Is it Possible to Not Feel the Magic?

[maciec]

I am kind of getting worried about our trip at the end of October. We are going with my parents for what will be their first trip. I just don't know what their reaction is going to be. My dad is 64 and my mom is 62. They are both very young for their age (not saying that 60's is old at all). We are taking our 2 kids (dd 4 and ds 1) and we are doing things that we either haven't done in a long time or have never done.

Is it possible for them to just not get the whole Disney experience within the week that we are there?

Is there anything that you think that we could do to enchance our trip?

We are going to all of the parks, HDDR (1st time), MNSSHP (1st time), LTT before MNSSHP (1st time eating there), Le Cellier (1st time eating there), and CP for a character breakfast (we've done this before)

Any other suggestions?

Help!

Melissa

 

[bethzfl]

Before my bf's first trip to WDW last December, I was so worried that he would just hate it. He was always rolling his eyes when I would talk about our plans and PS's.. etc.

Boy.. what a different guy when he got there. He turned into commando! He had to get pics with every character and go on every single ride! He wouldn't pass up a thing. He wore me out! Now he's planning a lot of our trip coming up.. (picking where to eat, etc)

They call it Disney magic for a reason... I think it's pretty hard to hide from it!

Good luck

 

[Mamu]

Don't worry. Your parents will see the magic in your childrens eye's, feel the magic in their excitement.

I had been to Disney many times with my children, but the day I walked in the MK with my Grandson was one of the most magical highlights of my life.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Just be sure to take things slow! I learned this lesson on my first trip with my DD. I had already been to Disney 6 times so I thought I was a pro but on that first day she saw the Penguins from Mary Poppins and I couldn't believe my very shy girl was saying "the penguins need to give Lizzie a hug". It was so touching but I took my quick photo and rushed her to get on the carosel and we missed the ride anyways. I realized right away that I really should have let her have her moment (no one else was around). The carosel wasn't going anywhere and even if we never made it that trip it would be there next time. You really do experience the magic more when you take your time to take it all in.

We're going 10/22 to 29 and I really hope my DH can find the magic on this trip.

Sounds like you've got a really great trip planned!

 

[Planogirl]

You never really know. My DH isn't the least bit interested in going back to the parks and my mother literally hated almost everything when she went. I also have friends who have been and had fun but have no desire to go back. To each their own.

I would just let them call the shots to some degree. If they don't want to tour a park one day just let them be. Hopefully, they'll become addicts.

 

[perfectmatch300]

DH & I are in our 50's & we both love being in the parks! As another poster said, I'm sure they will find the magic in the eyes of your kids!

Do remember to set a pace that they will be able to keep. Also, be sure they are prepped with comfortable walking shoes & are prepared to do a lot of walking! If they are not very active, maybe you could encourage them to start taking walks now so by the time your trip arrives they will be better able to handle long days in the park.
Also, please remember that if they want to take a break now & then, it's not because they aren't finding the magic - it may be because the magic is tiring them out! They will enjoy the wonderful evening activities a lot more if they are rested & refreshed! Besides, the breaks might be a good idea for your kids, too!
Have a magical trip.

 

[Leota]

I agree with what others have said about letting them set the pace. We've taken my parents 3x now & I have a tendancy to wear people out. I have to be very careful not to do that when my DH or my parents come. My parents see the Magic thru my son & thru their children & grandchildren's eyes.
Apparently they see the Magic thru their own eyes too, because last year they went to WDW by themselves! My Mom said the thing they particularly enjoyed was browsing Epcot without kids (imagine that! )

We always allow for down time or seperate time for folks. Everyone has their own style & pace for WDW & this allows everyone to do it their way....

 

[TwingleMum]

I agree with the other posters TAKE IT SLOW!!!! Your parents are older and your children are very young. Not a combination for commando touring. I took my 3 yr old and 1 yr old twins and we went at their pace. We only stayed out late for the fireworks and parade 2 times in an 8 day trip. I let them wake up on their own. We went back to the resort at lunch to nap , rest and swim. Then we went back to the parks for a few hours at night. I hope your staying on property because IMHO there is no better way to have someone feel the magic than by immersing them in it 24/7. It also makes travelling between parks much simpler. After a few days ask your parents if they would like a day on their own to explore. Give them the option. Have a great trip.

 

[eleanor]

Well I will have my 70th BD in Oct. and I go every year. I love it. You cant go by age,some people have trouble being a child again. Do some resort hopping and Epcot has lots for adults. Enjoy.

 

[Mymatisse]

Make sure they have a good time, but don't expect them to necessarily have the same feeling about it as you do. You can go to Disney and have fun and really enjoy yourself without describing it as "magical." Some people just aren't like that with Disney yet will still have a blast.

 

[Del]

We went with my parents in March--I didn't think they would get the magic. I doubted!!! Watching my father's face as he was watching Spectro Magic---I realized that he got it!! The joy my parents had experiencing it with my kids was amazing!!!!! My dd holding my dad's hand saying --Come on, we have to go over here now! It is a gift that i will treasure forever. We made memories together.

Del

 

[heart4dis]

...either are there in the heat and crowds of summer and are focused on how much money they spent compared to how many rides they got in...

or...

Their idea of vacation is laying on a beach, sipping Mai Tai's and doing absolutely nothing.

You are going at a good time of year for crowds and weather. Take it slow and enjoy each moment instead of trying to squeeze in lots of activities. They're sure to enjoy the trip.

 

[homeschooler]

I just wish I could get my parents to go.

My MIL went two days and decided to stay home and rest. The kids convinced her to go to WS and she didn't stay home again. The last day, we spent the morning in AK leaving Orlando around noon. We are leaving and she is yelling that she hadn't been down 'that path' and we needed to explore 'that path'.

She told us that she had fun but didn't want to go back.

The next year, we went alone. Then this year, she was thrilled that we asked her to go again. She was very concerned that she had slowed us down too much and didn't think she would be able to keep up.

By the end of the trip, she would lose her cane, just walk off and leave it.

Have fun.

 

[funcinderella]

I have to agree with one of the above posters about the Spectromagic parade. I get tears in my eyes at the end of it. Watch that and the fireworks and you WILL feel the magic. Nothing like finishing up a day at the MK with those 2 things, then having your child fall asleep on your shoulder with sticky hands and face from all of the cotton candy/soda/popcorn that they ate all day. I'm getting teary eyed now just in anticipation; we are leaving for Disney tomorrow!

PS Just make sure not to douse that magical feeling by trying to exit with everyone else at the end of the night. Stick around and enjoy the emptying park, and wait until the crowds have cleared before you do.