Senior citizen and a first timer - Epcot or DHS

[princesslover]

I just wanted to add that I agree with @Disturbia that if you wanted to add that 5th day so you can go that evening to DHS or wherever not to wait since you need a park pass and may not be able to get in where you want to go. I keep forgetting about the darn park reservations lol! Gosh I dislike having to make park reservations.

You may be able to get all the DHS stuff mentioned in the 5 hour window if you're getting Genie+ and whatever else access you can pay for - plus depending on crowds, weather, and the usual. Whatever you decide I think you're gonna have a great time!

Just to be clearer, the most days we could possibly do is four. 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. We travel home on the 24th.

Yeah, I understand the need for reservations but it definitely eliminates the ability to “go with the flow.”

 

[DL1WDW2]

Trying to help with your planning .
Do you have a 2 day ticket currently already purchased along with the MVMParty event tickets?
I am thinking the first night arrival and also travel planning and unexpected delays… might need to relax and unwind by visiting the incredible decorations in the BW and Y&BC lobbies.
But also enjoying the excitement of arriving and wanting to see Disney!
I also think a second day at MK with that ticket price might not be necessary because your Holiday Party tickets allows you to enter the MK / 2 hours early . And the MK at night all lit up for the party and special party events (including the decorations that are returning finally as you drive Autopia or view from the Peoplemover .

Returning to MK would be off my list on your final day and use that ticket to enter Hollywood Studios for the music and decorations on your second.

Edit…I like your plan for Epcot first night and maybe HS second night
I am at the same age as your mother . I like to keep things simple.



Oops I see more comments have been added. Going to read and revise this. For some reason Disboards do not allow delete so I have to backtrack and remove my “help” .

 

[princesslover]

Trying to help with your planning .
Do you have a 2 day ticket currently already purchased along with the MVMParty event tickets?
I am thinking the first night arrival and also travel planning and unexpected delays… might need to relax and unwind by visiting the incredible decorations in the BW and Y&BC lobbies.
I am also thinking water transport from BW to Y&BC then maybe walk to the SkyLiner for a short trip from the International Epcot SkyLiner to visit the new Riviera Resort . This is the first and shortest length on the SkyLiner and it is fun to see into Epcot as you depart and catch the sun setting & the darkness with Epcot lit up on return from the Riviera. And then boat from Epcot to the Boardwalk.
So you are having a relaxed arrival day , depending on weather,etc. But also enjoying the excitement of arriving and wanting to see Disney!
I also think a second day at MK with that ticket price might not be necessary because your Holiday Party tickets allows you to enter the MK / 2 hours early . And the MK at night all lit up for the party and special party events (including the decorations that are returning finally as you drive Autopia! Yay So excited! )
Returning to MK would be off my list and use that ticket to enter Hollywood Studios for the music and decorations .
I am at the same age as your mother . I like to keep things simple.
I know the transportation options are slower but I will take any choice to sit instead of walking. For instance my grandchildren did not understand why we had to take that Friendship Boat after Guardians of Galaxy to get to Remy attraction but in the heat I chose a temporary break in the middle of journey . Yes in reality it was shorter to just walk but half a walk and then a boat seat and then more walk sounder better than one long walk with no breaks. I will even enter a gift shop to experience AC to cut thru if helpful ! Haha
So with a little more info , I can offer more helpful hints .
Is your arrival by plane , estimated time . Do you think you can add HS instead of second day at MK? Is it more than just you & your mother for this visit?
The first thing I would do is make a dining reservation for the Plaza Inn for your early entry before the party actually begins . For some reason I enjoy sitting there to have a light meal with sit down because you can see the action of guests walking past the windows .
If you can’t get that I would be just as happy with a Starbucks and sitting under those tables with the yellow umbrella tops to wait for the party to begin. My favorite highlight would be Jungle Holiday Cruise and PeopleMover and Carousel of Progress and Autopia can be enjoyed from the Peoplemover if climbing in& out of those cars is not fun anymore for example.

