Christmas Wish - Trip with an 80 year old man - Advice Needed!

[englanddg]

So, I got back from the family Christmas. It was wonderful to see my family. We had an enjoyable day, but since I have to work tomorrow, as well as my sister's fiance (we are both in retail industries)...we came back to ATL early.

So, a bit of backstory. My family gave my grandparents a few gifts last year...first, we spent a LOT of money to have their slide / picture / video collections converted and polished professionally. It cost quite a mint.

(me at age 10 working out something in wordstar)

Second, we got my grandfather a mac (BEST decision we've ever made)...and taught him how to use it. We then asked them to make a presentation collection of their photos and videos as they remembered them. They are both in good heath (so far) thankfully, but, we wanted to catalogue this...

(me in all my late 80s glory...with a butt pack...at my uncles and father's promotions. The other kids are my sister and my cousin.)

Today he pulled me aside...

This is the man who loved Disney his whole life. Worshiped the man, worshiped the parks, loved everything about Disney and instilled it in all of us...down to his grandchildren. The man who gave our family all we have (through raising my father and my uncle), his guidance, his wisdom, his praise...

A wonderful man...

He is worried about (not to be morbid) the future...4 heart attacks, two surgeries...he's not sure how much longer he is going to be around.

He pulled me aside today during our festivities, and said...he wants to go back to Disneyworld. He hasn't been back in about 4 years...and his mobility is severely restricted (as is his health and stamina). Anyway, he says...no one will take him...except me, and I owe him! (I do) He's relying on me.

So, here's the reason for my post...

On the trip back to Atlanta with my sister and her fiance, we discussed this in more detail. They are open to helping me out. I will cover the trip financially (though I'll toss in a few things for him so he feels he's "participating", like a limo from the airport...the man LOVES to impress! I'll let him "surprise" us.

We are not sure he's going to be around more than a year or two, given his medical conditions. Hopefully more, but this is a man who cries during Wishes, and loves to meet Mickey! I'd love to make a "last trip" come true.

So, again, back on point...

For those whom have traveled with elder people, what would you recommend? I have no idea what I'm doing in this respect. I plan for a kid and myself, but I'd really like to make this a memorable trip for him.

We are thinking a 3 or 4 day trip in spring (off season, probably mid to late may).

So, thoughts, insight is sought. Especially from anyone who has traveled with someone who will probably need to be in a wheelchair most of the time. Advice, tips, anything really is welcome!

I really want to make his Christmas Wish come true...and I hope, I truly do, that this isn't my last trip to the world with the strong man who raised our family...

 

[englanddg]

Not sure why my c/p didn't come all the way through, and then I realized that I pulled that from a draft and not the final email.

 

[englanddg]

His response...

Man oh Man this looks great to me (especially the eating). May 1 etc. is a great time etc. Let me know if you need a check (plan to have plenty of cash when we get there for whatever we want to do). I am going come high hell or water. love Grandfather.

 

[englanddg]

My response...

Plenty of food, all prepaid for. I reserved us the Deluxe Dining plan, which means...

3 meals a day pretty much anywhere we want to eat PLUS 2 snacks a day (like popcorn or a drink)...

Odds are you or I won't eat all of that food, but between the 5 of us, I'm sure we will (and that's how it works, a cumulative point system)...

I've crunched the numbers on a spreadsheet 4 years in a row now, and I come out cheaper doing this each time, plus it means when we go to eat we can order pretty much whatever we want, whenever we want. A major stress removed (remember the old days of expensive lunches and looking at menu prices?)

Plus we are club level, so there will be free drinks and snacks (including sugar free) at the resort throughout the day and night.

I am thinking, for travels sake, it may be best for us to come in on the evening of April 30, so we can be up and well rested for Magic Kingdom on May 1...

If that is the case, maybe we do one night at Shades of Green? Or, we can extend our Polynesian stay.

Your choice really. Erin and I have talked this through, and are game for pretty much anything, and we want to treat you to this trip. You can bring your wad of cash and spoil us with t-shirts and gifts like when we were kids if you like, but we really just want to spend the time with you giving back to you the love and attention you gave to us! If you want to "plus" the trip, we won't mind, but we also want to give this to you, as your Christmas Wish.

So excited!

Also, you can use that account you created to log in and see the plans at www.disneyworld.com as they evolve. I'll keep you posted. Right now Tyler is the only wildcard, but I think it's good that he come along as well.

So, back to my kid for a bit...

This is how I try to raise her...she is in Girl Scouts because of me. She is confirmed at church because of me...I am not close geographically, but I am VERY much a part of her development, and taking her to Disney isn't a self indulgence (per se), it's a strategy to show her there are things to reach for, things to dream about...and...as Walt himself said...

"If you can dream it, you can do it"

And DOING is important. But, first you have to teach the kids how to dream...

As many issues as I have with my ex (and there are a lot), we do agree on this. We didn't and don't spare the slap on the bum when it's needed with Kaylee. But, we also encourage her to do well.

Here's our philosophy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUGnu0gXtn4

Sure, we'll stumble, there's no owners manual for a kid...but, overall, I think we've done a good job. The kid is in advanced classes, and scores well. But, she's also not a machine...she's human.

And I love her...I truly do...

She will be very happy to see you again.

Anyhow, I love you Grandfather, and I'm very...very glad we are doing this trip. Whilst we are on it, just remember, this is YOUR trip. YOU tell me what you want, and tell us how you feel and what you want to do, and we'll do it!

We all love you very much.

 

[englanddg]

No reason to post this other than it is what I'm listening to...and I think it's apt...

 

[Dwarful]

We have travelled with elderly in our group including my step father who has heart trouble and Parkinson's but loves Disney. I'd see about arranging to have a wheelchair delivered to the resort so you don't have to rent just in the parks...plus if you already have it no arguments. If he has any back issues you might want to bring a cushion or take a beach towel to add some cushion to the wheelchair.

HERE IS MY ONE BIG TIP: Make several copies of all medications he takes...keep one with you at all times in your billfold/backpack...somewhere safe. You NEVER know when an emergency may strike and this information is important.

Take time for photo pass photos or have them use your camera. This is a once in a lifetime trip and you will want these memories captured. Maybe have some special shirts made for the trip for a day. As others have said...breaks, rest, snacks, and water. Have fun. You can do this and have a once in a lifetime trip.