Suggestions for making trip magical for my aging parents?

[jacksgirl]

DH, DS12 and I will be traveling to WDW November 8-17. We are bringing my parents along. This will be their first trip to WDW. As a matter of fact, they have never been more than 100 miles away from home more than a few times in their lives. They have always struggled financially. While my sister and I were growing up, we never took a single vacation. There were many times we wondered where our next meal would come from. But enough doom and gloom. Things are better for them now, but they still don't have alot of extra money. So, we are taking them to WDW! And I want to make the trip amazing, because it will probably be the only time they ever go. We are staying at CBR -- I've requested a room close to OPR, etc. to cut down on walking a bit (they are only 61 years old and both in pretty good shape, but my dad has gout and sometimes has issues with ankle swelling). We have FD and I've reserved some great, unique restaurants that my family loves so that they can try them. We are going to HDDR and MVMCP. And I got Memory Maker so that we can capture the memories without having to worry about carrying around a camera. I guess I'm just looking for any suggestions for other things we can do to make the trip really special and magical for them?

 

[Alesia]

Bring a camera.

 

[minnie mum]

The only thing I can suggest is that you don't try to do too much. Take your time, so they can take everything in and savour it. No one enjoys themselves when they are hurried or overtired. Have at least a loose plan for each day, but be flexible. If they have never been to a theme park before, it could be overwhelming for them. Since this may be a once in a lifetime trip for them, take it slow and let them smell the roses.

And yes, bring a camera and keep it handy.. Photopass photographers aren't everywhere. My best photos are ones I took myself and were candid, unposed ones.

 

[jacksgirl]

Would you suggest a regular camera? Or will our iPhone cams be ok for snapshots?

 

[Alesia]

Would you suggest a regular camera? Or will our iPhone cams be ok for snapshots?

Personally, I prefer a small point-and-shoot camera. I generally take 700 to 1000 pictures and my phone won't cut it. But you know your phone better than I do. Are you happy with the pictures your phone takes? Will using it as your only camera drain the battery too quickly?

 

[Meriweather]

61 is aging That's how old I am and I don't consider myself old.

Anyway, I took my BFF for her first time the year she turned 61 (that was 2007).
We did everything...........HDDR, luau, Keys to the Kingdom tour, plus all the dining.
January we go for her 3rd trip to celebrate her 70th birthday! Can't wait.

I'm sure they will have a great time.....be sure to get 1st visit buttons. We got special seating at LMA with them....also a mention on the big screen. Special seating at Fantasmic too.....but not sure they do that anymore?

 

[jacksgirl]

Cool! I don't consider 61 old either, but my parents do, and they act older than they are. Maybe it's a result of the difficult life they have lived.

 

[Epcot242]

It sounds like you have a great trip planned out already. In this case I think FP+ will really be a benefit as you won't have to hit the parks at rope drop to get the headliners. If I were you, I'd try to set some expectations for myself, privately, of how I'd like the trip to go. Then maybe you can sit down with your family and parents to get a sense of what they're thinking in terms of expectations. If everyone's on the same page, roughly, the whole trip might go smoother. Additionally, I (and this is just me) would maybe feel as though this trip needs to be perfect if I imagine this will be their only time in the World. Having realistic expectations might mitigate some stress resulting from those kinds of thoughts.

Regardless of how you decide to proceed, good luck! I'm sure everyone will have a fantastic time.

 

[bumbershoot]

Cool! I don't consider 61 old either, but my parents do, and they act older than they are. Maybe it's a result of the difficult life they have lived.

Tell 'em to snap out of it. It's how my MIL lived her life and it's not going well for her. Because all those "feeling old" moments have now come to fruition...

Eh, easier said than done. But YOU certainly don't have to call them aging. They aren't even of SS retirement age.

 

[disnut8]

To make the trip amazing? Just take them. They will be there with their grandson before he hits his teens. How about this - have your son talk to his grandparents about the trip and they can plan things together. He can say things like "I want to do this and this and this" and show them pictures of the attractions he wants to do. And have him tell his grandparents WHY he wants to do those things.

I might suggest taking them to Sci Fi Dine Inn because at the age of 61 (definitely not aging), your parents have more than likely been to a drive in movie in their lives (you can sneak into those fairly easily) and I bet your son has never been to one. Something for the three of them to experience together.

Also, if your parents don't want to do the "thrill things", they can just go through the queue with you and your family and then be escorted out once you reach the seater person. So all the time you would miss with them is maybe 10 minutes. You can do that at ANY Disney World attraction, even Dumbo. Ask them if they ever watched Twilight Zone and you can all enjoy that queue together and they can leave before you board the ride elevator.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

My grandparents enjoyed WDW into their 70s. My grandfather especially just liked to see the beautiful gardens and flowers. My grandma took me on Space Mtn for the first time when I was 6 or 7! They spent their 50th wedding anniversary there and enjoyed all the Epcot restaurants particularly. They loved Epcot. I think they did the tour of the Land greenhouse (now called Behind the Seeds) and loved that. Make sure to point out all the amazing details everywhere.

