gitana
Junior Member
Posts: 85 
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Post by gitana on Dec 2, 2015 1:03:06 GMT
My sister and I would like to take our Mom to NYC. We have both been, but she never has. Each of our daughters will tag along. Mom has limited mobility; standing is difficult as is walking long distances. We're willing to do what we must to get her to the top attractions (the basics: Statue of Liberty, Empire State Bldg, Central Park, etc), but we're not sure what our options are for transport. Any suggestions? Cabs all the time? Rent her a scooter?
Also, anyone have a hotel to recommend? When I went last (2009), we stayed at the Crowne Plaza in Times Square. The location was perfect. I think it's imperative to stay somewhere comparable - where there's lots to see/do near the hotel. Do you have a favorite?
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,620
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Dec 2, 2015 1:06:03 GMT
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Post by annabella on Dec 2, 2015 1:45:57 GMT
I would do a bus tour where you can sit on the upper deck and she just sees all the sites. Many subway stations do not have elevators so you should uber everywhere. Maybe buy her one of those light chairs you carry on your shoulder.
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gitana
Junior Member
Posts: 85
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Post by gitana on Dec 2, 2015 2:01:36 GMT
Thanks. A few references, but no encouragement. I'll keep looking! I would do a bus tour where you can sit on the upper deck and she just sees all the sites. Many subway stations do not have elevators so you should uber everywhere. Maybe buy her one of those light chairs you carry on your shoulder. We'll definitely do one of the busses. Those will be fun for the Tween/Teens also! |
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Post by supersoda on Dec 2, 2015 2:15:11 GMT
I think that will be tough. I jacked up my knee in NYC last summer and getting around for the rest of our trip was hard. The subway stairs were killer, and many stations do not have elevators.
I think you will have to use cabs or uber--but even that won't get you super close to all attractions, like the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. And there could be long queues even if you get curbside dropoff. I don't know how you would load a scooter into a cab--maybe rent a standard wheelchair instead? Maybe you could do a carriage ride to see Central Park?
I've stayed in the Marriott in Times Square, and it's a nice hotel in a great location if you want to be in TS. I sure wouldn't want to push a wheelchair through TS, though.
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Post by annabella on Dec 2, 2015 2:30:58 GMT
If you have to stand in line anywhere you have to be comfortable walking to the front of the line and explaining the situation and asking that your mother skip to the front. Really who is going to say no? I observed this once in an airport, a man pushing another man in a wheelchair waltzed his way to the front of the long elevator line (we all had luggage) and the check in counter. I was thinking ok well that guy is comfortably seated what is the rush?
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Dec 2, 2015 3:03:02 GMT
If you haven't already done so, take a look at the NYC forum on tripadvisor. It's a very active forum with helpful people; I think you would get some good info about your questions. I think some things might be a challenge and you might not be able to do all of what you want, but with some planning/research you can still have a good trip.
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Post by peasapie on Dec 2, 2015 3:16:07 GMT
This is a really helpful site:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2398251/Disabled-travel-Our-essential-guide-getting-New-York-wheelchair.html
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Rainbow
Pearl Clutcher
Where salt is in the air and sand is at my feet...
Posts: 4,103
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Post by Rainbow on Dec 2, 2015 3:29:12 GMT
If you have to stand in line anywhere you have to be comfortable walking to the front of the line and explaining the situation and asking that your mother skip to the front. Really who is going to say no? I observed this once in an airport, a man pushing another man in a wheelchair waltzed his way to the front of the long elevator line (we all had luggage) and the check in counter. I was thinking ok well that guy is comfortably seated what is the rush? |
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gitana
Junior Member
Posts: 85
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Post by gitana on Dec 2, 2015 3:30:19 GMT
This is a really helpful site:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2398251/Disabled-travel-Our-essential-guide-getting-New-York-wheelchair.html Thank you! That's what I've been searching for- someone who says "It's not ideal, but it can be done". I feel better now  Thanks for all of your suggestions. |
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AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Dec 2, 2015 4:07:34 GMT
Glad you found a good resource, and I agree that the NYC forum on Trip Adviser can be very helpful.
The Statue of Liberty trip makes for a very, very long day. Lots of lines and security checks. Another idea is just to take the (free!) Staten Island Ferry, see the statue from the water, and then turn right around and do it again on the way back.
Would your mom enjoy a regular sightseeing cruise?
I'm not at all a fan of Times Square, but I once stayed in the Hampton Times Square North, which is kind of in the "backyard" of Times Square, so less hectic. If you want to share beds, they have queens, which aren't common in NYC - and the rooms are larger-than-normal by NYC standards.
I love to stay on the Upper West Side. Still close to a lot of things (especially the park), but much less busy and touristy. More real New Yorkers. I stayed in the Lucerne.
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