An attempt to label a number of attractions at Walt Disney World as “Best Of” for any group would be difficult but for Seniors, the task would be nearly impossible. Seniors tend to have many more variables than most groups because of the complications that may be brought on as we advance in maturity. Some of those complications/limitations were addressed in my first “Oldies But Goodies” article but when you involve the stresses and jarring of many of the attractions that our younger counterparts take for granted many of these limitations are amplified. For that reason I will not attempt to label anything as “Best Of” because what may be wonderful for some of us may put others of us into a life threatening situation.
Attractions at Walt Disney World vary in intensity from the Liberty Belle Riverboat (very benign) to the Orange Edition of Mission Space (ultra intense). The Liberty Belle would most likely not impact a Senior negatively while the Orange Mission Space version could possibly put many of us in the hospital. Personally, I have been lucky and consider nothing off limits including parasailing. It must be in my genes though because one of my fondest Walt Disney World memories is sharing my first ride on Space Mountain with my Father (his first also) when I was forty four and he was seventy eight!! I think he actually fared better than I did.
On any attraction that may pose a risk of any type, Disney posts cautions to consider before taking part. There is no sign that says “OLDIES BEWARE” but signs cautioning folks about heart conditions, back or neck issues, motion sensitivity (me), mobility, etc. abound. Based on the process of maturing, many of these issues are more prevalent among us than among younger folks. If you get nothing else from this article I would encourage both Seniors (us) and those who travel with us PLEASE pay attention to these warnings – they are there for a reason!! If one was to take a cynical view, one might think the warnings are there to help keep Disney from being sued and that certainly plays a part. I prefer to think that the Walt Disney Company truly cares for the health and well being of their guests and does not want to see any of them injured.
There is a book I would like to recommend that addresses the needs of travelers with what the book calls “extra challenges”. Even though the age specific portion of the book is fairly short, it addresses every attraction and the specific cautions for each including those for Seniors that are not directly related to health conditions but may occur as part of the maturing process. It is very well done and even though it was published in 2007 it is still very appropriate. It was written by Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma, both familiar names to those of us who are psycho Disney fans. The book is called Passporter’s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line. It has been in my library since it first became available. It is published by PassPorter Travel Press and is available from their website, Amazon, etc.
I have mentioned this before, but as Seniors, it is primarily our responsibility to make sure that we do not expose ourselves to potential illness or injury while visiting Walt Disney World. These things can happen if one tries to do too much in short periods of time (commando touring), does not pay attention to the effects of heat and/or dehydration (a real biggie), or unnecessarily expose ourselves to potential problems by ignoring the cautions posted by Disney. Remember, if you are in your sixties, seventies, or eighties please don’t try to emulate your twenty and thirty year old traveling companions while visiting. A very wise person once told me something and I will remember it for as long as I live – “Age and Experience will out do youth and enthusiasm every time”. If you are traveling with one of us who may have some cognitive issues, a significant portion of that responsibility can shift to you. Accept it gladly and use it to enhance your visit.
To finish up I’ll just name my three favorite attractions in each park. I will not include things like fireworks and Fantasmic! because most of us love those.
Magic Kingdom – Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, and The Jungle Cruise
Epcot – Future World – Mission Space (Green version), Test Track, and the Epcot Character Spot
Epcot – World Showcase – Reflections of China, The American Adventure Show, Impressions de France, and O! Canada (sorry – had to slip a fourth in there)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo – The Musical, and Dinosaur
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster with Aerosmith, and Toy Story Midway Mania (love it, love it, love it)
Extra Special Favorite – Para-sailing over Bay Lake at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre
As you can see, my personal favorites run from the “ridiculous to the sublime” and I plan on enjoying everything I love as long as I am able. You can rest assured though, if issues develop for me that are addressed by the caution warnings, I will heed them and find some new, more age appropriate favorites.
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