Grandparents at Disney World: What to Do & What to Avoid
Making memories with your grandparents at Disney World is a magnificent experience.
As a child, your first trip to Walt Disney World is a moment you will never forget. Now, imagine this feeling from the perspective of a grandparent experiencing the magic for the first time.
If you ever have the chance to visit Disney World with grandparents, we cannot recommend it enough. Watching your Grandmotherβs eyes light up at the sight of Cinderellaβs Castle and her favorite Disney character encapsulates the true magic of Disney.
I was about 12 years old when we brought my Grandma on her first trip to Disney World. She was more excited than my sister and I, and her energy didnβt slow down once we reached the parks. In fact, she beat us to every ride line, every character, and every show.
And she beat my sisterβs score on Buzz Lightyearβs Space Ranger Spin, repeatedly. As a kid at heart, my Grandmother adored her first trip to Walt Disney World.
Before you go with your Disney grandparents, use these tips to guarantee a memorable trip.
What to Do at Disney World with Grandparents
Embrace Their Inner Child
Weβve found that kids and adults act the same way at Disney World: full of wonder, excitement, and positivity. If itβs your grandparents first Disney trip, expect elderly individuals to be no different. While at Disney World, let your grandparents embrace their inner child.
To help them let their inner child loose, take a hint from my Grandmother. Throughout the trip, she did the following:
- Met her favorite characters and got their autograph
- Took pictures non-stop
- Rode as many rides as she could
- Watched the parades, shows, and fireworks in awe
- Ate around the world in EPCOT
- Went behind-the-scenes at Disneyβs Hollywood Studios
- Saw her favorite animals at Disneyβs Animal Kingdom
Related Post: Tips for Disney World β Insiderβs Guide to the Park
No matter how your grandparents choose to feel like a kid again, let them.
Pro Tip: Disney Memory Maker is a comprehensive photo package at Walt Disney World. It includes photos taken by Disneyβs photographers, on-ride and character dining photos.
For grandparents, Memory Maker is perfect for capturing moments with grandchildren and family.
Go at Their Pace
Ever heard of stories where grandma takes kids to Disney? While my grandmother ran circles around us at Disney World, not all grandparents are able to do so β and thatβs perfectly fine.
Remember, the Disney World theme parks are massive! For perspective, here are the sizes of each park:
- Magic Kingdom: 105 acres
- EPCOT: 300 acres
- Disneyβs Hollywood Studios: 135 acres
- Disneyβs Animal Kingdom: 403 acres
A day at the theme parks requires a significant amount of walking. Be prepared to take breaks, walk slowly, and take it all in with your Walt Disney grandparents.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Itβs no secret that Orlando is hot. As elderly individuals may have difficulty regulating their body temperature, it is imperative that they wear appropriate clothing.
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Talk to your grandparents before the trip to ensure they pack the appropriate clothing for their body type, medical conditions, and the Orlando weather.
When taking grandparents to Disney World, make sure they wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen at all times. The last thing you want to deal with is sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Be Cautious
Disney World, although magical, is a crowded and hectic place. When joining a Disney trip by grandma, it never hurts to be cautious while navigating Disney World.
Keep this advice handy for a safe and remarkable Disney World vacation with grandparents.
Stay Hydrated
As I mentioned, it is hot! Combined with the significant amount of walking, dehydration can become a serious problem. Stay hydrated throughout the day by either bringing or purchasing a water bottle to refill throughout the day.
Be Mindful of Crowds
With the massive amount of families entering the parks each day, crowds can be an issue for grandparents Disney day.
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If possible, have a parent or older child walk with the grandparents to avoid others from bumping into them and accidentally causing injuries.
Medication
If your grandparents require certain medications throughout the day, make sure they take them. Simply tell the security professional at the front gate that the medicine is in your bag, and youβll be all set.
To avoid forgetting about the medications, set an alarm on your phone or smartwatch as a reminder.
Long Lines
Lines at Disney World are the norm. However, sometimes grandparents cannot stand for this long period of time.
While the line queues often have poles, railings, and other areas to rest upon, thereβs a better way to avoid this exhaustionβFastPass+. Using this feature, youβll skip the lines for popular rides, shows, and more.
Eat, Eat, Eat!
When at Disney World, you not only want to stay hydrated but also fueled up for the day. Fortunately, Disney World showcases a whole new world (see what I did there?) of cuisine for you and your grandparents to dine on. Also, when visiting EPCOT, you canβt help but eat around the world.
Related Post: The Complete Guide to Disney Magic Kingdom Food
Donβt forget to keep your grandparentsβ dietary restrictions and food allergies in mind. If you have questions about dining experiences in Disney, simply talk to your waiter or the restaurant host. The Disney cast members are always happy to help!
Snacking throughout the day also helps curb βhangry-nessβ (for all parties involved) caused by long lines and sun exposure.
Disney World allows guests to bring outside food and drinks into the park so long as it does not require a heating implement and the cooler or bag does not exceed 24β³ long x 15β³ wide x 18β³ high.
Take It All In
Thereβs a lot to see and do in Disney World! Whether your grandparents are visiting Disney World for the first time or the hundredth time, stop to take it all in. From the nostalgia to the new memories as a family, this is a moment you donβt want to forget.
What to Avoid in Disney World with Grandparents
As with all vacations, there are some things you should absolutely avoid to have the best experience possible. Visiting Disney World with grandparents can already be tricky, so steer clear of these items to guarantee a great trip.
