Walt Disney World in Florida, the “happiest place on Earth,” evokes fond memories for older adults while giving young children unmatched experiences. And even if the youngest in your group won’t remember their dinner with the Disney Princesses or posing with photos with Stitch, you’ll always treasure the looks on their faces.
But a Disney World vacation is not for the faint of heart or those with shallow pockets; it’s a significant investment of money and time. You want to make sure it offers a true bonding experience for the family and a mix of adventure and relaxation. To keep everyone from the tiniest toddlers to senior adults happy, it helps to approach your vacation with a plan.
“I highly advise against winging it,” said Beverlyn Fleming of Best Ever Vacations with BEV. “The key to traveling with multiple generations is planning and communication.”
Fleming, who recently booked a Disney trip for a client with three generations of family members, often surveys her clients about their expectations prior to booking the trip. Today’s multigenerational family groups may encompass teens who want to be at the park at rope drop, stay until closing, and enjoy all the thrill rides, along with toddlers who may need a mid-day nap, and older adults who want a slow start and leisurely breakfast before tackling the parks. Communicating expectations upfront allows everyone in your party to enjoy the vacation of their dreams, with no family member feeling left behind or forgotten.
Prioritize “Must-Do” Rides, Meals and Attractions
For many, a Disney World vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Find out about the “must-do” experiences for everyone in your party, especially teens and younger children. Lightning Lanes passes can help ensure teens get on all the roller coasters they want.
“Have a list of rides that the entire family can enjoy together and also rides that cater to individual interests,” Fleming advised.
Give the Teens Time to Explore on Their Own
Teenagers are typically responsible enough to explore the park on their own, allowing them to race from ride to ride without having to slow down for grandparents or toddlers. Set intermittent rendezvous points to connect as a family.
Have a Plan for Meals – and the Disney Meal Plan
Table service meals are a great way to keep the family connected and also make for great photo ops. Fleming recommended investing in the meal plan with a combination of quick service and table meals to save money and cater to different tastes. “Quick-service [meals] are a great way for people to decide when and where they want to eat on their own time,” she said.
There’s nothing wrong with asking the grandparents to take care of the littles while you sneak away for date night at Epcot’s Le Cellier, either. “[As the parents of the group], you should enjoy your time, too,” Fleming said.
Consider Older Adults and Those with Special Needs
Traveling with a group with very young and very old family members requires keeping limitations in mind. “Anticipate when younger children may need a break, a nap or snacks before they have a meltdown,” Fleming said. “If you’re traveling with older grandparents who have mobility challenges, consider how much walking they can do. Renting a wheelchair can help eliminate frustration.”
She advised reserving a wheelchair or electric scooter early, as they may not be available if you wait until the last minute. “Many of the rides at Disney are wheelchair accessible,” Fleming explained. Ask a cast member about the availability of wheelchair seating for shows and whether or not there’s a separate entrance.
Seek Air-conditioned Indoor Rides and Shows for a Mid-Day Break Together
Disney has tons of family-friendly rides that allow your group to enjoy an experience together. In the heat of the midday Florida sun, take a break to enjoy a show or an indoor, air-conditioned ride. “Shows like The Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo, or Beauty and the Beast show are great for full-family time,” Fleming said.
Then she shared her secret to keep everyone cool, happy and entertained. “If everyone in the part is tired and hot, the Carousel of Progress is a 21-minute show in air conditioning. It’s a great, iconic show and there’s hardly ever a line,” she said.
EPCOT offers a few lengthy air-conditioned rides and shows suitable for the whole family, including Spaceship Earth and Living with the Land, which each run 15 minutes long, and Turtle Talk with Crush, an 18-minute, interactive show that little kids will love and will get teens laughing in spite of themselves.
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