Tips For Seniors at Walt Disney World
Let's face it, getting older is a fact of life and certain adjustments have to be made as we age. There's no reason to sit in the hotel room while the family enjoys the theme parks. You can join in with the right planning.
- Take the time to read the posted precautions for the attractions. There are some medical conditions that can be aggravated if you go on the ride. Please take the warnings seriously.
- If you're with a mixed age group, rather than sit on the bench waiting for the others to enjoy the thrill rides, schedule a tour for yourself.
- Disney Genie+ replaced FastPass+ and is a good system if you learn how to use it prior to your arrival. While it is offered at many thrill rides, there are some milder attractions that have this option. Get familiar with how it works and you'll bypass the standby lines.
- Don't leave your medication behind. If you do, call your doctor to see if it's safe to go a few days without it. If not, have them call your prescription into a local pharmacy. The resort staff may be able to assist you in finding one that delivers or in recommending one that's a short taxi ride away.
- If your medication requires refrigeration, most Disney Resorts have a small fridge in the room. If your hotel room does not, ask a front desk cast member what options they have for storing refrigerated medication and they will take care of it for you.
- Keep an updated list of emergency contacts with you. If you need help, it will make it that much easier to get your medical history. If you carry a smartphone, be sure to have the emergency information filled out so cast members can assist with contacting your family if it becomes necessary.
- Carry your health insurance cards.
- If you're traveling during the hotter times of year, your age/health status can make you more vulnerable to problems. Take a look at our tips for dealing with the Florida heat.
- Renting a car? If you're authorized for handicap parking, bring a placard with you.
- Walking, walking, and more walking. If you're not used to it, you'll feel the effects after a few hours in the parks. Think about renting a wheelchair or an ECV. You may not normally use one at home, but you don't typically do this much walking. There's nothing wrong in getting the equipment that you need to enjoy your time at Walt Disney World.
- If you do bring a wheelchair or ECV of your own, the majority of Disney buses can accommodate them. If a bus arrives that is not equipped, the driver will contact transportation on your behalf.
- All Disney Resorts have handicapped accessible rooms. Be sure to request what you require before arriving at your resort.
- Dietary restrictions are something many are faced with. The cast members at Disney are excellent at accommodating your needs. It's best if you make a dining reservation and notate the allergy on the reservation; you may need to call Disney Dining at (407) WDW-DINE to do this.
- First Aid Stations are located in each of the theme parks. There's no reason to go all the way back to your resort if you have a problem that they can help you with.
- Vacations aren't cheap. You may want to consider purchasing trip insurance. If you have a pre-existing condition, do your homework to see if it's covered.
