Hello, Michael!
What an honor to help a Guest who was a Cast Member way back at the beginning of the magic! I’m so glad you’ve stopped by planDisney with your question.
Things have certainly changed since 1972, but let me see if I can get you headed in the right direction. Here at
planDisney, we are Guests, just like you, so while I can’t book your trip for you, I can help you find the information and get you started and let you know what to expect! If you decide you’d like to book, you can either book online, or
call to book with a Cast Member over the phone.
Unfortunately, you’ve selected a very popular weekend to visit, as it is President’s Day. Many schools in the northeast are on winter vacation, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon is the following weekend, and with many Americans finally feeling safe enough to travel, that weekend is exceptionally full. When I searched for you on the
room booking page, I didn’t see any rooms available at the Walt Disney World Resort for the night of February 21, 2022, unless you’d like a campsite at Disney’s Fort Wilderness.
Michael, if you were willing to travel just one week later, and stay the night of February 28, there is plenty of availability, including at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! You can see rates and available room options by entering your dates on the
Grand Floridian’s room rate page.
In terms of your activities, you mentioned “theme park & studio 1 day, no rides, seniors.” You can find prices for 1-Day theme park tickets on the
ticketing page. Back in 1972, admission to the theme park did not include rides and attractions. Guests had a ticket book to use for specific attractions. You’d have A tickets, B tickets, and so on. Today, admission to the theme parks is a set price and includes all rides and attractions that are operating that day. There is not a different or reduced rate to enter the park and not ride any attractions. There is also not a discounted price for seniors, though my parents certainly wish there was!
You could spend your one day at either
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Please know that unlike when it opened in 1989, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is not a working studio. It is a theme park that celebrates the glitz and glamor of the movies with shows and attractions and is one of my family’s favorites. If you wanted to skip the theme parks altogether, consider making a day of exploring the resorts along the Monorail, or head to
Disney Springs for some shopping and dining!
Michael, I hope this helps get you started with your planning. Although the hold times do take some time, I think you might find speaking to a Cast Member over the phone the most helpful way to book. Wishing you a magical and memorable visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!
- Kate