Hi Courtney. The only discount opportunities for seniors that I am aware of are through AARP. Members receive discounted room rates at both the
Swan and
Dolphin. If you are interested, call the reservation line directly at 800-227-1500 and inquire about availability for your travel dates.
Other than that, one thing my grandmother has been known to do (both at WDW and elsewhere) is order meals from the children's menu because her appetite just isn't what it used to be.
As for the second part of your question, Grand Gatherings are great at WDW because there is something there for every age group to enjoy. Additionally, if your group qualifies as a Grand Gathering (8 party members must be over the age of 3), then your group will be eligible to participate in
exclusive experiences available only to Grand Gathering groups. Also, Disney has designated special travel planners to assist in making dining and other arrangements for large parties. I found them very helpful in arranging dining reservations for our large group so that we could all be seated together, or at neighboring tables, during our meals. You can reach the Grand Gathering travel planners at 407-939-7675. They also helped ensure that our group was given adjoining rooms at check-in at Port Orleans Riverside.
My grandmother loved joining us during two of our trips and watching her great-grandchildren experience the magic of Disney just like she had watched me do so many years before. I'm sure you're family's trip will be equally magical!