 

[jacksgirl]

Wow -- didn't know I'd set off a firestorm by using the word "aging" lol. I didn't mean it to sound bad at all. I just meant that they tire a little more easily than they used to, and that my dad has some health concerns associated with getting older. Anyway, my son LOVES Sci-Fi -- it's his favorite restaurant at WDW, so we have an ADR for there. And they will love being there with him -- he is the one grandson who has always (and still does) spend lots of time with them. He has my dad wrapped around his finger. I like the idea of the Behind the Seeds tour -- I had already thought that my dad would really love Living With the Land.

 

[cakebaker]

Tell 'em to snap out of it. It's how my MIL lived her life and it's not going well for her. Because all those "feeling old" moments have now come to fruition...

Eh, easier said than done. But YOU certainly don't have to call them aging. They aren't even of SS retirement age.

Exactly, don't let them buy into the old age before their time and I wouldn't buy into it either if I were you. I'm close to that age and lasted longer than my 30 something kids most days. If they're in good health, just like anyone else, they should do just as well as anyone. I think some of us getting close to that age bristle at little at being labeled "aging". Maybe I'll take that title when I hit 80.

Show them show videos, pictures of things to do at WDW and see what interests them and just try and be sure you include those things in your plans.

 

[disneyseniors]

My husband and I go every year and we are 65 and 68 y/o We ride all the thrill rides and have a blast. We are not super people; we both have health issues, but keep on going on.... I would say don't schedule all the time with you guys! Let them choose a day or times during each day to do what they want to do. They can go their own pace, look at things, etc. These things may not be exactly what you want to do. I know from experience. We have been with kids/grandkids, and by ourselves and loved it both ways. But you can't please everyone all the time, so some alone time for them and you will work out for all of you. You can still do the things like special attractions, dining, etc together, but you really need to just go your own ways for a while too. We actually love going by ourselves and going at our pace. It's a magical thing that we look forward to each year. Have fun with your family

 

[MataHari22]

It will be magical all on its own. I took my good friend for the first time in 2013, and she was 66. (Health wise she is way more fit than I am, but that's another story. ) She was totally blown away. I didn't do anything extra or special for her, but I did make our plans to be tailored to a first timer. She basically just had me plan everything, and she's still that way, this year will be our third year in a row for WDW, so it's safe to say, I've created another Disney fan. She's not quite the addict I am though. I remember when she came home, she said she was still processing all the amazing things we'd seen for weeks afterward. Hope you guys have an amazing time.

 

[remyrat]

My parents are the same way... 60s but are in that "aging" mindset. It is really sad. Anyway, we did a day at Epcot a few years ago w/ them and it was an absolute blast. You're gonna have such a great time. Just make sure to take it slow and dont try to see/do everything. A nice and relaxed trip is key.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Would you suggest a regular camera? Or will our iPhone cams be ok for snapshots?

Your iPhone will be marvelous. They take great pics!
You are a wonderful adult child! I know your visit is going to be splendid!

 

[matheke]

Try to keep him away from sugary drinks, Turkey (no turkey legs) and herring (if you are going to Akershus) as they are among the foods that are triggers for gout, among others.

 

[JenB1104]

It is pricey, but you could do the Illuminations Cruise one night. We did it as a splurge for DD's first trip and loved it. It is very relaxing and we had a great view.

 

[Nancyg56]

Wow -- didn't know I'd set off a firestorm by using the word "aging" lol. I didn't mean it to sound bad at all. I just meant that they tire a little more easily than they used to, and that my dad has some health concerns associated with getting older. Anyway, my son LOVES Sci-Fi -- it's his favorite restaurant at WDW, so we have an ADR for there. And they will love being there with him -- he is the one grandson who has always (and still does) spend lots of time with them. He has my dad wrapped around his finger. I like the idea of the Behind the Seeds tour -- I had already thought that my dad would really love Living With the Land.

LOL! It's that "aging" thing Missy!!!! LOL!

My DH and I took the behind the seeds tour and it was a highlight of our trip that year. THere can be a lot of walking during the tour, so that day I would plan it early in the day so if your Dad feels his gout, he can go relax or go back to the resort for a while. The tour is worth the time though, and the CM's who conduct it are wonderful. If people are interested in any aspect of their discussions, they will take the time to expand on the topic.

One of the things I wanted to say is that as a grandparent, the best gift I ever was presented with is my Granddaughter Kady. She hung our Moon, and is the sun in our lives, just as your son is to your parents. FOr your parents, the best and most memorable aspect of this trip is going to be the time spent with your son. You could park them at the pool and if your boy was there, the trip would be the best ever. So don't try too hard to plan the perfect trip, it is perfect already.

When you are planning, I would first consider an ECV in Epcot and perhaps AK. These parks involve a lot of walking, and if your Dad is uncomfortable he will suffer getting from one place to another. I also would try to be in the parks for the fireworks displays if possible. I would also scope out possible CS restaurants in each park that offer a good opportunty to rest and have a snack.

You have the party planned and I bet that will be one of the best memories for your parents. There is something special that happens during the Holidays in WDW, and your parent will experience that with their DGS. It sounds like your son is as invested on their happiness as they are in his, so at this point I would relax.

Just remember that you can never pack it all into one trip, so don't try. It is not the number of attractions, shows, parades and displays your parents experience that will make this trip the one of a lifetime. It is the time you spend together in a place that your parents never dreamed they would go, and the care you have already invested in their comfort and pleasure that will catapult the vacation to "Best time ever@"