Enticing Grandpa

[agamble]

Ok, so my parents are only 55, but my dad does not like crowds and is not so keen on Disneyland (because it is CROWDED). Four years ago my parents took their older two grand kids both young teens and met us at Disneyland for a week vacation in their time share (our kids were 4, 1, and non existent). Last summer my mom bought an AP when we did and she decided she was going to go two years in a row with us. My dad made a joke last year about not being invited (he was), so she booked their time share for them this summer (we're staying in our own) and told him he was coming. BUT...he doesn't really want to. It's too hot and it's too crowded...etc!

The trip is planned for June 9 to 16. My kids (and myself) really want him to come though, as does my mom of course. She went with us for a 2.5-day trip in October and already feels burnt out on Disney (too many days in a year I guess). So I know she'll be happier if he comes too as she can go off and be with just him. She has told him that he can just get a 3 or 4 day ticket and that he (or they) does not have to go to the parks every day all week long just because the rest of us have APs and can go every day except Saturday. She also suggested that he could do just partial days. Mostly she just wants him to come. He does want to come see the kids but he hates crowds and doesn't care about Disney the way the rest of us do.

I'm trying to think of things that he can do while on vacation that isn't just theme parks. I've thought of a few places they could eat without us such as Steak House 55, Carthay Circle, and/or Wine Country. He's big on meat (the rest of us are vegetarian) and enjoys a good drink. I also thought about suggesting those two new breweries that are opening in DTD, but I'm thinking they may be very busy and a bit "hip." I don't know. They are staying at the World Mark Anaheim, so at least his accommodations will be nice.

Any ideas for Grandpa? Again he's not old and he does enjoy the rides. My oldest really wants to take him on Guardians.

 

[BrianL]

I think you're on the right track. Make sure he has plenty of down time so he can get out of the crowds. Have some others hang out with him to do some low-key things. When my Dad came out one year, he's not into rides and stuff and really can't ride anything jostling, I took the hit and brought him to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Tiki Room, and basically anything that didn't move (I only say "take the hit" because everyone else went off to ride roller coasters and stuff and I had already done some of this stuff earlier - it's all great though - but we went at a very slow pace for me). Food is also important, and making sure he has some top-flight meals will help him have a great time. I'm sure it'll all go just fine. Best of luck to you.

 

[Niltiac]

I don't really have any specific suggestions of things for him to do off the top of my head, but it occurs to me that if the reason he wants to go is to see the family, he might not be thrilled about having to choose day-to-day between seeing the family in a setting he doesn't enjoy or spending time alone (or with just Grandma). Maybe if you throw in the idea of doing one or two activities that he enjoys together as a family, he'll start to see it as his vacation too. Even if it's something that isn't unique to Anaheim (bowling or a movie for example), if it's something he doesn't usually get to do with his grand kids he might love it, and that will give him something to look forward to on the days when he's either dealing with the crowds or spending time solo.

If he enjoys rides but not crowds, maybe you all could do Knotts for a day. I haven't been there since I was a kid so I'm not sure how crowded it gets these days, but I'm sure it's less crowded than DLR.

 

[Geemo]

From opening to mid day usually isn't too bad crowd wise.

If you find him joining you for the trip, try to avoid the bottle neck areas of the park(s) when the crowd does begin to appear.

With MaxPass and the Disney app I've been able to hit the rides with very little wait time in line. It has been amazing how much we can get done!!!

Good luck

Geemo

 

[tink89]

,

 

[Whistlebee]

A full week at Disneyland is a lot for someone that isn’t into it and hates crowds and lines. Trust me, I know, because my husband hates, Disneyland, crowds and lines, lol. It sounds a little bit like your Mom also might not need an entire week at the parks. Are there other things in SoCal that they would enjoy doing alone or that the whole family could spend a day or two doing? A day or 2 at Disneyland and then a day doing something else? Can they shorten the trip and only come for a few days instead of the whole week. I know sometimes you don’t have to do the full week at a timeshare.
I know for my husband 2.5 Days is the maximum amount of time that he can spend at Disneyland. He enjoys being with me and our kids because he knows how much we love it and he enjoys the rides, he’s just not into Disneyland (or theme parks in general). We once went for 4.5 days and it was just not enjoyable for him by the end. I try to minimize the time he’s at the parks so he doesn’t burn out and he’ll agree to go with us again

 

[Malcon10t]

My step-dad used to come along with us on trips, but would hang out and enjoy the hotel room, and join us for meals. He enjoyed it better that way! My mom would come with us, then go back to get him for meals. We were at the DLH, and we'd stay Club level so he could get snacks all day.

 

[sherilaine]

My DH just turned 50 - at Disneyland - he enjoys all the rides (except it's a small world and haunted mansion) but he is certainly not into it like the rest of us are. He loves Guardians though - that is by far his favorite ride and we likely did it a dozen times over our 5 days in the parks. There were several times this trip where after our mid day break he did not return to the parks with us - and on occasion only my DD and I returned and he and my son stayed behind and relaxed so I think the big key is to have plenty of down time and maybe just be fine if on some days he doesn't want to do much of anything Disney.

