Editor’s Note: In the first of a two part series, David Tewkesbury provides a total of 14 top tips for seniors coming across the pond from the UK to enjoy Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Many of these tips are not exclusive to Brits; they are useful for any Disney luvin’ senior planning to visit Walt Disney World.
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Visiting Disney World can be a magical experience at any age, but for those over 50, there are some specific tips and tricks that can make your trip even more enjoyable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, these hints will help you make the most of your time at the most magical place on earth.
1. Plan Ahead to Best Enjoy Walt Disney World, Senior or Not
One of the keys to a successful Disney World trip for adults of any age is planning. Make sure to book your
accommodations, park tickets, and dining reservations well in advance. These open up sometimes several years in advance. This will not only save you time but also ensure you get the best options available.
Consider staying at a Disney resort for added convenience and perks like early park entry. And for us Brits, as we tend to stay for 2 weeks, make use of the extra time by sloooowwwiiinnnggg down!! This will help you enjoy Walt Disney World all that much better, especially on long trips to the most magical place on earth.
2. Onsite or offsite?
This is a perennial question, should we stay on Disney property or offsite. There are benefits to both. If you’re a large group, you can rent a house or a villa with pool offsite and get a great price, giving you plenty of space, your own pool and the ability to cook and eat in your home away from home.
Be careful with offsite hotels, as the advertised price is generally NOT the price you’ll pay. They will add on a resort fee and parking fees; both can be as much as an extra $80 a day so this soon adds up.
I’m a total fan of staying onsite at Disney. Their value rooms start at around £140 a night and can sleep up to 4 people. Staying onsite, you not only get the Disney magic, but access to early entry (see below) and the Disney transport system. So you can get from your hotel to the parks by coach, boat, and even the Disney Skyliner system (their gondola in the sky) which is available from selected resorts.
3. Disney and Technology
Disney use technology an awful lot so expect to be looking at your phone a lot of the time if you’re not careful. The good news is that they have free Wifi over the parks and resorts so you don’t have to have international data, but it’s a good idea if you can. And you and your family group can stay in touch over wifi using whatsapp, messenger etc.
Once you’re booked you can download the My Disney Experience app and it’ll hold all your reservations and bookings. If technology is not your friend, make sure you engage a Disney travel agent to take all the pain out of this!
4. How to Enjoy Walt Disney World as a Senior? Pace Yourself
Disney World is vast, and there’s a lot to see and do. It’s important to pace yourself and not try to do everything in one day. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. There are plenty of shaded areas and benches where you can sit and relax. Consider returning to your hotel for a midday break, especially during the hotter months. Mix your days up and have days off.
5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Florida’s climate can be incredibly warm for us cold blooded brits, so it’s essential to stay hydrated. Either carry a refillable water bottle or take advantage of the free water available at any counter-service restaurant and just ask for a cup of iced water.
Eating well is also important. While there are plenty of indulgent treats at Disney World, try to balance them with healthier options. Many restaurants offer nutritious meals that are both delicious and satisfying. We often find it hard to find healthy food, but Disney is so much better these days.
And don’t be afraid to ask for what you want to eat, the USA is very food allergy friendly. Again your friendly neighbourhood travel agent will be able to advise restaurants that meet your dietary needs.
6. Wear Comfortable Footwear to Best Enjoy Walt Disney World
You’ll be doing a lot of walking at Disney World, so comfortable footwear is a must. Choose shoes that are well broken in and provide good support. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra pair of shoes to switch out if needed.
7. Use Transportation Options, Even Within and Between the Parks
Disney World offers a variety of transportation options, including buses, monorails, and boats. These can save you a lot of walking and make it easier to get around the parks and resorts. Take advantage of these services to conserve your energy for enjoying the attractions You can of course hire a car, driving is easy in the USA, and petrol is really cheap, so expect large, big engine cars, wide open roads and more. Satnav is your friend but be specific about where you want to go or you could end up in the cast member car parks for your chosen theme park.
Return next week for Part 2 of this two part series sharing 14 recommendations how seniors coming over from the UK can best enjoy Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Are you a Disney luvin’ senior and want to share ideas with other Disney luvin’ senjors on how best to enjoy Disney Parks, Resorts and Cruises all over the world? It’s easy. Join us over at the Disney for Seniors Facebook Group, the companion online community to this website!
Curious what other seniors think are great activities once at Walt Disney World? Here is an article from a member of the above mentioned Disney for Seniors Facebook Group titled Walt Disney World Experiences For Seniors.
David Tewkesbury, a UK-based Disney and Universal trained travel consultant, specializes in Disney vacations and cruises. He handles all aspects of planning, including searching for the best hotels and holidays, and offers tips for maximizing your trip. Find him on YouTube (Disney4Brits) and TikTok (Disney_David). Contact David at
david@everbudstravel.co.uk.
