Disneyland for Seniors

[LKing]

@DizMe suggested that we move the discussion of Disneyland for Seniors to the Disneyland Forum.

This thread is a continuation of the one on Disney for Seniors forum. https://www.disboards.com/threads/disneyland-for-seniors.3956668/

 

[CarolynFH]

As a Senior who hopes to visit DLR during the coming anniversary celebration, I’d love to have this thread be easy to find on the DL forum. Maybe it could be a sticky.

 

[LKing]

2025 Dates and Events



Sweethearts’ Nite - Jan. 21, 23, 28; Feb. 4, 6, 9, 11, 13

90s Nite - March 4 and 6

Star Wars Nite - April 8, 10, 22, 24, 29; May 1, 4, 6

Grad Nites - May 9, 12, 18, 21, 22, 27, 28, 30; June 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13

Pride Nite - June 16 and 18

Oogie Boogie Bash -

• Aug. 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
• Sept. 2, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
• Oct. 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31

 

[KPeterso]

Not a senior myself. But I take my 86 year old mom to Disneyland all the time. Happy to offer tips and experiences from taking her.

 

[disneychrista]

Great idea. Things that apply to WDW trips do not necessarily apply to DLR and vice versa.

 

[DizMe]

If it were to become a sticky, what kind of information would you like to have in this thread?

Good question. I think it's a nice place to discuss possible meet-ups for those of us who don't have family/friends who want to go or who would enjoy the company of others in similar circumstances.

We can share info about things that seniors might need or want, like good places to take a break, fun things to do besides rides, senior-friendly dining, how to rent a scooter, discounts, suggestions for solo travel, senior-friendly places to stay, etc. But I think just having a place to share our collective experiences, which may differ quite a bit from the way younger people/families do the parks, would be great.

 

[LKing]

Disneyland (DL) for Seniors

Disney's California Adventure (DCA) for Seniors

Single Rider Attractions

Disneyland

• Space Mountain
• Matterhorn
• Millennium Falcon

California Adventure

• Goofy's Sky School
• Grizzly River Run
• Incredicoaster
• Radiator Springs Racer
• Soarin'
• Webslingers

 

[LKing]

Disney Hotels:

Grand Californian - GCH super thread
per @irlandaise "GCH is great for those of us who are acquiring mobility problems and want the least possible walking to get back to our rooms."

Disneyland Hotel - DLH super thread

Pixar Place - PP super thread

Off Site Hotels:

Transportation to Disneyland
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

LAX is a large, international airport. It is farther away from Disneyland, but often has the most affordable, direct flights.
LGB is a small airport that is approximately half way between LAX and Disneyland.
SNA is a medium airport south of Disneyland.

 

[LKing]

Dining

Places to take a break

 

[LKing]

Good question. I think it's a nice place to discuss possible meet-ups for those of us who don't have family/friends who want to go or who would enjoy the company of others in similar circumstances.

I wish there were a way that we could share control of a thread so at least a couple people could edit the top posts.

I go just about every weekend so, the rest of you will have to let me know when you have trips planned.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Right now, I am hoping to attend Star wars nights on April 8 and10 and both Pride Nights in June. I discovered last year that these special events are well worth it to me to avoid the crowds. I also decided to upgrade my key for better access. Yes, once again Disney is getting more of my expendable income but it is my happy place for now.

I had a very bad experience at Christmas with my friend and I'm looking forward to a nice peaceful time in April. I hope to connect with some of you during my trips this year!

 

[disneychrista]

Something I knew but didn't really think much about was how many rides have a large step down to get into. Pirates, Small World, Jungle Cruise, etc. As far as I know there is no alternative for these attractions. When you can't go on the bigger/faster attractions and also have mobility issues it really does limit what you can do in the parks. Are there any alternatives, to make getting in and out of these attractions easier?

 

[LKing]

Something I knew but didn't really think much about was how many rides have a large step down to get into. Pirates, Small World, Jungle Cruise, etc. As far as I know there is no alternative for these attractions. When you can't go on the bigger/faster attractions and also have mobility issues it really does limit what you can do in the parks. Are there any alternatives, to make getting in and out of these attractions easier?

You mean onto the ride and not in the queue, right?

 

[OKW Lover]

Looking forward to the info on this thread. Have been to DL several times, even though we live very close to WDW. Next trip will be in July for the 70th. It will be part of an ABD trip. Not too worried about the activity level.

 

[disneychrista]

You mean onto the ride and not in the queue, right?

Yes, on to the ride vehicles/boats. The queues are fairly easy to navigate to avoid steps and stairs.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Anyone going to Spring Dapper Days in April? I'm thinking about moving my trip a couple days later and only go to April10 Star Wars nite. Then stay for Dapper Days on the weekend...@DizMe, I am THISCLOSE to pushing the button on the Fairy Godmother dress on sale at Disney Store And I havent wore a dress in a few decades now lol. But DD always sounds like so much fun! I am up for some new Disney adventures this year! Decisions, decisions....

 

[irlandaise]

@DizMe suggested that we move the discussion of Disneyland for Seniors to the Disneyland Forum.

This thread is a continuation of the one on Disney for Seniors forum. https://www.disboards.com/threads/disneyland-for-seniors.3956668/

Thanks, LKing. As people said in that thread, we Disneyland fans understand that most of DISboards is devoted to WDW and don't wander into those forums much. I think it makes much more sense to have this thread in the Disneyland folder.

As for the topic itself, I'll just contribute that if you can afford it, the GCH is great for those of us who are acquiring mobility problems and want the least possible walking to get back to our rooms.

 

[upritbass]

Upcoming trips:
1/13-16/25 VDH Duo, my b-day
2/20-22/25 VGC 1 BR, 51st anniversary
5/5-8/25 VDH Duo Garden, DW b-day&Star Wars
8/14-19/25 VDH Duo, OBB with the grandkids (their family gets the VGC Studio)

 

[KPeterso]

Something I knew but didn't really think much about was how many rides have a large step down to get into. Pirates, Small World, Jungle Cruise, etc. As far as I know there is no alternative for these attractions. When you can't go on the bigger/faster attractions and also have mobility issues it really does limit what you can do in the parks. Are there any alternatives, to make getting in and out of these attractions easier?

For Small World and Jungle Cruise, they each have an accessible boat available that a wheelchair or scooter can roll onto. My mom uses those for the most part as her knees just do not bend well at all anymore. We do Pirates very rarely as she hates getting wet, so that is usually a warm day when she feels less stiff to do that one. For Jungle Cruise, there is also an option for the "boxes". For the boxes, you need to enter through the exit, but they will put a box on the bench and another at the bottom of the boat which makes the steps down about half the height. Not sure I am explaining this well. We have used them and seen others use them but you have to ask for them.

Not mentioned, but I recently saw them do a transfer for Mickey and Minnie's runaway railway that opened a door and could use something to help get in easier for those who have trouble with the step down.

 

[KPeterso]

Upcoming Trips with my Mom:

• 5/4-5/6 Villas at Disneyland Hotel
• 7/15-18 - VGC (for the 70th!)
• 12/3-6 - VGC for the holidays

We will have a lot of other visits as we are locals with MKs, but those are the scheduled staycations.