How Older Generations Can Have Fun at a Disney Park

Attendance at Disney theme parks encompasses a wide range of demographics. Contrary to common belief, attendees aren’t limited to parents with young children or childless “Disney adults.”

Families make up much of the park’s visitors, but others also attend frequently. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, godparents, and older couples or friend groups enjoy the parks in Anaheim and Orlando.

Indeed, Disney parkgoers are more than Millennials and younger generations. You’ll see GenX, Baby Boomers, and even those from the Silent Generation throughout the Disney parks. However, some individuals from these older generations fear, fret, or doubt their ability to have fun or visit a Disney park due to various health issues or personal preferences.

Anyone with similar feelings can leave those fears behind and remember Walt Disney’s immortal words: “Here age relives fond memories of the past. And here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.” Disneyland (and in turn, every park that followed) has always been meant to be enjoyed by all ages. With the proper expectations, preparation, and a list of what to focus on, anyone from ages 1 to 100 can have a delightful time at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

 

As the first land that guests see as they enter Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A. makes an impression. Visitors are instantly transported to turn-of-the-century small-town America with horse-drawn streetcars, ragtime music, and an early 20th-century blend of Victorian, Queen Anne, Second Empire French, and Art Deco architecture.

Main Street’s warm, welcoming, and serene atmosphere makes it an ideal place to begin and end a long park day. Still, any time spent there is ideal for those seeking relaxation and a sense of a bygone era, when life was just a bit slower.

At Disneyland, benches are throughout, as well as at the outdoor seating at Plaza Inn, Refreshment Corner, and Jolly Holiday. Numerous shops line the streets, including the Emporium, Christmas-themed Plaza Point, Disney Clothiers, and some specialty ones like the Silhouette Studio, Magic Shop, Candy Palace, and Music Emporium. Guests can explore the Firehouse and historical displays inside the Opera House, take in some classic cartoons at the Main Street Cinema, and check out the vintage Nickelodeons at the Penny Arcade.

At Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, you can ride a classic vehicle such as the aforementioned Horse-Drawn Street Cars, the Omnibus, the Firetruck, or a Jitney. Magic Kingdom has some unique charms, such as the Harmony Barber Shop, Town Square Theater, and Casey’s Corner.

 

Many from older generations enjoy the thrill rides and want to experience as many rides as possible. Others desire a slower, more relaxed park day. However, that doesn’t mean one must sacrifice the attraction experience. On the contrary, Disneyland and Magic Kingdom feature multiple low-key attractions, many of which are timeless park staples that have delighted park goers for decades.

At both parks, the boat rides Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s A Small World offer long rides, calmness, iconic music, and air conditioning, while the Jungle Cruise provides some shade and delightfully corny jokes. The Haunted Mansion varies between both coasts in architecture and some details, but overall gives guests frightful fun and an over-8-minute-long experience. Likewise, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room varies slightly between Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, but both give viewers the same timeless Polynesian music and animatronics.

Sadly, the Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America has been demolished to make way for a Cars-themed area. But Disneyland remains with the Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia, transporting guests through time on peaceful but very different experiences.

At Disneyland, older generations will especially love the rotating shows Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Walt Disney: A Magical Life. And at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress continues to delight, while the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, though updated from its original iteration, retains its old-fashioned charm.

While some of these attractions, like Pirates and Jungle Cruise, may be difficult to board for those with mobility issues, every attraction remains accessible.

 

Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom are not the only parks with relaxing boat rides. Walt Disney World’s EPCOT and Animal Kingdom also have these types of attractions, each with qualities that will appeal to the older, wiser crowd.

On EPCOT’s Living With the Land, passengers embark on a fascinating, informative journey through the history of farming inside a large greenhouse with plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also at EPCOT, the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros takes guests on a colorful trip past Mexico’s famous landmarks and the Rio Grande as characters Panchito and José Carioca search for their friend, Donald Duck.

Lastly, at Animal Kingdom, the Na’vi River Journey in Pandora remains one of the most beautiful and serene rides ever created, filled with luminous plants, colors, and state-of-the-art animatronic figures.

 

The concept of EPCOT that Walt Disney first envisioned has evolved over the years, but at its roots, it’s remained the same. And in turn, EPCOT truly is a more relaxed environment, rich with multiple cultures in World Showcase, and fascinating science, nature, and innovation in the formerly named Future World.

Inside EPCOT’s iconic “golfball” landmark, inside its geosphere, lies Spaceship Earth. On this 15-minute attraction, travel through the history of communication and technology from the Stone Age to the printing press and the very first computers. And don’t forget to “thank the Phoenicians.”

In the American Pavilion of World Showcase, The American Adventure impresses to no end. An immersive experience, this half-hour show bolsters 35 animatronics, including historical figures like Mark Twain, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, rousing patriotic music, and an exploration of America’s rich history.

