My Eighty-something year old Mom's FIRST trip to Disney!! What Should We do First?! - The DIS Discussion Forums

Sorcerer Mom · 05-04-2012, 07:48 PM

My Mom has NEVER been to Disneyland or Disney World!!

She doesn't travel often and is here for only a short visit to see my daughter graduate college so I'm sneaking in a quick trip to DL. We're driving to CA early AM staying at the GC and then home the next day. Any thoughts, suggestions, or tips to make her trip extra special would be appreciated.

Minnie Loves Mickey · 05-04-2012, 08:03 PM

Is she in a wheelchair? There is a lot of walking and standing at Disneyland we brought my mother in Dec. and the Wheelchair was a life saver.

Sorcerer Mom · 05-04-2012, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minnie Loves Mickey

Is she in a wheelchair? There is a lot of walking and standing at Disneyland we brought my mother in Dec. and the Wheelchair was a life saver.

No; thankfully, she's quite active but I do still get concerned about that. It's just her and I so we can take our time. I did have a very kind CM suggest asking for a Guest Assistance Pass at City Hall so if she does tire after standing a long time, that would help with ride lines and to also secure her a bench seat at WOC.

yoyo93 · 05-04-2012, 08:17 PM

One thing you can do is get the 'First Visit' buttons, from City hall. It's free and a fun little keepsake for her

PinkBudgie · 05-04-2012, 10:01 PM

If it was me, I'd take her to Fantasyland first. Peter Pan, SW, Toad, and then over to IASW. Then over to HM and Jungle Cruise. Also POTC while over there to avoid a lot of extra walking. Later on, the DL train and Lincoln. A sit down lunch at Cafe Orleans might be a nice break. The subs are cute and a classic DL attration (even if re-done) if she can go down the stairs in the sub. That is a long slow line though. The Pooh ride is also cute, but rather far back in the park. You could do lunch at the Hungry Bear instead and have a nice relaxing meal by the water, then head over to Pooh.

At DCA, I'd stop by the Animation building, Monsters, and maybe Aladdin if it was running. To me, DL would be the priority though because of its history.

Oh, a picture with a character would be a fun souvenier to take home.

prexplore · 05-04-2012, 10:03 PM

I think you should take her to see Festival of the Lion King, because it is awesome!

Susie63 · 05-04-2012, 11:07 PM

First thing in the morning go to the train station at the main entrance and see if the Lily Belle will be available.That would certainly be extra special and the give you a time to return so no waiting around.

krispin41 · 05-05-2012, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susie63

First thing in the morning go to the train station at the main entrance and see if the Lily Belle will be available.That would certainly be extra special and the give you a time to return so no waiting around.

That would be my suggestion as well. And then head into FantasyLand. A Meal at the Blue Bayou would be nice, and of course, don't forget to get her a set of Mickey Ears!! (I like the classic ears, but whatever you choose, I'd get her name embroidered on them as well.)

sonnyjane · 05-05-2012, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prexplore

I think you should take her to see Festival of the Lion King, because it is awesome!

... And located on the other side of the continent from Disneyland...

pixiemomof3 · 05-05-2012, 01:24 AM

Def do the tiki tiki room!

msheriffm · 05-05-2012, 01:26 AM

My parents have taken our family several times to DL, we live in SF Bay Area. My mom's favorite by far is It's a Small World go early the line gets long. They also enjoy the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Carribean. There is a restaurant in the Pirates of Car. called the Blue Byue (sorry about my spelling). I think it is really special as do my parents. If I were you I would make a reservation for 2:00-3:00 during the heat of the day. It would give your mom a break and time for both of you to cool down. My mom and I are not ride people but she really enjoys watching all the kids, not just mine, enjoying their day. As for California Ad. I would only recommend two things highly The Aladdin Show (it is very professionally done) good during the heat of the day and Soar'n over California (get a fast pass). Oh, I almost forgot the parade and fireworks show at Disneyland are two more things my mom loves watching. One trip my dad had gout and used a cane (now he takes it every trip). He thinks people give him more space and don't bump into him. It also gave us the ability to get on the rides quicker. Have a great trip!

starshine514 · 05-05-2012, 01:26 AM

It depends on the type of woman she is, what sort of health problems she has, and what her interests are. My mom is only in her 70s, but has health issues including some vision problems, so she doesn't like pirates or peter pan b/c they are too dark. She loves IASW and Soarin and also enjoys the Storybookland Canal Boats, the Casey Jr Circus Train, Alice in Wonderland, the Mark Twain, the Jungle Cruise, Toy Story Mania, the Little Mermaid, the Disneyland Railroad - oh, and she loves the fireworks.

