Which park for retirees?

[discorsner]

I was wondering if there is anyone out there in their 60s who would like to recommend a park for my in-laws?

We are going on two trips this year. One in May and one in August. In August we are doing something we have never done and are staying off property!

We are staying in a rental house with my in-laws in their 60s. They want to hang around the house with a pool and my father-in-law will golf. They will only do Disney for one day with us. They worry about things like the heat, walking, and crowd levels (I can't blame them).

We have given them the books and travel dvds to watch and asked them which park? They say for us to decide. We are disney veterans but we love them all. How could anyone pick just one park?!?!?! (we will do them all of course but only get them with us for one day)

I was wondering if there was a favorite park for people around the same age group? Or a favorite park for grandparents and grandchildren? Thanks!

 

[singingpixie]

I'm torn between Epcot and MK- Epcot would probably interest them more, but being able to see your grandkids experiencing MK would win out for many grandparents.

 

[Cool-Beans]

The older folks I talk to all like Epcot and Animal Kingdom best.

I wouldn't take them in August, though. It's just too damned hot and humid. But if y'all are hell-bent on Orlando in August, I wish you all the luck in the world.

 

[Scraper]

My Mom's favorite is Epcot. We are taking her there in May.

 

[Micca]

DW and I are probably 10 years (or more) younger that your party, but if you're looking for just one park, I'd say Epcot. However, heat and walking are an issue no matter where you go.

 

[Pakey]

Well we are in our 50's so not sure we quite qualify to answer this question. Epcot is our favorite park but we've made dozens of trips to the World over the years and none of it is new. If I were newer at this or spending one day with my grandchildren, I'd probably pick Animal Kingdom for my one day only. I think it offers the best mix for young and old.

 

[disney1990]

We are 57 and 64 and love all the parks. My DH's favorite is Epcot, hands down.

 

[ntsammy5]

I am an older folk in my 60s and we prefer Epcot, but I agree, if I had to choose and the grandchildren were along, it would be MK.

 

[lori_ehrman]

I agree with another poster - MK if they love to watch the GK have fun.

Definitely not AK in Aug - there's not enough shade or places to sit.

EPCOT is the most senior-friendly park - lots of indoor things out of the sun and heat, lots of places to sit.

Lori

 

[planitdad]

We have gone in Aug. the past several years. The heat will play a role for sure at their age. I love to plan in detail and think this would be a good idea for you considering the heat, free dining crowding restaurants, and limited time.

My idea would be to combine MK and Epcot with a park hopper. I would include a nice monorail resort meal and make sure to hit The American Adventure in Epcot and Hall of Presidents in MK.

Perhaps ending the day with a cruise or meal at California Grill would be a better touch than the throng leaving after the fireworks.

 

[M5ward]

I'm an "older folk" too (63), and I love all the parks. I almost can't imagine not hitting them all everytime we're there. As a matter of fact, we haven't spent time at a pool while there since 1994. We prepare by walking a couple of miles most days well prior to our trips...this has carried over now into gym time and lots of cardio. We've been there when it's been pretty hot, but never hot enough to stop us...we just dress light and stay hydrated (with water and other fun beverages.)
But...back to topic at hand. Epcot would be my park of choice if I was only going to go to one. Then, again, MK with the grandkids is always fun. We were in the World in January with our daughter and her family. Her kids (12,
8, and 3) loved going through Epcot with their passport books and stopping at all the Kidcot stops.

 

[suz_cute]

Planitdad has a great idea with the park hopper, and making it a grand day for everyone. The kids would definitely enjoy MK more, and Grandma and Grandpa might just like Epcot more. If I had to pick just one, and the kids were coming, I'd pick MK.

 

[goofyernmost]

I'll be 61 this year and I wish you folks would stop implying that we are all pretty much dead by that age . I too, like all the parks and Epcot is starting to win me over as my favorite but that would be only if I could go to all of them. If I had to chose just one it would be MK. There is something there for every age and since many of us are not out of childhood mentally, everything there is fun.

If they are concerned about too much walking Epcot is definitely not the place for them and AK is also a no go. DHS is the smallest park when it comes to walking but it just doesn't compare with MK. Magic Kingdom is a little more tough on the shoe leather but well worth it. So my vote would be MK.

 

[g-dad66]

Since they've seen the books and DVDs, can you ask them which attraction(s) looks most interesting to them?

Maybe the answer to that question will suggest what park will be best (because I suspect they aren't going to want to spend a lot of time in whatever park they go to). If they can experience an attraction or two that they like, it may be a successful day for them (and you too!)