 

For the older generations that love travel or experiencing other cultures, World Showcase at EPCOT represents the very best Walt Disney World has to offer. Authentic architecture and cuisine, pristine gardens, and demonstrations of local customs and traditions help make each country feel like the genuine article.

Some of the finest offerings in World Showcase are the films from three pavilions, each showcasing breathtaking photography. Reflections of China utilizes the Circle Vision 360-degree technology, placing viewers in the center of the film. No matter which direction you look, the film surrounds you, creating a unique visual experience. The film itself runs 12 minutes and features the Haungpu River, Huangshan Mountain range, the Gobi Desert, the Forbidden City, and more.

Impressions de France doesn’t use 360-degree Circle Vision technology, but shines no less. Instead, the 220-degree widescreen film depicts France’s grandeur and beauty. Highlights of the 18-minute film include the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, the Normandy marketplace, and hot-air balloons floating past the Loire.

Canada, Far and Wide is another 360-degree Circle Vision film. In this case, the 12-minute movie takes guests across Canada’s stunning landscapes and landmarks, featuring narration by Catharine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.

 

People from every generation love Soarin’, the attraction that leaves guests in awe, feeling as if they’re soaring over various places. The euphoric attraction has three versions: Soarin’ Over California, Soarin’ Around the World, and its current incarnation, Soarin’ Across America, produced to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Located in Disney California Adventure and EPCOT, Soarin’ will appeal to the older crowd who love thrills but can no longer handle anything heavy-duty. Soarin’ takes guests on a spectacular ride that results in peaceful serenity rather than an adrenaline rush.

 

One of EPCOT’s newest attractions, Journey of Water, offers a simple and lovely experience, inspired by the natural beauty and enchanting atmosphere of Disney’s animated film, Moana.

Guests can choose between two different paths. On the Wet Path, you can interact with various water features, while the Dry Paths envelop guests in the lush landscapes, minus the chance of getting wet.

The pathways will vary depending on the time of day, with nighttime adding lighting features. Overall, the tropical setting, plant life, and water features, such as jumping fountains and mist, create a unique and vibrant environment that will appeal to those searching for a calm experience.

 

Those of the older generations often enjoy educational activities in a low-key environment. Those who love zoos and aquariums will adore Animal Kingdom, but may find the walking tiring. The answer is Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Like bus tours from state zoos and parks, Kilimanjaro Safaris takes guests through various sections of the park to witness free-roaming animals, including lions, giraffes, rhinos, elephants, zebras, and cheetahs.

The 18-minute tours will be different every time and vary depending on the time of day. However, the sense of adventure remains the same each and every time.

 

Live entertainment has been a mainstay at Disney parks since the very beginning, infusing the parks with life and energy. For older generations looking for a respite, a sense of nostalgia of another era, or sheer entertainment, every park at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts has something to offer.

Disneyland has several singers and live musicians, each in a different area of the park, with different sounds and vibes. These include the barbershop quartet The Dapper Dans, the marching Disneyland Band, the Main Street Straw Hatters, the Ragtime piano player at Refreshment Corner, the Mary Poppins-inspired Pearly Band, the Jambalaya Jazz Band, and the Pirate, sea shanty playing Bootstrappers. Disney California Adventure also has the jazzy band and vocalist, Five & Dime.

Magic Kingdom’s live music is similar to Disneyland’s, with The Main Street Philharmonic Band, The Dapper Dans, and Casey’s Corner Piano Player. Live music is also part of EOCOT’s heart and soul, with performers in the various World Showcase countries, as well as the Voices of Liberty, and Jammitors, drummers who use trash cans to create music and rhythm.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers alternative entertainment, particularly movie-themed, sit-down performances. All ages will enjoy the Frozen Sing-along, and live performances of Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. The latter two are basically abbreviated stage musicals worth the price of admission. The most appealing to older audiences will be the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. This 30-year staple brings the Indiana Jones films to life, with stuntmen and stuntwomen performing iconic moments from the franchise.

 

Restaurants in Disney Parks range from simple quick service options to high-end fine dining. Older generations will likely gravitate towards and prefer the latter, or at the very least, something out of the ordinary. Thankfully, Disneyland and Walt Disney World have plenty of options.

At Disneyland, the Blue Bayou remains one of the most coveted reservations because the restaurant is located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Dine on delicious food while watching boats float by, feeling like you’re outside with ambient light and sounds. The fanciest restaurant sits on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure. Carthay Circle, modeled after the famed Hollywood theater where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered, offers elevated cuisine, opulent decor, and historical photographs of Walt Disney.

