Touring with Grandparents

[FallDisney]

We've invited DH's parents to come with us. They're in they're late 50's, early 60's and in pretty good health. They're <gasp> not huge Disney fans, but wanted to spend vacation time with their grandchildren. We've been to WDW before and had a great time. IL's just aren't sure there's enough to keep them busy, as they don't want to ride the "thrill" rides and they think this is going to be like the local amusement park. Ideas for these two would be great! Anyone gone with ones their age and they all had a good time?

 

[AJKMOM]

I would suggest you get a guide book and let them look at it. A good choice is Birnbaums Official Guide because it has a lot of pictures, so they can see what the places look like that you are talking about.

 

[jaysmom4285]

Our family took my mother twice - she was 68 the first time and 72 the second time. On the second trip we got her a wheelchair, not because she couldn't walk but just to keep her from getting tired out from all the hiking around. It worked beautifully - she didn't have to worry about slowing us down and could keep up with us all day, and my kids had a great time taking turns pushing the wheelchair. She, too, avoided the "thrill" rides, which for her was anything like Space Mountain or Tower of Terror. But she went on the vast majority of attractions with us and enjoyed herself immensely. Most attractions are slow moving and gentle, which you should be sure to point out to your in-laws. Maybe getting them some info from the Unofficial Guide to WDW would help - the attractions are described in detail and are rated by age groups, and they might be interested in the ratings from other "seniors." And there's so much to see and do that doesn't involve going on rides or attractions - parades, street shows, fireworks, characters and just the architecture, landscaping and flowers. I hope they decide to go - the memories of experiencing this with their grandchildren will be very special to them. Just ask my mother!

 

[sjdisneywedding]

ohh boy, theres soooo much to do its almost impossible to write down. I definately agree witht the guidebook idea, they will get a good idea of whats to see. actually most of the attractions are not thrill rides at all. We have gone many many times with parents, inlaws, etc in their late 50's, they always have a good time.

bit just off the top of my head
MK: Im sure they will get a kick out of Carousel of progress, Hall of Presidents, Haunted mansion, Liberty Boat, Country bear, the railroad, Pirates of the caribbean, mickeys philharmagic, maybe timekeeper and depending on the grandkids ages everything or nothing in fantasy land and buzzligtyear, the go carts

Epcot: everything, especially spaceship earth, the countries, honey i shrunk..., maybe not body wars

MGM: movie ride, muppets, back stage tour, millonaire

AKL; everything but not as good as the other parks unless you are into it.

plus all the shows, parades, fireworks, shops, downtown disney, the MONORAIL

ok thats enough, i am getting too excited

 

[PattiPB]

I am leaving in several hours for another trip with my parents (including a Wonder cruise!) Having done this several times with parents who are VERY healthy and active 74 yo people, here are my (very few I promise!) suggestions:

1. Stay onsite! Nothing is better than their ability to say "that's enough, see you at the pool" and take Disney transportation back to the hotel while we continue our day.

2. Schedule at least one character meal. My parents loved it so much the first time we took them, Chef Mickey's has almost become a tradition!

3. Take twice as many pictures as you normally would. You never know when the "last" vacation will be.

Off to finish packing...

 

[leebee]

Also, just because they don't want to ride on something doesn't mean they can't wait in line for it. No, wait, before you think I'm a lunatic (WAIT in MORE lines??)...I always used to sit on benches outside of things like Splash, Space Big Thunder, ToT, etc because of vertigo/motion sickness. Not a very exciting way to spend vacation, sitting around alone outside attractions. I was so excited when I learned that I could walk through the queues with my family, enjoying their company and the preshow, and then take the "chicken exit" and not ride. Perhaps they'll feel a bit more excited aobut going if they know they won't spend their entire trip w..a..i..t..i..n..g for you guys.

 

[Bill From PA]

I take it by your statement that they think Disney is 'like the local amusement park' that they've never been. I had the same notion going into my first visit but that was blown away in the boat ride to MK. It was clear to me that this was much more than an amusement park on steriods and I've been hooked since then. Maybe the same will happen to your guests although I was just a youngster of 47 when this happened.

My rap on Disney is that there are too few thrill rides in the mix so I think there will be lots to do for those with tame tastes. This March we brought mom along, got her a motorized chair (knee replacements) so she could keep up and she had a ball. She rode Splash Mtn. and ToT. She's 78. Keep an open mind, they might surprise you.

As for adult entertainment (Disney style), steer them to Epcot, Boardwalk, DTD, PI, Jellyrolls and all the fine watering holes in WS.

Bill From PA

 

[KittyKitty]

I am starting to be in my late 50's and trying to learn the art of being, not doing. I enjoy the thrill rides(ok don't do TOT anymore), but absolutely love the smell,taste,and sight of WDW.

They want to be with the grandkids,so make sure they are. This is a great time for you and SO to have an evening together. I know just being with my niece is a joy in itself. There doesn't have to be any plans.

There are guide books they can start learning about WDW.Some are for mature travelers(Oh my....am I that?!!). WDW has a video(DVD) geared toward grandparents.


Have no fears.............. they will love it.

Susan