The Ultimate Do’s and Don’ts For Seniors at Disney World

Why is this called ‘The Ultimate’ do’s and don’ts for seniors at Disney World? It’s because no one knows seniors better than other seniors. It does not matter how many thousands or millions of subscribers Disney fan vloggers on YouTube or websites of bloggers or travel agents have.

If they are not themselves a senior, then they don’t really know from first hand, personal experience. You are an older adult or a senior. You get it, right?

In the Disney for Seniors Facebook Group, I asked over now 92,000 members, most of whom are Disney luvin’ seniors, to list out to help other seniors what tips and suggestions work for them as a seniors.

This tips and strategies are from seniors’ own experience at Walt Disney World. We even identify with their first name who contributed each tip. After all, these are from the seniors in the Disney for Seniors group!

While everyone is different, with different interests, capabilities, and tastes …. If this collection worked for this group of over 92,000 seniors I am confident that at least many of what they do to make the most of their holiday to the most magical place on earth will work for you.

In this Part 1, we focus on what seniors should do before they arrive.

Let’s get started then with this Part 11 of the Ultimate Do’s and Don’t for Seniors at Disney World…..focusing on what do to before you arrive. Remember, these are the actual words used by seniors on what to do and not to do for seniors at Walt Disney World!

Seniors at Disney World – MAKE REALISTIC PLANS BASED ON STAMINA IMPACT

• Sharon – The biggest thing I’ve come up with over the years is to resist the urge to do everything in this one trip! Pick the most important things for you, and have fun!
• Margaret – We do not stay early extra hours to closing. We’re night owls, so party tickets work well. We build in a resort day or two. We may do less per day but spend more days.
• Carolyn – A tip for planning a Disney experience for us older folks is not to rush to rides that takes waiting for a turn. DAS pass is most helpful or lightening lane add on is good also. Lots more great experiences if you slow down and talk to cast members to help you find some out of the main flow special places within each of the parks Also use web sites like All Ears to gain insight to special experiences. Most of all take your time. If you feel you missed something, it is a great excuse to plan your next trip..

PLAN NOT GOING TO THE DISNEY PARKS ALL DAY EVERY DAY

Here are several great tips for seniors at Disney World, specifically planning to not go to the Disney theme parks all day every day.

• Joanne – During my 7 night stay I have a 2 day ticket I’m using at EPCOT. I bought a ticket to the Magic Kingdom Halloween party (MNSSHP). I’m planning a few higher end meals and a lot of relaxing at a pool.
• Anne – Gone are the days where I try to do everything. So long as I get to ride Dumbo at least once with little grandson, this trip I intend to go with the flow and absorb the atmosphere at the parks and the resort
• Patricia –  enjoy DW so much now because I don’t rush. Epcot this year was fantastic.
• Teri – Listen to your body and take the break. You’ll know if you need to go back to the room for a nap or go to the pool. This suggestion is not just for seniors but for all ages. Oh, and if your kids are cranky, they probably need that break.
• Mikki – A down day. Hubby and I did this in April and just relaxed by the pool, ate and shopped at Disney Springs and went to room early that day

Seniors at Disney World – PLAN NOT GOING TO THE DISNEY (OR UNIVERSAL) PARKS AT ALL

Are you surprised that seniors at Disney World don’t have to go to the theme parks at all on some vacations? Disney World and its resorts are so magical even without shelling out lots of money for theme park tickets.

• Laurie – We love Disney Springs and the resorts. We love food lol. We can have an amazing time without going to the parks. So if you’re wondering can you “do Disney” without parks the answer is yes you can! There is a whole other world of Disney outside of the parks you just have to do some exploring.
• Lauri – One of our favorite finds was enjoying spa at The Grand Floridian afterwards we had buffet dinner at Park Fare with the characters. It was in December and we loved getting to see the gingerbread house the chefs had constructed it smelled wonderful! And The GF was gorgeous with all the poinsettias. I recommend both!!
• Judy – I am 65 and frequently take my 95 year old mother. We frequently go for 3-4 days and never go into a park. Fly from Pittsburgh to Orlando, then take Mears Connect to All Star Movies where we prefer to stay in Mighty Ducks for the pool and easy access to buses at All Star MUSIC. Remember that this year, if you stay at a Disney resort, you can go to Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon for free. Get an early flight OR move from one resort to another as it will count as a new arrival day and you can get an additional water park day. Ride all of the different modes of transportation, free campfires at resorts (Chip n Dale sing along at Fort Wilderness), animal viewing at AK Lodge, pool and other activities at resorts (some free, some for a price), miniature golf, surrey bike riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, pony rides, watch Magic Kingdom fireworks from Polynesian beach or TTC or ferry boat if timed right, watch Electrical Water Pageant, watch Epcot fireworks from bridge between World Showcase and Boardwalk, free Yeehaw Bob evening show at Port Orleans Riverside and, of course, Disney Springs (Cirque du Soleil?)
• Dan – Here on our Disney4Seniors website there is are some articles on just this topic…. One is called “”Non-Theme Park Disney World experiences for everyone” and another is titled “Ideas for Seasoned Walt Disney World Seniors” … check them out