My dad on the other hand, rides everything (including Screamin'), so the interest of the demographic can vary greatly!

People have given some great ideas (Lilly Belle, first visit button, Mickey ears). Be sure to get a photo of the two of you in front of the castle as well as with a character - those classics are pretty neat.

PinkBudgie · 05-05-2012, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonnyjane

... And located on the other side of the continent from Disneyland...

Talk about a lot of walking!

starshine514 · 05-05-2012, 09:15 AM

I would suggest doing Peter Pan (if you're going to ride it) and then the Storybookland Canal boats (if they are open, they sometimes don't open until an hour after the park is open) first. The lines for both attractions build and will be quite long in the afternoon if you wait to experience them.

PineapplePrincessCA · 05-05-2012, 09:19 AM

Take the train around the park!

When I was a child, we always used to do this first. Such a great way to pick up on the energy of the park!!

05-04-2012, 07:48 PM	#1
Sorcerer Mom Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 445	My Eighty-something year old Mom's FIRST trip to Disney!! What Should We do First?! My Mom has NEVER been to Disneyland or Disney World!! She doesn't travel often and is here for only a short visit to see my daughter graduate college so I'm sneaking in a quick trip to DL. We're driving to CA early AM staying at the GC and then home the next day. Any thoughts, suggestions, or tips to make her trip extra special would be appreciated. __________________ WDW: 2001, 2008, 2011 DL: 2002, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07,08, 09, 11, 12 DCL: 6/15/08, our 1st Magical Cruise, DCL: 1/2/10, our 2nd MAGICal Cruise, DCL: 1/2/12, our 3rd WONDERful Cruise; DCL: 6/23/12, our FANTASY cruise

05-04-2012, 08:03 PM	#2
Minnie Loves Mickey We Love Disney!!! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 293	Is she in a wheelchair? There is a lot of walking and standing at Disneyland we brought my mother in Dec. and the Wheelchair was a life saver. __________________ Me, DH, DD(27), DSIL(28), DD(25), (DD20)

05-04-2012, 08:17 PM	#4
yoyo93 DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Nevada Posts: 2,807	One thing you can do is get the 'First Visit' buttons, from City hall. It's free and a fun little keepsake for her __________________ Say you'll share with me, one love, one lifetime. Lead me save me from my solitude. Say you want me with you here beside you. Anywhere you go, let me go too. That's all I ask of you.

05-04-2012, 10:01 PM	#5
PinkBudgie Expert Disneyland Snowball Maker I've been wearing my LGMH for several years now Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: N.California Posts: 5,792	If it was me, I'd take her to Fantasyland first. Peter Pan, SW, Toad, and then over to IASW. Then over to HM and Jungle Cruise. Also POTC while over there to avoid a lot of extra walking. Later on, the DL train and Lincoln. A sit down lunch at Cafe Orleans might be a nice break. The subs are cute and a classic DL attration (even if re-done) if she can go down the stairs in the sub. That is a long slow line though. The Pooh ride is also cute, but rather far back in the park. You could do lunch at the Hungry Bear instead and have a nice relaxing meal by the water, then head over to Pooh. At DCA, I'd stop by the Animation building, Monsters, and maybe Aladdin if it was running. To me, DL would be the priority though because of its history. Oh, a picture with a character would be a fun souvenier to take home. __________________ My reviews: Embassy Suites South http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2220664 Candy Cane Inn http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2532780 Goofy's Kitchen for Couples Reviewhttp://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2968463

05-04-2012, 10:03 PM	#6
prexplore FASTPASS FANATIC Join Date: May 2012 Location: Kissimmee, Florida Posts: 15	Dak I think you should take her to see Festival of the Lion King, because it is awesome!

