- Visiting Walt Disney World with seniors can be a magical experience, but it’s important to plan ahead and take their needs into consideration to ensure that everyone has a good time. Here are seven tips for visiting Disney World with seniors:
1. Stay on property.
Staying at a Disney World hotel has a number of benefits for seniors, including the ability to use the complimentary transportation system to get around the resort, access to Early Theme Park Entry (which allows guests to enter all 4 theme parks 30-minutes before they open to the general public), and access to Extended Evening Theme Park Hours if staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort (which allows guests to stay an extra 2-hours on select evenings at a select theme park).
2. Use the Genie+ system.
The Genie+ system allows guests to reserve a time to ride popular attractions and skip the regular line. This can be especially helpful for seniors who may not want to wait in long lines or may have mobility issues. There is an extra fee per guest per day to use Genie+.
3. Consider renting a scooter or wheelchair.
If you have a senior who has mobility issues, consider renting a scooter or wheelchair available in limited quantities at each Walt Disney World theme park or from one of the rental companies in the area. This will allow them to easily get around the parks and enjoy the attractions without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.
4. Take breaks
Disney World can be overwhelming, especially for seniors who may not be used to being on their feet for long periods of time. Make sure to schedule breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
5. Make dining reservations in advance.
Disney World has a variety of dining options to choose from, including character dining experiences and fine dining restaurants. To ensure that your senior loved ones get to enjoy their preferred dining experiences, consider making reservations up to 60-days in advance.
6. Plan for early mornings and late nights.
To avoid the hottest parts of the day and the busiest times at the parks, consider visiting the parks early in the morning or late at night. This can be especially helpful for seniors who may be more sensitive to the heat or who may not have the energy to handle the crowds during the busiest times of the day.
7. Use Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS).
If any seniors in your party have a disability that make waiting in long lines difficult, see if they qualify for Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS). This is a great option for seniors who may need a little extra assistance while visiting Walt Disney World. With a DAS pass, guests can obtain a return time for an attraction (based on the attraction’s current wait time), allowing them to bypass the regular queue. To request a DAS pass, guests can visit Guest Services at any of the Disney World theme parks or can visit the Walt Disney World website to request a DAS up to 30 days before their park visit.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your senior loved ones have a fun and enjoyable vacation at Disney World. With a little bit of planning and consideration, you can create lasting memories and make sure that everyone has a great time at the Florida theme park.
