Adults traveling with senior parents - anyone else?

[AnninIowa]

I am 33 and my dad is 75 - it's been just the two of us since my mom died when I was six. We've been to WDW twice and are going back this coming April! Wondering if other adults here travel with their parents and any challenges you face. My main challenge is making sure I don't push my dad too hard - he needs a nap in the afternoon (heck, I need a nap, too).

 

[wasabi girl]

I am planning a sort of family reunion trip for next Sept. I'm going with my daughters (20s) and my folks (63, 72). I'm trying not to schedule too much in each day for us, if we have a late dinner, then the next day we will not be going on an early morning behind the scenes tour. I'm also planning to rent an ECV for my Dad (73) who has a blood disorder that greatly limits his stamina.

It is really different taking into consideration my parents limitations. I usually travel with my daughters and I'm the one who get tired.

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who loves sharing Disney with senior parents...

 

[kmmccart75]

My husband and I are taking my mother, who is 61, almost 62, to Disneyworld in late October. We are going for a week, and she will be with us for the first 4 nights. We are lucky, she is in very good shape and can keep up with us - in fact, sometimes she can outdo us!

She is a little less adventurous when it comes to eating, but can always find something. We scheduled mostly less exotic places for the nights she is there, but she did want to try Jiko. Believe it or not, she still loves the thrill rides - she is most looking forward to Rock n Roller Coaster and Mission: SPACE. That's probably the hardest thing on me - it worries me a little that those rides will be too much for her, but after all, she's an adult!

My husband and I laugh that taking her places is sort of like having a kid - she often walks behind us, looking around at everything, and she's just under 5 feet tall, so I am always glancing back over my shoulder like a mom. Also, she likes for us to just take care of all reservations, transportation, etc., and she just shows up.

We are sort of carrying on a tradition, because when my mom was in her 40s and 50s, she used to take her parents to Disney.

 

[Love2Tvl1]

First, to previous poster, 61 is not so very decrepit, you know. I'm 59 and just came back from a solo trip 3 weeks ago, and managed quite well, if I do say so myself.
I admire your mom. You won't believe how fast the next 30 years go by, and then you'll think back about how you thought about being 60+ and laugh.
In 2005 I took my then 92 year old father to WDW and we had a great time. He got around really well, and he refused to use an ECV, but did hold on to me alot. I spoke to him before I left on my recent trip, and sadly, he doesn't even remember that we took the trip, but I do, and I'm so glad I have those memories. Thanks dad.
Andrea

 

[daisax]

I've gone with my mom several times in her 60s. She's 70 now and "Disney'ed out" for the time being. She doesn't do the thrill rides, and she's been with the grandchildren, so she's sitting a few trips out.

We just take a break mid-day, but then I plan on doing so even on this next solo trip. I think it makes a very big difference on my ability to enjoy the parks -- instead of soldiering straight through and conking out at 3 or 4, by breaking at 1 or two and going back at 5, I can do two rather long park sessions in one day.

When Mom's been with me, some of the days she'd choose to stay at the resortin the morning and relax, then go out with me after lunch, or stay in after lunch and meet me for dinner. We could then do rides and shows she didn't care about and she could catch up on her soaps, read by the pool, and we'd be able to catch up over lunch or dinner.

Fortunately we're both morning people, so she was far easier to get to park openings than my sister and her kids, who have to be pried out of bed with a crowbar!

 

[kmmccart75]

First, to previous poster, 61 is not so very decrepit, you know. I'm 59 and just came back from a solo trip 3 weeks ago, and managed quite well, if I do say so myself.
I admire your mom. You won't believe how fast the next 30 years go by, and then you'll think back about how you thought about being 60+ and laugh.

Oh, I certainly meant no offense!! And thanks, I admire my mom, too!

I definitely don't consider my mom decrepit - she's in really great shape, she's just not as strong as she used to be and I worry a little about her getting banged around on the intense rides - after all, they bang me around! I would love to be in as good of shape as her 30 years from now!

I also have a grandmother who turned 97 this summer and she is in awesome shape too, still able to take care of her house by herself, and sharp as a tack. I don't think she's ever been to Disney, but she has never been one for traveling.

 

[Love2Tvl1]

I was gently pulling your leg, but I do agree about the more intense rides. I have to avoid them because of problems with my neck, but the spirit is still willing. I just don't want to pay for it by ruining the rest of my trip. Test Track is as intense as I can take it now. When I was younger, Space Mountain was my favorite ride, but the one time my mom went on it with me, it took her a while to get over it. The last time I was on it, I decided not to try it again, and thought about her, and understood what she was feeling back then.
Andrea

 

[Glendamax]

I've been with my Mother who is in her late 60's. She's in good health, so there were no obstacles at all. The last time we went together, I wrote a trip report. Here's the link http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1226263

 

[Flyin2MCO]

Took my mom (early 60s) along with us to WDW last year. We tour commando style (13 hour days, no breaks except for meals and park hopping travel), and she kept up with us every step of the way. She is fact was more interested in doing thrill rides at each of the parks than others in our party. We were running short of time at Animal Kingdom and she was bummed out that we couldn't do Expedition Everest.

