Taking Grandmother to WDW...Saturday! Help?

[Gracy_hm]

When I was about 7 or 8 I promised my grandmother if I ever had enough money I would take her to WDW. Ten years have pased and after working six months nearly full time as a server I can finaly keep my promise to her. She is 69 and due to her limited income works cleaning houses and has not been able to take a vacation in 30 some odd years furthermore she has NEVER been to WDW.


Well I posted about this a while back but I feel it is time to get some last min. advise if possible. Any tips, suggestions, or help you can provide please do post.

I will start by telling you what I know I have lined up

1)five day park hoppers, airfare, a room at Pop Century
2)P.S for The Hollywood Brown Derby Fantasmic Dinner Package, P.S for California Grill timed to the MK fireworks display, and P.S for Rose and Crown Pub timed to Illuminations.

Ok that is what I already have but I want to know of any Attractions, Shows, special events, or performances you feel a woman in her age group (69 years old) would enjoy.

Lastly I am thinking of renting a wheel chair but am a bit worried of what people will think...you see she can walk about a mile and will seem in perfect condition but if she walks more then that she will limp badly and have sharp pains in her back and feet and ultimatly will not be able to walk the rest of the day. I feel considering I walk on average 15 to 20 Miles a day at WDW it would be in her best interest to go via wheel chair. I just fear people will see her walking and think we are faking it or trying to con someone any suggestions?

Any who any tips, tricks, and advice is welcom and greatly appriciated. Saturday is fasly approaching and you may be able to tell I am thrilled.

Thank you in advance for the help and I am sorry if I am acting too excited.

Thanks again,
Kyle

 

[GymLeaderPhil]

Howdy Kyle. It's awesome that you're doing this for your grandmother. Sounds like you've done a bunch of work already... I don't have much experience with taking anyone in a wheelchair to WDW, but there are a few sites that have detailed information about it:

http://pixiedustinn.com/disabilitiesfaq/DisabilitiesFAQ.html

http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/wdwguide/3_Tripplan/special_considerations/special_assistance_AtoZ.htm

http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/wdwguide/6_Parks/general/disabled.htm

As for the fear of seeming like your grandmother is faking it, I would not worry. My grandfather, while he is mobile, simply could not walk from terminal to terminal when we were traveling last summer. The Airports were more than willing to provide wheelchairs even though he did not have a severe walking problem. He was very stubborn about doing it, but it was for the best. The last thing we wanted was for him to fall or worse be in pain for the remainder of the trip. Nothing to be ashamed of.

The only time I question if a guest is truly in need of a wheelchair or ECV when I see people taking turns in them or when the majority of a family has one.

 

[Gracy_hm]

Thanks

Thankyou for that advice. When I told my grandmother it would be best to be in a wheel chair she said the same thing saying "I can do it" to which I replied "15 miles of walking?" and that was the end of it She agreed It was for the best.

Thanks for those links.

Any other info is welcome aswell and as always reatly appriciated.

Take care,
Kyle

 

[wannabeBelle]

Thankyou for that advice. When I told my grandmother it would be best to be in a wheel chair she said the same thing saying "I can do it" to which I replied "15 miles of walking?" and that was the end of it She agreed It was for the best.

Thanks for those links.

Any other info is welcome aswell and as always reatly appriciated.

Take care,
Kyle

Hi Kyle, Good for you and I am glad that you will be able to take Grandma to Disney that is awesome. Some of the countries in World Showcase Have shows. Some of the better ones in my humble opinion are Off Kilterand the British Invasion. Both the Festival of the Lion King and Tarzan Rocks in the Animal Kingdom are great, Make sure you catch any Christmas shows specifically the Candlelight Processional which is lovely, ( I am not sure exactly what dates you are going to be there though) In MGM catch Beauty & the Beast. I have heard Mulch, Sweat & Shears is amazing as well but havent seen it myself YET!!! Belle

 

[swimmom]

I wouldn't worry about the wheelchair. If anyone would question your need for a senior citizen, then they are just plain shallow.