 

[VandVsmama]

So your dad can join you in the parks for 3-4 mornings. You guys all have lunch together in the park and then your dad should feel free to head back to the hotel and do whatever he wants. If your mom wants to stay there in DL with the rest of you for the rest of the day, then she can do that. Or if she wants to go back with your dad, she should feel free to do that as well.

I'm going to assume that either you're driving 2 cars to the parks or if you're not, your parents are savvy enough to figure out how to get an ART pass or how to take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft back to the timeshare.

I bet your dad would really enjoy the Hearthstone Lounge in the GCH. Or send him over to the Napa Rose Lounge by himself or with your mom. They can spend a couple of hours relaxing there and maybe you can then entice him to rejoin you back in the park for a FP ride of his choosing.

If your mom already feels burned out on Disney, then the benefit of having your dad there, too, is that she and your dad could escape and have a break from the parks and they'd both have each other's company while they do that.

Your parents also might enjoy a dinner at Catal. They have a lot of savory meat entrees which sound pretty great.

Another way for grandparents to kill time in the parks while the rest of you go commando-style on ride after ride is for your parents to have a long leisurely lunch at Carthay Circle, then see the 3:00 pm Frozen musical in DCA. So, for example, they could do a 12:00 pm lunch reservation. Let's say that takes an hour and a half...2 hr tops. That gets you to 2:00 pm. Then they walk over to the theater and get a seat for the Frozen show. Or if they don't want to sit down for that right away, they can go to Animation Academy once and then head into the Frozen theater.

~ 4:00 pm - they're done. And they've avoided the bulk of the afternoon crowds. AND they haven't had to walk around like they're on a death march or something.

 

[agamble]

Wow. Thanks for all the responses. You guys gave some great tips. I'm hoping he chooses to come because I do think it will make it easier on my mom.

We have been enough times that we don't mind taking it slow. I like the idea of him going in the mornings and then baling after a nice lunch. I suggested that to my mom since it's the least busy time of day, but she thought he'd prefer not going too early in the morning. LOL. Not sure why as he's up early most days. I'm also liking the suggestion of Max Pass for him one day. He does enjoy the rides and would probably like having shorter waits. He works with tech and shouldn't have any issue with the app.

I'm not sure if he'd be into doing things like bowling or a movie though. But maybe. Incredibles does come out while we're there. He's kind of funny/odd when we travel with him or he visits us. He doesn't like just sitting around and likes to do things, but just doesn't care for crowds. I thought maybe the beach, though last time we went to the beach he was kind of like okay we're here I flew my kite time to go...LOL. He seems to enjoy getting up and going more than doing. I also think he's not crazy about the slower pace of little kids. Bit impatient maybe...

We will have a car but they are flying. We used ART last time he visited from that same location. We're actually staying a bit further away than they are.

 

[lcp9]

My parents are the same age and he and my mom have come with us the last couple of times. My dad isn't as turned off by crowds, but he gets grumpy by about day 3. haha. I did notice last time he REALLY appreciated maxpass. He loves the rides, and probably would have done some of them quite a few times if we weren't taking them different directions. I think if he has maxpass and then you make sure he knows he's free to go do whatever ( we do not give my parents that option as we're wrestling 3 kids under 6. ha) I think they would have liked Frozen if we felt like some/all of our kids would sit through it. They generally like parades, if nothing else to have a little downtime.

 

[azdisneylover]

I suggest being at the gates when they first open every day. This way, the park will not be as crowded. Use Maxpass to go from ride to ride. Perhaps make a reservation for an early lunch. Here you can decide what everyone wants to do for the rest of the day (grandpa goes back to the room, or to Trader's Sam, or the lobby to the Grand Californian) and the rest go on rides, or, you all go to the Animation Academy Building to draw, and all the other things in that building. If ESPN Zone is still open and grandpa is a sports fan, he can hang out there watching sports. Whitewater Snacks in the Grand Californian Hotel is a great, quiet place to relax and have food. If grandpa likes to people watch, get him some yummy snacks and drink and park him at one of the window stools in Fiddler, Fifel and Practical to watch the hustle and bustle on Buena Vista St. (He is fine sitting in air conditioned building). Keep in mind, June does have Grand Nite, so you might want to check out those dates to plan your trip accordingly. Whatever you decide to do, have a great time.

 

[agamble]

I suggest being at the gates when they first open every day. This way, the park will not be as crowded. Use Maxpass to go from ride to ride. Perhaps make a reservation for an early lunch. Here you can decide what everyone wants to do for the rest of the day (grandpa goes back to the room, or to Trader's Sam, or the lobby to the Grand Californian) and the rest go on rides, or, you all go to the Animation Academy Building to draw, and all the other things in that building. If ESPN Zone is still open and grandpa is a sports fan, he can hang out there watching sports. Whitewater Snacks in the Grand Californian Hotel is a great, quiet place to relax and have food. If grandpa likes to people watch, get him some yummy snacks and drink and park him at one of the window stools in Fiddler, Fifel and Practical to watch the hustle and bustle on Buena Vista St. (He is fine sitting in air conditioned building). Keep in mind, June does have Grand Nite, so you might want to check out those dates to plan your trip accordingly. Whatever you decide to do, have a great time.

