I'm planning a trip to WDW in December together with my 84 year old mother together with my eldest brother, 67. Btw, my brother is 15 years my senior. I have planned to get an 8 day single park pass for each of us.
My question is what ride/attractions could my mother, who will be on an ECV, can get involved in? This will be my mom and eldest brother's first time to Disney? I have been to WDW many times, my last trip was in December 2015.
Suggestions and recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Thanks, all!
Welcome to our little corner of the DIS!
I know that a lot of folks like to use an ECV - it allows them to feel so much more independent, and at the Resort they aren't dependent on anyone if they want to go down and refill their mug with coffee or tea.
If you are staying on site, you can ask the Front Desk (go down there, don't call - it goes to a Call Center!) to have the table and chairs moved to make more room for the ECV.
@Bete has given you some good solid advice; If your mom prefers to use an ECV, here's a few more tips to make her days easier:
First of all, you and your brother can help create a "buffer" between your Mom and other Guests by walking on either side of her, and when you need to be single file, by walking one in front and one behind.
Help set expectations for your Mom by letting her know that at WDW, some folks don't pay good attention, and are often busy talking or looking at their phones, or anywhere but where they are walking. Because of this, they may walk right in front of her, or (literally) right into her. Her best defense is the horn/beeper/bell on her rental ECV, and a polite "Excuse me!" with a smile.
Similarly, little kids do NOT understand the laws of physics, and that
ECVs don't have brakes like a car. She will need to be especially careful of the little nuggets who dash and dart out in front of her. Yes, their parents should be responsible for them, but at WDW everyone is on vacation and no one wants to be responsible for anything, so...
Let Mom know that when she is crossing the trolley tracks (MK, Main Street) to be sure to go over at an angle - preferably a 90 degree angle - so that the wheels don't get caught in the grooves of the track, and cause the ECV to stop suddenly or tip over. Similarly, help her spot for "curb cuts" and ramps when she is on a sidewalk and needs/wants to get down to street level. This applies mostly on Main Street at MK, and along the streets at HS.
Since you have the time, I would have Mom practice driving the ECVs at her local grocery, Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. If she can master one of those giant beasties, and not get flustered on a busy Saturday, she's pretty much ready for WDW! When she gets the rental at WDW, be sure to have her "practice" for a few minutes to get used to the rental - making tight turns, going up and down ramps, backing up - so that she is more comfortable with her temporary ride!
Remember that some of the steps up and down into the rides can be pretty steeps (thinking of the ride boats for Pirates, etc.) If your Mom has a folding cane, she can easily carry that on the ECV and bring it along to help.
She may want to take breaks from sitting on the ECV all day; and don't forget that the extra sun may mean she gets dehydrated easier. Free ice water is yours for the asking at any QS.
When it comes time for bathroom breaks, she can typically park the ECV outside the bathroom, and just go in. If she needs to ride the ECV in, then you may want to look for a Family or Companion restroom (grab a Park Map as you enter each Park, or use your My Disney Experience App on your phone) so that she can drive in and out easily.
If your Mom has any problems while in the Parks, remember that each theme park has a First Aid station with friendly, helpful nurses. (Again, shown on your Map and/or App)
Let us know if you have any questions!
