Tell Me That This Can Work - Advice Welcome

[disneymath]

Hi all ... after lurking for a few months, I've decided I need to post and hopefully benefit from the great advice of the DIS people!

Our upcoming WDW vacation is a Grand Gathering featuring an eclectic cast of characters - 8 in total. There's DDad (55) DMom (52) Me (28) DSis (26) - this will be our 5th WDW trip. Then there's DBIL (28 - 3rd trip), DCousinGirl (14 - 2nd trip), DCousinBoy (12 - 2nd trip) and DAunt (66, not the cousins' mom - first trip). We're staying at the WL for 10 nights with free dining. The ADRs are all booked. We're planning on doing all the parks, TL, DTD, US/IA, and KSC. (Yup, can you tell we're go go go when in Florida!)

Now my aunt has never been to an AMUSEMENT park, let alone anything the size of Disney magnitude. She just can't wrap her mind around all that there will be to see and do - and believe me we've been trying to prepare her - I've even typed up an itinerary and shown her the website. She's totally excited about going, and she golfs almost everyday and walks the course, so we're not worried about that. We're just not sure what to do if she ends up not liking rides etc. - could be a boring trip for her as she is not one to go off alone and we're not going to give up our vacation! I guess what I'm asking is for those of you who have travelled with older people, what are some tips and tricks? How did you prepare them for the experience? What were their favourite rides (my parents do just about anything, so they're not much help)? Any advice at all would be appreciated.

 

[PattiPB]

Quick suggestion: As a vacation gift, buy her one or two paperback books. Bring one to the theme parks in a backpack. This way, if she chooses to skip a ride, she can find a quiet bench in the shade and relax while you are riding. I don't do major roller coasters, so I carry a book and really enjoy relaxing at the park while my family rides.

The other alternative is for her to go through the line with you, and use the "chicken" exit---that way she could see all the pre-show and experience the atmosphere of the ride, while chatting with the group.

 

[Micca]

If she doesn't like the rides would she play golf? Get a spa treatment? Shop?
It will be fun to see her reaction. Please let us know how it works out.

 

[msteddom]

My one piece of advice would be this: let her take it all in at her own pace. She sounds like she has a great attitude towards the whole thing, so she is going to have an excellent time. Just describe each attraction to her and let her make up her own mind as to what she would like to do and not do. If she decided not to go on something with you than there is plenty to keep you busy in the immediate area (trust me, I am a frequent non-rider and I still have a blast!). Your aunt will have a wonderful time, and so will you if you quit worrying!

Melissa

 

[Haveamagicalday!]

I would suggest any of the classic, simple rides for her, if she needs less intense treatment. The simple classics are always a favorite. Everyone loves Peter Pan, POTC, Jungle Cruise because they are smooth and easy but still include a little bit of adventure. If even that is too much there are many wonderful parades and shows, even the 3D shows she would love. And of course, there is nothing like eating a Mickey bar while sitting on a bench and people watching! WDW is the best place for that! This will all help her enjoy the parks and get her dose of Disney magic. I just returned from a WL 10 day stay like you will do. It is truly amazing! I suggest requesting rooms connected to the lobby if at all possible. This adds so much magic to the trip, and is not very loud like many people think. As far as ADRs go, don't forget that you can keep calling, even to the day of, to see if there have been any cancellations. Sounds like you have got quite the adventure coming your way! I hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[Mousema]

I'm taking my DMom (86) to WDW in September. She's game to try things, but we'll probably stick to the tame things for her. She also likes to people watch and I don't mind doing things on my own. So it should be interesting. She's going to hang out at the resort when the heat gets too bad. Disney is the greatest place in the world to people watch.

 

[disneymath]

Thanks everyone ... those are some really good ideas ... the book reading/people watching and "chicken exit" are ones that I think will work for us. Plus, she is very excited about seeing the shows/parades and trying out the different dining experiences we have planned. (We were very lucky and managed to get ADRs for Spirit of Aloha, Epcot IllumiNations Dinner Desert, Boma, WCC, LTT(lunch), WPC and H&V (FDP).) Can't wait to experience WL - it'll be our first time at a deluxe! If anyone else has any other ideas I would love to hear them!