At 80, my father-in-law Lou still held on to one wish: to take his grandson, Ari, to Disney World. It was a dream rooted in memories of taking his own son, my husband, decades earlier. But as time passed and his health declined, Lou quietly let go of the idea. He worried he wouldn’t be able to keep up, that he might slow us down, or worse, that he’d be a burden.
Then, during his 80th birthday celebration, we surprised him with the news that caught him completely off guard: we were going to Disney World together. He was completely stunned, visibly moved, and said, “How fast can we get there?” After the shock wore off, he began to worry that, with his legs having deteriorated, he wouldn’t be able to navigate the park. But when we arrived, something shifted. Watching him side-by-side with Ari, taking it all in, I saw such joy on his face. He was happier than I had seen him in years. The dream he had given up on was now unfolding before him.
Here are some tips that made our multi-generational trip stress-free:
1. Plan for Everyone’s Needs and Set Clear Expectations
A successful multi-generational trip requires a little coordination. Make sure everyone knows what to expect each day, whether it’s the park schedule, where you’ll eat, or the overall pace of the day. Having open communication helps ensure that everyone’s needs are met and no one feels left out. Also, make sure to pack everything that will make the trip easier for your group, like walking shoes, hats, portable chargers, and any medications or comfort items your group might need. Plan activities that cater to everyone’s interests. It was wonderful to see Grandpa and Ari enjoy the same rides, while the teens and parents tackled the bigger roller coasters.
2. Utilize Disney’s Accessibility Features
Before our trip, Lou was nervous about getting around Disney World, unsure how he’d manage with his health challenges and being unable to walk. He was amazed by how accessible everything was and how easy it was to navigate the parks with his scooter. Disney’s focus on inclusivity made a huge difference. There were plenty of scooters available, and the park was equipped for wheelchairs in every area. Wheelchairs are available to rent for $12 per day.
The staff was patient and helpful, and the logistics were incredibly organized. The scooter even fit easily on the Skyliner, a flying gondola that transports guests between select Disney hotels and theme parks, offering stunning views along the way.
I got teary-eyed when Lou told me after the trip, “I didn’t feel like a burden at all, or like I was inconveniencing anyone.”
3. Choose a Comfortable (and Budget-Friendly) Place to Stay
Disney World offers a wide range of hotel options to fit different needs and budgets, and we found a perfect fit in the Lion King Family Suite at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Though considered a value resort, it had everything we needed and more. The family suite comfortably slept six, giving our multigenerational group plenty of space to relax. And Ari’s favorite part? Getting to have a sleepover with his grandparents. Those moments together made the trip even more special.
4. Plan Downtime
It’s essential to plan for rest stops, especially when traveling with older family members. But downtime at Disney World doesn’t mean you’re missing out on the magic. Whether you’re unwinding in your whimsical themed hotel room, relaxing by the pool, enjoying a peaceful meal at Disney Springs, or taking a scenic break in one of the park’s beautiful gardens, there are plenty of ways to recharge. Taking these moments to relax ensures everyone stays energized and ready for the next adventure.
5. Save Money with Disney’s Deals and Smart Planning
Disney offers package deals that include both lodging and park tickets, which can save you money. Look for special discounts for seniors or multi-day passes to lower the price even further. Free water bottle refill stations are available throughout the parks, saving you money on bottled water. We also brought small flavor packs to add to the water when we wanted a lemonade or iced tea. And for added savings, using a Disney credit card can help you earn points for future purchases.
6. Be present in the magic
It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of a Disney trip and forget to stop and truly take it all in. With so much to see and do, it’s tempting to rush from one experience to the next. But in that rush, it’s easy to miss the small moments that truly make the trip special. For Lou, exploring the park with Ari brought back memories of when he did the same with his own sons over thirty years prior. And I will never forget when, despite being light-headed and only able to stand for a few minutes, Lou got up during the Disney Jr. Play and Dance party and tried to dance. It was incredibly emotional for our entire family to see him so determined to join in the fun. It was a reminder of just how precious and fleeting these moments are.
Final Thoughts
When I asked Lou about his favorite memory from the trip, he smiled and said, “I could pick pretty much any moment as my favorite! There were times with Ari that felt just like when I did this with his dad. It brought back such a warm, nostalgic feeling.”
Lou’s story is a reminder that you’re never too old to dream or to see those dreams come true. Age doesn’t close the door on joy, it deepens it. So if there’s something your heart still hopes for, go for it. Make the plans. Take the trip. The best moments may not be behind you. They’re still waiting.
**Disclosure: The author was hosted by Disney.
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