Ideas for my Moms first time at Disney?

[DisneyLandMan]

I have been looking around but I havent seem too much posted about it. Usually people look for ideas for taking kids on first time trips. But my brothers and I are taking my Mom to WDW and Universal in September and it will be her first time in Disney....Hell, it will be her first time on a plane and on any big vacation.

My question is this, what things can we do to make the trip even better for a first time adult that is over 50? Ideally things that are not super expensive.

 

[brb1006]

Does you're mother likes cats? Because she will love the meet and greet with Marie at the Magic Kingdom near the flag pole.

 

[JennyDrake]

Can you tell us some more about your mother?
Age?
Interests?
Physical condition?

 

[agavegirl1]

First of all, since it is her first ever visit, don't skip classic, older attractions. Second, "over 50" is not the most important factor. I am 58, love roller coasters, don't wait in line for meet and greets, don't get motion sickness, have arthritis in my ankle that makes standing hard, etc.

Knowing more would help.

 

[bababear_50]

A few things pop into my mind--Mom and Nana here,

1 Afternoon Tea at The Grand Floridian--scratch--a bit too expensive
2. Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream or ice cream shakes
3. Wishes Dessert Party--a bit too expensive,prices recently doubled.
4. Japan Pick a Pearl --buy a cage or pearl holder ahead of time from Ebay or Etsy.
5. Ice Cream sundaes at Ghirardelli (Downtown Disney)


Maybe a special coupon for a small gift (treat) at Twinings Tea in United Kingdom Pavilion (Epcot)
roll scroll style add $20.00--tie with a bow,put it on her pillow just before she wakes in the morning,,even moms like little tink gifts.

example
Print-cut-add money --roll and tie with a ribbon.

Go to the dollar store and buy a small organza bag
example here

attach a note saying here are some "magic wishing coins" just for her.
Disney has alot of fountains where they can be used.

Invite her to join you for a Hot Air Balloon ride in DTD.
Watch Groupon for discounts on this.

followed by a trip to Basins

Book an appointment at the Harmony Barber Shop
the Dapper Dans are wonderful and the Hair stylists are very special people.
Note: they do not wash hair here--just cut and style.

Hugs
Mel

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

Something really simple:
Ask for a FIRST TIME VISITOR button at your resort check in desk( WDW property) or at Guest Relations.
It's a really nice conversation starter between Cast Members and guests and other vacationers too!

 

[maryandtyson]

I would make sure she sees the opening show at MK. Maybe book a character meal or two. Does she have a favorite character? See the talking Mickey. Get her a First Visit button for sure. Maybe a welcome gift from the Disney Florist.

 

[bababear_50]

Just a Universal idea
I don't knit but a friend of mine knitted Gryffindor scarfs for us.


image example here

 

[Ladyfish77]

I'd recommend the Pick a Pearl, and Classic Disney Rides that she's probably heard about all her life. Meet & Greets are definitely dependent on her interest. My parents loved Epcot best, as they had been to DL before, but never WDW (AK wasn't opened yet, or they might have enjoyed it).

Have fun! I'm planning on taking a good friend of mine and a friend of DS for their first visits in October. One in her 60's and the other in her teens. I'm just looking forward to introducing them to all things Disney!

 

[Dano13]

Dinner at Sci Fi .....
Wishes Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom
Monorail ride through the Contemporary
All of the classic old school rides like the Haunted Mansion, Country Bears, Hall of Presidents, etc

There are millions of things. Perhaps knowing where you are staying and what your Mom likes would help. We did the same for my Mom's 65th last year and she loved it. We are taking her back again this year.

 

[Choozee]

Enjoy a character meal

 

[thr33boys]

I don't really have any ideas to add but wanted to say this sounds like an amazing thing to do for your Mom. I'm really sure she'll enjoy whatever she gets to experience. My only advice is to try not to rush through things and let her absorb her surroundings. I hope she has a trip of a lifetime.

 

[Kathryn777]

My mom loved the shows. Especially the air conditioned ones. Philharmagic at MK, lion king, nemo, flights of wonder . We normally skip a lot of that so had to add it bAck in. A nice sit down lunch out of the heat did wonders for her

 

[DisneyCAL]

I agree with bababear_50 with the pick a pearl at Epcot Japan. We did is last trip and it was so much fun, just a lot of fun energy in the room and its a nice keepsake.
Other than that, IMO keep to the classics and don't overfill your day. Give her time to take everything in. I love to window shop with my mom, if she likes this too, spend some time in the shops on Main Street in MK. If she comes across something she really likes but passes it up, perhaps you could go back to it and treat her.

You could also get her one of those "first time in disney" buttons. CM's tend to make things special when they see those.

 

[JennyDrake]

I have taken scores of first timers and the universal BEST ANSWER is to let them have input in what they want to do rather than trying to plan it all out for them or "surprise". Passporter is excellent for the first timers!!!

I am also over 50 and I ride roller coasters and run half marathons and I love WDW!

PLAN REST BREAKS, midday and for back to the room and rest. As your mom, she may push herself beyond her heat limits to try to please you and express her gratitude. September is still HOT. Rope drop really is your best friend, especially at MK.

I agree with DisneyCal to not overplan and let her linger/repeat attractions where she wants.

 

[DisneyLandMan]

I am LOVING all of your ideas!! She is a good 50. Still very capable and physically in Disney-ready shape. She is on her feet at work 9 hours a day, 5 days a week so that area we are good. I think she will absolutely love the MK day (we dont hop). From rope drop show to Wishes. She will no doubt love the trip just because we are doing it for her....well i hope at least. haha. But I am just trying to get as many ideas as possible for things to do.

The first visit pin is an awesome small tid bit. That will happen.

She loves roller coasters as well, so the rides we do will not be an issue for her. I still love the classic rides as well and i think she will love them as well. We also never really over plan. We are rope droppers, mid day break and back in the parks in the evening kind of people.

We are also staying off property at Wyndham Bonnet Creek. I stay there every year and I think she will love the resort alone.

 

[Dano13]

My mom really liked the Boardwalk area a lot. Walking there at night with the performers was something she really enjoyed. A nice little break from Epcot. And the international gateway entrance is a pleasure ... Never more than a 2 minute to get in.

 

[willowsnn3]

I was "over 50" when I first went to WDW. Everything was new to us so we did everything. Our first few trips were 'commando' style but now we take it a little easier to absorb the little things.
So it really depends on what type person your mother is and her physical limitations if any. I'm 64 and still love to be at the parks when they open and stay until they close.

 

[SeilerBird]

Take her on Soarin', It's A Bugs Life, Star Tours and the three mountains at MK.

And if you need a babysitter for her then I am available.

 

[itchin2go]

Pick a Pearl is the first thing that came to mind. You can have it made into a lovely pearl necklace as a great keepsake.

Tea at the Grand Floridian would be great as well.