Hello!
My 83 year old mom has not been to WDW since the early 1990's. She loved it and has expressed an interest to go one more time so I really want to take her, it's one of the things that are on her bucket list that we want to cross off. We plan to go early next May, I figure it won't be too crazily crowded and the weather should be decent too, not too humid. Does Flower and Garden start at Epcot then as well? We're only going to do 3 days so we plan on mostly seeing a lot of the shows.
Flower & Garden will still be going on; if your Mom is sensitive to heat, however, she may do better if you can move the trip back into April, or even March. We were just there in late April/early May this year, and it was uncomfortably hot for me, but I am sensitive to the heat, along with my sun allergy. Regardless, be sure to help keep her hydrated; it's very easy for older folks to get a UTI, and in elderly ladies are *very* common, and can cause all kinds of problems. You can get free cups of ice water at any place that serves food at WDW.
We will need to get a wheelchair, she wants nothing to do with scooters. She can walk short distances, she's a little wobbly sometimes, but she absolutely can't stand in a long line. i understand they will give you a time you can come back rather than wait, correct? Would she qualify for a
DAS (I think that's what it's called).
Typically DAS is not issued where the Guests problem can be resolved by a mobility device, and since your Mom will already be in a wheelchair, problem solved!
She has a transport chair that we use but don't want to lug it with us. Can we arrange to have a chair delivered to the airport that we can use during our stay, and to return it there? We do plan to stay on site but it would be too much for her to even walk through that airport.
I have never seen a wheelchair delivered to the airport (that doesn't mean it can't happen - just never heard of it happening at MCO), but she *can* use her personal chair all the way to WDW and back. Her chair will fly free, and you should be able to drive her all the way down the jetway ramp to the door of the plane. The crew will gate check her chair, and you will get it back at the door of the plane when you arrive. Ask nicely, and usually your flight attendant will be glad to let you stay put in your seats, and give you a heads up when it comes up from under the plane.
If you don't want to use her chair at WDW for some reason, you can rent very nice chairs; in the airports you will need to use their local services for wheelchairs, and tips are appropriate. If you are taking Disney's Magical Express from the airport to the Resort, then you can just ask the rental company to meet you at the Resort.
As for rides, will they stop the moving platforms on rides like Spaceship Earth and Haunted Mansion, etc.?
Small World is her very favorite but I'm afraid she might not be able to step into the boats there, as well as on rides like Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. Do they have special cars that will let her not have to step on the seat and then into the boat?
Sue has a post here regarding rides with moving belts, (look for post #28) but the short version is that Peter Pan cannot be stopped or slowed. Small World and Jungle Cruise both have special wheelchair cars (as does Living with the Land & the boat ride at the Mexican Pavilion in Epcot, as well as Toy Story Midway Mania at Hollywood Studios.)
I was just there with my DD two weeks ago and we had a blast. This will be a much different and less manic trip for sure. I'm excited to take her and watch her excitement at all the new things she's never seen or experienced!
Thank you for any info, hints, advice you can give us. It is very much appreciated.
Let's see... a few other things just based on experience.. here are the things I would be thinking about/preparing for regarding both the trip itself, and actual park day(s):
- Any meds she will need to bring along; knowing what each one is, doseage, and schedule
- Foods; knowing what she will and won't eat, and what favorite snacks are - and is she fully independent when eating, or does she require some assistance or oversight?
- Clothing; many older folks have clothing issues (itchy or binding clothes causing discomfort) Creating an outfit for each day in advance, complete with undergarments and shoes can help.
- Comfort items; for example, my Mom always loved to have her crossword puzzle book and pencil with her. (and our daughter can't travel without the quilt I made her... LOL we bring the whole house with us)
- Does she have any sensory issues; for example, will it be sensory overload just to sit *next* to a ride, like the Teacups, that spin, and have not only lots of motion, but potentially lots of sound? Can she tolerate noise and crowds for long periods of time, or will she need periodic "respite" in the room or first aid?
- What are her cognitive abilities; can she self-identify? If she does happen to get separated, would she be able to tell a Cast Member who she was, and who you are?
If she has toileting issues, be sure to create some bathroom kits; I can supply more info on that subject if you need it
Again - hydration is super important; lots of people don't know that a silent UTI in an elderly person can actually cause symptoms consistent with the onset of dementia, so it's super important. Also, think about all of the parts of her that will be affected by the sun; wearing a hat or scarf can help prevent her scalp from getting sunburned, and she may want to wear long sleeves (and light colored, lightweight slacks or pants). Be sure to use a gentle sunblock on any exposed skin.
Take along a brightly colored length of grosgrain ribbon or bandana to tie around the handle of the wheelchair. CMs do have to move chairs, strollers and
ECVs on a regular basis to help keep walkways clear and paths open. If you have a bright colored bandana on the handlebars, it will stand out much easier in a sea of black mobility devices.
- Think about her physical abilities in general; what does she need in the way of accommodations for the trip? Will you need a roll-in shower? Can she bathe and/or toilet herself, or will she need assistance?
Finally, about the wheelchair - just a couple of tips to help out. First, make sure you take along bike gloves (or similar) for any member of your party who will pushing her in the chair. Rental chairs tend to be heavy and bulky to begin with, and it doesn't take long before those hard hand grips make blisters. You will be surprised at how many ramps, inclines and hills there are at WDW! Resist the temptation to hang purses, diaper bags, shopping bags, etc. off the handles of the wheelchair - it just adds to the weight, and can cause a potential tipping issue if/when she transfers out of the chair (to eat, to toilet, etc.) If she will be sitting all day - and not getting out of the chair to ride any rides, or to move to a chair to eat - then I would either also rent a gel cushion for the seat, or plan on padding the seat with towels from the hotel. Encourage her to stand every hour, if for no other reason than to straighten up and "fluff" the seat pad, and prevent serious stiffness issues.
Remember that you will always load first and unload last on buses, monorails and boats. CMs, drivers and captains will all be super helpful; just follow their instructions for safety!