Thanks. Grad Nites end before our trip. Right before. We lucked out, last year they ended a week later.

 

[azdisneylover]

That is good to hear! Plan away and have a great time! Take plenty of pictures too!

 

[Indiana Scott]

Hmm, must be an age thing..
I'm 57 and although I'm a big Disney fan, I've had it with Disney's crowds and cattle roundup techniques. We haven't been to the parks in 2 years now because of this (wife doesn't like it either) and while we'll probably go back next year, it will be in Jan or Feb to avoid those crowds as much as possible.
I would say that if your dad doesn't like the shoulder to shoulder park commuting and doesn't want to stand in lines all day to go on 3~4 rides, you shouldn't push it too much.
Just my .02 - good luck!

Scott

 

[jammyjam25]

Would you be able to maybe eliminate one of your park days (sounds like you're going for a whole week?) to do something off-site as a family (museum, sight-seeing, etc?). He might be more enthusiastic about going if he knows there's some non-park/DTD activities planned on at least one day?

 

[Congo Queen]

Many good suggestions for the OP in this thread. Reading through it reminded me of visiting Dland with my grandma and grandpa in the early 70s. Oh grandpas! They've earned their respite from the hustle and bustle, and my grandpa was no different. We lived in the Los Angeles area so were day trippers back then. Grandpa would drive his huge, boat-like sedan full of grandkids and grandma to Dland. He'd enter with us, and we'd all go right to the TikiRoom -his favorite. Then we'd all walk over to Tomorrowland and wave goodbye to Grandpa. He'd board the next monorail train and head for the Disneyland Hotel. He spent all day in the cool of the hotel lobby or walking the landscaped grounds or having a quiet lunch and a beer. We'd meet up again at nightfall, watch fireworks and call it a day.

 

[10SE]

I was going to suggest an Angel’s game, but they’re out of town that week. There is a Karl Strauss brewery close to the stadium and not far from Disneyland. The Dodgers are in town, but that’s not a good drive — unless he’s a huge fan. (They’re playing the Braves, Rangers, and Giants that week in case it matters).

If he’s into beer there are a TON of amazing breweries in San Diego. Maybe they would like to do a day trip or even a one-night trip mid week to break it up.

 

[cruisehopeful]

He doesn't like just sitting around and likes to do things, but just doesn't care for crowds. I thought maybe the beach, though last time we went to the beach he was kind of like okay we're here I flew my kite time to go...LOL. He seems to enjoy getting up and going more than doing. I also think he's not crazy about the slower pace of little kids. Bit impatient maybe...

He sounds exactly like me. On vacation, I'm the first one up and ready to go do stuff. When we think we are done for the night and going to just kick back, I get bored and go out and find something to do. Nobody in my family can keep up with me, however.....I hate crowds! I don't like waiting in line for just about anything. I am the one who won't wait longer than 15 minutes for most rides. I guess the big difference between him and I is that I do like Disney.

My Disney days often consist of me having one or two must do's. Anything else I do is because it looks less busy than other stuff. I can walk around both parks, quickly, just looking for what to do without having a big wait. I'd rather be moving than standing and that works for me. I would suggest getting there first thing in the morning and getting the important rides done. I've done Guardians several times in a row that way. If after the first day, he seems to want to do more rides, buy MaxPass. Book a meal at Carthay Circle - if you go full out while there, it can easily take up a couple hours. It's been quiet and calm when I've been there. I'd book Blue Bayou, too. Basically, anything that is quiet and calm is a nice respite from the busy parks.

They may also enjoy Anaheim Garden Walk for places to eat a good meal. Will the Angels be playing then? Maybe he would like to see a game at Angel stadium. As far as the beach goes, I am opposite of him and can easily stay on the beach all day. He may prefer a place like Crystal Cove State park because there are other things to do on the beach like tide pooling, and looking through the historic area. It is sort set up like a museum, but it is on the beach. There's also the Beachcomber bar/restaurant on the beach, but chances are that will be very crowded.

I haven't been to the Anaheim Packing District, but they have places to eat, drink and maybe some live music. That might be a nice place for him to escape to when Disney gets too busy.

 

[Niltiac]

I haven't been to the Anaheim Packing District, but they have places to eat, drink and maybe some live music. That might be a nice place for him to escape to when Disney gets too busy.

I have only been there once so this might not be the norm, but to me the packing district felt more crowded than DLR. The walkways are narrow. I remember my partner needing to use the restroom, and I struggled to find somewhere to stand and wait without being in everyone's way. Once we got our meal and found a nice place to sit the crowds weren't too bothersome, but that's true at DLR too.