MIL first and only trip...must do's?

[crossey]

We took my mother 65+ twice and she went on all rides except Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster. We suggested she skip those. Space Mountain was too jerky for her and Expedition Everest was too much but she did everything else more than once. She loved the Safari and the shows at Animal Kingdom. She loves Carousel of Progress, It's a Small World and was game to do everything else at Magic Kingdom. Don't forget Living with the Land, that is something that she might like.

 

[RADOPT]

Our first trip to WDW was when my mom was 77. Her favorite parks where AK and Epcot. While she was still healthy and active, she did need to sit once in a while mostly because of the humidity and we were always able to find a place in the shade or AC. I don't know if your mom is able, but I got my mom a couple of tours and she loved them - plus I think it gave her a chance to chat more with other and have time to herself. The train tour was nice and there was not much walking or standing if I remember correctly. My mom liked good food so I took her to a 2 nice restaurants while I had someone babysit my sp needs daughter. While she adored her grandkids, she enjoyed having the only adult time. She also enjoyed the little things like the water parade, seeing other resorts, the rocking chairs at WL, etc.

currently debating on Scooter rental

- Don't you know that those are for old people!! They are not old - everyone else is!

While I don't think she was that keen on going the first time, we went two more times and she enjoyed all the trips. I think she liked Epcot for a few reasons - she had been to Europe and we have family over there, it was more educational, and it did not feel like another amusement park.

Have a great time.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

I've been reading this thread with interest. My viewpoint is from the other side of the fence as I just turned 62.

I don't think is it intentional, but it sounds as though some think of over 60 as just plain old and ready for scooters and naps, and I probably had the same thoughts in my younger years.

Just come to Disney with me. But you better be ready to be at the bus stops for the park openings. And that means RD and could well mean Early Entry mornings. Return to hotel for a nap? Never done it. Leave early to avoid crowds? Nope. COP and Small world rides? They are fun and we can talk about them while in the orange line for Mission Space, or maybe RNR, ToT, SM, EE. etc.

I know every person is different, but you might be surprised as just how much us "old folks" enjoy WDW!

 

[TygerHawks]

He came back saying it was the best vacation he's ever been on.

That is my biggest hope! You know, its weird...been married nearly 22 years and while I do know her, in many ways I don't. The few times I remember in the past from zoos or theme parks weren't great, heat and walking and too many things she didn't enjoy. I know Disney will be different, just have to wait and let her see for herself.

Seeing as she's traveled Europe, World Showcase at Epcot might be enchanting for her... Bringing back memories. Ask her about the places she's been.

Definitely! Planning on doing World Showcase on the first day, as she will enjoy it and it wont be a lot of walking at the end of the 5 day adventure. Well, wife is forcing us to start at MK for castle shots, then hopping over.

We took my mother 65+ twice and she went on all rides except Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster. We suggested she skip those. Space Mountain was too jerky for her and Expedition Everest was too much but she did everything else more than once. She loved the Safari and the shows at Animal Kingdom. She loves Carousel of Progress, It's a Small World and was game to do everything else at Magic Kingdom. Don't forget Living with the Land, that is something that she might like.

Thats great to hear! I know we will have to cut out more rides than that, but I think she is convinced that she wont ride anything. Of course, her only experience is Six Flags and Sea World.

I've been reading this thread with interest. My viewpoint is from the other side of the fence as I just turned 62.

I don't think is it intentional, but it sounds as though some think of over 60 as just plain old and ready for scooters and naps, and I probably had the same thoughts in my younger years.

Just come to Disney with me. But you better be ready to be at the bus stops for the park openings. And that means RD and could well mean Early Entry mornings. Return to hotel for a nap? Never done it. Leave early to avoid crowds? Nope. COP and Small world rides? They are fun and we can talk about them while in the orange line for Mission Space, or maybe RNR, ToT, SM, EE. etc.

I know every person is different, but you might be surprised as just how much us "old folks" enjoy WDW!

I struggled with those thoughts in posting this. While my MIL is nowhere near 80, I would place her physically close to 72-74 than the mid 60's she is. Everyone is different. Dan Rather (had to name drop ) stopped by the museum I work at this past weekend, and at 85 he moves very good!

 

[mustlovecats]

That is my biggest hope! You know, its weird...been married nearly 22 years and while I do know her, in many ways I don't. The few times I remember in the past from zoos or theme parks weren't great, heat and walking and too many things she didn't enjoy. I know Disney will be different, just have to wait and let her see for herself.



Definitely! Planning on doing World Showcase on the first day, as she will enjoy it and it wont be a lot of walking at the end of the 5 day adventure. Well, wife is forcing us to start at MK for castle shots, then hopping over.



Thats great to hear! I know we will have to cut out more rides than that, but I think she is convinced that she wont ride anything. Of course, her only experience is Six Flags and Sea World.



I struggled with those thoughts in posting this. While my MIL is nowhere near 80, I would place her physically close to 72-74 than the mid 60's she is. Everyone is different. Dan Rather (had to name drop ) stopped by the museum I work at this past weekend, and at 85 he moves very good!

My dad complains about most things as well for all the reasons you've mentioned and this was still successful! There's definitely hope!!

 

[ktlm]

My Mom almost chicken exited TSM and my MIL can't do any rough rides due to a past injury, so I can relate. My experience is if she doesn't want to be involved in the planning, then just plan and let her tag along. She may do much more than she thinks- my Mom does. My Mom loves all the shows in all the parks. She loves philharmagic at MK. She loves World Showcase. For rides, she is good on things like Small World, Peter Pan, Pooh, Ariel, living with the Land, Nemo, Spaceship Earth, Figment, boat ride in Mexico, Great Movie Ride and more. My Mom will tolerate Pirates even though the tiny drop freaks her out every time. Both Moms have even tried Soarin and really liked it, but that is the extent of the thrill rides- no coasters, TT, Star Tours or anything like them. The both will do Safari even though it is a little bumpy. Oh, and my Mom loved TSM and did not get Motion sick. One thing I will say is to make it clear that she does not have to keep up and can go back to the room if she wants. My Mom hates going anywhere alone at night, but with the Disney bus system she was fine if she wanted to go back to the resort before we did. DH just walked her to the bus line and then came back in the park. MIL has FIL, so on our trip with them, if they got tired and needed a break- they would just leave us and meet us again later. You don't have to cut out rides for her. You do not have to be together 100% of the time. We learned early on with the inlaws that is what can ruin a together trip. She can go sit in a QS and have a drink, or go shop, or see a show or even go back and re- ride something she really liked while you ride something she does not want to ride