Oops I see more comments have been added. Going to read and revise this.

No tickets have been purchased. MVMCP included.

I did not mention this in recent comments (since the Epcot/DHS dilemma is more of a concern) but since my original post I am re-considering MVMCP for many reasons - one being the potential of seeing the Christmas parade and fireworks on the 23rd.

If we don’t do the party, we could do either Epcot or DHS on the 22nd. Keep MK on the 23rd.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Wow! I just looked at the price for the MVM not so cheap ! w/tax $211
Afraid to look at price surge for a regular ticket.during your holiday week dates.
I am local Passholder.

 

[princesslover]

Wow! I just looked at the price for the MVM not so cheap ! w/tax $211
Afraid to look at price surge for a regular ticket.during your holiday week dates.
I am local Passholder.

Yup. $847 for four of us. I would love to go but that is robbery.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I did just look at one day ticket for 12/23
$154 w hopper $219

I forgot but I purchased tickets for my grandchildrens visit for NYE / 3 days
I did not add hoppers because the price !!! and crowds !!!
Impossible to hop because of traffic and long lines everywhere.

You will be glad you have chosen the resort locations to coincide with your theme park plans.
I won’t ask about that pricing !
And forgot about Genie $$ and ILL . Prepare for price surge too

 

[loves to dive]

For what its worth, if it were me with only 3 1/2 days, here is what I'd do. Keep in mind I go often and while I'm not young, 65, I'm in pretty good shape.

#1 I'd get hoppers, but I always get hoppers so I might be biased.

#2 I would not get party tickets. I know everyone says they are great because the park isn't as crowded and you might get on more rides and you get the special parade but for me, a parade and stage show are not worth that extra money. That's just me.

#3 I agree with doing your first 1/2 day at either Epcot or HS, for me it's 6 of one half dozen of another. I do like the Epcot night time show and currently HS does not have one, I would think Fantasmic would be back by the time you go but who knows.

#4 Do MK on a non-party day and obviously do Epcot and HS on your BW days. Say you make your HS park reservation for first full day. Say by mid-afternoon you've done just about all you want to do after going back to the resort and resting. Hop over to Epcot and catch some more booths/shopping/rides. I have been to WDW many times the week leading up to Christmas, usually leaving on the 23rd or 24th and it can be hit or miss as far as crowds and weather. So you need to be ready to make decisions on the fly. The park is too crowded and it's after 2, hop on over to somewhere else.

#5 AK closes earlier then all the other parks so do it in the morning of move day. Just have bell services transfer your luggage and hop on a bus and head on over there. I'm pretty sure mom isn't going to want to ride EE or FoP but Navi is nice and while the safari is bumpy, she might could do it. I doubt she will do Dinosaur. There are two great walking trails there and Festival of the Lion King is a great show. They have big animal puppets right when you enter and they are really a must see. Now, the issue here is that it's possible your room at GF isn't going to be ready until after 3 and your luggage might not be there. If you get your room ready text, just head back to your room when you are ready and even if your luggage isn't there, you can rest in the room. If your room isn't ready but you need rest, the lobby at GF is a great place for it. Now, you can decide if you want to hop to MK or any other place. Obviously, you would need to adjust these plans depending on party day.

Now you have a full day for MK, which probably won't be needed if Mom isn't going to be riding a lot of rides. On any given night that is not a party night, depending on how she is feeling, it's easy enough to hop on over to MK to see it all lit up at night.

 

[princesslover]

For what its worth, if it were me with only 3 1/2 days, here is what I'd do. Keep in mind I go often and while I'm not young, 65, I'm in pretty good shape.

#1 I'd get hoppers, but I always get hoppers so I might be biased.

#2 I would not get party tickets. I know everyone says they are great because the park isn't as crowded and you might get on more rides and you get the special parade but for me, a parade and stage show are not worth that extra money. That's just me.

