Fun Things for Seniors at Disney World

Walt Disney World is for kids of all ages, and that includes senior citizens. Seniors can have fun at the four Disney theme parks and also all around the resort. Here are several options:

Enjoy a Leisurely Sit-Down Meal

The Disney theme parks can be overwhelming, especially during the summer or around the holidays when lines get long and tempers get short. A nice sit-down meal is a perfect way for seniors to relax and get out of the mayhem for a while. While it's best to book sit-down meals as early as possible before your trip by calling 407-WDW-DINE, you can often get a reservation when you're in Orlando. Ask about availability at Guest Relations when you arrive at any of the parks or just walk up to the podium at the restaurant in which you are interested.

Don't limit yourself to the in-park restaurants. It's often easier to get reservations at the Orlando hotel eateries, and they're each to reach. For example, you can take the monorail from the Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary, while there's boat service to the Boardwalk area from both Epcot Center and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

See a Concert

Epcot has free concerts throughout the year during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival in the spring and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in the fall. The park also features cover bands in its Sounds Like Summer music series. See oldies but goodies like Mickey Dolenz, the Turtles, and Chubby Checker.

Browse the gardens

Walt Disney World celebrates its gardens every spring at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Show, but you can admire the lush beauty all year round. World Showcase in Epcot is a particularly lovely spot to take in the landscaping. Stroll around on your own or sign up for Disney's Gardens of the World tour by calling 407-WDW-TOUR if your visit coincides with the Flower and Garden Festival.

Enjoy the Animal Trails

While kids and teens rush to the thrill rides at Disney's Animal Kingdom, like Expedition Everest and Dinosaur, seniors can enjoy the more laid-back attractions that never have lines. The park has two walking trails, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Maharaja Jungle Trek. Both are rich with animal habitats, but gorillas are the Pangani stars, while Maharaja features gorgeous tigers. If you need to rest your feet, don't miss the Flights of Wonder show, which showcases a wide variety of birds demonstrating natural behaviors.

Rent a Pontoon

Most of the Disney resorts have marinas that rent out a variety of watercraft. Imagine taking a leisurely pontoon ride down one of the waterways. It's a nice break from the theme parks, and you'll see parts of Walt Disney World that you might not have seen before. The waterway between Port Orleans and Downtown Disney is particularly quiet and scenic.

If you want to go one step further, book an Illuminations pontoon cruise for an unforgettable way to see Epcot's nightly show or a Wishes cruise to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the water. If you're traveling with your children and grandchildren, this is the perfect way to make a special memory with your family. The pontoons hold up to ten guests, so they're suitable for large families.

If you're traveling with a family group, visit www.orlandovacation.com or call 800-641-4008 to explore your lodging options, including suites, villas, and vacation homes.