I don’t have a question now, but I just wanted to thank those who helped get this sub-forum started, because I know we’ll need it! You might say we were “late bloomers” and so were our kids, so we’re navigating visits to WDW with very young grands while being significantly older than many other grandparents. It’s a new experience!
I'm not a senior, but my mom is (74). She travels with me most of the time but once a year it's just her a nearly senior friend. She doesn't visit these boards, but hopefully I'll be able to pass info on to her that might be helpful.
Thank you wuvvdisney for suggesting this forum and the administrators and moderators for making it happen!
I’m not sure what age defines one as a senior, I am now 58. Hopefully, I can follow and participate in this thread. I’m an avid Disney enthusiast who began coming to Disney with my family in 2006. At 58, I don’t do the parks like I did back then. My wife and I have slowed down and began taking a more relaxed approach.
Looking forward to hearing the different strategies for keeping the magic going as my wife and I age.
Thank you wuvvdisney for suggesting this forum and the administrators and moderators for making it happen!
I’m not sure what age defines one as a senior, I am now 58. Hopefully, I can follow and participate in this thread. I’m an avid Disney enthusiast who began coming to Disney with my family in 2006. At 58, I don’t do the parks like I did back then. My wife and I have slowed down and began taking a more relaxed approach.
Looking forward to hearing the different strategies for keeping the magic going as my wife and I age.
I'm happy that we now have a place to help each other out. To be honest, we haven't been to Disneyworld in years. We do plan on going back. Hubby is retired and I'm working part time. But as I notice things are a little more difficult to maneuver. I wondering how the hips and knees would be getting on rides and such. Guess we better plan that trip sooner than later.
Thank you! I am sure i will end up spending just as much time on thisforumas i do on DISabilities and Disneyland (my home park@). I am always looking for tips and interested in how others tour. Long overdue!
I just noticed this thread. I'm sure it will be useful. Due to spinal stenosis, my trips anywhere are limited. I was one of WDW's biggest fan for many years, but now it is a chore. I cannot walk very far nor can I stand for very long. I used to spend hours in the parks and it just got harder and harder to do without pain. I started going to WDW in 1983 with my wife and two daughters. I was 35 years old at the time and tried to make it a point of going at least once a year up until 2019 (45 trips with that last one). My kids are grown with grown kids of their own, my wife has passed and for me WDW is packed with special memories that I hope will continue until I am just a memory. It saddens me now that they have priced me out. I had a little put away for old age, but what is there has to last me until my last breath and possibly a few days beyond.
My last trip was with my sister. I rented a scooter and it allowed me to do everything and see everything like I once did. If the trip is possible that is the way to do it. I could still enjoy things like the Haunted Mansion with the added enjoyment of the memories of the first time and seeing my 6 year old keep her eyes closed all the way through it. (a couple years later she acquired enough knowledge of reality to ride it with them open). Incredibly, when we went when her son was 6, she tells me that he did the same thing. Must have been genetic.
Anyway, if you have physical limitations that can be overcome and the financial ability to do that I urge you to go to WDW or Disneyland. I did DLR once and Disneyland Paris once all before my back decided to interfere which happened around age 67 for me that severely toned down my participation in a lot of things. However, physically and mentally I could still go and enjoy, but it seems frivolous to try and develop a "Go Fund Me" for a trip to a theme park.
For years I read posts from people about how angry they were with the fat, lazy people that get in their way with those damn scooters. So I hesitated using one for a long time. It occurred to me that I was overweight and more I am able to get off the scooter and walk onto any attraction because when you get up to that point it's only a few feet. My problem doesn't materialize until I have walked further (like 600 feet) or stand for 15 minutes. Than the pain in my back almost doubles me over and if I can sit for a couple minutes I can get up and repeat. However, Disney in their incredible thoughtfulness removed most of the benches. Anyway I decided to hell with those people. Let them think whatever they want and if they decide to step in front of a moving vehicle without looking don't blame me if I cannot stop in time. That is on them. So I went and with that attitude and I didn't even think about what someone was thinking and I didn't run over anyone either. The world is full of jerks and finger pointers, enjoy what time you are given if it doesn't hurt others.
@goofyernmost i just want to say I agree with your spoiler 100%. And I'm sorry the price increases now prevent you from visiting. We may be getting close to that point, too.
Looking forward to participating in this thread! After seventeen years of DVC ownership, I have now graduated to the “ Seniors for DVC” group. Even though we get older, Disney never gets old for us.
Nice to see this new forum. I'm amazed to think that I qualify but then again, my license does say I was born in 1948. I'm fortunate enough to be pretty healthy and I visit the WDW parks probably 2-3 times a week. I actually use that as exercise and some days walk 5 miles enjoying this happy place.
I don’t have a question now, but I just wanted to thank those who helped get this sub-forum started, because I know we’ll need it! You might say we were “late bloomers” and so were our kids, so we’re navigating visits to WDW with very young grands while being significantly older than many other grandparents. It’s a new experience!
How come this is a sub forum and not it's own forum? There's a FB Group that goes by the identical name Disney for Seniors. Wonder if the two are connected?
I just noticed this thread. I'm sure it will be useful. Due to spinal stenosis, my trips anywhere are limited. I was one of WDW's biggest fan for many years, but now it is a chore. I cannot walk very far nor can I stand for very long. I used to spend hours in the parks and it just got harder and harder to do without pain. I started going to WDW in 1983 with my wife and two daughters. I was 35 years old at the time and tried to make it a point of going at least once a year up until 2019 (45 trips with that last one). My kids are grown with grown kids of their own, my wife has passed and for me WDW is packed with special memories that I hope will continue until I am just a memory. It saddens me now that they have priced me out. I had a little put away for old age, but what is there has to last me until my last breath and possibly a few days beyond.
My last trip was with my sister. I rented a scooter and it allowed me to do everything and see everything like I once did. If the trip is possible that is the way to do it. I could still enjoy things like the Haunted Mansion with the added enjoyment of the memories of the first time and seeing my 6 year old keep her eyes closed all the way through it. (a couple years later she acquired enough knowledge of reality to ride it with them open). Incredibly, when we went when her son was 6, she tells me that he did the same thing. Must have been genetic.
Anyway, if you have physical limitations that can be overcome and the financial ability to do that I urge you to go to WDW or Disneyland. I did DLR once and Disneyland Paris once all before my back decided to interfere which happened around age 67 for me that severely toned down my participation in a lot of things. However, physically and mentally I could still go and enjoy, but it seems frivolous to try and develop a "Go Fund Me" for a trip to a theme park.
For years I read posts from people about how angry they were with the fat, lazy people that get in their way with those damn scooters. So I hesitated using one for a long time. It occurred to me that I was overweight and more I am able to get off the scooter and walk onto any attraction because when you get up to that point it's only a few feet. My problem doesn't materialize until I have walked further (like 600 feet) or stand for 15 minutes. Than the pain in my back almost doubles me over and if I can sit for a couple minutes I can get up and repeat. However, Disney in their incredible thoughtfulness removed most of the benches. Anyway I decided to hell with those people. Let them think whatever they want and if they decide to step in front of a moving vehicle without looking don't blame me if I cannot stop in time. That is on them. So I went and with that attitude and I didn't even think about what someone was thinking and I didn't run over anyone either. The world is full of jerks and finger pointers, enjoy what time you are given if it doesn't hurt others.