#3 I agree with doing your first 1/2 day at either Epcot or HS, for me it's 6 of one half dozen of another. I do like the Epcot night time show and currently HS does not have one, I would think Fantasmic would be back by the time you go but who knows.

#4 Do MK on a non-party day and obviously do Epcot and HS on your BW days. Say you make your HS park reservation for first full day. Say by mid-afternoon you've done just about all you want to do after going back to the resort and resting. Hop over to Epcot and catch some more booths/shopping/rides. I have been to WDW many times the week leading up to Christmas, usually leaving on the 23rd or 24th and it can be hit or miss as far as crowds and weather. So you need to be ready to make decisions on the fly. The park is too crowded and it's after 2, hop on over to somewhere else.

#5 AK closes earlier then all the other parks so do it in the morning of move day. Just have bell services transfer your luggage and hop on a bus and head on over there. I'm pretty sure mom isn't going to want to ride EE or FoP but Navi is nice and while the safari is bumpy, she might could do it. I doubt she will do Dinosaur. There are two great walking trails there and Festival of the Lion King is a great show. They have big animal puppets right when you enter and they are really a must see. Now, the issue here is that it's possible your room at GF isn't going to be ready until after 3 and your luggage might not be there. If you get your room ready text, just head back to your room when you are ready and even if your luggage isn't there, you can rest in the room. If your room isn't ready but you need rest, the lobby at GF is a great place for it. Now, you can decide if you want to hop to MK or any other place. Obviously, you would need to adjust these plans depending on party day.

Now you have a full day for MK, which probably won't be needed if Mom isn't going to be riding a lot of rides. On any given night that is not a party night, depending on how she is feeling, it's easy enough to hop on over to MK to see it all lit up at night.

For your #5 point, we would not hop to MK because that is a party day.

I struggle with adding AK on our checkout day from BW because it adds a lot of stress that morning and as you’ve pointed out, there isn’t a ton there for her. If we do either Epcot or DHS on arrival day/evening, I may just keep this day (day 3- transition day) as a break day. Ride the skyliner to Riviera for breakfast. Explore the monorail resorts with all their decorations. Relax in the room at GF (if it’s ready). Catch the electrical water pageant. She’s 75 and it’s her first visit. Maybe a day of relaxing after the busy Epcot/HS day (day 2) would be nice? Then she’s all rested for the insanity of MK the next day.

 

[princesslover]

I do appreciate all the suggestions because it helps me to think through potential pitfalls. I want this to be a magical trip! Thank you everyone!!!

 

[KittyKitty]

Being a senior, 73, I had to give up the late nights followed by early mornings. Epcot is a lot of walking park, so have her start walking to get in shape. 14K steps daily at the parks is common.

Have a great time!

 

[princesslover]

Being a senior, 73, I had to give up the late nights followed by early mornings. Epcot is a lot of walking park, so have her start walking to get in shape. 14K steps daily at the parks is common.

Have a great time!

I agree! It’s not important that she sees and does everything. I just want to immerse her in the experience itself. Even simple things that most of us take for granted- exploring the monorail resorts, riding the skyliner, watching the water parade— will be magical for her.

Ironically, she has started a daily walk regimen. She still has no idea about this trip. I’m presenting it to her for her 75th birthday in August.

 

[Disturbia]

Topolinos breakfast is really good. They don’t even need characters. If you’re booking that on checkout (usually hard to find unless it’s day 5+) it would be really nice. A dinner would be better (food (no character), atmosphere, open dining view, Epcot fireworks). We usually book a dinner on HS day since Fantasmic isn’t running now, but I would keep HS open as it’s hard to rush to an ADR and book Genie+ (clicked 9:30 am for SDMT and the checkout said 9:30 am but final booking was 6:30 pm conflicting with our dinner ADR). LLIA can’t be cancelled (GET can fix it); Genie+ can be cancelled (3 dots appear after 10-15 mins next to reservation) and rebooked.

