Disneyland for the Elderly (or just the "slower folks")

[hurleysweety]

Okay, so MIL and FIL are not elderly by any means (mid 50s), but they do act that way when it comes to physical activity sometimes . MIL gets very tired easily and can only handle so much to do in one day (Like going to a movie and dinner after). FIL is much more upbeat, but has problems sometimes with his knees. Also, they are used to the cold as they have lived in Colorado for most of their lives - MIL can get overheated.

We are going with them on a trip to DLR the first week of June and I want to make sure they have a great time despite their need for rest and quiet. DH knows this as well and we are planning on making note of quite places in the shade and such on our trip in early May. However, I'm still a little overwhelmed making sure that we can all have fun together and it isn't a day of DH and I going on rides while we leave them sitting on a bench somewhere...that just doesn't sound like, "family" to me. I do like them VERY much, so don't get me wrong here!

Considering my parents are completely opposite, (I'd like you to meet my dad, Mr. Impatient, and my mom, "Mrs. Go with the flow!"), we've always done Disney like our lives depend on it! What kind of tips can you give me for making sure they have fun, DH has fun (yes, I married a Mr.Go-getter & Mr.Impatient), and that everyone gets the rest they need? Quieter and less crowded places to eat or sit? Anything I should know that appeals more to the older crowd?

Details - We'll be there for at least 3 days, we're staying a little drive away in a condo and driving to the park each day, and plan on eating in the park & DTD about 1/2 of our meals

 

[nunzia]

Well..going in June when it can be hot will cause a little damper if someone can't handle the heat. (I found the little shoe shiner cloths from the hotel, when dipped in a fountain or water play area sprays, helped a great deal when the temp hit 105 last May..little portable fans worn around the neck can help too as can a Dole Whip) I would think staying on site would be perfect, since it makes little break times so much easier. Although being together for a vacation is great, I bet you the in laws would love some quiet break time and that might be a good time for the more active people to schedule thrill rides that the in laws don't want to do anyway. Hopefully they will enjoy the milder thrill rides like Soarin and Indy so you all can do these together, but I'd just as soon be parked on a bench with a churro and coffee while people dash to the mountains, so maybe they would too. I'm sure they'll have fun, just remember that Disney isn't a race it's an experience.

 

[fairykin]

hhhmmm... that sounds like a challenge.

Perhaps talk to Your parents before the trip and make sure each of them know that your in laws will be moving at a slow pace. Also tell them about your father in laws knees so that they understand, you will need to go slow.

We had a similar trip and it was hard. Also my mom came back feeling like she didn't get to do all she wanted. And my in laws felt like they held everyone back.

So next trip... we told everyone. There are many people on this trip with different wants and needs. So remember it's your vacation and if you want to get up and go to the park everyday when it opens..go for it.
If you want to sleep late and show up around 10:30.. that's great.
Just remember everyone can be reached by cell phones.

Also... if you are doing pre planned reseveration meals in the park.. why not make a daily sheet so everyone knows where to meet at what time in case they get separated.. also put the name the reservation is under on the sheet.

why not ask each person to write down the things they really want to do on this trip and email it to you.

Then you can map out where you want to go by lands and also plan meals by what is near. You could also put this on the daily pages you make.

We just got back from the girls only trip { which was soooOOoo FuN! you should come next year!!!} and one of the ladies was so sweet to make pocket cards with the daily activities and laminate them. They came in handy when you got lost from the group.

 

[hurleysweety]

Thanks everyone! This has been helpful! Keep them coming regarding quieter places to eat or "chill" to take breaks!

And my parents will not be with us, just the four of us. And we know its all an experience - we missed about 1/2 the things we wanted to do in WDW last time we were there because DH or I would get distracted with something else!! We just know this time will be a different kind of experience, a slower one, and one filled with less spontaneity.

Good ideas for doing the "schedules" so that everyone has one. I know that us girls might do a little shopping with the boys do...who knows what.

Thanks for the advice!!

 

[fairykin]

Plaza Inn is a nice place that you don't need reservations for and yet you can sit down indoors or outdoors for a nice meal.

They have salads and the apple pie with lots of creamy caramel syrup are soooooOOoo YuMMy.. also.. we always get the fried chicken dinner and it feeds two people. 3 big pieces of fried chicken with mashed potatoes and string beans with a biscuit.

They have pasta and some kind of beef dish.. but we always get the chicken.

Cafe Orleans... is also a nice place to sit and eat.. you will need reservations there.

When we went with our joint families.. i made up in the room care packages of waters and snacks.. along with ziplocks that had tylenol,alieve as well as immodium pills and alca sel ser..hahahaha how misspelled is that

Before we went i also found out each one's favorite disney character and i bought everyone a lanyard and bought a couple pins of their fave character to put on them... Everyone LOVED this.

One other thing that you might want to consider... plan another vacation after this one JUST for you and your husband... to get to do the things you won't get to do on this trip. That helped me alot.

On mainstreet there is a nice ice cream shop that is great to go share a wafffle cup chocolate caramel sunday at... my mom and i did that last trip. It made for a nice relaxing time as well as a sweet memory.

 

[fairykin]

aahhh... my mistake ... i thought your parents were going too.

well you are going to have a great time because you are at disneyland! And also because you are with people that you love.

We like to sit at the train depot at the beginning of mainstreet and watch the fireworks.. it's beautiful from that distance and not as loud.

