Need some help with Grandparents in Disney- Things to do

We are leaving in 2 weeks! My mother age 65 and grandmother age 85 decided to get their own room and join us. They are mobile people, but won%26#39;t ride thrill rides.

We both have the 7 day package at AK but I%26#39;m looking to see if there is anything they can do in Disney that is up their alley. They won%26#39;t go 6 hours at a park at a time like we will. They made no eating reservations, although I informed them to. Someone said there is a tour at the Animal Kingdom that you pay extra, any details?

Any recommendations?

Need some help with Grandparents in Disney- Things to do

Try this article for some ideas:

http://allears.net/pl/empnesters.htm

Here%26#39;s the page with all the tour information:

http://allears.net/btp/tours.htm

Need some help with Grandparents in Disney- Things to do

When we were there recently I reflected on what my parents and in-laws (in their 70%26#39;s) might want to do if they came. I think they%26#39;d enjoy most of the shows at all of the parks, but especially The Lion King at Animal Kingdom. I would encourage them to walk through the museum related to Walt Disney and watch the movie at Hollywood Studios. That%26#39;s a really good but often overlooked attraction and is most special to those of us who can remember seeing Mr. Disney on TV each week. They might even enjoy the Jungle Cruise at MK, especially if done at night. We thought it was much better then and less fake. I think they%26#39;d enjoy all of the Epcot World Showcase attractions.

Advanced dinner reservations are helpful, but if they don%26#39;t want to be tied down, you might suggest some of the nicer counter service places that this forum talks about, like Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT. If they want sit-down service they might do it at lunch at one of the other resorts, if reservations are hard to come by at dinner when you arrive.

Behind-the-scenes tours would be great, along with the safari at AK. And we found the free daily programs at AK Lodge very informative. They are often led by cast members from African countries and these folks are glad to share more information and answer questions afterwards. I think the thing for folks this age is to allow them to do things at their own pace and just enjoy the things we overlook because we%26#39;re too busy standing in a thrill ride line!

There is much they can do in Disney besides the few thrill rides or GM Test Track. Lots of great shows and slow rides. Reservations aren%26#39;t always necessary for sit down meals, especially if they are flexible about when and where they eat.

At DHS, the Indiana Jones show, Lights, Motors, Action stunt show.

MK, the Hall of Presidents, the show with the stuffed Buffalo, Carousel of Progress (bet they love this one).

AK, the safari is very nice, I think they could do it. AK is very hot and humid in the warm months.

Epcot, most of the park except for GM Test Track, and maybe the new space ride.

Good luck and have fun.

Epcot

Cirque du Soleil

The Boardwalk

mattsam,

Get them hooked up with Gator Tours. There is a wealth of other things to do that would interest civilized and cultured people beyond the chaos of the theme parks.

Such things would include:

Orlando Museum complex at Loch Haven

Gatorland (Now is a good time for birds in the rookery.)

Kennedy Space Center and the other museums in that area including Tico Warbirds

Fantasy of Flight

Hard Rock Casino in Tampa

Forever Florida

An Air Boat ride

Check your dates as they compare to the Sun-n-Fun Fly In in Lakeland.

Point them in the direction of Gator Tours web site and get out of their way.

CTR

There will be plenty for the grandparents to do. My parents (in their 70s and 80s) have been going to Disney every year for many years, and I have also been with in-laws in their 70s.

Epcot is their favorite. They particularly like Soarin, Spaceship Earth, the France, Canada, and China movies, the Living with the Land ride, the street entertainers, lunch at Chefs de France, and Illuminations. At the Studios, they like the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast shows, the Muppet Movie, the Great Movie Ride, and lunch at the Brown Derby.

At AK, they enjoy the Lion King and Nemo shows, as well as the afternoon parade. At the Magic Kingdom, they love It%26#39;s a Small World, Peter Pan, the 3-D movie, the Country Bears, the People Movers (go figure - I think they just like the chance to sit), the Spectromagic Parade, and Wishes.

But they enjoy visiting the deluxe hotels as much as the parks. They particularly love to go to the Grand Floridian, shop in the shops there and sit in the lobby to listen to the piano player or orchestra in the late afternoon (something I highly recommend!), or taking the boat over to the Wilderness Lodge to sit by the lake with a drink. These would make a great afternoon break for the grandparents - getting them easily out of the MK in the afternoon, when things start to get crowded. The Epcot resorts also make a nice trip to visit - they can walk around the lake, visit the hotels, stop for some ice cream, and just sit and relax away from the crowds and heat, but with things to see.

A few more thoughts - they may also enjoy the afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian, or a spa treatment at the GF or at the Mandara Spa at the Dolphin. (I%26#39;ve done the Mandara Spa, and it%26#39;s quite relaxing.)