When we took my mom who's in her seventies, she really enjoyed the shows. I have to agree with wannabeBelle, don't miss the Candlelight Processional!

 

[NOLADisneyFan]

Wonderful

I think it is terrific that you are able to keep your promise.

1st: Don't worry about what people will think about the wheelchair. If anyone is so ignorant as to make comment about why an older lady is in a wheelchair...tell them to mind their won business...If however, it makes her feel uncomfortable (maybe she doesn't like what people think) then I would say get her one of those motorized scooters. Its not such a stigma...and they're pretty cool too.

2nd: Looks like you have some terrific dinners planned...all at the perfect times! I would suggest taking her if possible to see Cirque du Soleil...it is great! A little bit of a walk (wheelchair or scooter imperative unless you take a cab to that part of Downtown Disney). I am a guy...and I thought it was good.

3rd: Maybe for dinner you may consider the Hoop-dee-doo Review or the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. Both are fun and have good food.

4th: Make good use of the attractions like Philharmagic, Country Bears, Tiki Room, Hall of Presidents (if its open, i thought I heard it was down for rehab...but I may be wrong), etc....they allow you to get out of the warm weather (it may be hot down there) and get off of your feet for a while...of course if she is in a wheel chair or scooter...it won't much matter...but still its a nice relief from heat.

5th: Have a good time and remember this trip is for her! Give her advice on what you think she would like and tell her why....I know you all will have a great time.

Johnny

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Good Show!

As Tigsmom and Swimmom have mentioned, with you going during the Christmas season, there are a whole lot of special events happening. See the following for a summary:

http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/holiday.htm :xmas:

If you are going Dec. 18, unfortunately you will miss MVMCP, but there is a lot else. IMHO, I like the idea of Brown Derby and Fantasmic...that is a great benefit of not having to get there 1 1/2 hours early and wait in line (plus Brown Derby food is great).

I would caution you as to Cali Grill and Wishes. Even though your time is right, due to possible delays there to PS, you may be in the middle of your meal or even on the opposite side of the restaurant. I believe that opportunity is highly overhyped and would suggest you be present in the park for the Wishes experience.

I would also suggest that you reconsider your PS at Rose and Crown for Illuminations. The Candelight Processional is occurring during this time, and I would suggest you do a dinner package for that that includes seating for the concert. As with California Grille, chances are you will be inside and tucked away so wouldn't really get to see much of Illuminations.

During the day at Epcot there are special performances and holiday events. Get the daily schedule for times when you enter the park. There is also the Osborne Lights at MGM that is something to behold...and a chance of snow there as well. There are special holiday parades at MGM and Animal Kingdom.

At Animal Kingdom, so see Festival of the Lion King, one of the best shows at WDW!

There is also wheelchair info at allearsnet:

http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/mobility.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/ecv_faq.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/ak/akjrms.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/ep/e_dis.htm

As far as some other opportunities, try to go to some of the other resorts to see their Christmas displays, including Wilderness Lodge (with dinner at Artist's Point [Better than California Grill IMHO]), Animal Kingdom Lodge (Boma or Jiko) or really any of the others!

Good luck, let us know how you make out. Sounds like a great Christmas present for both of you. :sohappy: :xmas:

 

[barnum42]

What a great gift! ((hugs)) to you for being so sweet.

Contact barnum42 for info on wheelchairs, he has used them in the past to help his mom around WDW and he has some great tips.

Thank you for that wonderful introduction and welcome to the Barnum42 Wheelchairs in Disneyworld show :lol:

I started a thread to debunk the myth that wheelchairs allowed you to jump the queues, which includes how wheelchairs access a number of attractions:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=42507

And my April May 2004 Trip report ramblings when I last went with my Mother is here:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=38554

My Mother can walk for a few minutes so she can get in and out when boarding rides and going to the bathroom. Most of The World is flat and your are young so you will have no problem pushing the chair.

Disney do special guides for special needs guests which you can pick up at guest relations, and I think you can download them from www.disneyworld.com.

The pair of you will have a great time. If you have any questions, ask away. :wave:

 

[Gracy_hm]

Thank's Very Much!

