Sending my parents to DCA??? Help!

[Pembo]

My parents are going to CA to see my brother in January. We were recently at their house and watching a Travel Channel thing on DCA. My dad seemed to be really interested.

My question---Is there enough to do there for people who don't really ride thrill rides???? ie... lots of shows and things.

OR would they be better off going to Universal???

DH & I are planning to get them tix to one of them as a Xmas present. Just not sure which would be best.

Thanks California experts.

 

[lulubelle]

Pembo,
What a wonderful idea to get your parents tix for CA Adventure! I think they will have an awesome time. I don't know how old they are but as long as they can walk for a long time, I am sure they will be fine. There are plenty of shows to see, WWTBAM, Aladdin, the one Whoopi narrates (CA Dreaming?). Not to mention the Bakery and Tortilla factory tours. They are cute. And who could not love Soarin'?!? We are taking my MIL who is 80, yes, 80, this Sunday to the park to enjoy all of the aforementioned. Plus we have PS for Ariel's Grotto for lunch. I think if you don't ride the rides at the Pier area, sitting and watching the sites while enjoying a nice meal will be quite pleasant. She is very excited. We just plan on plenty of rest breaks and taking our time to enjoy it all.

Universal would be out of the question for my parents. Not magical like Disney at all

 

[Judy from Boise]

They also can easily spend an hour or so exploring the Grand CA resort which is right integrated into DCA.

 

[roymccoy]

You're parents will have a great time at DCA. It's my parents favorite between the two! (DL and DCA) That's actually been the problem with DCA. Not enough thrill rides and too many shows and exhibits. It very well might be that they will enjoy DCA as much as DL.

Hope they have a great time!

Roy

 

[CalGal]

My vote is definitely GCA over Universal. There's more magic at GCA. There are a few rides your parents can enjoy at GCA even if they don't like thrill rides (esp. Soaring). They'll also enjoy Bug's Life, the Light Parade (weekends only during January I would imagine) and the shows and tours mentioned previously. Universal wouldn't offer much beyond the Backlot tour and some shows since the rides at Universal would probably not appeal to your parents. Both offer shopping and nice restaurants.

 

[daannzzz]

I just got back from at trip to the Disneyland resort with 12 people including 4 seniors aged 63, 72,75 and 76 along with us middle aged people and two kids. The seniors all loved and raved about Soarin' over California. They really liked Alladin and Golden Dreams. The enjoyed what they saw of the Animation building and they only got to see part of it. They also enjoyed the two 3D movies in the park. @ of them loved Grizzley River Rapids. The other 2 declined to ride only because it was cold out. They also rode the Golden Zephyr and one did the Jumpin Jelly Fish.
I think your parents would have a nice time.

 

[I Need Magic]

Wow! That's amazing the rides they went on. I hope I can get my Senior parents to try Soaring, although I'll have to find out about limitations due to my Dad's mobility issues.

 

[daannzzz]

Originally posted by I Need Magic
Wow! That's amazing the rides they went on. I hope I can get my Senior parents to try Soaring, although I'll have to find out about limitations due to my Dad's mobility issues.

Will your Dad be in a wheel chair? If he can get up and trnasfer from the wheel chair into the seat and he can handle sitting with his feet dangling, he will be okay.
Here is a picture of the ride vehicals.
http://www.mouseinfo.com/california-adventure/goldenstate/condorflats/attractions/soarin/soarin3.php

 

[Snow Brite]

I agree...I think there is lots to do in DCA for older folks. I didnt see anyone mention the Animation Building and tour...there is a lot of interesting bits of information in that and I am sure they would like it.

As for rides, besides Soarin', they might also enjoy the ferris wheel in one of the stationary red cars. You get a terrific view from up there!

We enjoyed the Brother Bear show at Redwood Creek Challenge as well. They might also, especially if they saw the movie.

There are lots and lots of "mellow" things to do at DCA!

Jennifer

 

[I Need Magic]

It's so good to hear all this. They keep saying they'll just sit and watch the parades and shows. We're flying in from NJ, by the time we fly aacross the country, we'll have them convinced to try a few of the "rides". Would we like Soaring if we didn't like simulators like Star Wars and Back To The Future? Judging by the nature of riding in a hang glider, we're expecting a smoother ride.

 

[daannzzz]

I can not ride Star Tours anymore. I like it and think it is fun but it makes me sick. Because of this I have never even tempted fate in trying Back to the Future. Soarin' over California is very gentle. The seats lift up 24-45 into the air (indside a building) and you sort of float in front of the omnidome screen. There are a couple of spots that can make you dizzy but all you need to do is close you eyes for 10 seconds or so. My Mom and Dad and Aunt, all in the 70's, loved this.

 

[King Triton]

I still think DCA is a half a day park. They need more deluxe E-ticket rides(a moving dark ride) and at least one more broadway show like Aladdin. Soaring over California is great and riding California Screaming was a lot of fun. Everything else looked like cheap carnival rides. You don't expect to see this from a Disney theme park. No doubt, Disney could have invested more money into this park. Come on Michael, stop being so cheap.