Avoid Peak Season
If youβre worried about the heat, the crowds, and the lines when grandma takes grandkids to Disney, peak season is out of the question.
During the summer months and holiday weeks, the parks are jam-packed. Instead, bring your grandparents to Disney World during the following times:
- The month of January through Presidentβs Week in February
- Mid-February (after Presidentβs Week) through early March
- Late April through early June
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- Mid-September through November
- Late November (after Thanksgiving) to late December (before Christmas)
While the crowds will not disappear during these times, there will certainly be less of a wait at rides.
Avoid Booking a Hotel Outside of the Disney World Resort
Although there may be cheaper hotels outside of the resort, Disney World provides their hotel guests with phenomenal amenities and benefits.
From complimentary theme park transport options and onsite activities to shopping malls and restaurants at the nearby Disney Springs, families have everything they need at their Disney Resort Hotel.
Grandparents appreciate these added benefits as it eliminates additional walking, the need for driving, and other burdens. Also, if your grandparents need a break from the theme parks, they can take the Disney World bus or monorail back to the resort with ease.
Avoid Nagging Your Grandparents
Naturally, you will be concerned about your grandparentsβ well-being throughout your trip. Do your best to avoid nagging them about the sun, drinking water, eating properly, etc. If itβs a long-awaited grandma Disney trip, rest assured sheβll know what to do and just want to have a good time!
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Disney World is the happiest place on Earth; do your best to make sure it stays that way. Your grandparents will let you know if they need something; I promise.
Avoid Extreme Rides for Grandparents
Disney World provides detailed descriptions of their rides, shows, and parades. Some of these experiences are more extreme than others. While there are numerous rides for all ages and abilities, several are not safe for elderly individuals.
While every grandparent is different, these are the rides my Grandmother adored:
- Soarinβ
- Buzz Lightyearβs Space Ranger Spin (uses special effects)
- Peter Panβs Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Haunted Mansion
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- βItβs a Small Worldβ
- Mickeyβs PhilarMagic (uses special effects)
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When going to Disney World with grandparents, read the descriptions thoroughly. Some rides and shows will surprise you! For instance, βItβs Tough to Be a Bugβ is a 3D interactive show in Disneyβs Animal Kingdom.
At one point, the audience is βstungβ on the back. As an elderly woman, my grandmother noted that this sensation, although brief, was quite painful.
Orlando Attractions
Need a few more experiences to round out your magical central Florida itinerary? Check out some of our favorite O Town activities below!
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove, the marine life park adjacent to Sea World, gives you the chance to swim with dolphins and snorkel in a pool of tropical fish while learning all about native wildlife.
Kick back in a comfy cabana and enjoy an all-inclusive resort getaway without a passport.
K1 Speed
Take to the road at K1 Speed, an indoor go-kart race track with sharp turns, exciting acceleration, and much more!
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Drive a go-kart that reaches speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and experience life in the fast lane.
WonderWorks Orlando
Welcome to WonderWorks Orlando, the amusement park for the mind! With over 100 interactive exhibits, visitors of all ages can embark on a thrilling journey of discovery ride.
Whether youβre a kid or just a kid at heart, this upside-down museum promises a day of fun and excitement. Explore the wonders of science, test your skills in mind-bending challenges, and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and imagination.
Make Memories Together at Disney World
Although my grandmother is no longer with us, I cherish our time together at Disney World. Watching her sprint from ride to ride and character to character with a big smile is one of my all-time favorite memories with her.
If you decide to go to Disney World with grandparents, be sure to check out the packages from Tripster for savings and fun the whole family can enjoy.
Disney World with Grandparents FAQs
Do Seniors Get a Discount at Disney?
Exploring the enchanting allure of Walt Disney World is a treat that brings joy to people of all ages, from sprightly young ones to our revered senior citizens. We regret to inform you however, that the Walt Disney World Resort does not offer senior citizen discounts, whether it be on tickets, Disney Resort hotels, or vacation packages.
How Do The Elderly Get Around in Disney World?
How do senior citizens navigate Disney World? Consider renting a wheelchair. Even if you don't usually use one, Disney World requires a lot of walking. It's perfectly fine to rent equipment that enhances your experience. If you have your own wheelchair or ECV, Disney buses are generally equipped to handle them.
Can You Do Disney World with Grandparents?
Yes, you can absolutely enjoy Disney World with grandparents! Disney World caters to guests of all ages, offering slower-paced rides, relaxing shows, and diverse dining options suitable for everyone to enjoy.
Many resorts on-site provide amenities and accessibility features that make navigating the parks easier for older visitors.
Who is the Oldest Person to Visit Disney World?
While it's hard to definitively say who the absolute oldest person to visit Disney World was, there are documented cases of centenarians (people over 100 years old) enjoying the parks.
These heartwarming stories often get media attention and prove that Disney magic has no age limit.
Does Disney World Have Special Events for Grandparents?
While Disney World doesn't have events specifically called "Grandparent Days," they offer experiences that grandparents can enjoy, like the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, which features beautiful displays and relaxed activities.
Many shows, parades, and character meet-and-greets are also perfect for multi-generational families. You might consider off-season visits, when crowds are smaller, for a more relaxed experience.
Have You Been to Disney With Your Grandparents?
Leave us a comment below!
2 comments about βGrandparents at Disney World: What to Do & What to Avoidβ
What about COVID issues for Grandparents? We are still in a pandemic. Please advise us older folks. Thank you.
Hello Bella! Here is a link to Disneyβs Experience Updates. Guest safety is and has always been Disneyβs top priority. We hope you have a magical time!