Barring any real physical issues or limitations, I really do think age is a state of mind.

 

[Love2Tvl1]

Good for her!! Give her a pat on the back from me!

 

[WDWFRV]

We went with my parents in 2004 (65 then) and my dad had the gout, so he did not walk a lot, we had to rent a wheelchair for my mon but my dad ended using it and my mom was fine.

We are going for Halloween (my husband and I and my sister and her two children, 12 and 8) and bringing my mom who is now 68 but we will take it easy. She enjoys so much being with us and her grandchildren (she lives for us) and plus she is making our Halloween costume so I think that she deserves this trip as much as we do. I know that it breaks her heart when she cannot come with us on trips, but this time she will so I am glad about that.

 

[spiceycat]

use to take my mother on most of my trips. when she memory start to go - she couldn't travel anymore.

she gets very upset, scarey and attacks me (or anyone) when she doesn't know where she is.

so no more trips for her.

I agree with everyone your parents might surprise you - what they can do.

at 75 mother rode on everything except the RR. she never did RR even when she was younger. She did do Mission:Space - you know the ride at Epcot that has killed people (okay BIG health problems they didn't know about)

she loved it. well the take off - she didn't like the mars part. say that was boring. but she didn't participate - makes it more fun if you participate.

 

[lustergirl]

great thread: I just posted something similar in the theme parks forum. I plan taking my moms next april for the flower festival in epcot- it will be just the 2 of us going. My moms is 79 years old and will have trouble walking great distance so I plan on renting her a wheelchair from a local orlando company. This will be her first time going to the world and I know she will enjoy it.

 

[dunbarfamily]

We've taken my grandmother on three trips with us, Nov '05 (she was 77), in Dec '06 (78) and then just this Sept, at age 79.

She keeps up with us just fine, and sometimes is ready for more before we are! She loves Disney, and loves to see the kids having fun.

I do get a little nervous with her ride choices, like riding Mission Space, but she is an adult and is perfectly capable of making her own decisions. I'm just a worry wart! Our last trip she reminded me that she's a grown-up now!

This is a great thread!

 

[AnninIowa]

Great responses! What is funny is that going to Disney is supposed to be "for me"....yet whose idea is it to go again next year? My dad's! For me, of course!!

One of my favorite memories is coming out of the restroom in Liberty Square to see my dad smiling and swaying a bit watching Woody and Friends do the hokey pokey!

My dad loves Small World, too. He did feel that Test Track was too intense, and we are both a bit whimpy on drops so no more Splash Mountain! I also avoid Star Tours and Dinosaur. However, despite skipping the big thrill rides, there is still more to do than not.

Oh, Cirque du Soleil is also great for adults - we both love it!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I am 67 and work at WDW. About the only rides I won't do alone are Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl; otherwise I will do all the rides.

Last year my 91yo mother visited me an we went to Epcot; I "forced" her to use an ECV and took her to several of the "low impact" rides and some shows; she still tells the family how much she enjoyed the trip and seeing the park.

 

[MickeyMacks]

Just came back from a 3-generation trip with parents in their late 60s. Dad's in better shape than me but has little patience for crowds and line-ups. Mom's not a walker and needs frequent rests. We made out pretty well by starting at park opening or close to it and going until the heat got to us in the mid to late afternoon, then going back for a swim.

I tried to intersperse times in the hot sun and walking with sitting down in shady or air-conditioned rides.

Since the OP mentioned taking his dad, here's some "senior guy" ideas.

Magic Kingdom
We rode the Liberty Belle steamboat (first time for us, we all liked it), explored Tom Sawyer Island, watched Country Bear Jamboree and the Tiki Room, he liked the Jungle Cruise during our 2005 trip, we all liked Mickey's Philharmagic show, we rode the Wedway peoplemover thing in Tomorrowland, rode Its a Small World, and of course the train. The surprise favourite, which he wanted to ride multiple times when the lines were short - Buzz Lightyear! He would never touch a computer game or arcade game but for some reason loves to see how high a score he can get on Buzz!!

Epcot
We broke this into two or three visits and did a few Future World things and a few countries in World Showcase each time. Both parents really enjoyed the Nemo ride and Turtle Talk, and of course Living with the Land ride. Dad was gung-ho for Test Track (anything with cars!) Don't recommend TT though for anyone with back or neck problems, there's some side-to-side jerky movement in the beginning that's hard on the bod. Surprisingly they both tried the green ("low-impact") version of Mission Space and apparently got a kick out of it. They also enjoyed the details in the British and Moroccan "villages" and sitting to enjoy some of the entertainment and talk to the workers from other countries.