Riviera is beautiful and relaxing. We usually stay at AOA and go to Riviera at least once.

 

[Skippyboo]

HS Christmas decorations are best at night. They do projections onto Tower of Terror. The big Christmas draw at Epcot is the candlelight procession which is going to be in evening. So I would suggest getting candle light procession dining package to guarantee seats and doing HS arrival night.

 

[princesslover]

Topolinos breakfast is really good. They don’t even need characters. If you’re booking that on checkout (usually hard to find unless it’s day 5+) it would be really nice. A dinner would be better (food (no character), atmosphere, open dining view, Epcot fireworks). We usually book a dinner on HS day since Fantasmic isn’t running now, but I would keep HS open as it’s hard to rush to an ADR and book Genie+ (clicked 9:30 am for SDMT and the checkout said 9:30 am but final booking was 6:30 pm conflicting with our dinner ADR). LLIA can’t be cancelled (GET can fix it); Genie+ can be cancelled (3 dots appear after 10-15 mins next to reservation) and rebooked.

Riviera is beautiful and relaxing. We usually stay at AOA and go to Riviera at least once.

Yes, we’ve eaten at Topolinos twice for breakfast and it has become our favorite breakfast place. We actually ate there December 2020 Christmas Day. It was our first time there. It’s a memory I won’t forget. It was actually the 2nd day of our trip. So we were lucky I guess (plus during the height of Covid).

 

[princesslover]

HS Christmas decorations are best at night. They do projections onto Tower of Terror. The big Christmas draw at Epcot is the candlelight procession which is going to be in evening. So I would suggest getting candle light procession dining package to guarantee seats and doing HS arrival night.

I really love this plan except for the fact I doubt I will be able to successfully stack genie+ while in flight there. Thats why I thought Epcot for dinner and fireworks would be easier.

 

[disneyseniors]

We are bringing my Mom in December mostly to see the decorations at Disney (although she will go on some select attractions and shows)

I thought I had a great plan. But I keep second (and third) guessing myself.

It’s a short trip (4 nights) the first night not planning on having a park reserved. It’s a split stay with two nights at an Epcot resort (Boardwalk) and two nights at The Grand Floridian. We are trying to time the parks based on location to the resort. We will have one night at MVMCP.

Fiist day (check in) no park is planned. I think it’s best to relax and settle in. Stay at Boardwalk that night.

Second Day: Epcot (with a break in the day). Stay at Boardwalk for 2nd night.

Third day: Relax in am. Switch to GF. Go to MVMCP at night. Stay at Grand Floridian.

Fourth day: Go to Magic Kingdom again but regular ticket.

Fifth day: check out

The problem I have with this plan is I’d love for her to see Hollywood Studios decorated at night for the holidays. Where could I squeeze this in?

1) Maybe make Epcot a half day and hop to studios later (we will still be at the Boardwalk). Epcot is huge anyway and I’m concerned with so much walking.

2). Go to MK in the am of our last day and end at HS. (I don’t love this because the whole idea is to be close to the resort and I’d like to end at MK))

3) Bite the bullet and reserve studios for our arrival day.

4) Skip studios. It doesn’t have much for older people anyway and not worth the ticket.

WWYD?

Your plans sound great and your Mom is fortunate to have you do that for her! Epcot is huge, especially for seniors, even healthy ones. We get tired easily and sore. I would go with #1 and do Epcot for half a day with maybe an ECV for her to get around and not get too tired out for HS.

We liked the Christmas Decorations at the Studios the best of all the parks.
They have been decorating with the "old" silver tinsel type decorations with the gold stars from the 60's and 50's, It might be something she will love seeing, again, as we do. It reminds me of my childhood with those old silver and gold decs. They also have a display of life sized lady and dogs that I actually have in porcelain ceramic. They are hooked together by a gold chain, just like my set I hope they don't change those decorations. I'm a senior too and never get tired of HS at Christmas.

