80 somethings at the GF

[smwf71]

My grandmother (83) and her best friend since fourth grade (84) are going to the GF in early March. This has just come about as I suggested it as a great trip because of all of the conveniences of a Disney vaca. They have a one day park ticket and ten nights at the GF. They are on the regular dining plan. They are both mobile, but 84 uses a cane. 83 loves flowers, art, theatre (musicals) and shopping. They have vacationed in various destinations for many years and both have been to WDW with their late husbands. I will be arranging their details and would like to make it the trip of a lifetime. One event / day is about all they can handle - otherwise they'll read and people watch. So, what restayrants do you think they should not miss? Also, any free things you can suggest at the GF or nearby? All ideas welcome! I plan to print this thread for them because I know you all are the experts. TIA!

 

[Brizite76]

I think they would definitely like the tea at the Garden View Tea Lounge at the GF. You do need an ADR for it.
I hope they have a great time!

 

[Taja]

If they feel up to it, a tour of the monorail resorts. They could visit the Poly one day, and CR another day. And possibly Wilderness Lodge, although they would have to monorail, then ferry.

The refurbed 1900 Park Fare is supposed to be quite nice for a buffet. It definitely was one of the better ones prior to the refurbishment. And it's right at the GF!

I'm the worst person to recommend dining. I like everything very plain and very simple! *LOL*

 

[smwf71]

Thank you - they will definitely tour those resorts. I am nervous about a buffet because of 84 and her cane, but I called WDW-DINE and they said the server or someone could help her. Good to know about the tea - I told her about it the other day - it's not on the DP, but I think it will be a nice treat. Thank you all - keep the wonderful ideas coming!

 

[BCV23]

I agree with the tea. Should be a lot of fun for them.

The Grand Floridian Cafe is a lovely restaurant. We prefer it for a quiet lunch. Good food and in the daytime the views are so pretty.

Citricos and Narcoosee's are both really nice restaurants for dinner. Victoria & Alberts is absolutely wonderful.

One nice thing about the monorail is that it makes it so easy to visit the other resorts and dine there as well. At the Polynesian, Kona Cafe is great at all three meals. California Grill is excellent for dinner. We like to go early as soon as it opens as it is more quiet then.

In the afternoon and evenings, there is live music in the lobby. It's a wonderful place to just sit and enjoy.

If stepping down a foot or so into the launches wouldn't be too much for either of them, it's fun to ride those. The route is MK>GF>Polynesian. It's lovely on a beautiful day and magical at night.

 

[smwf71]

That is a great idea to ride the boats at night - they would enjoy seeing the resort from the water I am sure. Glad to hear you like the GF Cafe - is it OK for dinner, too? I was thinking out of their 10 table service meals, I'd probably schedule two or three there.

What does anyone think about the Hoop De Doo or Cirque? Too difficult to get to?

I Cali. Grill one or two credits - I forget.

Thanks all - they will so appreciate the help and advice.

 

[hoosll]

Ride the boat over, it is GREAT!

Also, La Nouba at DTD, they will be blown away! Not cheap but worth every penny. Have the grandkids buy them tickies for XMAS.

Have lunch or dinner at Whispering Canyon at WL - ride boat to MK, then boat to WL - ask for ketchup !!!!!

Petting zoo at Fort Wilderness - head over before Hoop de doo and watch the kids interact with horses, etc.

Ride the monorail to TTC, change trains and ride out to Epcot, even if they don't do the park, great ride!

Order First timer badges for them to wear!

They will LOVE GF, sit in the lobby and enjoy, get some chairs overlooking the wedding chapel and watch the action, I would even stroll over and ask for a tour.

Ride the bus to MGM and then catch the boat from MGM to Epcot, beautiful ride and you can get off at any of the resorts, I recommend they stop at the Boardwalk.

Foot massage at the GF Spa.

Great thing about their AGE, they can get away with anything.

 

[LindaBabe]

If they're going Late in March, the Flower and garden show is on in EPCOT. I urge them to rent and use an ecv for it - epcot is HUGE and lots of walking - even going slow, they'll be exhausted.

 

[believen]

My mom(70) and Aunt (66)enjoyed riding in the front of the monorail. I hadn't originally even thought to mention it, but we were there one morning and no one was waiting for it, so I asked. The CM was wonderful. Everone was extremely helpful to my Mom and Aunt and they require a bit of attention! My Mom talks to everyone and my Aunt walks with a cane. They really loved all the "special treatment" they recieved. They wore the 1st visit buttons every day. It was a lot of the little things like that, that surprised me the most. Tell them to ask for help if they need it, We got some very nice Cm's who went out of their way to make sure they were having a magical trip-just because we asked for info. We enjoyed every meal, but they are very easy to please when it comes to food. They never understood the credits on the DDP, I had to keep a list and check it off, None of us wanted to be shorted a snack!! They also travel frequently and loved the whole WDW experience. I'm sure they will have a great time.

 

[smwf71]

I saw that the Flower show starts March 19th - they come home on the 11th, but I'll bet if they planned an Epcot visit late in their trip, they'd be able to at least see some set up.

I think I will send them to Hoop De Doo - they will have to walk up a flight to get the second tier seating since they're on the DP, but maybe they'll look like they could use help and if there's room, they'll put them on the floor.

Love the first visit buttons, but they've both been there. In fact 83 took 11 of us on the DCL 7 day western for her 80th b-day. She's very generous!

Wish there was, "take good care of me, my grandchildren are at home " buttons!

I will have our TA make special notes on their ressie to have them checked on or whatever - maybe something magical will happen!