Seniors at Disney World – DON’T OVERPLAN

• Susan – Don’t be focused on following a schedule (except for dinner reservations) just “ Go with the flow”

YET SOME PLANNING IS REALLY HELPFUL TO ENJOY DISNEY PARKS

Here are some great, great contributions from seniors for other seniors at Disney World even before they arrive!

• Donna – Make a list of must- do experiences/rides and prioritize. Avoid crisscrossing the park.
• Donna – Be aware of the parade schedule, even if you are not watching the parade. Really changes the traffic patterns.
• Mary – My husband and I love to watch Disney vlogs to prepare for our upcoming trip ( especially yours … [on our Nancy and Dan Travel To Disney and Beyond channel])! The planning is something fun we can do together for the weeks and months before the trip! It’s almost a lifestyle since we’re always planning our next vacation!
• Lois – get a good travel agent!!! It’s [usually] no cost to you….they can take care of booking and details….they do as much or as little as you want them to….mine will sit on the phone on hold for hours booking or rebooking when a discount comes out….she watches for dining openings when they are full….and if something goes wrong—-flight is late getting in for example….she will contact transport to tell them….I will never book another Disney trip completely on my own. Get a Disney trained travel agent!!!
• Rod – On my last solo trip (I was almost 80) I stayed in three different hotels – Animal Kingdom, Caribbean, Wilderness. The advantages are many, and Disney makes it so easy. They handle all luggage transfers – you check out of a place in the morning, spend the day in a park, check into a new place in the evening. Packing light makes this even easier. Plan to stay at least two nights in each location.

Seniors at Disney World – TAKE YOUR HEALTH IMPACTS INTO ACCOUNT, AND THAT IS OK

Seniors certainly need to take into account how any health issues impact their daily lives, including when they are seniors at Disney World!

• Patricia – I am 80 and been going to Disney World since 1972. I have some vertigo so can no longer ride some roller coasters, etc also had major foot surgery so I need scooter for full park days. 
• Teresa – If you sit a lot walk before your trip. 
• Cookie – When traveling I never bring the exact amount of medication you never know if you’re gonna be delayed. If I’m there seven days I at least bring an additional 14 days of medication..

Seniors at Disney World – PAY ATTENTION TO FOOTWEAR

Footwear for seniors at Disney World had the most contributions form the 92,000+ members of the Disney for Seniors Facebook Group.

• Christian – Never bring brand new shoes. Bring shoes that have been worn quite a bit. We actually bring 3 pairs of shoes per person, and rotate them everyday. That way, it will keep “hot spots” and blisters from forming.
• Karen – I always bring 2-3 pairs of very supportive sneakers. Change to a different pair each day, then rotate. It is well worth the space they take up in your luggage. Your feet will thank you!
• Donna – Bring two pairs of comfortable walking shoes. Alternate wearing them, no matter where you are on WDW property. Everywhere is a lot of walking.
• Cookie – I purchased compression socks if I’m traveling in a car or in upon a plane to prevent any swelling, also avoiding a lot of sodium if my feet are swelling
• Cookie – I always make sure I bring shoes that I know are comfortable my favorite shoes comfortable shoes are Clark sandals and of course crocs crocs are a lifesaver if my feet swell.
• Lois – Wear good comfortable shoes; or walking sandals with a ball of the foot covering to prevent blisters….make sure they are well broken in before your trip
• Teresa – I pack 2 pair of walking shoes so that I can rotate and let 1 dry out. I also change my socks as often I needed so that they can dry.
• Kerrie – Wore compression socks on plane and in parks to help with swelling and to avoid Disney rash. Used Epsom salt foot rub at night. Brought moleskin/Neosporin/bandaids in case of blisters (luckily none). Wore shoes with good support
• Roxanne – Wear comfy shoes. I usually bring 2 pr sneakers & a pair of walking sandals. I switch sneakers every day & in the event I get sore toes, a blister, etc., then I put the sandals on to give those sore spots a rest.