Planning a Disney Vacation with Grandparents
Walt Disney World Multigenerational Trip 2013
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is always exciting, but when you're traveling with grandparents, it's essential to take extra steps to ensure their experience is just as magical. Whether it’s mobility needs, access to scooters, or making sure they’re comfortable throughout the trip, here’s how to create an unforgettable visit for all ages.
If you're taking grandparents and babies or toddlers to Disney, their needs are often quite similar. Both groups require more frequent breaks, a slower pace, and time out of the sun, so it's a great idea to base your day around the youngest members of your family. By keeping things focused on the baby's or toddler's schedule, you'll likely manage the grandparents' needs just as well. However, if you have mixed-age kids or kids in elementary school, balancing everyone's energy levels becomes a bit trickier. This blog will help you navigate the changes in how Disney trips evolve as your kids grow and your grandparents’ needs shift, ensuring everyone still has a magical experience.
Since my parents are true Disney fans, traveling with them is always a blast. They still love to film parades and hop on rides, making each trip special. However, during our last family trip in 2022, I realized that our upcoming trip in 2025 will need to be different. My parents are moving at a slightly slower pace now. While my dad still enjoyed all the roller coasters, we took more frequent breaks throughout the day. Even though they don’t want to admit that they’re slowing down, I know it’s something I need to be mindful of as we plan future trips. This Christmas, we’re bringing my mother-in-law and our aunt along. My mother-in-law has been with us many times before, but like my parents, she’s starting to slow down as the kids get older. I've made adjustments for these upcoming trips to ensure we keep the magic alive, but at a gentler, more relaxed pace.
Understanding Their Needs
Before your trip, sit down with your (grand) parents or the elders going with the group to discuss their comfort levels and what they hope to experience at Walt Disney World. Every grandparent is different; some may want to explore every park while others may prefer to enjoy the magic at a slower pace.
Have an honest conversation about:
Mobility concerns: How much walking they’re comfortable with, let them know walking around Disney can be up to 8 miles a day.
Break times: How often they’ll need to rest
Park preferences: Which parks or rides they’re most excited for, and which parks would they like to skip.
Dining needs: If they need special dietary accommodations or a more relaxed dining experience
This helps you create a plan that works for everyone without overwhelming them.
Scooter Rentals and Mobility Devices
Multigenerational Disney Trip 2022
Walt Disney World is massive, and even the most active grandparents can find all the walking and standing quite tiring. I remember my dad taking frequent stops during our visit, and at one point, he even mentioned, "If we try to do a full day, I might need a scooter." Neither of us could believe it, but deep down, we both knew that if it came down to it, we wouldn’t hesitate to grab one. Despite my dad walking three miles every morning, a full day in the park was still wearing him down. It was a reminder that even the most active among us can benefit from a little extra support when it comes to enjoying all the magic Disney has to offer.
Fortunately, Disney offers a variety of mobility solutions:
Scooter Rentals (ECVs): Disney provides electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) that can be rented at each park or through third-party companies. Renting a scooter allows your grandparents to navigate the parks comfortably without tiring themselves out.
Pro tip: Consider renting a scooter from an outside vendor if you’re staying multiple days. These companies often deliver scooters directly to your resort, so your grandparents can use them throughout the entire trip, including in the hotel.
Wheelchair Rentals: If your grandparents prefer, manual wheelchairs are also available. Keep in mind that pushing a wheelchair for a full day can be tiring, so make sure everyone in your group is prepared to take turns.
I am in the process of renting scooters and working with different companies, as soon as I have one I can recommend I will put it on this blog.
Plan Rest Breaks
Even if your grandparents are in good health, taking time to rest is key to ensuring they don’t get too tired. Here are some tips to make sure everyone gets the breaks they need:
Create a Flexible Itinerary: Plan your days so that you’re not rushing from attraction to attraction. Avoid trying to do everything in one day and allow for downtime. Having a general idea of what you want to see but building in flexibility can make all the difference.
Utilize Relaxation Zones: Each park has quieter areas where you can sit and rest. At Magic Kingdom, for example, the Tomorrowland Terrace often has shade and seating, and at EPCOT, World Showcase offers several benches with stunning views where grandparents can relax.
Indoor Shows and Attractions: Schedule indoor shows like The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom or The American Adventure at EPCOT, which provide both entertainment and an air-conditioned break from the Florida sun.
Stay at a Resort with Convenient Transportation
If possible, stay at a Disney resort with easy access to the parks. Resorts on the monorail line, like the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or the Contemporary Resort, allow quick access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT without the need for buses or lengthy walking. This makes getting back to the hotel for a midday nap much more convenient.
Disney’s Skyliner resorts, such as Disney’s Riviera Resort, also provide direct transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These options are especially great if your grandparents plan to rest at the resort mid-day or prefer shorter travel times.
