Never Say Never Again ... Trip Planning For Adults

[1nfrequent]

Having decided in March that I was going to leave it a few years before heading back to WDW, I now find that I've booked for spring 2016. Ahem.

In my defence, the trip's been instigated by my parents who have decided that they want one last hurrah at the parks (our last trip together was Christmas 2003, which was a bit of a disaster - I got really ill with a chest infection and we got hit by the wettest and coldest Christmas in then Florida history).

Anyway, I've been a solo traveller to the parks since 2009 so I'm at a bit of a loss as to where to start in planning this one. Hotel-wise I'm looking at Yacht Club and Broadwalk as I think they'll enjoy Epcot a lot (especially as we'll be there for the flower and garden festival) and think we'll end up doing most of our eating there so it makes sense to be within walking distance. They're not into rollercoasters or thrill rides, so we won't really need long days in the park - usually I'd do 5 days (one day in each park plus a sweeper) but do you think it's better off doing 4 days instead?

Is there anything in particular that those of you with pensioner age parents recommend doing? Obviously, we're not going to be charging around at breakneck pace but is there anything that people here would point out as worth time? (I'm asking because I'm usually a total ride warrior so don't spend much time taking a breather and watching the world go by).

Cheers muchly

1F

 

[saintrob]

Some nice meals in the signature restaurants. My DH is 'pensioner' age although he still likes the parks but we always plan for a lot of down time. We always stay on the Boardwalk for our Christmas trip and try to have a game of mini golf over at Fantasia which is a good way to pass a couple of hours.

 

[Kath2003]

Sounds like a few days at the beach to me.

 

[Dimplenose]

Being in our 50s we're not yet pensioners but we did have our first trip without kids last year. Although we spent time in the parks we really enjoyed taking the boats to wherever we could (MK to Wilderness lodge, DHS to Epcot etc.) Also enjoyed checking out the resorts and having a counter service meal wherever we ended up - Roaring Forks (Wilderness Lodge) and Gasparilla Island Grill (Grand Floridian) were particularly nice.

 

[emsparkles]

My Parents who are in their late 50's early 60's (who don't really like thrill rides, and have done the Disney parks 'to death') really enjoyed doing the 'keys to the Kingdom' tour when we went last in 2012. It was really fascinating learning all about the history of the magic kingdom and going behind the scenes and it was something very different to doing a day of queuing for rides, which was . Its a very relaxed day and you get to actually go on some of the rides (learn about how they were designed) and you also get lunch.. its not cheap but i thought it was worth every penny...

 

[1nfrequent]

Many thanks to all - advice much appreciated (and a lot to think about!).

1F

 

[scoobydooby]

How long do you plan to be there for in total? Disney Springs sounds like it's worth a day with the expansion and I think Epcot and MK are worth two days each, especially if you're going at a slower pace. Would they maybe enjoy the steam train tour at Magic Kingdom and the Hoop de do Review at Fort Wilderness? How about a splurge at Victoria and Alberts or a food tasting at the Flower and Garden Festival? Or Dine with an Imagineer at DHS. See, I could keep you all busy for a full two weeks lol!!!