Any tips for keeping Grandma and the little ones happy?

[JessetheCowgirl]

We are taking my 80 something grandma on her first trip to WDW ever!!!

She is healthy as can be and walks regularly, so I'm not too worried about her stamina.

But, anything special I should keep in mind for her?

We are also bringing my mom (her first trip as well) along with my family of 5---DH, me, DS 7, DS 4, and DD 1.

Thanks!!!

 

[Safari Queen]

Age is irrelevant at WDW and adults enjoy even "little kid" stuff when they're watching loved ones. I'd give the same advise I'd offer for anyone -- be sensitive to what they seem to want to do and don't rush like crazy. It's more important to have fun doing what you can than to insist on doing everything and turning it into work!

 

[ainmama2001]

Your trip sounds very similar to my last trip. It was me, my dh, my ddd4, my dm72, my df77, my mil61 and my dh's grandma who is 82. She is also in great health and doesn't have a lot of trouble walking. We were there a week and she stayed in the villa a few days to rest. We made sure to come back to the villa in the afternoons for a rest. The first few days she walked but then, she got a wheelchair for the last few days and she was fine. She had a great time, especially because she was with her whole family- four generations!

 

[Eeyore2003]

You'll all have a wonderful time. How exciting to take a couple "newbies"!!! We took my MIL and FIL when they were in their early 70's and didn't have to slow down at all. We took my MIL again when she was 80 and she did fine too. We had to take it a little slower then, but she still did great. It was August and we did take that afternoon break for nap/pool in the afternoon, but then we do that anyway when we have others along and we start out for EMH in the AM's to get allot in quickly.

At 80 she did Test Track, Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain, not Rock N Rollercoaster, but then I'm not a rollercoaster person either, so that worked out fine.

We ended up cutting out AK, just because we were all to pooped, so we just took it easy for a 1/2 day. We had a 16 year old too, but when we stayed back, he was old enough to go to the park on his own. My advice would be to plan well, but be VERY flexible once there.

I learned a big lesson when taking my brother and family for their first time. I wanted them to go everywhere and see everything that I love, but it was just impossible to keep up that pace with two little kids and DH said, as long as everyone is having a good time, who cares???, they don't know what they're not missing. After that I calmed down and went with the flow and life got MUCH better for me!!! Sometimes I had to coax them to get out of the pool in the afternoon, cuz they were having so much fun doing that!!!

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

Thank you all for your encouraging words.

We are staying at the VWL in a 2BR, so I think Mom and Grandma will love the resort.

I am planning one ADR daily---so far 1900 Park Fair Dinner, Crystal Palace lunch, Chef Mickey's dinner, 50's primetime lunch, and O'Hanas breakfast. I am thinking of changing the Chef Mickey's night to Whispering Canyon since it would be so convenient.

The best thing about the trip is that my mom and grandma are the most happy-go-lucky people you know. They never have an unkind word to say about anyone and always have smiles on their faces. (Unlike some of the scary stories I've read here on the DIS---YIKES!!!).

I know this will probably be our one and only "4 generations of princesses" trip, so that makes it all the more special.

I appreciate any other words of wisdom or tips!!

 

[3for Me]

Just wanted to wish you a magical trip!
We did this a few years ago with my mom and grandma and sadly, my grandma just could never make it now. I'm so glad she was able to go that one time. She still talks about it.
I hope your family makes some very magical memories!

 

[bytheblood]

Leave 'em at home.


I am kidding. I think anybody would be happy in Disney. It is a wonderful place to be and I am sure that no matter the age, every member in the party will have a great time.