Your husband and father in law could sit at one of the nice resturants patios in down town disney while you and your mother in law shopped.

You are a thoughtful daughter in law to plan this trip.

 

[fairykin]

OOohh and i gave each one a little disposable camera for the trip.

The night we left i stopped off at the camera store on mainstreet and bought them a special disneyland photo albumn to put the pictures in when they got home.. it made a nice gift.

We found the red rockets? pizza port... to be VERY Loud... i know alot of people like it... but there are other places we will go to at disneyland. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[pixiewings71]

Plaza Inn is a nice place that you don't need reservations for and yet you can sit down indoors or outdoors for a nice meal.

They have salads and the apple pie with lots of creamy caramel syrup are soooooOOoo YuMMy.. also.. we always get the fried chicken dinner and it feeds two people. 3 big pieces of fried chicken with mashed potatoes and string beans with a biscuit.

They have pasta and some kind of beef dish.. but we always get the chicken.

Cafe Orleans... is also a nice place to sit and eat.. you will need reservations there.

When we went with our joint families.. i made up in the room care packages of waters and snacks.. along with ziplocks that had tylenol,alieve as well as immodium pills and alca sel ser..hahahaha how misspelled is that

Before we went i also found out each one's favorite disney character and i bought everyone a lanyard and bought a couple pins of their fave character to put on them... Everyone LOVED this.

One other thing that you might want to consider... plan another vacation after this one JUST for you and your husband... to get to do the things you won't get to do on this trip. That helped me alot.

On mainstreet there is a nice ice cream shop that is great to go share a wafffle cup chocolate caramel sunday at... my mom and i did that last trip. It made for a nice relaxing time as well as a sweet memory.

Not too much actually, you just left out the "t" in seltzer. lol I like the ice cream but it's hard to find seats there when it's hot out.

OOohh and i gave each one a little disposable camera for the trip.

The night we left i stopped off at the camera store on mainstreet and bought them a special disneyland photo albumn to put the pictures in when they got home.. it made a nice gift.

We found the red rockets? pizza port... to be VERY Loud... i know alot of people like it... but there are other places we will go to at disneyland. Just something to keep in mind.

Pizza Port is very loud inside, but we will walk out to the seating that runs up the entrance to Space and sit there, it's a little quieter there.

 

[hurleysweety]

Thanks fairykin!!! Those ideas sound great!

 

[Escape2Disney]

I'm a slow mover as well, though not by choice. It is hard to feel like you are holding people back. I can tell you from my experience what helped -

- For the last 3 trips, I rode in a scooter. You can rent them from a medical supply store so you can take them in and out of the park, or you can rent them from the park each time you go in. I felt a bit silly the first time, but it really did help me and the people I was with to enjoy the trip so much more!
- Having choices helps. When the kids ride Indy (which I sadly cannot ride anymore), I had something else "scheduled" for that time. That way they felt free to go without guilt and I wasn't bored.
- I agree with the scheduled meals. This allows everyone to be together for a period of time every day. This helps with overall morale!
- Soarin', Animation, Storybook, Small World, Snow White, and Pinochio are all great experiences if you notice the in-laws are getting worn out. All of these are either inside or low-key which gives them a chance to catch their breath. Keeping a fast pass for Soarin' and 'saving' it until you need it is a good plan.

I hope this helps! Have a great time!!

 

[SeansMom]

I'd break things down by lands or pieces of the park. While that isn't the usual way to go (people running for fastpasses, etc.) it may be the easiest. For example: Indy and JC are next to each other, with Tiki and it's pre-show right there as well. If they don't want to do Indy, have them ride JC and meet you at the tiki pre-show area, then see it together. Hit TT if you want, then move around the park in a similiar fashion. You may want to act as a fastpass runner so hubby can spend some time with his parents.

Even if you're offsight take a mid-day break. The parks are open late. Maybe they'll opt out of late evening touring and you can go back and use up any left over fastpasses. Or you can tour when it has cooled down some making it more enjoyable for all.

Of course, you may hit June Gloom and heat won't be a problem .

Enjoy!

 

[Boston Tea Party]

We are currently here in a party of 8, including my parents who are in their 60s and 70s. My father has prostate cancer and he tires easily. He did not want to get an ECV, but today broke down and got one first thing at the park. It made a WORLD of difference today. We were there for opening at 9 and just got back to the room here at 4. We were even able to park hop and he was allowed to take the ECV across the esplanade into California Adventure. We are not in commando mode this time, which is hard for me, but I am trying to relax and remember that the best thing is that we are all together.

I second scheduled meals. Before you know it everyone is hungry and the morale is sinking. Low blood sugar = bad memories.

I also believe in touring by lands. That was something new that we tried this year and it's helpful for my dad.

Read Hydroguy's stickies at the top and follow his suggestions for Fastpass. THEY WORK.

My dad really loves the Billies at the Golden Horseshoe so that is a must do.

I hope that y'all have a magical trip!!!

 

[hurleysweety]

Thanks again everyone for all this advice. I think I will schedule most of our meals and try and "schedule" rides too so that everyone can do what they like the best. Thanks for the ideas for milder rides, these will also be of help so I can suggest what we should go on. Also, I am hoping for a night alone with DH since they will definitely be worn out by the second night.

I'm going to start a new thread now with additional questions that have now come up! Can't wait for your expert advice and past experiences!