Need support getting older father to WDW!

[Ishy]

My parents have been, seen, and are done. I have taken my mom to MK and my Aunt took her to Epcot. We rented her a motorscooter so she would be comfortable. She loved it, had a great time, might go back one day - but enjoys the quiet company of friends and playing cards and Atlantic City maybe three times a year more.

My dad and step mom have visited with friends a couple years ago. They had a nice time, but rather go see someplace new. They have no desire to go with the little kids, or their adult children.

My one brother is the only one that shares my passion for Disney. He has a little girl who is at the princess stage, but his wife is tired of going to disney after 4 years. She wants to go do something new. My stepsister also loves Disney, but her husband and two children rather go camping - and not to WDW.

I have 5 more siblings that think this Disney thing is a mid life crisis. I thought I was doing them all a favor by telling them the dining code for the fall, knowing all the places to prepay for tickets, all the new and cool things to do this year, all the secret wonderful things to look for while there, the benefits of staying in the small rooms on site, the rental car costs for orlando, all things disney. They feel sorry for my children who seem to be poisoned by their eccentric mom who is an internet junkie too. This is just another thing I overdue on the internet besides my game (shouldnt you stop that nonsense if you will never make money from it? - I never did it for money - I keep it free) and sweepstakes (dont you have enough tshirts?) and freestuff (more tshirts) and surveys (they're paying 10$ to eat cereal?).

I do fine as a software engineer. I do need a new car. If I win one, they will need to hush up and not say a thing as I drive off with my survey money to Disney

Sorry for getting off topic - Apparently Disney is NOT for everyone, this passion we have is not genetic. It is sometimes viewed as an addiction that scares other people. As we speak, my family may be planning an intervention soon. I am sure they have Dr. Phil outlineing a 12 step program as I write this.

Tell Dad this is the last time - its special - its paid for - keep the pace slow, park him in a hot tub early in the morning so he rejuvenates - all will be fine. And if still wont go - let me know where to meet you I'll go!

 

[kellypops]

In her younger years, my grandmother went to DW more times than I've gone, but now that I'm an adult (only by years, not in my heart!) and have an annual pass, I want to take her to AKL (she's an animal activist, and I know she'd love it, even if the resort is all she sees!), but she's not willing. My mother, grandmother, and myself used to do monthly multigenerational activities together, and my heart aches to have another event down at Disney with them. They haven't gone since MGM opened, and they've never gone in December, which is when I'd really like to take them. Granted, my grandmother is 85 (but she's a youngster at heart!), but she's afraid of the heat (even though we'd go in Dec.), she's afraid she'd poop out too quickly (I'd be happy spending time in the AKL, just to see their excited faces when they're there!), and other reasons. My mom's concerned about the cost. It's breaking my heart, because I so dearly want my grandmother to see DW again--she loved it so much--and I feel her getting older and older...I just know that seeing the Candlelight Processional, the Christmas Parade, and all of the animals at AK would be a memory she'd cherish forever! But I guess I can't convince the unwilling, can I?

 

[gopack]

Suzanne74- could you give the trip to your parents and say it is an early gift for Christmas, Hanukkah, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Anniversary etc? Maybe the trip is their gift for all the holidays for the next year and then stick to it. You could give them mementos from the trip as small presents on the actual holidays. For instance, you could give them a framed picture of your whole gang at Disney. My parents sound just like yours. They would NEVER accept a trip to Disney or anywhere else from their children. However, we have given them trips as Christmas gifts.

 

[yooperfan]

Don't forget the food and wine festival is in Oct. also. Walking around epcot sampling food and listening to music is not just for the kids. Then of course there are the dinner shows and if he likes to fish you could go on Bay lake. My FIL was 82 the first time he went and 84 the last. The first trip he even rode splash mtn and TOT, I have the pictures to prove it.

 

[noopy]

These replies have been so helpful and encouraging! It's just what I hoped for when I started this thread. I'm going to show my father your posts and hope that he finds them persuasive. I really believe he would enjoy himself so much! Please keep the replies coming - the more, the better! Thank you everyone!!!

 

[travelbug]

I took my dad (75) and mom(72) to WDW for 9 nights in Feb. of this year. I had told them ahead of time that there were lots of shows and attractions and things to see that I knew they'd really enjoy. They trusted my judgment entirely because we've traveled together a number of times before and they've always had a great time, plus they know I really know my way around WDW.

Even though my dad wasn't feeling well for most of our stay, they still had a wonderful time. They talk and talk about it, plus my mom put together a very touching scrapbook of the trip.

We wound up renting scooters for both of them from a local company down there. My mom has lots of trouble with her legs, whereas my dad walks just fine. But the sheer distance involved was too much for my dad, especially when he didn't feel that great. Once we had scooters for both of them, they loved the freedom those gave them. Stamina was not an issue.

We did not go commando style. We took our time and did as much or as little as they felt like doing each day. We did make it to all 4 parks, with our most frequent trips being to MGM and Epcot. We always returned to the resort (BCV) for an afternoon break no matter what.

My parents were extremely impressed with the resort, the awesome transportation system, how accommodating everyone was for them in their scooters, how MUCH there was to do for people of all ages and interests, and how many great places there are to eat out. They would love to go back, especially so my dad can enjoy it when he's feeling well.

**Message for noopy's dad - My folks would tell you to shrug off your doubts, give it a try with an open mind, and be prepared to totally enjoy yourself. There's a reason that we all see plenty of senior citizens all over WDW, many times enjoying it on their own without kids or grandkids. Go find out what it is that attracts seniors to come back again and again. I suspect you will be glad you went.

Best wishes!

 

[Gary M]

I think he will enjoy the monorail and the boat rides. Go to the MK and then take the boat to WL for a look at the lodge. I think the old classic rides like POC, HM and TGMR would be well liked by him. He would probably enjoy eating at Beaches and Cream, Sci-Fi and maybe Biergarten in Germany. I'm 63 years old and after 33 trips staying at WDW resorts still find many interesting things to do at WDW. The trip is more than just the rides for me.

Take the boat between MGM to EPCOT. This is relaxing and you get to see the different resorts.