibit in Hollywood Studios. There is a little film at the end of it too.

I hope you have a wonderful and delightful trip!

 

[lauradis]

Rope Drop might just be perfect. RD 3-4 hr park time, lunch sit down a/c nap/ pool time, dinner, evening park time fireworks shows 2-3 hrs.

Plus I would plan the trip ride wise if you where taking an infant.

instead of a wheel chair how about one of those push walkers/ seat things?

http://www.amazon.com/Hugo-Portable...qid=1429701103&sr=1-4&keywords=senior+walkers

 

[nemodeb]

I would also add that, because you mentioned she has a little balance issue from time to time, be a little watchful of where she's walking. There are lots of obstacles and uneven pavement all around. From the rails on Main Street to curbs around planter beds, and especially getting on and off rides. Be one step ahead and anticipate potential problems so you can catch them or warn her to watch before something happens.

Don't forget the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, if she likes flowers, character topiaries, etc. Remember to watch the heat and drink lots of water. From experience, older people tend to not drink as much. A hat or parasol can take a bit of the glare from the sun. Also watch for sunburn. All the usual things we would normally do, but accentuated somewhat in case she is more sensitive.

Above all, have a glorious time. What a unique and potentially magical experience, through her eyes!

 

[Puffy2]

I wouldn't rule out rope drop either. I wouldn't bother to get there early for rope drop, but I would arrive at park opening...9am? and definitely use fast pass.

My mom and her friend went (refused to let me go with them), they did a lot of walking in circles and didn't see as much as they would have if I had gone. but they still have a good time.

For MK, I'd do these attractions: Character meal at Chrystal Palace (make it for 8:30 or so...they get to see MainStreet at it's best and they can have a leisure breakfast with characters...fun! then see Haunted Mansion, maybe Hall of Presidents, Mickey's Philharmagic...or whatever it's called. Peter Pan with fast pass. Maybe Small World (if she can sit in a boat...otherwise skip it) maybe the Dwarf Mine Train if you have a fast pass and if she is adventureous enough. Not sure about that one. The carousel is good as is carousel of progress. Dumbo with fast pass? My mom and her friend loved the tree house. They might like Tiki House or the River Cruise. and Buzz might be interesting for them. ? You won't be able to do all this...these are just ideas.

Since you are staying at the Grand Floridian...maybe look into a boat ride at the Marina..they might like that.

At Epcot, Soaring is a priority. and Space Ship Earth...Ellens Energy Adventure ...take the boat over to American Pavillion see the show there. Have lunch at the French Restuaurant. They might also like Living with the Land if they like gardening. Again the boat question.

If it were me, I'd skip AK. Too much walking. If they insist, I'd insist on the wheel chair. Lion King and Safari ride are the obvious choices.

HS, The Great Movie Ride, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid and Indiana Jones. They would find Toy Story amusing if you have a fast pass.

Try to minimize waiting, standing, arriving too early, sun, heat.
I think it's great she is going. It won't be the trip you are used to, but they will have fun!

 

[Puffy2]

It's funny about the poster who said their aunt liked the little things like popcorn. My mother's friend (84) kept talking about the french fries at MK.

 

[DakotaRose]

80 year old Mom was glad to have a scooter, though she walked most queues. She enjoyed live entertainment, shows and rides without seat belts. We spent very little time just sitting and people watching. Afternoon breaks at the hotel were a necessity, just to get a break from the crowds, noise, and overstimulation. Character meets were really fun!

 

[jemlover]

I am so happy for you. It sounds like a wonderful trip. My mom was a huge Disney fan and I was able to go with her and my son to Disneyland before she passed away. It is something I will never forget. Enjoy this special time with both your moms.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We traveled with my 80+ year old mother when she was living with us for a couple of years before she passed away and she loved going to WDW. I'd put the walking into some perspective for your MIL who may not completely comprehend the size of the parks - or even the resorts. For us on a slow day just meandering around it will be 5+ miles and when we're hitting rides with breaks for the pool it will be 9 miles or more. I'd also recommend renting a wheelchair from an off site provider so you have it all the time. In addition to being a seat she could choose to walk behind it to loosen up her hip and thus use it to help maintain balance.

For things to do I'll just toss out what my mother seemed to enjoy although she wasn't new to WDW since we had gone both to DL and WDW when I was young and also not so young. As you'd suspect the shows and slow moving attractions were of interest and also the safari at AK and Soarin' in Epcot for a little more "thrill". She also just enjoyed doing people watching and a couple times a day would send us off on a roller coaster or something similar while she sat in the chair close to the attraction and watched what was going on (and maybe napped a little too!). If you do the fireworks cruise keep in mind that it's cooler over the water - we were all having to pile our jackets on my mother the night we did that and almost turned her into a popsicle!

Enjoy!

 

[stink]

I strongly recommend a wheelchair, she doesn't have to use it all the time but if she needs it you will have it. When I have taken my 80 something mom we always bring a wheelchair, sometimes she will walk and push the chair other times she will walk and I will push the chair. We fold the chair and I help her up the stairs when boarding buses.
The majority of the time she rides in the chair.

I think your mil is probably underestimating the amount of walking and standing at WDW.

We had an experience where we were caught in a down pour exiting lights motor action, we quickly put ponchos on but still were wet. The temp outside was probably mid 80s and humid. We then had ADRs at momma melrose and my Mom became quite chilled in the air conditioning. So I quickly went to a gift shop and bought her a zip up hoodie. No matter what the outside temp is I always pack a sweater or fleece to take to the parks and any restaurants. We were eating in JiKO and she had on a lightweight shirt and a sweater for the Air conditioning yet she was still cold, so I made a trip back to the room at animal kingdom lodge for a warmer jacket.

We usually do make rope drop and typically leave the park between two and four PM depending on show schedules at the parks and how mom is feeling that day.

We have done the fireworks boat cruise and carriage rides at port Orleans. When staying at GF you can watch wishes and the electric water show from the resort

My mom loves the musical shows and any type of street performers. She adores the voices of liberty and the entire americN adventure.

Sorry for the typos posting from my iphone