Be prepared to splurge on Minnie Vans. We plan to really utilize this service especially since my aunt will be using a scooter. We may choose to take a Minnie Van to specific destinations, as it makes transporting the scooter much easier. They have accessible Minnie Vans that can take two scooters at a time. It's important to remember that there are only a limited number of spots for scooters on the buses, typically accommodating just two per trip. This can lead to longer wait times, so keep that in mind when planning your travel. Don’t hesitate to split the group if needed; sometimes, taking a couple of Minnie Vans can be more efficient and ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the magic without the stress of long waits.
Park Hopping with Grandparents
If your grandparents want to park hop, make sure to keep transportation in mind. Disney transportation is designed to be accessible for everyone, and the buses, monorails, and boats are all equipped to handle scooters and wheelchairs.
However, it’s essential to keep the day’s travel time realistic. If they’re getting tired after one park, it might be worth staying there for the day or returning to the hotel for a break before going to another park in the evening.
When traveling with large groups, it's essential to remember that they tend to move at a slower pace, and having a packed schedule can be quite stressful. We still enjoy park hopping with my parents, usually after taking a midday break to recharge. I once organized a full park challenge where we managed to squeeze in 16 rides in one day, but by the end, we were exhausted and swore we’d never do it again. It was a hard lesson learned as a creator just starting out in 2022. While I thought we could handle it, it turned out to be too much for both my family and my parents, and honestly, it wasn’t a fun day for any of us, though they were real troopers about it. The next park day, however, was a completely different experience. We spent a relaxed day at Animal Kingdom, and we truly felt the magic, savoring each moment without the pressure of a tight schedule.
Dining for All Ages
Disneyland Resort with Grandparents 2014
Dining experiences at Walt Disney World are a highlight, especially when shared with loved ones. When booking dining reservations, consider options that cater to both active members of your party and those who need a break:
Character Meals: These are a great way for grandparents to enjoy Disney’s magic without the hustle and bustle of the parks. They can interact with characters in a more relaxed environment. Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort or The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom are great choices.
Table-Service Meals: Opt for table-service dining over quick-service locations to give your grandparents more time to rest. Some excellent options for a relaxing meal include Le Cellier at EPCOT or Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They can appreciate a nicer meal Park, obviously consider budget and interest. There are also other options at every park regarding table service dining.
Make the Most of Lightning Lane
Now that we have to book our lining lines before our Disney vacation this actually is going to help you better execute a day that is balanced. Knowing what three rides, you already have lined up and a strategy that implements a slower pace. You were really going to enjoy using Lightning Lane without having the rush or demand of getting on as many rides as possible.
Using Lightning Lane selections can reduce the amount of time spent standing in lines, which is especially beneficial for older adults. Prioritize attractions that are easy for them to access, and make sure to book Lightning Lane for popular rides that may have long waits.
Disability Access Service (DAS) has drastically changed, and right now, there will not be many grandparents who qualify for it. Before the change happened this year, I had even thought about getting it for our aunt, who suffers from polio. Now that the disability access service is primarily for autistic children. You’re not going to be able to qualify. Keep that in mind while planning.
Dessert Parties
Dessert parties for fireworks can be a wonderful way to give grandparents a comfortable and magical experience without the hassle of standing or finding a spot in the crowd. The Seats & Sweets party is particularly ideal, as it offers reserved seating and an assortment of desserts, allowing them to relax while enjoying the show. One great thing about these parties is that you don’t have to book them for the entire group—just the grandparents. If we were to do a dessert party as well, I’d still opt for the pre-fireworks party for the kids and myself, where we can enjoy sweets before heading to the viewing area, and have the grandparents do Seats & Sweets for a more relaxed experience. It’s a perfect way to make sure everyone enjoys the fireworks in a way that suits their needs!
Know When to Call It a Day & Do Not Go to the Parks Everyday
Disneyland Paris with Grandma 2019
It’s important to know when your grandparents need to rest, even if the younger members of your group want to keep going. Be okay with splitting up if they want to head back to the resort while others continue to explore. Make sure they know how to use Disney’s transportation, or plan for someone to escort them back to the hotel.
You can also plan some “down” days in the middle of your trip. Spending time at the resort pool, taking in some shopping at Disney Springs, or visiting a quieter area like the BoardWalk can give everyone a chance to recharge.
It’s tempting to pack your Disney trip with park days from start to finish, but it’s essential to build in rest days, late starts, and early nights for everyone to truly enjoy the experience. Constantly going at full speed can lead to burnout, especially for grandparents or young kids who may tire out faster. A rest day allows everyone to recharge, whether it’s lounging by the pool, enjoying a relaxed breakfast, or exploring non-park areas like Disney Springs. Incorporating a few later starts or early evenings also helps avoid exhaustion, ensuring that everyone stays energized for those magical moments instead of feeling worn down by the end of the trip. Taking things slower not only preserves energy but also lets you savor the Disney magic without the rush.
