Magic Kingdom 2 Days w/ Elderly Woman

[Wikkler]

Time: August
We will take an afternoon break between 1 and 4 every day, and we want to know what we would accomplish each time at the park. We're confused as to what rides we should do, with the combination of an 84 year old woman and 11 and 14 year old children.

 

[LucyK]

As others will say, you know your elderly companion better than anyone else.

I've done the parks with a 70 year old and she had a blast, riding almost everything (even BTMRR and Forbidden Journey over at Universal), the only rides she skipped were Everest, Space Mountain, Rockin'n'Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. And while she skipped those rides, I didn't; she was more than happy to wait a little bit so I could enjoy something she couldn't do. I made sure I grabbed fastpasses for those other rides to minimize her waiting but she was just as happy to let me enjoy those attractions.

We also took breaks from 2pm to nightfall to avoid both crowds and the heat and this was the key to our successful touring. She felt wonderful and even her bad knee didn't hurt at all.

I think what you should ask yourself is: does she have any physical limitations that would be worsened by riding something? Can she handle jostling and the up and down motions of some rides? And most importantly, what is she is comfortable riding? Like I said, my mom rode FJ but she only rode it twice while I rode it eight times, she was fine with it but decided against riding it again because she knew her limitations.

Is it your first time at WDW? You could show her videos of the rides and let her decide what appeals to her and what is off her comfort zone.

 

[Wikkler]

Her last time was in the 80's with my wife.

 

[luv]

I wouldn't count on accomplishing much.

Most 84 year old people would be very uncomfortable walking around outside in the Orlando heat and humidity. Its very, very, humid. ridiculously humid.

I'd consider an ECV, too. The MK requires a great deal of walking and is very crowded in August.

Honestly, if I were you, I'd re-time that trip.

Plan maybe six things a day - three in the early morning and three at night. Take looooong breaks and naps between them.

Good luck!

 

[Wikkler]

Maybe taking her is too much of a hassle to be worth it...

 

[beanbunny]

Maybe taking her is too much of a hassle to be worth it...

This saddens me. We always took both my parents right through their 80's - my dad's last trip was when he was 87. They went morning til night, with a couple of hours break in the afternoon & had a blast!!! If there was a ride they didn't feel comfortable with, they just asked to be placed in the shade (they both had the old standard wheelchairs) so they could enjoy themselves "people watching". A hastle, no way!! Their bodies may not have been as youthful as they once were, but their minds were! It's now hard to go without them as they have both passed but I cherish those wonderful times with them. Please don't lose this time because it will be soon gone.

 

[Nemo14]

It depends on how healthy the woman is. My mom was quite lively at 84, and could keep up with us for the most part. On the other hand, my SIL is in her 60's and requires lots of rest and breaks.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Maybe taking her is too much of a hassle to be worth it...

Don't say that. I'm with other posters. My grandparents were active and fit 80 year olds and they could definitely take on a trip to Disney World. As long as you plan an afternoon break and rent an evc, she should be fine. It might even help to go for Lunch ADRs so that we get a chance to eat inside a cool place then quick service dinner allowing you to maximize your night time in the parks when the temperature is much more manageable.

 

[luv]

Maybe taking her is too much of a hassle to be worth it...

I don't think so. If she wants to go, take her!

I'd just choose a more suitable month. Even if it weren't very crowded, it is so hot and so very, very humid!

Most 84 year olds just couldn't handle it. Heck, most 34 year olds have a rough time with it.

 

[rsoxguy]

The facts: Yes, August is an extremely hot and humid month in Florida. Yes, August can yield very large crowds within the parks daily. Yes, juggling the needs of people who range in age from 11 to 84 can be a daunting task. Yes, some WDW attractions may provide too much physical strain for some 84 year old people.

The advice: Don't overemphasize the importance of this list, and stop seeking so much advice (except for mine, of course). Go, young and old alike, and have a good time. One adult can stay with the 84 year old for some of the more strenuous attractions, while another adult can go on those attractions with the kids. I'm going to safely assume that you will know what this elderly individual can tolerate regarding ride intensity and time management. The midday break that you have planned to take will help immensely in helping every one of you to make it through the days without any negative ramifications.

If I can stress one thing, let it be this; spend time with your people being together, rather than simply doing together. This will help you to avoid considering anyone or anything as being a "hassle". WDW will simply provide an über fun backdrop for everyone.

 

[cal1967]

Well my DM is coming with us in Dec and she will be 83. We have organised an ECV for our entire stay in Orlando. Mum will go back to the resort for a rest if she needs one, and I am sure she will. My DD 14 and DS 12 both know that this is a trip of a lifetime with their Grandma and they are going to enjoy very second they can with her, and in spite of her (lol). Wikkler, enjoy the time with her, because one day they won't be here to enjoy it with.

 

[darcol]

We took a 76 yr old with us. She didn't want to walk round every day we went to Magic Kingdom. So we sat her in the rocking chairs on the porch at Town Square Theater and she watched the world go by. Everyone was happy happy happy!!!