Headed to WDW-area in June, but no WDW... Questions...

[ItlngrlBella]

Well I didn't plan on being in Orlando for at least a year or two when we vacation at WDW, but that all changed today.

We found out that my Aunt (who lives just outside of Orlando), has Alzheimer's.

My Dad (91) and my other Aunt (80) want to go visit her (and their other brother who lives down there - he's also in poor health). The plan is for mid-late June or early July.

This will be one emotional roller coaster of a trip.

It's quality time with our Aunts and Uncles but the sad, unsaid fact is - this trip is a final goodbye to their Florida siblings. Considering their age and health issues, we are blessed to even have this opportunity. (Prayers please that my Dad and my Aunt remain healthy to go this summer).


Questions I Have:

1. I've only been to Florida in Dec/Jan. I've never been in June/July. So, honestly, are we nuts for taking a 91 and 80 year old during this time of year? We can't go any earlier or later due to my cousin's work.

2. Airfare - typically, when during the week is it cheapest to fly? (We've driven the last several trips because we have use of a company car).

3. Any suggestions for travelling with super-seniors? Any suggestions appreciated - please advise. The last time my Dad was on a plane was at 84. Both get around ok but I'm thinking we'll need wheelchairs for the airport.

4. FYI: Lodging - I'm 99% sure I talked them into renting a house - economical (4bdrms at $100-150/night we then split) and handicapped accessible. Plus, we're not in restaurants all the time. If anyone has a better suggestion for lodging I'm all ears.

 

[DManRightHere]

1. Where are they from? June/July is hot, but not much different from North Carolina hot weather. If anything less hunid, bugs can br worse.

2. Tuesday or Wendesday seem to be cheapest days to fly. Staying for nearly a week will probably get the best airfare.

3. I suppose you guys will know them best...patience. Try to leave plenty of time for traveling. I know the elderly can be stubborn when it comes to wheelchairs. The airport may escort your family on their golf carts. I would call the airport and ask what accomodations they may offer.

4. I'm sure everyone would be much more comfortable in a house too.

Good luck to you, I hope everyone enjoys their family time.

 

[ItlngrlBella]

@DManRightHere:

Thank you for your suggestions!

1. They are from just outisde of Chicago - we have insanely fridgid winters and several 90-degree to a couple 100-degree heat index days each summer but we only have several high humid days - I understand it gets so bad in Florida with humidity that you feel like your not getting air in your lungs. The bugs won't bother them... Me on the other hand... I may bring a taser for "them critters." Lol.

2. We have to leave on a Tuesday or Wednesday because my Dad sees a blood doctor for his anemia every Monday and every week, he gets Procrit or an iron infusion - so we want to leave right after his appointment which would fall on those days you mentioned! I wish we could stay a week but they only want 4 nights.

3. Dad is stubborn but if we can get them on a golf cart they'll feel like they're rolling like VIP's - that is a good idea! We will look into that! We are between Milwaukee and Chicago and we prefer to fly out of MKE - less hassle.

Thank you for your suggestions - greatly appreciated.

My biggest fear is something health-wise happens to one of them while we are down there and my husband and Mom are staying back for our kids and his work.

 

[JIMINYCR]

The heat and humidity will probably be the thing you will have the most issues with. I'd make sure theres plenty of cool water or drinks available to them throughout the day. And think about using some cooling bands or other type of devices that will help keep them comfortable. Scope out shaded areas and rest stops. Scooters or w/c rentals are available but just in case they dont want to use them, if walking, check out the park maps to plan out the easiest routes to the calmer rides they might enjoy, where rest rooms are, and first aid just in case. Before going I'd check their meds list to be sure I'm aware of meds needed to be administered and watch for the affect it may have from dietary change, activity change or routine change. Check on the foot ware they will be taking on the trip, be sure it will provide plenty of support and comfort. Check their feet for sores and blistering cause the distance they may be walking might be greatly further than they are used to.

Hope your trip goes well and you come back with wonderful memories of your time together.

 

[ItlngrlBella]

@JIMINYCR

Thanks for the suggestion on medication and dietary changes - I wouldn't have thought of that.

4 Italian siblings who haven't been together for 13 years -- they will be eating more than usual and knowing them it will be shellfish - and Dad has gout.

We will not be visiting any parks on this trip - it's strictly time for them to spend 3 days together most likely at the house we are renting (Clermont/Kisssimmee) and/or my Aunt or Uncle's houses in Deltona.

 

[Chernaboggles]

We've done some traveling with my 93 year old grandmother and it can all be managed. A little preparation and a lot of patience go a long way.

Traveling Tips:

1) If you live far from the airport or have an inconveniently early flight time, an airport hotel the night before the trip can be very helpful in reducing stress.

2) Before you fly, find the closest hospitals to MCO (or wherever you're flying into) and the house you're staying at. Find the closest pharmacy. Pre-load addresses, directions and phone numbers for hospital and pharmacy into your phone so you have it ready in an emergency. You probably won't need it, but it'll make you feel better.

3) Well in advance of traveling, check all the medications for the senior travelers and check to see if any are highly regulated (likely to cause trouble at security) need refrigeration or anything like that. Make sure the medications are packed with enough to last the trip and that they are in carry-on luggage in the cabin with you. Bring one complete change of clothes for each traveler in a carry-on bag, in case your luggage gets lost.

4) Consider upgrading the seats or flying an airline that allows you to purchase on extra legroom on the plane (JetBlue is good for this).

5) If you have layovers or end up with flight delays, remember that you can purchase a day-pass to frequent flyer lounges, which will give you more space and a pleasant environment to wait in.

6) Orlando is not a wilderness. Just about anything anyone forgets can be purchased locally. Even medication can be replaced, it's just an almighty pain to do it.

And lastly: if the elders all like Disney too, consider booking a dining reservation at one of the Disney Resort restaurants, it might be a nice outing for everyone. Make sure you take care of yourself, also. As you point out, the emotional angle will be tough. Remember that you can pop in for a cool beverage at the Grand Floridian or go spend an hour at Downtown Disney if you need a break.

Good luck!

 

[ItlngrlBella]

@Chernaboggles - knowing my Dad he'd pack meds in luggage so the carry-on reminder is great - I will make sure that gets in his carry on.

I never thought about us doing a nice dinner only at WDW hotel?! Somehow I had blinders on thinking "we aren't there to do parks." A meal at a hotel is a great idea!

Thank you again everyone - these suggestions are just what we are needing.

 

[ItlngrlBella]

Well, now June is out. My cousin's daughter is having a baby (her first grandchild), so now our dates may be either Memorial weekend (which I'm thinking will be a nightmare for flights/lodging), or mid-July.

Either way it will be hot and I'm hoping we avoid a holiday - the area must be a nightmare Memorial weeekend.

 

[NWDMD]

Misty Mate with fan! It was suggested either on this board or one of the other Disney boards many years ago. We bought one and were amazed at how cool it kept us.
http://www.amazon.com/Misty-Mate-Sport-Breeze-Bonus/dp/B000FXZVUQ

 

[ItlngrlBella]

We aren't going to the parks, and the mission is to keep them in air-conditioning ... But I may bring one just in case plus, we live next to a Six Flags - I need this years ago!

 

[ItlngrlBella]

What's the best website for cheapest airfares?

 

[ItlngrlBella]

It's OFFICIAL!

July 18-20... Good rate out of MKE nonstop R/T for 240.00 and we have the rental we usually book when we go to Disney. My sister is going too and my cousin wants us gals to head out one night so maybe downtown Disney - when is it suppose to be done?