MGM
Dad really liked the old cars on Sunset Blvd. and in the Stars and Cars parade. He liked the car stunt show and the Indiana Jones stunt show in our 2005 trip. Mom liked the Little Mermaid show and Fantasmic in our 2005 trip.

Animal Kingdom
This seems to be a very senior-friendly park - or at least until it gets hot! They enjoyed walking all around the Tree of Life to see the details and get photos. They also loved the parade - lots of shady places and places to sit on the path between Asia and Africa if you get there early.
On the Africa side, the Kilamanjaro Safari is great as long as the senior is okay with a rough, jerky ride (not good for someone with back or neck problems). They enjoyed the performers in the Dawa Bar area and the cool misting fans near the drum station.
They liked everything about the Asia side, from the Tibetan village by "Everest," the tigers on the walking trail, the details on the sign, and the nice quiet bird show in the cool shade. Both parents love Kali River Rapids (get fast passes early in the day so you can do it to cool off before you leave the park).
On the Dinosaur side of the park, the shows are about all that interested my folks. The new Nemo Musical is absolutely worth getting there 45 minutes early for because not only do you get to stand in a shaded lineup and wait in an air-conditioned room, it is a beautiful and funny performance unlike anything they've ever seen before - a bit of puppetry and Cirque de Soleil with a parenting parable, all in a half-hour show! They also enjoyed the Festival of the Lion King show in 2005.

Non-park stuff
Both parents really enjoyed our visits to several Deluxe resorts during our 2005 trip when we were on the dining plan. Visited (but did not eat) at Grand Floridian, just went over to see their Christmas decorations (and Dad admired their old car collection). They loved exploring the Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian before and after our meals there, and Coronado Springs.
Boat rides are always nice. This trip we rode the Magic Kingdom ferry and they ventured out on their own one day to the Boardwalk by taking a launch from the International Gateway at Epcot.
Windowshopping at Downtown Disney is something better suited for a morning rather than an evening, I found out the hard way - it was a zoo the Saturday night we went! They enjoyed seeing the Lego sculputures and the displays inside World of Disney. It would be nice to take the boat trip from there to see the resorts at that end.

We didn't do it, but boating or fishing on the Seven Seas Lagoon would be a blast for an older fellow, if he doesn't protest you spending that much money

Hope that gives you some ideas!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I travel quite often with my parents even though I don't think of them as seniors. (Dad is 65, mom is 58). My father still loves and goes on all the wild rides, but on our last trip to Disney (May 06) I noticed he was having much more problems walking around due to a knee infection that has been plagueing him for awhile. My mother, however is in fantastic shape. She exercises daily and takes a yoga class with me so she is still hitting the parks at full steam. She's not a big ride person anyways.

Our last family trip we also went with my brother's FIL. He is closer to 70 and was having a lot of problems keeping up with the commando style pace we were doing. I think if we did another family Disney trip he was mentioning renting a ECV.

 

[Fitswimmer]

When I bought into DVC, one of the big reasons I did it was because I travel to WDW with my parents and they can't take commando Disney anymore. When we go now, we stay in a 2 bedroom villa and everyone can go at their own pace.

Dad is 78, still LOVES EE, Splash Mtn, BTMRR, ToT and RnR!! He says he may slow down this year and not do ALL of them, but I bet he still does EE because that's such a favorite for him. For the rest of my life, whenever I ride any of those rides, he'll be on them with me, either by my side or in my heart.
Mom is 68, (they are almost exactly 10 years apart, 3 weeks btw b-days) she doesn't ride the E tickets, but loves Pirates, Haunted Mansion and the atmosphere. She says she could sit in the rockers in front of Tony's Restaurant ALL day and just watch Walt Disney World go by. If I got my love of rides from Dad, I got my appreciation of the magic of Disney from Mom.

We also take DN, who is making her first WDW trip as a legal adult this December. She says she can't wait to order a drink with dinner at Le Cellier!

With me in my middle 40's rounding out the entourage, I think we've got the adult market covered!

Who says WDW is just for kids! Certainly not Walt, and our family is living proof of it.

 

[MickeyCrazed]

We are planning a family reunion trip for December and the youngest person going is 40 (me)! My grandmother, who is the main reason we are going, will be the oldest person at (almost) 85!

We plan on having an early 85 birthday celebration for her at CRT the first night we arrive to WDW. My family has never eaten in the castle, so I am hoping it will be an extra special treat for us!

The last trip we took my grandmother on was 6 years ago. She was just about to turn 80, and actually got on Test Track with us! Everyone she told the story to could not believe she actually got on that ride! Heck... maybe this year I will see if she would like to try TOT!