That one thing that has to be done

[Darth Grumpy]

In January my wife my daughter and myself are going to WDW for our Third trip. We will be there for seven days. My Wife, trying to score some brownie points with my parents, asked if they would want to go with us never expecting them to say yes. Well you can guess our surprise when they said they would. So now we will be bringing my 72 year old mother and 75 year old father on their first and probably only trip to WDW. My question is what do I need to do to give them the best experience possible? What is the one thing you feel needs to be seen or done at WDW?

 

[NYwdwfan]

I would recommend doing things like the railroad at MK and the peoplemover - nice relaxing rides that give a great view of the park.

 

[4disneylovers]

Are they mobile enough to walk the parks? When I took my 85 year old grandmother we had our own wheel chair. We were to stand in a special spot for bus loading and had a guest assistance card for rides. I think the policies have changed since we were there with her in 2012 but if they are not able to stand in long lines or walk the parks I would check on this. We were very slow getting around and the card helped us a great deal. Many people take advantage of this system which is sad. We were grateful for it the one time we needed it.

 

[PlutoHasFleas]

1: Tommorowland Transit Authority: It's the the WDW version People Mover. Not only will you enjoy the classic ride, but you will be taken by the surviving portion of the original "Progress City' model that once made it's home above The Carousel of Progress in DL. Speaking of which...

2: Carousel of Progress: A must see classic. It's been better maintained in recent years and uses the original "Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" instead of the cold, commercial, "The Best Time of Your Life". A short film of Walt Disney & The Sherman Brothers singing GBBT plays outside in the queue and is a very happy scene that always makes me smile.

3: Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom: Sign up at the firehouse on Main Street, Sorcerers is a fun (free) interactive game that takes you around the park battling Disney villains by simply holding up a playing card. It's a lot of fun, easy to play, and is fully explained by a CM before you start. (Plus you get a free pack of souvenir cards!)

I hope you write a trip report for this trip, I would love to know how this trip turns out!

 

[Darth Grumpy]

Are they mobile enough to walk the parks? When I took my 85 year old grandmother we had our own wheel chair.QUOTE]

My father still goes out and cuts and splits firewood and my mother gardens quite a bit so they are quite mobile yet. I'm not to worried about them I'm not sure if I can keep up]

 

[DVCPluto]

I'm bringing my inlaws in Dec. they are about 10 years younger than your parents, but the mentality of showing your parents WDW is probably the same: make memories, wow them, and send them home happy.

I focused on meals in addition to attractions. Meal times might be the only sit-down and bond moments of the trip, so I want them to be special. I included a few character meals for picture ops and grandparent/grandson bonding. Also a few nicer meals in Epcot to have a drink and relax.

I also chose more sit down lunches to get a mid-day break.

 

[BayLakeResident]

I agree with DVCPluto - midday larger meals are great! My grandparents came with us on a trip a couple years ago and they were 85 and 90. I'd suggest taking the boats and the monorail during downtimes. It may seem odd, but my grandparents still talk about their trips around the Seven Seas Lagoon on the boats. On the note, checking out the resorts on the monorail line would be a great way to spend an afternoon. You can sit in the GF lobby and listen to the band or the piano player. I'm sure whatever you do they'll have a wonderful time!

 

[PlutoHasFleas]

You guys make me want to go tomorrow with my Wela (american slang for abuela)!

 

[zurgandfriend]

It depend on your parents,
Cop, Mickey's Philharmagic, Hall of the Presidents Country Bears if they are like my in laws were.
ToT, Expedition Everest, Mission Space Orange if they are like my parents were.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Hey - they're people not vegetables. Ask THEM what they would like to do.

Sit down with them before you go (sooner rather than later) with You Tube or an Unofficial Guide, talk them through the parks and ask their opinions. They may well say that they "don't mind" in which case, plan the trip around them.

 

[graphite1326]

It depends on them. We went with a couple who were in their 70's and insisted on going on ALL the rides. They had a blast. However, after riding ToT, the opted out of RNRoller coaster. They didn't want to go upside down.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Take a break midday and most importantly, have fun .

 

[JiminyandTink]

I think seeing your daughter enjoy everything will probably be the biggest thrill for them. But I would just slow things down a bit and enjoy the little details the parks have to offer. I know my parents also enjoy some relaxing time sitting at the resort by the pool.

 

[Susan Savia]

And there are plenty of benches to stop and relax. Heck I do it myself!

 

[sophie_the_pooh]

My parents are a little younger than yours, but they enjoy most these attractions:
MK: IASM, HM, TTA, PotC and the railroad
AK: Kilimanjaro Safari and the trails
Epcot: The Land and The Seas pavilions, and touring Worldshowcase (oh, and eating and drinking in Worldshowcase!!!)
DHS: All the shows (my mom and I love the Beauty and the Beast show), The Great Movie ride, Muppets 3D, my father used to love ToT but now has a heart condition, so it's out of the question...

 

[4disneylovers]

I'm glad to hear your parents will be able to get around on their own. I agree with many of the comments above. You need to talk to them a little bit about how adventurous they will be. The beauty of Disney is there is something for everyone no matter how adventurous (or not) they are. My grandma was upset that she couldn't go on roller coasters. But that's life. Anyway...the must do items depends on what they can do.

 

[STITCHGEFAN]

Get the boat over to MK is a long standing tradition/must do on opening day for my family. A great way to introduce a newbie to the magic!

 

[WondersOfLife]

TTA PeopleMover
Ellen's Energy Adventure
Electric Umbrella
Test Track
Country Bear Jamboree
Haunted Mansion
Dinosaur
Finding Nemo the Musical
The Great Movie Ride
Tower of Terror


This is all my opinion though. From years of tradition xP

 

[bethymouse]

Definitely a good train ride!