Epcot itinerary in summer for seniors (best way to go from one air conditioned building to another?)

[liamthompson]

I've convinced my parents (in their 70s, no mobility issues) to join our trip in July. They have not been to Disney in 30+ years and while the rest of us are not planning on doing any of the parks, I thought my parents may want to spend a day at Epcot.

I'm at a loss about when to visit world showcase. Our usual strategy is rides in the morning for lower wait times and then switch to world showcase in the afternoon. But it will be hot as blazes by the afternoon and world showcase is mostly uncovered ? Do I suggest that they go from canada far and wide to impressions de France to reflections of china so that my dad will have 3 different napping locations in the AC??? I'm only half-joking - my dad is a champion napper and these movies won't hold his attention.

Or do I suggest they do world showcase in the morning (someone correct me if I'm wrong - food kiosks are not open until 11am but you can still wander through at 9am?) and then do the long waits in the afternoon for rides?

 

[LSUfan4444]

I've convinced my parents (in their 70s, no mobility issues) to join our trip in July. They have not been to Disney in 30+ years and while the rest of us are not planning on doing any of the parks, I thought my parents may want to spend a day at Epcot.

Am I understanding this right...you have a family WDW trip in July but nobody has plans to go to a theme park BUT you want to plan a theme park / Epcot day solely for your parents?

As far as their itinerary I might suggest a later arrival, after lunch and a nap but before Judge Judy and Happy Hour at Piccadilly so they're still fresh. I'd think arriving about 4 PM would give them 5 solid hours to hit some mid tier attractions in the front (Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, Soarin, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Figment, etc) then move to World Showcase about 6pm and stick around for the fireworks. From there, exit out of the international gateway and get to Beach Club / Yacht Club to be picked up or Uber / Lyft back to wherever your staying.

 

[liamthompson]

Am I understanding this right...you have a family WDW trip in July but nobody has plans to go to a theme park BUT you want to plan a theme park / Epcot day solely for your parents?

Yes, I know it's weird We did the 3 day/3 park ticket deal earlier this year and while we had fun, our child is still a little too young for the parks.

Your suggestion about entering in the afternoon makes a lot of sense, especially since my parents both enjoy fireworks. My plan was dinner at Boardwalk and this way they could join us before heading into Epcot.

 

[fla4fun]

It will still be plenty hot in the evening in July. Make sure they stay hydrated. I have visited in July and August and most days I could not drink fast enough to replenish the water I was sweating out.

Although the temperatures may be slightly cooler in the morning, it’s not by much, and by coming in during the afternoon the temps will be going down instead of up, which I think helps psychologically as well as physically.

 

[neverlandsky]

We went last July. Did EE and the heat took us out by 1pm. We had plans to return in the evening. That humidity and morning heat builds and builds with absolutely no relief and hardly any seating to be had at Epcot. Lesson learned. Don't be in the WDW parks past 11:30 am in July.

What did we do? We're going again, in July. Same week. However, this time, we chose Monday with EEH to go to Epcot. We're starting very late afternoon - EEH close.

 

[OKW Lover]

Good suggestions above. I'd just add that all the gift shops are air conditioned so be sure to take "shortcuts" through them to cool off on your journey around the countries.

 

[jaredjohn4]

Instead of Epcot, I might suggest Animal Kingdom. I know people say it is a hotter park, but I don't think there is much difference. If they haven't done Disney in 30 years, and Magic Kingdom is out of the question, then go to Animal Kingdom. Do the safari, the Lion King show, Finding Nemo show, then go relax at the Nomad Lounge outside.

 

[liamthompson]

What did we do? We're going again, in July. Same week.

This sounds like exactly something I would do too hahah

 

[liamthompson]

Good suggestions above. I'd just add that all the gift shops are air conditioned so be sure to take "shortcuts" through them to cool off on your journey around the countries.

I forgot about gift shops being air conditioned, this is a great trick!

 

[liamthompson]

Instead of Epcot, I might suggest Animal Kingdom. I know people say it is a hotter park, but I don't think there is much difference. If they haven't done Disney in 30 years, and Magic Kingdom is out of the question, then go to Animal Kingdom. Do the safari, the Lion King show, Finding Nemo show, then go relax at the Nomad Lounge outside.

Hmm...I might pitch animal kingdom to them too. It's the prettiest park in my opinion and would be "new" to them.

 

[RickNJane]

I am close to 70 and we just did Epcot flower and garden mid May. It was hot, unseasonably hot. In the mid 90's. I agree with everyone to go early. Evenings are just as hot and humid. The only thing better in the evening is that the sun is not beating down on you. We did world showcase early. Be aware that most shops and food booths don't open before 10 or 11. The Land and Imaginarium were great places to hide from the heat. The Seas is also a great place to kill a bit of time and cool off. Not many places to sit, however. We would be back in the room by 12:00 latest. A couple of times we ventured back out after 6. Still Hot, but Fish and Chips beckoned!

I did not catch where you are staying. We stay at boardwalk and took the boat over instead of walking. The boat back is a life saver! Also don't forget the boats inside of Epcot. They can take you between the different sides of the showcase.

I really second Animal Kingdom. Lots of shade and places to sit. (And Don't forget the Dole Whip!). We took a bus over to Jambo House and sat in the lobby and watched the animals. The lobby is fantastic and a great place to sit and relax or nap! We ended up resort hopping instead of theme park visits. It was great to see the resorts and hide from the heat.

What ever you do take it slow and easy. We never felt the need to rush not that we could anyway! It was a great trip, but we won't be going back in the summer. We are more fall and winter type people. Good luck and Have fun.