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TIPS FOR SENIORS
One of the many wonders and accomplishments of Walt Disney World is
the fact that it can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. All a visitor need do is
to stand on Main Street U.S.A. to appreciate the varied ages of the "guests"
all enjoying the sights and sounds that are Disney.
Although you may spot
a young honeymoon couple from Ohio, a family of four from New York,
and a retired couple from Florida all headed down Main Street, it must be understood they will not be drawn
to the same attractions.
Although they
may not enjoy the same rides and attractions all of the Disney theme parks have as much to offer the
honeymooners as they do the mature couple.
It is also worth mentioning that seniors have been found to enjoy a visit to Walt Disney World more
with a group of other seniors then with the kids.
But if you are planning a trip to Disney with the kids it has been recommended that Seniors would be well
advised to do a little research and planning.
The following letter says it best:
The main thing I want to say is that being a senior is not for wussies. At
Disney World particularly, it requires courage and pluck. Things that used
to be easy take a lot of effort, and sometimes your brain has to wait for
your body to catch up. Half the time your grandchildren treat you like a
crumbling ruin, and then turn around and trick you into getting on a roller
coaster in the dark. What you need to tell seniors is that they have to be
alert and not trust anyone. Not their children or even the Disney people,
and especially not their grandchildren. When your grandchildren want you
to go on a ride, don’t follow along blindly like a lamb to the slaughter. Make sure you know what the ride is
all about. Stand your ground and do not
waffle. He who hesitates is Launched!!
Source: The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World, Bob Sehlinger
The following is a list of attractions that you may want to think about twice
before attempting. Seniors like people of any age are all different. Different
tastes, levels of tolerance, and limitations, so don’t eliminate a attraction
without evaluating it for yourself.
The Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain. Roller Coaster type ride experienced in the dark. Lots
of teeth rattling jerks and turns.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Roller Coaster type ride as with Space
Mountain lots of quick turns and jerks only this time you get to see them.
Splash Mountain. One of Disney’s best. One big drop at the end. You
may get a little wet but I bet you ride this one twice.
The Swiss Family Treehouse. A lot of climbing, walking and hanging on.
Epcot
Body Wars. Possible motion sickness
Disney-Hollywood Studios
Star Tours. Possible motion sickness. Not as pronounced as Body Wars,
but definitely not a after lunch kind of ride.
Tower of Terror. A hard to describe and soon not forgotten thrill ride.
IF WALKING IS EXERCISE, WHAT IS THIS?
As much as the Main Street Railroad, Cinderella’s Castle, or Dumbo is a
part of a visit to Walt Disney World, so is walking. In fact, a Disney
guest will walk somewhere between four and eight miles while visiting
one the three major theme parks over a seven hour period.
If that seems like a lot of walking (and it is) the ever considerate Disney
folks have provided the answer. Pick yourself up a rented wheelchair (the Magic
Kingdom and Epcot have electric "convenience vehicles") and allow
a younger member of the party push you around. Before you start with
the I can do it if I have to’s remember you don’t have to.
Relax enjoy
yourself besides don’t forget the special boarding privilege granted guests
and their party who use the special entrance for wheelchairs at some
attractions. If you do opt to rent a wheelchair hang on to the receipt
it is good for a replacement wheelchair later the same day at any of the
parks.
WHAT’S A SENIOR TO DO
EPCOT Center offers some really excellent and enjoyable guided walking
tours:
- Hidden Treasures of World Showcase; explore the architecture
of the international pavilions in EPCOT Center
- Gardens of the World; explore the horticulture, and landscaping
of Walt Disney Worlds gardens
Both of the above mentioned tours lasts about four hours and cost about
$20.00, plus your EPCOT admission. For reservations (407) 560-6150
- The Greenhouse Tour; will take you behind the scenes to tour the
vegetable gardens in The Land Pavilion of EPCOT Center. Requires
same day reservations made at The Land Pavilion. Cost about $5
The Magic Kingdom
Behind the Scenes Tour of The Magic Kingdom. Innovations in Action.
A behind the scenes look at the technical and operational aspect of the
Magic Kingdom. Cost $60 per person about four hours long. No children under 16 years of age permitted. For
more information call (407) 824-7997
Flag Retreat. Daily at 5pm in Town Square, located just past the entrance.
Done with varying degrees of fanfare, always fun to watch.
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