When I was younger there was nothing better than a trip to Walt Disney World with my parents and grandparents. Some of my best memories of my childhood are from those trips. As an adult, I’ve had the privileged of not only going with my son and my parents, but also bringing my grandparents! For those keeping track, that’s 4 generations of my family at Walt Disney World together. It was a truly special trip. That said, planning a multi-generational trip to Walt Disney World requires a bit of extra planning and a few special tips and tricks.
1. Think about the time of year you want to visit. Going during the cooler (and often less crowded) months, like January and February, is one way to ensure a pleasant trip for Disney-lovers of all ages. The Florida heat can be oppressive in the dead of summer and the large crowds can be overwhelming, especially for the youngest and oldest family members in your traveling party.
2. Plan your lodging accordingly. There are several options within the Walt Disney Resort properties that may fit your travel party and it’s important to think about what’s best for your situation. Would a two-bedroom villa at Disney’s Beach Club Resort be the best solution so your whole family is together in one place? Or would you prefer two or more separate, more standard resort rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside? This is where taking advantage of a Travel Professional can make a big difference. They can help you decide what is best for your family. As a Travel Magician with World of Magic Travel Services, I’d love to help you decide what resort option is best for you stay!
3. Take advantage of scooter and wheelchair rentals. Even if a wheelchair or scooter isn’t needed for the typical day-to-day, the Walt Disney World Resort is huge and it’s easy to cover at least 5 miles in one day. Just like older toddlers sometimes need a break in a stroller even though they typically don’t at home, having a scooter for grandparents and great-grandparents will allow them to keep going long after they may have tired out. Wheelchairs and ECV’s are available for rental at all 4 theme parks but must remain in the park. I’d strongly suggest using an outside company, such as Walker Mobility, so you have access 24/7!
4. Plan something just for the grandparents of the group. While racing to Space Mountain or Test Track may be exactly what the youngest generation is exciting about, making sure the grandparents get their pick of an attraction or two is sure to make them feel special. My grandparents love The Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom and The American Adventure in Epcot.
5. Don’t forget nap-time! Adults, grandparents and especially the little ones will benefit from a few hours relaxing at the resort. There is no need to run yourselves into the ground. Park time in the morning, a little rest at the resort and then back to the parks for the evening sounds like the perfect day to me.
6. Listen to everyone’s expectations BEFORE you travel. Are some family members looking for a relaxing and restful trip while others are hoping to Go, Go, Go! from sun up to sun down? Are some looking for totally family togetherness all the time while others what some time to themselves? Knowing these things before you go will make planning easier and prevent conflict from popping up during your trip.
7. Don’t feel like you need to spend every second together. Yes, it’s a family vacation but allowing the grandparents to relax in the room with the parents and kids hit up a water park, or even the resort pool is totally fine! But with that in mind…
8. …try to schedule at least one special meal everyone attends together. Sharing a meal with those you love is special no matter where you are, but a family meal in Walt Disney World is pretty close to priceless. With so many amazing restaurants to chose from, picking a spot that your family will love shouldn’t be too hard! For my family, favorites include 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Chef Mickey’s and ‘Ohana.
9. Be flexible and have a few back-up plans. This goes for all Disney trips, not just those with guests that span generations. Having a plan is a great way to do get the most out of your trip to Walt Disney World, but being too rigid is almost certainly a recipe for disaster. With the need for ADR’s and the ability to book FastPasses in advance, it’s hard to not schedule every minute but occasionally things will happen that were unplanned for. Being able to roll with any bumps that happen will take stress out of trying to perfectly plan your trip.
10. Let the grandparents spend time with the kids alone (if they’re up to it, that is). This makes for a fun date night or adult’s night out. My husband and I were able to enjoy a fun Valentine’s Date Night at Epcot this past February while my parents and grandparents took great care of our little guy – and had a blast doing it! This is even more fun if your family doesn’t live near each other. What a better place for grandparents and grandkids to make memories than the Happiest Place on Earth!
Have you taken a multi-generational trip to Walt Disney World? What tips and tricks would you offer to someone planning their own special family vacation?
My name is Alissa and I am a Writer for Chip and Company. I’m also an Independent Travel Consultant with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency used by Chip and the Disney Addicts. Email me today at alissa@worldofmagictravel.com to book your next “Magical” vacation to your favorite destination.
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
