Editors Note: This Walt Disney World Trip Report was written by Mike, a member of the original Disney for Seniors Facebook Group. Want to learn from other seniors how they experience Walt Disney World? You can find them here in the Walt Disney World Trip Reports area.
Disney World Trip Report – December 16 to 23, 2004
A little history, I am 73 years old, and this was my 43rd trip. My wife of 12 years was her 15th. I have an annual pass that I bought in November of 2023 for a visit with my Florida grandson and then the last 2 weeks of August with my New Hampshire grandson. I renewed my annual pass 11/24. I planned our annual trip and scheduled it for 12/16 to 12/23. When I priced the 7 day pass it was almost as much as an annual so I bought my wife an annual pass and we will go back before 12/16/25 and get two trips.
Monday December 16
We arrived at Port Orleans Riverside around 3:00, checked in and I had them verify my wife’s magic band had her pass and was working. We then went to our room and dropped our luggage, my wife said she won’t need her pocket book and I agreed. Then we went to the Magic Kingdom (MK)! My pass worked and but my wife’s didn’t; we were told we had to go to Guest Services to get it activated? I didn’t know why as I didn’t have to do that with mine.
We stood in line at Guest Services and finally got to the window and were told they couldn’t activate it without a photo ID. I suggested showing pictures of the two of us but it wouldn’t work. We didn’t feel like going back to the room and then coming back to MK. We were going to Animal Kingdom (AK) the next day so she got it activated there.
Tuesday December 17
I had made a park reservation for AK and we had breakfast at Creature Comforts (no wait) and met up with two of my high school classmates. We did all the watch shows, safari, and the walk throughs as I am the only one who does roller coasters or Avatar. Had a great lunch at Yak & Yeti with the 4 of us got in in 15 minutes without a reservation. The park was busy in places but we never felt crowded.
Wednesday December 18
We had breakfast at the Grand Floridian hotel and then went to MK. We got there around 9:15 with no wait. I cancelled our Keys to the Kingdom as they called before we left and said they couldn’t do the whole tour, so we could reschedule or get a refund with a Lightning Lane (LL) included. We took the refund.
We stopped at City Hall to verify we had a LL to Haunted Mansion. As we were talking to the Cast Member she asked if we were celebrating anything. I had just had my cancer check and I am now 5 years cancer free. So I said I guess that would be a celebration. She gave me a button and Pixie Dusted us with two more LL for any ride in the MK!! We then did all the non-roller coaster rides except for Tiana; my wife will ride it once. We never waited more than 30 minutes including Buzz Lightyear! had a late lunch at Columbia Harbour House and ate upstairs plenty of empty tables both up and down.