At the Magic Kingdom, the castle restaurants prove lovely, particularly the Be Our Guest Restaurant. The Beauty and the Beast-themed eatery features a better prix-fixe menu between the two, plus more variety in the overall dining experience with three different rooms you can dine in: the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing, and the Rose Gallery. For the most upscale option at Animal Kingdom, the popular choice remains Tiffins, with signature, elevated menu options from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

EPCOT features numerous choices between the formerly known Future World, World Showcase, and multiple food festivals throughout the year. For the most unique dining experience, your best bet will be Space 220. Guests enter this restaurant via a “Stellavator,” or space elevator, and dine amongst views of Earth and space. Two of the finest restaurants in the World Showcase include Japan’s Takumi-Tei, a multi-course chef’s tasting menu, and France’s Monsieur Paul, a lovely, atmospheric restaurant with a prix-fixe menu of French gourmet dishes and champagne.

Lastly, Disney’s Hollywood Studios features three fun, nostalgic eateries sure to appeal to all ages, but especially the older crowd. The 50’s Prime Time Cafe offers comfort food, hilarious servers, and nods to classics like I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show. At the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, guests are transported back to a 1950’s drive-in, complete with convertible cars as your seats, servers on roller skates, viewing of science fiction B-movie clips, and traditional diner food like burgers and milkshakes. Finally, the most upscale retro restaurant, The Hollywood Brown Derby, recreates the classic Hollywood eatery with caricature portraits of classic film stars, plush booths, and scrumptious food options, including filet mignon, pan-roasted halibut, and their famous Cobb salad.

 

11. Disneyland Dining Packages

 

Dining packages at Disney Parks are considered a luxury by many, but can be well worth the price if seeing one of their nighttime shows or parades is a high priority. However, there are some caveats. Disneyland offers dining packages for Paint the Night and Fantasmic, while DCA offers two options for World of Color.

For Paint the Night, Plaza Inn offers a lunch dining package costing $58 for adults and $32 for children. The food is good, and the guaranteed viewing spot is worth it for many. However, this area consists of only seating on the ground or standing room, with the only accommodations for those in wheelchairs. For anyone who can’t stand or sit on the ground for too long, this package may not be the best.

Similarly, Fantasmic offers dining packages from three restaurants with different designated reserved viewing spots. Rancho Del Zocalo offers a delicious menu and the lowest price at $39 for adults and $28 for kids. Cafe Orleans features a 3-course prix-fixe meal at $64 for adults and $36 for children. River Belle Terrace has two options, which are where the significant caveats apply. The standard package for the price-fixe meal also costs $64 for adults and $36 for children.

With all three packages, guests receive a voucher for a viewing spot along the Rivers of America. In other words, it’s a seating spot on the ground. This may not appeal or be a physical option for some. In that case, River Belle Terrace offers a Premium package that allows guests to view the show from the comfort of a table, running $94 for adults and $49 for children. With a hefty price, and viewing further back, it’s up to each individual whether it’s worth it.

DCA offers two packages for World of Color: a Dessert and Dining Package. The Dining one is more affordable with three restaurant options: a buffet at Storyteller’s Cafe at $79 for adults and $44 for kids, and a 3-course prix-fixe meal at either Wine Country Trattoria or the Magic Key Terrace, both costing $73 for adults and $44 for children. The menus will appeal to the older crowd, but the viewing areas are standing room only. So, while it takes the stress away from finding a meal and a place to watch, those who struggle to stand for prolonged periods of time might have difficulty.

Those who struggle with standing long in crowds should consider the Dessert Party. This package does not give guests a full meal but instead a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses, freeze-dried fruit, macarons, mini cupcakes, Rice Krispies treats, lemon cake, unlimited sodas, coffee, or tea, and a choice of beer, wine, or cocktails for those 21 and older. Rather than a standing room viewing spot, you watch the show from a table at Paradise Gardens Park. Unlike the Fantasmic package, this one offers superb unobstructed views of World of Color. Consequently, it comes with the heftiest price: $94. That cost may be high, but it may be well worth it to watch one of Disney’s loveliest shows in comfort.

 

Something older generations appreciate is photography. Years ago, when we relied on film, we did not have the luxury of taking endless amounts of pictures. That roll of film was limited, and therefore, those photos became precious.

Today, with modern technology, we can still cherish photos but with more convenience and less stress. Taking photos at a Disney park has always been popular, and the older crowd should continue it as much as everyone else.

These photos become important when trips become more scarce. Likewise, it’s an easy, less physically taxing way to pass the time. Personal photos remain a staple , but don’t forget to utilize PhotoPass photographers. They offer high-quality pictures, will pose you in fun shots, and even offer “magical” shots that insert characters or objects into your photos once rendered. These generations will also more likely do something tangible, like make prints or magnets with each photo, creating a special keepsake.