I have been overwelmed by the amount of responces and I cannot thank you for all the info.

It is official now that Candlelight Procession will be on the list along with F.O.T.L.K and I will be checking out those links posted thank you again. Sadly I don't have a digital camera but I will be trnfering my images digitally when developed so you can bet they will be posted.

Thank you to everyone! And I will give a full trip report on the 18-21

Thanks again!

Take care,
Kyle

 

[brkgnews]

Thought I'd pass along a few attraction sugestions. Keep in mind, all of these are "general" suggestions -- that is, I haven't checked to see if some of them are currently in rehab/refurb.

EPCOT...
Spaceship Earth -- usually a favorite of all ages, especially since it is a slow ride with some very neat history lessons hidden within.
All of the World Showcase movies (Reflections of China, O Canada, Impressions de France).
American Adventure -- great show and amazing Animatronics.
The boat ride at the Mexico pavillion. A very good alternative to It's A Small World, which is currently under rehab.

MK...
If Carousel of Progress is open, I'd advise taking in a show.
Hall of Presidents -- a classic.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority -- nice slow, elevated ride over tomorrowland.
Jungle Cruise -- corny jokes can't be beat.
Liberty Belle Steamboat.
Gotta make sure you see the fireworks from main street or the hub. It brings back memories of seeing the opening scenes of the Disney specials on TV.

MGM...
A lot of rough-and-tumble rides here, but there are still lots of stage shows to visit.
Also, if she's interested, there's a GREAT exhibit on Walt Disney himself.

ANIMAL KINGDOM...
Kilimanjaro safaris is a must -- you may want to ride it several times. (The animals are most active early in the morning or late in the day).
The two 'at your own pace' walking trails that offer great views of the animals.
Enjoy the trip -- I hope it meets up with your ten years of expectation. I love seeing the look in folks' eyes when they see the magic for the first time.

 

[Nicole]

Pop on over to the WDW Trip Reports forum and read Figmentmom's report of her trip to Disney with her dad. It has some great firsthand descriptions of traveling with an older person.

And hooray to you for doing this for your grandma. That's terrific. Take lots of pictures!!

 

[LilDucky]

Lastly I am thinking of renting a wheel chair but am a bit worried of what people will think...you see she can walk about a mile and will seem in perfect condition but if she walks more then that she will limp badly and have sharp pains in her back and feet and ultimatly will not be able to walk the rest of the day. I feel considering I walk on average 15 to 20 Miles a day at WDW it would be in her best interest to go via wheel chair. I just fear people will see her walking and think we are faking it or trying to con someone any suggestions?

Although my grandma is relatively strong, my grandpa cant do the walk either. My Grandpa is 73 and still works, so a vacation at disney should be just that: a vacation. He shouldnt have to exert himself, so we always put him in a wheelchair. Its nice that we can cut some of the lines, but my grandnpa has a very weak stomach so he ends up not riding lots of the rides (especially motion simulators!!) so in the end, we dont cut too many lines. Not to mention many of the lines are wheelchair accessible anyways.

Dont worry about other people. Instead of thinking badly, they should say "look at that wonderful grandson who takes his grandma to WDW" and pray that one day they will be just as lucky to have a grandchild like you.
:animwink: Have a great time!!!

 

[ClemsonTigger]

One additional thought of the seasonal variety...
Don't miss the Christmas verson of Country Bear Jamboree in MK...great fun.

As soon as you get there, you will forget you had any concern about wheelchairs. That's almost like saying you are concerned about having a stroller! :lol:

One other thing, be sure to pack some warmer clothes as the evenings can get rather chilly.

 

[Gracy_hm]

Thanks

Thank you very much I am making sure I take plenty of photos to post and I appriciate not only the great links and advice but also the kind words. I have passed on to my grandmother that there were people from all over the U.S and even people all the way over in the U.K hekping us plan which she seemed rather impressed with

Thanks again guys you have been more helpful then you know and allowed my to rest easy about the wheel chair.

Thanks again,
Kyle