 

[disneyseniors]

OP, I wanted to add another suggestion. Epcot is so huge and really difficult for seniors to get around that your Mom might be too tired to even try the evening at HS. HS at night is fantastic for the Christmas decs.

I probably would go the night you arrive. I know you have plans to rest and see Epcot, too. I just worry that Epcot and HS in one day would be too much for your Mom. It would be for me, but I have mobility and chronic pain issues so I'm coming from that view point. But even a healthy senior would find it difficult to do Epcot and HS in one day, IMO.

 

[Selket]

For your #5 point, we would not hop to MK because that is a party day.

I struggle with adding AK on our checkout day from BW because it adds a lot of stress that morning and as you’ve pointed out, there isn’t a ton there for her. If we do either Epcot or DHS on arrival day/evening, I may just keep this day (day 3- transition day) as a break day. Ride the skyliner to Riviera for breakfast. Explore the monorail resorts with all their decorations. Relax in the room at GF (if it’s ready). Catch the electrical water pageant. She’s 75 and it’s her first visit. Maybe a day of relaxing after the busy Epcot/HS day (day 2) would be nice? Then she’s all rested for the insanity of MK the next day.

The storytellers in Epcot for the Christmas season are pretty cool...telling different christmas traditions from each country. If they have that this year...they had had it last year. I didn't think about the Candlelight Processional but if she's a big fan of Christmas and traditional/religious celebration of that holiday it is a fun and meaningful presentation. Dinner packages that include seating could help guarantee you a seat if they have dinner packages these days...and are still available.

The other nice thing if she needs resort down time is looking at all of the gingerbread displays.

I love MVMCP - sitting on Main Street with the snow is chef's kiss. Maybe they do that plus the parade and fireworks when you're there if you're right near Christmas Day. I've been in December but never in the days right before Christmas. I imagine it's probably insanely busy so the party is hard call.

The Studios at night, Epcot storytellers and food booths and Harmonious, gingerbread house (you'll have it at the GF for sure), and MVMCP or Christmas parade/fiireworks at the MK....lovely. I adore AK but save that for her next trip lol!

 

[loves to dive]

I agree with HS on arrival afternoon/evening but OP doesn't seem to want to do that and she knows mom better than we do. If you get hoppers, you can always just go back to whatever park you feel like you didn't see enough of on any given day. I'm one of the few that doesn't find MK a full day park, but then again, I never spend all day in any park, I always hop. I rarely do the FWs at MK, it's just too crowded. The few times I've tried to get a good spot early, some tall person (usually a big man) will come and stand in front of me at the last minute and it's all been wasted. Since they have gone to the projection show, it's hard for me to see the castle so I just don't try.

Personally, I wouldn't buy Genie+ or ILL but that is just me. I've been a few times since they implemented it and not bought it. But, I don't mind waiting in line and I don't mind skipping rides if I don't want to wait.

Don't skip going to YC/BC while you are at BW and see their decorations, they are really great and I would even hop into Dolphin, they usually do a good job too. Easy enough to take the boat from BW to YC then hop on it again to Dolphin and hop on it again to HS. That might be a nice way to spend arrival day, just looking at lobby's riding the boat and seeing HS at night. Make an ADR anywhere at any of the resorts or HS. For that matter make one at Riv. and hop on the sky liner at HS or Epcot IG. I really would encourage you to find some time to at least step into HS at night, it really is beautiful.


One of the puppets at AK

YC or BC can't remember

 

[Skippyboo]

I really love this plan except for the fact I doubt I will be able to successfully stack genie+ while in flight there. Thats why I thought Epcot for dinner and fireworks would be easier.

I would not even bother with Genie + for HS if you went on arrival day. You don’t need it for any of the shows. You can do MMRR standby.