Things to do with a senior citizen?

[lustergirl]

I hopefully will be taking my mom next april for the flower festival at epcot. She won't be able to ride the rides because of her disabilities and quite frankly I am not big on rides either. What are some great things for us to do. We both love to eat so I got that covered- how about adding some shows- that would be nice. Is there anything special for "seniors" to do?

 

[pepe of ohio]

We probably fit in that catagory and we don't do the big rides, or at least I don't and I still have a great time in disney. I do all the show attractions and as for eating or shows, the luau or Hoop Dee Do Revue are great, pricey but a good way to enjoy an evening, we lean towards the HDDR. Parades are great too, just check the park time schedules and go at that time to see them. We enjoy our resort alot, been making our home at the WL for the last bunches of trips. Territory Lounge has some great appetizers. We also tried POFQ lounge, great one man jazz there after 8 pm, taking the boat from there to DTD was fun and different too. We then bussed back to our resort. Check Allears for things for seniors to do, check out the resorts and see who has entertainment in the evenings. Just being in the resort is enough for us plus a walk around, we like evenings at FW too, Crocketts Tavern, Trails End has the best buffet for our money. Real quiet over there, hardly any people most times.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

Most seniors disabled or not do some rides, they are not thrill rides still for the most part and Disney is great for those with disabilities, myself included.
Disney brings out the Kid in everyone including the elderly, When I took my Dad to Disneyland he bought a Hippo hat they had there and wore it the rest of the trip.

Certainly there are lots of things related to the Flower festival and plenty of shows as well, but don't shortchange yourselves by passing up all the rides.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Is there anything special for "seniors" to do?

What age do you consider "seniors" starts at?

 

[goofyernmost]

What age do you consider "seniors" starts at?

Very good question. I have heard some well intentioned, but, almost degrading questions from people when they discover that I ride everything from the "kid" rides to the "adult" rides.

I have had someone say "isn't that nice that you can still do that" when I told them what rides I had been on. Good grief, I was only 56 at the time. I'm not quite ready to trade everything in for a rocking chair. My mother went when she was in her mid 80's and rode everything that appealed to her. It was never a question of age, just desire.

 

[Hannathy]

I think you will be surprised how many Disney rides really aren't "rides" but more like moving seats! Like at Epcot the only rides are MS and TT and quite frankly TT isn't worse than riding on the interstate! I bet she would love Soarin, unless she is in a wheelchair and unable to transfer. And the American Adventure.

The HDDR is a lot of fun for all ages and then going down to the beach to watch the Electric light parade is a nice evening.

I would just follow her lead and don't be surprised if she does a lot more than you would think.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I hopefully will be taking my mom next april for the flower festival at epcot. She won't be able to ride the rides because of her disabilities and quite frankly I am not big on rides either. What are some great things for us to do. We both love to eat so I got that covered- how about adding some shows- that would be nice. Is there anything special for "seniors" to do?

Like the other, I'm not sure what you mean by "senior", but I am 34 and don't like the thrill rides much, except Test Track and BTMRR. If you are just going to Epcot for the Flower and Garden Festival, I'm sure there will be alot of exhibits to see (I haven't been to it yet). I personally enjoyed the Living with the Land boat ride, very quiet and gentle ride. There is the aquarium at The Seas with Nemo and friends, At the American Pavilion there is the Drum and Fife Corp, then the Voices of Liberty and The American Adventure show, which I am sure she will probably enjoy. We like just wandering through each country and looking at the buildings and shops. My mom (59) loves the Toy Shop and Tea Shop in the UK Pavilion. There are different movies at a couple of the other countries. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is a must see evening light/fireworks show.

At Disney you are only limited by your fear, and time (unfortunately), there is alot of things for everyone, no matter how young or old.

Suzanne

 

[M&N]

Michey's PhilharMagic is one of my Mother's favorites. Each park has good shows you do not have to ride. She loves people watching too...and where could you find a better place to do that? Give me a bench and a and I'm a happy camper too!

 

[sah95]

My mom is 60 (I think) and only does mild rides. She rode Splash Mtn (after a lot of reassurance) and then Test Track after I swore to her it wasn't a roller coaster However, she doesn't have a disability. She is very content sitting on a bench, reading her book while my son and I are riding rides. Depending on the nature of your mom's disabilities, there may be a lot of rides she would enjoy. Another option may be the tours offered at WDW. I hope you all have a great trip!!

 

[Rhonna]

My Dad LOVED the "Beauty and the Beast - Live on stage" show at MGM.

Also a nice, quiet mid-day meal at The Hollywood Brown Derby at MGM. We would go for a late lunch after the noon rush hour and before the dinner crowds show up for the Fantasmic dining package.

Does she have fond memories of traveling? If her preferences fit one of the countries in Epcot, have dinner there. My Dad liked the restaurant in the Mexico pavillion at Epcot because he and Mom had spent several months traveling through Mexico as newlyweds. Also, he traveled to France with mom so liked the France pavillion. Or maybe there is a country your mom would have liked to see if she had been able.

The movie at the France pavillion at Epcot is just beautiful. It is a sit down show. We always go see it and it is never crowded.

