Grandparent/Grandchild Activity Suggestions

[ccahpp25]

We're doing a September trip this year (first time at MNSSHP, yay!) and we're taking my mom with us for her first trip since 2009. One evening, my spouse and I want to do a date night, try to get a reservation at the new Spaceship Earth lounge, do some drinking around the world, etc. I want to plan something fun for my mom and son (he will be 8) to do together that evening, we take my son every other year, but my mom obviously doesn't go very often, so if this is her last trip for another 16 years, I want it to be something memorable for both of them to share with each other My son is her first and only grandchild at the moment, I'm not having anymore children, and my younger brother is awhile out from being ready for kids, so my mom and son have a really close relationship and I know they'll both love something for the two of them. My mom is young and active, so there's no mobility/fatigue concerns here, however, my son has ADHD and autism, so if the top suggestion isn't something that will still be fun if he's having a difficult evening, I'll also want a backup plan for them that will work if he needs something quieter (my mom does live near us and is familiar with all sides of his moods, so there aren't any concerns about her ability to handle whatever kind of day he's having). We have parkhopper tickets, so in or out of any park, resort, whatever, location isn't a concern, other than we obviously want it to be within the Disney "bubble." My son loves the skyliner and the monorail, so if it requires traveling on either, that's a plus. If it costs money, I'd like to keep it under $300 for the both of them, as I'll be footing the bill for it in exchange for my spouse and I having a kid-free evening. Despite mom's lack of recent Disney experience, she's definitely capable of navigating transportation and the like, so there really aren't any restrictions on that regard.

All of that to ask, what should I fill their time with that evening? Should I book dining? Should I just set them lose in whatever park happens to be my kiddo's favorite this time around? Is there a resort that has fun evening entertainment that they can join in on even if we aren't staying at it? We're staying at Art of Animation again, since the skyliner has been my son's "favorite ride" since he was 3, but I know all of the resorts have their own unique offerings. Is there something in EPCOT they could enjoy together and then reunite with us at the end of the night?

Thanks!

 

[Anthony1971]

I can only say what my experience was years ago and it is simple: Plan nothing as Grandma will do whatever Grandchild asks her to do. It usually makes Grandma and Granson happy... If there is anything in the parks or resort you said no to from toys to arcades to?... you can bet that is what is happening.
We only did this twice once as baby with my in-laws and once around the same age as yours I think. We own DVC and took some or all of the Parents almost every year for at least 12 years..... Great memories now that they have all moved on.

 

[tjmw2727]

In your situation I would have them keep it simple and just do a resort night! Hit the arcade, dinner poolside maybe? My kids loved downtime to swim, use the playground etc. They usually have a movie night at the pool and the arcade at AOA is decent.

If you're already spending a good amount of downtime at the resort maybe they would like to take Skyliner to the Epcot stop walk or boat to BW and grab a bite at the pizza place, watch the entertainment and catch the fireworks?

If they both enjoy Epcot, they could do whatever scavenger hunt is offered at the time at a slow enjoyable pace and enjoy some of the F&W treats.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

They could take the Skyliner to EPCOT and grab dinner at Beaches & Cream (or even just pizza on the Boardwalk) and then go to Fantastia for mini golf. If they have energy left after that, they could hop into EPCOT on the way back and grab ice cream at L’Artisan des Glaces in France.

 

[jtopp]

As a grandparent, I can tell you we will do whatever my grandson wants, as the key is spending time with him and experiencing his enjoyment. If he's happy, it's a wonderful bonding experience.

 

[aboveH20]

Just a quick note to say how much your post touched me. I hope (and I’m sure you do) every day you appreciate the triple generation connection your family has. My two young grandsons live 1800 miles from me and it breaks my heart that I do not get to see them very often. Top on my bucket list is to take the older one (5) to WDW (and then the younger one) but because he doesn’t really know me very well I fear come nighttime he’ll become uncontrollably upset. I don’t mind paying to leave on the first available flight out the next morning, but don’t know what I’d do if he started crying hysterically and couldn’t settle down.

I know I got a bit off topic and personal, but honestly decided not to shorten my post because I felt i needed to get that off my chest. Selfish, and I apologize.

 

[sponica]

I have an 8 year old, she would want, in no particular order, to ride the skyliner, go get ice cream, and then go to the pool.

I think we as parents overthink trying to make things memorable, but most of memories with my grandparents are just ordinary moments in time.

 

[Rory607]

If we’ve already spent the day at the parks, my parents typically just take the kids back to swim, eat and hang out. You could book them a character meal, but if your son is tired or not in the mood, it might be too much.

There is a nightly campfire at Ft. Wilderness that I’ve always thought looked fun. You can buy s’mores kits and Chip and Dale make an appearance. They could go to MK, get quick service dinner and then take the boat over there.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

No suggestions other than I agree with others to keep it simple and follow his lead. Thank you and all grandparents for making a loving difference to your grandkids. I opened this thread because my own late grandparents were beyond blessings to me.

 

[Simba's Mom]

In your situation I would have them keep it simple and just do a resort night! Hit the arcade, dinner poolside maybe? My kids loved downtime to swim, use the playground etc.

I think that's a great idea! My granddaughters are teenagers now, but both of them remember being about 4-6 and going swimming with Grandpa!

 

[kathy884]

I second the keep it simple suggestion.

Honestly my kids at that age just loved pool time, riding the monorail around, taking the little boats around, eating out on the balcony (maybe order room service if you don't have groceries in the room and microwave/frig with food your son and grandma will both enjoy) or they can eat at the pool snack bar. Less is more for quality time with grandma.

 

[dward1961]

My grandson is a little younger, 5 years old.
We did a transportation crawl, we rode the skyliner, bus, boat and monorail.
He had a blast!
After that we went to the pool, showered and had a movie night in the room.

Basic and simple but fun

 

[jo-jo]

I agree simple. Pizza at resort, ride skyliner, ( I'm not sure....do all resorts have marshmallow roasting, can you hop to another resort to do that?) , we always brought a package of fudge stripe cookies and made smores. Easier than trying to handle cookie, chocolate and marshmallow, get ice cream, get some popcorn and watch movie at resort. Again, sorry I don't know details, but some resorts have activites that you make/paint something for $5-$10.