For seasoned Walt Disney World seniors who are parks veteran or even a first time visitor, there are always nuances that add just that special touch to a Disney vacation. For those of us Disney World seniors who have “been there, done that” on the thrill rides and look for something a little less adrenaline pumping, here are a few of my suggestions of things to do on a Walt Disney World trip that give you that extra dose of pixie dust.
Animation Experience at Conservation Station for Disney World Seniors
While Animal Kingdom has lots of places to see amazing animals and ride virtual or real adventures, it’s a large park that can get pretty hot and humid. I often need a little break in the A/C! One of my favorite activities to do here is to ride the train back to Conservation Station.
You won’t see the train out in the park, but it has an entrance near Kilimanjaro Safari. You walk down the path and take the train to a “behind the scenes” look into some veterinary work areas. Once you arrive, walk the pathway to the petting zoo and the station building itself. There are often times doctors and vet techs at work where you can watch their procedures from behind the glass.
My true motivation for going back here is to do the Animation Experience. Roughly every 45 minutes, a Disney animator teaches a 25 to 30 minute class on how to draw an animal character. You work on a clipboard with paper and pencil provided so you can draw along with the animator. Instant souvenir to keep!
Shhh…here’s a PRO TIP…try to sit near the front and be the FIRST guest when the class is over to ask the animator for his or her drawing. They usually gladly give it, and you have a genuine Disney animator drawing to take home! Take a small poster tube or a rubber band with you to roll up and preserve those masterpieces!!
Yes, The Cake Bake Shop
When you spend time at Epcot, there are a million great places to eat and explore. Every now and then, you might find that you want to get away from the crowds or that you have a non-park day to explore the other offerings on property. Just outside the back International Gateway exit of EPCOT is Crescent Lake. Between the Epcot exit and The Boardwalk Resort is a lovely new restaurant and bakery called The Cake Bake Shop.
My husband and I took time to have afternoon tea there and let me assure you that his version of tea does not include a fancy little cup and scones so he was skeptical of doing this with me. He was so surprised, and I was thrilled at how wonderful this experience turned out to be!
The location was elegant, the service was impeccable, and the treats and tea were delightful! He really enjoyed himself! It was a fabulous way to elevate our typical Disney experience with something different and not themed (even as much as we love that usually).
PRO TIP…make your reservation early in the time slot and it can serve as a light lunch. You’ll get savory finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries along with up to six kinds of self-selected teas.
There’s never a shortage of fun and interesting things to do at DisneyWorld! I hope you enjoy one of these suggestions!
Editor’s Notes: The author, Shelly Cunningham, is a self professed lifelong Dis-nerd, a retired public school teacher, an Annual
Passholder, and the owner of Cherry Tree Lane Adventures in Wichita Falls, Texas
Are YOU nterested in joining an online community of Disney luvin’ Seniors? If you haven’t done so already consider the original Disney for Seniors Facebook Group.
Interested in what a Disney cruise might be like for older adults and seniors without the kids or grand kids? Check out this article by a member of the Disney for Seniors Group titled A Disney Cruise Without The Kids – On My Yes!