Does she like animals? Spend time at AK at the Discovery Island trails looking at the animals and birds. Most people don't even know they are there, or they don't take the time to just watch the creatures. Often, there is a CM around who may chat with you about the animals too. Also the walk through Maharajah Jungle Trek and Pangani Forest Trails.

What about shopping? I always like to look for disney watches so I look in all the little stores for one I want. And there have been trips when I have found a watch in one of the small stores in the parks but the same watch was not available in the main huge stores like Emporium on Main St.

We also like the dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern. Even if it wasn't a character meal - we just like the atmosphere of the restaurant.

 

[AnninIowa]

I've been twice now with my dad and we're going again next May (he'll be 76). While he is in good health, he (nor I, actually) do any of the big rides. We manage to keep very busy! We actually do almost every attraction, though - my dad loves Small World and Soarin. There are more attractions you can do than not at Disney!

 

[goofyernmost]

My mom is 60 (I think) and only does mild rides. She rode Splash Mtn (after a lot of reassurance) and then Test Track after I swore to her it wasn't a roller coaster However, she doesn't have a disability. She is very content sitting on a bench, reading her book while my son and I are riding rides. Depending on the nature of your mom's disabilities, there may be a lot of rides she would enjoy. Another option may be the tours offered at WDW. I hope you all have a great trip!!

I guess it isn't really hinging on actual age but one's mental age. Some people are very old in their 50's, some very youthful in their 80's and beyond. I suggest not trying to entertain someone and make judgments for them if they are of sound mind and reasoning ability. Do research on everything and be able to explain what each thing does and let them decide for themselves what is good and what isn't. It's different for everyone.

 

[I Love Pluto]

No one is ever too "old" for Disney!

I guess we should worry about the "young" ones who THINK seniors are "old"!

 

[Ellielovesdisney]

We took DGM (90) on her first trip to WDW last year. She did use a wheelchair just because she is kind of slow...but was able to walk when she wanted. I think she liked the fireworks very much, as well as spaceship earth, the animal kingdom (safari and lion king especially), and the tea at the Grand Floridian. Oh yeah, her absolute favorite was Its a Small World. I can't think of anything special for seniors that we did...we just did everything at her pace and enjoyed seeing it though her eyes. Have a great trip!

 

[deedeetoo]

We've gone twice with my Mom who is in her 70's. She didn't do the thrill rides but then again she didn't do them when she was younger either. Other than that she enjoyed the rest of the rides, shows, and pretty much everything else.

 

[darlak]

Carousel of Progress. I love seeing the progress just from the older things I can remember and I'm only 49. It's also on my DD20's list of must-do things each trip.

 

[travelbug]

I've taken my parents down twice in the past few years and I'm taking them again in January (for 12 days this time). They'll be 75 and 78. We rent scooters for them so that distance and stamina aren't issues. They LOVE it down there, love doing the parks, love relaxing around the resort (we stay at BCV when they're with me), and they go on almost any ride except the thrill rides. Big favorite - Soarin'

I will say, though, that the rides that have continuous loading systems (i.e. "conveyor belt" loading) make them nervous. They prefer the rides where the cars come to a full stop for boarding and unloading.

Shows in general are a big favorite for my parents. They always enjoy Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Little Mermaid, Indiana Jones Stunt Show, Fantasmic, Illuminations, Wishes, and Spectromagic. In January, I'll take them to the Nemo show and Lights, Motors, Action -- neither of which they've seen before.

They also love anything that brings back old memories, especially in MGM. So we go on Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour, visit the Walt Disney exhibit (the name escapes me at the moment), and we eat at Sci Fi and 50s Prime Time sometime during our stay. They have a ball, and I treasure every moment with them.

You can always enjoy the "out of the way" places like the British gardens in Epcot, or the various scenic trails at Animal Kingdom. There are also great street shows around Epcot, like the Chinese acrobats, the "candy lady" at Japan, etc. etc. It's also fun just to take a boat ride between MGM and Epcot, with no destination but just to relax and look around.

We always take a break and go back to the resort for the afternoon. Then I get pool time, and they read the paper, have coffee, take a nap, poke around the gift shop, whatever they like. Then we go back to a park for the evening, feeling refreshed.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[streudel423]

We sent my grandparents to Epcot for Christmas last year. They were brave and rode alot. However, considering your situation, I would recommend:
Honey, I shrunk the audience
The World showcase
The Monorail
Spacesip Earth (if it's not under refurb)

 

[streudel423]

Sorry, I only metioned Epcot stuff...

Here's some other ideas for the other parks...


AK: It's Tough to be a Bug, The Lion King

MK: The Transit Authority, Monster's Inc Laugh Floor, Carousel of Progress, Small World, SNow Whites Scary Adventure, Peter Pan's Flight, Winnie the Pooh

MGM: Great Movie Ride, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Muppet's 3D

 

[sah95]

I guess it isn't really hinging on actual age but one's mental age. Some people are very old in their 50's, some very youthful in their 80's and beyond. I suggest not trying to entertain someone and make judgments for them if they are of sound mind and reasoning ability. Do research on everything and be able to explain what each thing does and let them decide for themselves what is good and what isn't. It's different for everyone.

Exactly!! Buy her a guide book and let her pick some of the actvities she wants to do I'm so glad my mom goes to WDW w/ my son and me. She has had cancer twice and I cherish every moment of our vacations. Even if she sleeps through the Nemo musical