Some ideas for my parents - 80 yrs old - last trip to Disneyland

franw

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Feb 17, 2002
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My parents are 80 years old and want to take a final trip to Disneyland as they had so many memories from trips there when we were young. We are treating them to the Grand Californian Resort because we want them to have a terrific time but I am a little worried as they don't get around as easily as they used to. This trip is so special to them and I was hoping a few of you might have some ideas on special things to do, places to eat - that wouldn't be too difficult for them to manage. I'm afraid they might just be overwhelmed as they haven't been there in over twenty years and this is the first real trip they have taken since they were both been very ill. A little help from my friends would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
franw,

Do you get to go with them? Is the trip scheduled for summer?

-DC :)
 
They are actually leaving for their trip this coming Sunday. They were afraid to be there during the higher crowd periods. I've been told that the California park is mostly thrill rides. Should they avoid that park? Is it a long walk for them to get to Magic Kingdom from the Grand Californian?
 
They will enjoy the Electric Parade at DCA.

I am taking my Mom (74) and I am deciding whether to take her on Soarin' or not. I don't know if it will be suitable for your folks. I have seen a fair amount of older folks on the ride and they seem to enjoy it.

I do not know whether they will enjoy the shows or not (Alladin/WWTMAM/etc)

GC is a large hotel. The walk could be a bit longer depending on the room location. GC is right next to DCA, in fact they have their own private entrance. DL is right across from DCA so things are very clsoe as well. GC also has a entrance into DD.

I hope they have a great time.

Also....are they mobility impaired at all? A company Scootaround will deliver and pickup a scooter right from your parents hotel.
 

If you have Park Hoppers I think you should take them to DCA. They won't be able to do all the thrill rides, but there is plenty they can do, plus DCA is a very pretty park. They could see the California Dreams and Aladdin shows, ride the Sun Wheel (non-moving car), ride the Carousel, maybe ride Soarin' (you might want to ride first to evaluate it), go to Muppet Vision 3D. They might even like Tough to be a Bug, though you may want to warn them about things so they aren't too surprised by the effects. As the previous poster said, they would like the Electrical parade.

At Disneyland they would probably enjoy the shows at the Golden Horseshoe and watching Rod the piano player at Casey's corner. Don't miss Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. They've changed this a bit in the last couple of years and it's not to be missed. The train would be great for them, ride it all the way around the park to take everything in.

Are you renting wheelchairs for them? You might want to call the hotel in advance and let them know your situation. They might be able to help with getting them to the parks and such. Generally guests are on their own, but I've heard the hotels can arrange transportation (golf carts?) for guests that really need it.

I hope you all have a wonderful time!
 
I would also call GC and ask to have them placed in a room near the elevators so they don't have to walk to a room at the end of a corridor.

At DL they could probably do things like Peter Pan too.

I really enjoyed Storyteller's Cafe in GC. We had the breakfast buffet there, and dinner off the menu. The atmosphere was pretty casual with lots of neat little details, and the food we thought was great. They have a terrific corn chowder! If they want fine dining, they could go to Napa Rose. I've been in the restaurant on the hotel tour, and it's beautiful, but unfortunately we didn't get a chance to eat there.
 
franw,
I don't know if they will be using a electric cart or not. But even if they don't , if they have trouble with stairs, they could go to Guest Services and ask for a special assistance pass. This gives them access to all the elevators (Depending on which section you sit in, there could be a LOT of stairs at the Aladdin show--this show is not to be missed! I saw it 4 times and wouldn't mind seeing it again). There are also a lot of steep stairs at Millionaire, but with the pass, they can use a ramp for the few stairs leading to the stage and there is a special section which only has a few (at most) stairs to climb. Those are the two attractions at CA Adventure that I can think of where they might want to use the pass even if they are not using a wheelchair. Other attractions that I think they would enjoy at CA Adventure:
Soaring Over California, It's Tough to Be a Bug, Muppets 3D, Golden Dreams (it is a movie--), tour of the tortilla factory and tour of Boudin's Bakery. Do they enjoy wine? There is Golden Vine Winery (you can stop and enjoy a glass of wine).
There is also a section on Disney Animation.
-DC :)
 
WHoopS! I forgot to mention, it isn't very far to DL from the GC hotel. If CA is open, they could cut through the park (maybe pick up a FP for Soaring Over CA on the way through--:) ). If CA is not open, they would go through Downtown Disney--it is a very short walk--no more than 5 or 10 mins.

-DC :)
 
My thanks to everyone for their help. My folks had a wonderful time at the Grand Californian thanks to all the great advise I received. In fact, I haven't heard them so happy in three years!! My thanks for your gracious concern about two of Disney's oldest fans.
 

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