Now I see that you are thinking of paying for preferred parking. I’ve not seen where that is, but the walking and standing once out of the garage will be the same.
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I do love your perspective!
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If the rideshare drop off is that much closer, it may be worth me exiting the park, putting them in a rideshare, then re-entering. Whatever is the least walking for mom.
My understanding of preferred parking is that it’s the spots closest to the security or tram (I don’t know what the order of events is!)
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I do think it will feel closer, but maybe technically not. If you order the Uber on the way to the drop-off, you may not be waiting long at the curb.
Shorter walk to the tram loading for sure, but then you have to stand waiting for the tram and then walk to your car (which may not be far from the tram at all depending on the parking spot).
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I hunted around on line. AI says the Preferred parking spots are next to the elevators. I couldn’t find their source for that, but it makes sense. There are limited spaces, so best not to be too late into the garage, which is enormous.
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My sleuthing (aka AI) has resulted in similar findings.
We will leave the hotel 6:45, 7:00 at latest, and head for Mickey and Friends garage. Get preferred parking which is supposed to be close to elevator or escalator. Take tram (standing and waiting is easier for Mom compared to walking), head to taps (I have enough MB+ for everyone since you can “reassign” ones used at WDW, so that will make taps and LL simpler IMO). Goal to be in Fantasyland by 8:15-8:30 and start churning the dark rides and Canal boats.
Pick up snacks to take into the 10:15 Storytelling at Royal Theater.
Use attractions like Tiki Room, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the Railroad, the Monorail, the Riverboat (or better yet, the Sailing Ship Columbia if it’s available), and live musical entertainment to sit and rest for mom.
Bengal BBQ for lunch. If we really need a sit down indoor break I’ll try the walk up lists for Carnation cafe (they actually have tons of resis open), blue Bayou (for the ambiance), or Cafe Orleans. We’re used to eating outside of peak hours, an 11 am lunch or 2 pm lunch is fine.
From there we’ll see how long my mom can last. It’ll really depend on the heat and she just varies by the day. If I could convince her to do a regular wheelchair I would (an ECV will stress her out in an unfamiliar park).
I’ll try to get and use a LL for IJA before 12-1pm if I can, and otherwise stack stuff for the late afternoon/evening). Looking at Thrill Data I’m super encouraged that LL return times tend to be so much closer compared to WDW, and with a little refresh (and BG1!) I can work that system.
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It’s getting close! Hope you have a great time. Let us know if there are any other last-minute questions.
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That could be a great option. My sister has a bum ankle and often rents a scooter. When I went with her in Nov, she said she could do without it. After a day of taking baby steps so not to outpace her, I suggested we check on a scooter rental. They were all out but had push wheel chairs. She rented and I pushed. I was happy to be able to move faster than a snail, and she was happy to be off her ankle. We had a blast. It was a workout to get past Tiana’s Bayou because of the slight incline (and holding her back coming downhill, with us laughing), but totally worth the minor charge for it.
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We just did a trip focused on unique items- also a frequent WDW person. It was fantastic- your plan looks great. enjoy!
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Any recs for restaurants in the area?
You mean off property, right? Depending on what you like, but my DH and I have enjoyed several meals at the Mimi’s Cafe, across from the Howard Johnson hotel on Harbor. They have good food and service, serve alcohol, and it’s not super noisy like so many restaurants are. Also not crowded. I had a fish dinner there once that I couldn’t stop thinking about. There’s a parking lot, too.
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Awesome yes I’m ok with on or off property. I am seeing how expensive parking can be everywhere and I’ll need to calculate when rideshare is cheaper than the parking fee. I can’t wait!
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Hey! I know you are at a memorial service today, but when you get a chance, I’m anxious to hear how it all went. Looks like the heat was pretty intense, which can really drain you, but crowds were light (supposedly). Did everyone have a good time? How did the parking and walking work out for your mom?
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Hey all.
Short version, my sister and I had a nice but shortened visit. We did a lot from 3-9:30 pm.
Medium length version, upon entering the park Mom fell and hit her face/mouth. While we were dealing with copious amounts of blood and evaluating next steps, Dad lost consciousness for about 30 seconds. He got himself an ambulance ride to the ED.
So far workup has been fairly unremarkable, which is good. Mom is no longer allowed to walk anywhere that isn’t familiar and flat.
I could use some help - the RN who helped my parents gave me an email address to contact (dlr.guest.claims@disney.com) and see if anything could be done about my parents essentially unused tickets. I’ve emailed twice to no avail…I realize they may not do anything, but they have documentation of both my parents names and addresses and the fact that one left in an ambulance and the other left via wheelchair to be transported to the emergency dentist. I’d take anything I can get, even a partial credit towards future use. Any ideas for me?
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Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear all that unfolded - one medical emergency is quite enough, world! I’m glad that the work-up hasn’t revealed anything new and troubling, but poor you and your family. 
I don’t have any advice or suggestions re: dealing with the tickets but I’m certain that some other folks here will.
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What a nightmare! Glad you and sister were able to enjoy some park time at least.
Regarding refunds, you should be able to get credit when you buy tickets next time. See if they will allow you to apply the cost to your purchase. It is complicated by the fact that it was used for entry, so it may not be automatic. (Usually the CM on the phone can do it easily for wholly unused tickets.) you may have to wait to get a response via email.
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Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry it all turned so bad. What a nightmare.
All I can say about hearing back from Guest relations is don’t give up hope. Any time I’ve emailed Disney, I eventually hear back. Knowing them, they may be consulting with their legal department to make sure they don’t say anything that might be used in a lawsuit, even where none is justified. I’d give it 30 days from your last email, and just make sure your email doesn’t give them any reason to think you may be looking to them for anything other than ticket refunds, just as a courtesy from them. Technically, they don’t owe that to anyone once they enter the gate, but hopefully they’ll have some compassion.
I hope both of your parents are feeling better.
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