HELP! First trip with *grumpy* Grandpa!

[The_Princess's_Mommy]

We're going on our first big family trip, which includes my Dad. Now, we all love him, but he can at times be a bit grumpy and in his own world.

I'm looking for suggestions for what we can do together (or send him to do!) that will satisfy him. He's very into classical music, playing tennis, the arts, sleeping, eating good food, etc. I don't think he will really get into the magic of the World. But hopefully he will at least play along and be a good sport for the sake of the family.

Suggestions?? Thanks!

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

Sounds alot like my Dad & this will be trip 3 to Disney w/him.

He too loves classical music, excercises daily for 1-2 hours (at a cardiac rehab), loves food too, site seeing & people watching.

He is 70, uses a scooter several days there. He can walk, but the more he walks the slower he gets & he can't stand in 1 place for very long either. He has had several, several heart attacks, a stroke & knee replacement, so I can kinda see why he gets grouchy!

The 1st trip (3yrs ago) he loved it, loved the characters, loved most the rides & loved the shows. It was only me, my husband, our daughter (5 at the time) and both my parents.

2nd trip was to California for 10 days: San Diego, LA, & Disneyland. Again loved it - even went on some of the bigger rides then last time.

This 3rd trip will be my family, parents & my sister, husband & 2 kids. I get along w/my Dad - my sister doesn't take his grouchyness (to put it nicely), so she is worried.


Maybe he will surprise you & love Disney. Just keep it open with him: Dad this is what our plans are today, you can come along or if there is something else that interests you, let us know. If you want to venture off or go back to the hotel - let us know. If you are open, he will be open (maybe) and things should work out.

Has he ever been? DOes he know whats there? Maybe let him research & have some input on what he wants to do too.

Have fun & enjoy

 

[nicolepdonnelly]

Have you considered a special tour he could go on, they cost- but if he doesn't like the typical disney stuff - he may like the behind the scenes or a class or something....

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/

hth

 

[MickeyMouse'sBFF]

There is "something" for everyone there...Its just a matter od finding the right things for the right people. Each park has certain things you can pick out for him. Im guessing Epcot will be his place to look at things of science. HS has a artist section where you learn to draw the characters and lets not forget lunch with a imagineer.(Kinda pricey, but hey..I hear its great) There is pleanty of art at MK to look at. Maybe he would like to hang at the Resort pool or play golf... You said tennis.. Theres gotta be some kind of tennis there. Does he like to fish or boat??? They got it.
I LOVE bringing that grumpy one of the group. You never know whats commin next out of em.. huh! Hang in there..Just know your NOT alone.

 

[Tabbykatt]

My parents always come with me when we take the babies. My three brothers and I have visited Disney over 100 times. Our love of Disney started because our parents took us several times a year and now that they have 7 granddaughters (all under 6 years old) it just wouldn't be the same if they weren't there too.

I make sure to include them on all our plans and decision making. I also understand that now that they are 60 and 64 they can't go at the pace we can so we slow it up for them and we give them a day or two during the trip for them to go explore the world on their own or just relax in the room.

Find out what his expectations are for the trip and allow him to enjoy the world at his pace and by doing what he enjoys to do.

Hope I helped.

 

[starrynyt]

We have a few grumpy's when we go and the best thing we have found is that we have a general plan for the day with our sit down meal arranged. If they want to do what we are doing for part or all of the day great, if they don't that is fine too but that helps keep down on Grumpiness. Because if they want to stay around the resort and read a book they can. They are doing what they enjoy and we are doing what we enjoy with some quality family time around the individual time.

Good luck!