It’s perfectly okay—and sometimes even a great idea—for the grandparents to take the kids back to the room early some nights. This not only gives the kids a chance to wind down after a long day, but it also offers you some much-needed adult time. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet evening in the parks, grab a late dinner, or plan a date night at one of Disney’s amazing restaurants, having the grandparents help out can be a win-win for everyone.
Sample Itinerary for Multigenerational and Grandparent Trips to Disney
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2022
When I’m planning a trip, especially with grandparents involved, I find myself blending a variety of strategies to ensure everyone has a great time. We usually plan our trips during the holiday season for a few key reasons—mainly to avoid the intense summer heat, which can be too much for everyone, especially grandparents. Although our last multi-generational trip was in September, I had to make sure we were well-prepared for the heat, ensuring everyone had the right gear to stay cool. Now, we aim to schedule most of our trips between September and January when the weather is more manageable.
To give you an idea of how we structure our trips, here’s what we’ve done in the past or what we plan to do in the future. I often book evening events, like a Disney After Hours party, so we can sleep in and take it easy during the day. Water park days are usually a time for my parents to relax at the hotel. We always dedicate a full day to Magic Kingdom, but we make sure to take a midday break to recharge. Epcot is a must-do for our family, especially since it’s a favorite for my parents as well, and we often spend a full day there. Animal Kingdom is one of our most relaxing days, typically starting early since that park opens earlier than the others. For most other park days, we take advantage of early entry, enjoy a few hours in the park, then take a midday break before returning in the evening.
Here’s an example of what a five-day trip might look like:
Arrival day: Dinner at a Disney resort character meal or the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Full park day with a midday break
After-hours event so we can rest during the day and sleep in
Water park day or rest day for the grandparents
Another full park day
Departure day
Of course, your trip doesn’t have to follow this exact structure. You can add more park days or adjust based on your family’s needs. This itinerary works well for us because it strikes a balance between keeping the kids entertained and ensuring my parents have time to rest and recharge. Managing multiple age groups is all about pacing and planning ahead so everyone can enjoy the magic without feeling overwhelmed.
Health Conditions and High Intensity Rides
Papa and the crew riding Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
If you or a loved one has a heart condition, it's essential to prioritize safety when visiting Walt Disney World. Stick to rides that are appropriate for your health, avoiding high-intensity attractions with warnings for guests with heart issues. Always ensure any medications are packed and easily accessible throughout the day. This is especially important for parents or grandparents who may need to take their medication on schedule or in case of an emergency. You can find relaxation spots and first-aid stations in each park, which are excellent for breaks or quick access to medical help if needed. Staying prepared ensures everyone has a safe and magical experience at Disney!
If you have a heart condition, there are several rides at Walt Disney World that are high-intensity or have warnings for guests with heart issues. Here’s a list of those attractions:
Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom) – High-speed, dark roller coaster with sudden drops.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) – Fast, bumpy mine train coaster with sudden turns.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom) – Log flume ride with a big drop (50 ft).
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom) – Family roller coaster with some dips and sways.
TRON Lightcycle/Run (Magic Kingdom) – High-speed motorcycle-style coaster.
Tomorrowland Speedway (Magic Kingdom) – While not intense, it involves jerky driving.
Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) – Roller coaster with backward sections, steep drops, and fast speeds.
Avatar Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom) – Simulated ride that mimics flying on a banshee, includes swoops and sharp movements.
Dinosaur (Animal Kingdom) – Dark, turbulent ride with loud sounds and sudden movements.
Mission: SPACE (Orange Mission) (Epcot) – Intense space simulation with G-forces and spinning (choose the Green Mission for a milder experience).
Test Track (Epcot) – High-speed car simulation with sharp turns and quick accelerations.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot) – Indoor roller coaster with fast spinning, backward motion, and high speeds.
Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios) – Drop tower ride with multiple free-fall drops.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios) – High-speed indoor roller coaster with inversions and loops.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios) – While less intense, it includes fast movements and sudden drops.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios) – Interactive simulator with jerky, fast movements.
It’s important to read the health and safety warnings posted at each attraction and consult with your doctor before your trip if you have any concerns about heart conditions.
Final Thoughts
Taking grandparents to Walt Disney World can be one of the most rewarding experiences, as you create magical memories with multiple generations. By planning for their mobility, ensuring plenty of rest breaks, and creating a flexible itinerary, everyone can enjoy the magic of Disney at their own pace.
With the right preparation, your trip to Walt Disney World will be filled with moments of joy that all ages will treasure for years to come!
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