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05-04-2012, 11:07 PM	#7
Susie63 Dreamin' of Disney Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Grande Prairie,Alberta Posts: 1,176	First thing in the morning go to the train station at the main entrance and see if the Lily Belle will be available.That would certainly be extra special and the give you a time to return so no waiting around. __________________ http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3040520[/url] First trip to Disneyland Feb 6-14,2010 DLH Jan 31-Feb 11,2013 Grand Californian Villas Jan 23-Feb 2,2014 Me DH DD 11

05-05-2012, 01:24 AM	#10
pixiemomof3 Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Citrus Heights , California Posts: 171	Def do the tiki tiki room!

05-05-2012, 01:26 AM	#11
msheriffm Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 224	My parents have taken our family several times to DL, we live in SF Bay Area. My mom's favorite by far is It's a Small World go early the line gets long. They also enjoy the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Carribean. There is a restaurant in the Pirates of Car. called the Blue Byue (sorry about my spelling). I think it is really special as do my parents. If I were you I would make a reservation for 2:00-3:00 during the heat of the day. It would give your mom a break and time for both of you to cool down. My mom and I are not ride people but she really enjoys watching all the kids, not just mine, enjoying their day. As for California Ad. I would only recommend two things highly The Aladdin Show (it is very professionally done) good during the heat of the day and Soar'n over California (get a fast pass). Oh, I almost forgot the parade and fireworks show at Disneyland are two more things my mom loves watching. One trip my dad had gout and used a cane (now he takes it every trip). He thinks people give him more space and don't bump into him. It also gave us the ability to get on the rides quicker. Have a great trip!

05-05-2012, 01:26 AM	#12
starshine514 DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,135	It depends on the type of woman she is, what sort of health problems she has, and what her interests are. My mom is only in her 70s, but has health issues including some vision problems, so she doesn't like pirates or peter pan b/c they are too dark. She loves IASW and Soarin and also enjoys the Storybookland Canal Boats, the Casey Jr Circus Train, Alice in Wonderland, the Mark Twain, the Jungle Cruise, Toy Story Mania, the Little Mermaid, the Disneyland Railroad - oh, and she loves the fireworks. My dad on the other hand, rides everything (including Screamin'), so the interest of the demographic can vary greatly! People have given some great ideas (Lilly Belle, first visit button, Mickey ears). Be sure to get a photo of the two of you in front of the castle as well as with a character - those classics are pretty neat. __________________ (me) (DH) (DD8) (DD6) - - - - First trip to Disneyland in 25 yrs trip report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2725606 Disneyland Trips - May 2011 - Desert Inn & Suites, August 2011 - Super 8 on Katella, November 2011 - Desert Inn & Suites, December 2011 - Quality Inn on Manchester, January 2012 - Desert Inn & Suites, March 2012 - Desert Inn & Suites, May 2012 - Del Sol Inn, September 2012 - Del Sol Inn, November 2012 - Del Sol Inn, January 2013 - Ramada Maingate, February 2013 - Quality Inn on Manchester, April 2013 - Del Sol Inn Disney World Trips - July 1988, January 2010

05-05-2012, 09:15 AM	#14
starshine514 DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,135	I would suggest doing Peter Pan (if you're going to ride it) and then the Storybookland Canal boats (if they are open, they sometimes don't open until an hour after the park is open) first. The lines for both attractions build and will be quite long in the afternoon if you wait to experience them. __________________ (me) (DH) (DD8) (DD6) - - - - First trip to Disneyland in 25 yrs trip report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2725606 Disneyland Trips - May 2011 - Desert Inn & Suites, August 2011 - Super 8 on Katella, November 2011 - Desert Inn & Suites, December 2011 - Quality Inn on Manchester, January 2012 - Desert Inn & Suites, March 2012 - Desert Inn & Suites, May 2012 - Del Sol Inn, September 2012 - Del Sol Inn, November 2012 - Del Sol Inn, January 2013 - Ramada Maingate, February 2013 - Quality Inn on Manchester, April 2013 - Del Sol Inn Disney World Trips - July 1988, January 2010

05-05-2012, 09:19 AM	#15
PineapplePrincessCA Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 379	Take the train around the park! When I was a child, we always used to do this first. Such a great way to pick up on the energy of the park!! __________________

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