 

[BradyBz12]

We played "tour guide" for my aunt and uncle in December. They're 69 & 77 and travel a lot - all over the world - but hadn't been to WDW in nearly 20 years. They're very fit, but my uncle was having some issues with his feet that meant we had to take it easy on him in terms of walking. They had a week with us and we gave them the highlights of every park. They actually did ride some rides - surprisingly ToT and EE - and we also took them to MVMCP. My aunt (still very much a kid at heart) loved MK the best, although they both loved EP.

Maybe feel them out about what kinds of things they'd specifically enjoy. Are they really planning to go on any rides, or are they just looking to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy being there with your family? Are they "into Disney" - i.e., do they know the movies, classic characters, etc.? Do they like parades (keep in mind that involves a lot of standing around)? shows?

If they do plan to go on some rides, you can help cut down on their walking by having someone run ahead to get FPs for those attractions.

We handled having to take the walking easy with my uncle by not trying to do too much, planning our touring so we didn't do a lot of backtracking, and spacing out rides/attractions so that they could get off their feet fairly frequently. When we did WS at Epcot it was easy, as we could sit on a bench every so often and grab a drink or snack and just soak up the atmosphere.

AK was tough - a lot of walking and the walkways aren't smooth. Thankfully my uncle decided to rent an ECV that day. Made for a really great time - we did lots and no one was overly worn out at the end of the day.

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Not liking heat, walking, or crowds makes this a tough recommendation. I'm 63 and getting around any of the parks isn't a problem (yet!). But I'd have to say that Epcot SEEMS to have less crowds maybe because it has a more "open" area?? Certainly fewer toddlers like you find at the MK. But then it requires more walking---.

 

[Pixiedust34]

My parents are in their mid-60s and I think Epcot is their favorite park. The like the attractions in Future World (Spaceship Earth, Soarin, etc.) but they also enjoy strolling through the WS at leisure. There are some good places in the WS to get into the shade (American Adventure, various movies, etc.) for a while.

At Studios, they LOVED GMR........I think they rode that 3 times on their last trip!

They also enjoyed the MK, but I don't think it was as relaxing for them as Epcot was. They did ride a lot of the attractions, including Splash and BTMRR! : )

They didn't spend much time in AK--it was too much walking that day for them.

 

[Dawn68PA]

If they are concerned with crowd levels, I would take them to whichever park is supposed to have low crowds on whatever day you're going. Crowds will make it seem hotter than it already will be.

 

[dizluvah]

I would say Epcot - based on my relatives who are mid-50's - Epcot is by far their favorite. They enjoy the shops, watching the shows - the pace can be as leisurely as you like and don't forget the boats to spirit you from one section of the world showcase to another.

As to crowds - Epcot is large enough that it seems to absorb the crowds better. You can always find a little tucked away spot to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. One example, the maze/garden behind the tea shop in UK.

Also, IMHO staying off site is nothing to fear. You all will enjoy a wonderful trip, albeit a different kind of Disney trip than your family is typically used to - relax and enjoy!

Happy planning

 

[RabFlmom]

I was wondering if there is anyone out there in their 60s who would like to recommend a park for my in-laws?

We are going on two trips this year. One in May and one in August. In August we are doing something we have never done and are staying off property!

We are staying in a rental house with my in-laws in their 60s. They want to hang around the house with a pool and my father-in-law will golf. They will only do Disney for one day with us. They worry about things like the heat, walking, and crowd levels (I can't blame them).

We have given them the books and travel dvds to watch and asked them which park? They say for us to decide. We are disney veterans but we love them all. How could anyone pick just one park?!?!?! (we will do them all of course but only get them with us for one day)

I was wondering if there was a favorite park for people around the same age group? Or a favorite park for grandparents and grandchildren? Thanks!

First let me say-----retirees are just normal people, too. We like to do the same thing that people of 20, 30,40, and even 50 like to do so just don't think that we want quiet uneventful parks to walk around and just look at stuff. <VBG> Basically this is just my opinion as an almost retiree.

Second ------ have they ever been to Disney before? If not than my recommendation is the same for them as I give anyone going to Disney. First you need to go to the Magic Kingdom and experience the Disney park that was planned by Walt himself.

Third----- if you have kids they will love being in the park with them experiencing the rides through their eyes as well as their own.

Fourth------ Let them experience whichever park you take them to at their pace. The one thing I hate to do is commando visits. I like to enjoy the fast pace but also like to notice the little things that make the park special. I don't need to do or see everything in a park when I am there. I just want to enjoy the day and remember how much fun it was being there and sharing it with family.