12 Tips For An Epic Day At Disney With Seniors

You can’t put a price on making memories, but if you could, that price may very well be the cost of a ticket to the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort.

When was the last time you walked around in one of your dreams?  Left the real world behind, suspended reality and just let yourself be free from your worries for a day.  This month, I did just that.  I grabbed my SweetGirl, jumped on a plane and flew down to Orlando.  Our mission – take my Mama to Disney.  My sweet Mom, who always puts everyone before herself.  Who has planned countless vacations, cooked an endless number of meals, dried tears, supported, cared for and loved her entire family for an eternity has had one dream unfulfilled.  She has never seen the Magic Kingdom.  It was time to change that.

It was time for some magic.  We hopped in the car, comfy shoes on, amply sunscreened and hydrated, ready to tackle the park like kids.  The only person more excited then my Mother?  Me. We arrived at 10am and didn’t leave until after the Fireworks had given their last spectacular bang.  We laughed, cried, ate ALL THE THINGS and were good and exhausted by the time we ambled back to our car.  We took full advantage of every precious moment and I learned a few things along the way.

Here are our tips for having your best day when doing Disney with seniors.

Have a plan:  I am a planner.  I like to go into the incredible Walt Disney Park with my “must see” attractions and rides, but when travelling with seniors don’t over plan! It’s okay to have a list, but don’t try and do it all.

Be Sensible With Your Fashion Choices:  I like a beautiful instagram picture as much as the next girl but this time around it’s important to pick your outfit mindfully.  Pack your purse with care remembering to bring along bandaids, hand sanitizer, Advil/Tylonel and any medication your group may need for the day.  Choose your shoes carefully.  You should never underestimate the power of a comfortable shoe!  And dress in light layers that can be taken off as the heat turns up.

Parking Tips:  When planning your day remember there is a considerable amount of distance to cover from the parking lot (even the handicapped accessible lot) to the park entrance. If walking is a challenge for your beloved senior, you may wish to save their legs and steps by arranging for a wheelchair or a scooter rental.

Stick To One Park:  It’s SO tempting on that first trip to Disney to venture to all the parks.  Okay, at least two of the parks in one day.  Resist.  Transferring from one park to the next is a lot of extra steps and eats up precious time.  This time can be better spent wandering through the park of your choice and soaking up the joy you find around every corner.

Be Ready To Walk:  Even if you have a great plan and stick to one park you will be doing a lot of walking  Pace yourself, embrace the amble, stop to take pictures of every marvellous thing and if needed, consider a wheelchair or scooter rental.  (Easily rented at the park entrance for a nominal fee.)  Even if you don’t normally use a wheelchair or scooter at home – keep in mind you don’t walk this much at home either.  There’s no shame in taking advantage of the equipment you need to enjoy a magical day.

Worthy of note:  Wheelchairs and ECV’s (Electric Conveyance Vehicles) are available at all parks.  Wheelchairs rental fees are $12 per day.  The fee to rent an ECV is $50.  You can not reserve either.  Both are available on a first come first served basis.  Guests must be 18 years of age to rent and operate ECVs, and a Photo ID is required.

Time To Ride:  Which rides and attractions should you start with?  If you go to Walt Disney World we have favourites.  Some to include in your plans; Country Bear Jamboree (a classic), Liberty Square Riverboat,  Mickey’s PhilharMagic, It’s A Small World, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates or the Caribbean, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, and  bit out of the box, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin!  (This ride does spin a little but you can control the spin.) I feel I must confess, my sweet Mama kicked my butt on this ride.  Smushing 10 times more aliens with her “blaster”” then both her Granddaughter and I combined. She was a beast!  Worthy of note: Cast-members  can slow rides down or stop it to make it more accessible-you just let them know  someone in your party needs a little extra help.

Fast Passes:  They are gold!  Take advantage of your three magic Fast Passes by booking them before you arrive.

Heed The Heat: Florida heat is like no other.  Wear sunscreen and reapply.  Consider wearing a hat.  Plan your day to take advantage of rides and attractions and their air-conditioning.  Have lunch during the hottest part of the day and enjoy that leisurely meal indoors.  Should you need First Aid keep in mind that Disney is there to help and a Castmember can point you in the direction of the closest First Aid Station.

Sit When You Can:  For some seniors (and some not so seniors) the most difficult thing isn’t the walking, it’s the standing.  Luckily there are more places to sit while queuing then you might think.  Have an eye for little places for your people to grab a quick seat while waiting for the next big wonderful thing.

Build In Breaks: Take time to smell the roses, drink in the beauty of the landscaping and do a little good old fashioned people watching.  A quick Dole Whip break, a stop for coffee or ice-cream, and a seat to breathe in the atmosphere may be just what your little group needs to recharge and get through the rest of your day.

Don’t Forget The Shops: Everyone loves a good shop.  Hit the souvenir shops on the way out for a quick treat for later or a sentimental gift to remember your day.  I personally can’t leave the park without some Mickey Krispie Treats.  They are simply the best in the world.

See the Fireworks:  Full stop.  Just do it.  They will take your breath away.

If you have the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World it’s truly a chance for every one, of every age, to just be a kid again and I promise if you go… you will make memories that will last you a lifetime.

Happy Travels!