Thanks to all - keep those ideas coming - esp GF things. As you can see in my siggie, I'm a value girl - though when I'm 83 I hope to be hitting the deluxes!

Thanks again!

 

[ccigliano]

Wow - I hope I'm still going to Disney when I'm 84. If they do end up at the California Grill (2 credits) then schedule dinner about an hour before Wishes at MK. They can watch the fireworks while dining as they pipe in the sound to go along with the fireworks. We were lucky enough to get a table by the window overlooking the castle and didn't even have to get up to see the fireworks while eating our pistachio creme brulee. Also, before the dining plan I always had one dinner at Artist Point (2 credits) during my stay at the WL. If they don't mind spending 2 credits twice or maybe pay out of pocket this is another great place. They could take the monorail to the MK and then the boat to the WL and tell them to take some time and sit a while by the fireplace in the lobby and leisurely stroll the grounds as they are enchanting. They should definitely tour the monorail resorts and I recommend dining at O'Hana's at Poly and maybe they'd want to try a character dinner at Chef Mickey at CR. Other than that - they should sit by the pool with a fufu drink and relax.

 

[smwf71]

84 is getting cold feet. She is hesitant to pay that much, but will since that's what 83 wants to do. Know my g-ma (83) wants to go and thinks it's a fun idea. They have to pay their $200 down by 11/27/07. Wondering the best way to convince her that she will be able to get anywhere and that she won't regret the "magic" that Disney offers. They both have saved well throughout their adult lives and can afford this splurge. I will be scheduling some two credits - which is best (they're not super adventurous food wise)?I'd love for them to see WL. Whispering Canyon may be too noisy for them. So, some pixie dust to them that they make the right decision.

 

[ccigliano]

If not the GF, definitely convince them to stay at a monorail resort or the WL as the monorail is easy to navigate and opens them up to so many different dining oportunities. I added the WL for two reasons (less expensive) and it is just a boat ride from the monorail. If they have all that time on their hands as they are only in the parks a couple of days - they can leisurely boat over to the monorail and visit those resorts for lunch and dinner.

 

[smwf71]

Good point on the WL - maybe I should price that for curiousity's sake.

 

[Chrisypoo]

Maybe they could go one day to the AKL? They have guided tours of the African artifacts around the hotel and a tour of Boma (with tastings), too. Plus there are all the animals to see, with wonderful sitting/watching places all over the hotel.

 

[NeverSayNever]

No expert here but some thoughts...

1. If they are not staying conceige you may want to request a ground floor room for them. It jsut makes life a little easier, maybe a little less walking and no elevators to deal with. Also, if they have any mobility issues request a handicap room.. or if a regular room do they need a seat for the bath. Request a building that is closer to the main building.

2. We had dinner at the GF Cafe in Sept... and thought it was wonderful. I would reccomend it... and would have no trouble eating there more then one night out of ten.

3. Besides the spa... (and I would suggest a manicure or pedicure) there is also a hair salon within the main building... maybe they will want to get their hair done.

4. Have flowers sent to their room, maybe some cookies or similiar treat.

5. Sitting outside Gasparilla's for the fireworks is really nice even if no sound.

6. The day they go the park... use an ECV.

7. If traveling to other resorts for dinner or event use a taxi and not the buses if the budget allows.


I think it is absolutely wonderful that they are going!!

Best,

 

[Eeyore2003]

Since the one lady like musicals,
Would they like the Hoop de Doo Musical Review. I'm not sure but I think the boat goes there, but I'm not sure of the walk from the boat area.

Definitely the afternoon tea.

Definitely Grand Floridian Cafe

And I'm sure they'd enjoy the music in the lobby and people watch there, always something going on, like weddings and family get togethers

All great ideas so far!!!

 

[BuzzandAriel'smom]

Definitely go to AKL! The hotel is beautiful, the shop is neat and they can see the animals or sit in one of the big rockers and relax. There are lots of activities there like firepit storytelling at night and it is a peaceful environment.

 

[praline3001]

Not sure if this was mentioned but the Electric Water parade floats right by the GF every night. I bet they would like viewing it outside with a nice coffee one evening.

Coffee is REALLY good at the Kona cafe (Poly)

They could take the bus (or cab as the cabs are 10-15 bucks) to DTD and do some shopping.

If its warm enough, they could rent a cabana at the GF and hang out in the shade by the pool all day. There are pics on the GF thread of this.

I am not sure of the schedule, but a few times a week the maids at the GF do a little parade to work in the mornings. I have never seen it but have seen pics. They have little umbrellas and everything... CUTE

I am not sure how much they have to spend but the boat tours for the fireworks are out of this world. I did the one at Illuminations a few years back and it was the BEST way to view fireworks as NO CROWDS to fight. I bet this would be perfect for elderly ladies. For the illuminations tour, we went to the YC docs and boarded. I am not sure if the GF has one for the MK fireworks but I am pretty sure they do. This way they don't have to walk into the parks and fight for a good seat =)

For more GF check out the GF FAQ thread. They have some wonderful pics and info on it

 

[smwf71]

Well, 83 bought her plane tix today, so I guesss it's happening - your ideas are really super. I think I will start planning restaurants officially now. I will hope that they will just be able to take their time getting to all the different places and that will be enough excitement. I love that suggestion of watching the maids - I saw that pic, too. I think the nostalgic feel of the GF will be perfect for them.

Does anyone have any experience doing buffets with someone who needs assistance (ie 84 w/ her cane?) Will lean heavily toward true sit down table service, but I thought 1900 Park Faire or Boma might be nice, too.

Thanks again to you all. I am going to read about that sharing an illuminations cruise stuff.