Back to Your Answers
Mother, Son, Giraffe, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Animal Kingdom, Savannah
  • On Feb 9, 2013
    Joyce Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi Kimberly! My family and I will be there 3/28-4/3/2013 to celebrate a sweet 16 and other b-days. This trip, my 85 y/o mother will also visit. Do you have any suggestions so that I can make this a totally awesome experience for Mom?

    Hi Joyce! Thanks for visiting me here on the Moms Panel! I think it's terrific that your mother will be traveling with your family! I have traveled to Walt Disney World with my octogenarian father, and I'm very happy to report that seniors can have a fantastic time, too!

    Here are several of my top tips:
    • Since there is a lot of walking involved when touring a theme park, consider renting a motorized scooter (also known as an ECV: Electric Conveyance Vehicle) or renting a wheelchair for your mother on some or all days of your stay. This really helps to reduce fatigue and allows senior guests to "keep up" with the rest of the family. 
    • Stop to take breaks throughout the day. I highly recommend returning to your resort in the mid-afternoon for a rest, swim and snack. You can also have lunch at your resort. After your resort break, return to the theme parks for any scheduled evening entertainment (parade, fireworks, etc.). 
    • Make dining reservations at a reasonable time for your mother (in other words, avoid an 8:00 PM dinner reservation time). 
    • Include your mother in your family's vacation planning decisions. Review together the various attractions and shows offered at each of the four theme parks and ask her which ones she is most interested in experiencing and seeing. 
    • Stay hydrated! Bring refillable water bottles for each family member and refill them as needed at counter service eateries (just ask a Cast Member) and/or water fountains located in the theme parks. 
    Please don't hesitate to write back with any additional questions. I have some specific advice on which attractions and shows appeal to senior guests. 



thumbnail image for Kimberly

Meet the Panelist: Kimberly, New Jersey

I'm a Disneyphile and Type A planner! I'm also a writer and editor, wife and mom to an amazing daughter, age 7. I love helping guests of all ages and abilities plan their "Disney time" and make magical vacation memories at Walt Disney World!
 Learn More About Kimberly

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.

 

 

Internet Explorer FireFox Safari Chrome