Disney World can be pretty darn magical no matter how old you are, which is part of what we love about it!
But, certain rides and attractions around the parks are geared toward people of certain ages — whether intentionally or not. We happen to think there are some parts of Disney World that your grandma (and grandmas at heart!) will love.
Whether you’re an actual grandma or a grandma at heart, we think you just might like these iconic things at Disney World.
Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney personally worked on the Carousel of Progress, which originally debuted at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. The 20-minute show is in a rotating theater that follows a family throughout the 20th century. Instead of the stage moving, the theater itself rotates from one scene to the next — it’s basically a show-and-ride hybrid.
Because the ride is packed with nostalgia and images of the past, it tends to be pretty popular with the older crowd and those who yearn for the days of yesteryear. It’s also a nice, quiet break from the chaos of Magic Kingdom which is another reason it makes our grandma-friendly list.
UK Pavilion Tea Garden
Over in EPCOT’s World Showcase, you’ll find the United Kingdom Pavilion — more specifically, though, during the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, there’s the English Tea Garden presented by Twinings.
The garden is full of live plants used to make all kinds of tea blends. Make sure to read the signs so you can tell which plant is which — but we bet your grandma already knows.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Originally opened as the WEDway PeopleMover in 1975, what is now called the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover has been a staple at the Magic Kingdom since.
But, its Disneyland version is even older, and although it doesn’t exist any longer — the attraction remains a staple for those looking to take a chill ride into the future.
Living with the Land
Living with the Land is a slow, 14-minute boat ride through unique indoor greenhouses that teach riders about Disney’s innovative growing methods and fish farming. Not only is it a chill boat ride, but it culminates in some pretty remarkable greenhouses at the end.
Grandmas and grandmas at heart are likely to be fans of this ride because of all the PLANTS! You can even take a backstage tour of this ride — the Behind the Seeds Tour.
Hall of Presidents
Located in Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom, the Hall of Presidents is an original Disney World attraction, first conceived by Walt Disney himself. He wanted to see every president come to life at once. The attraction is derived from “Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln,” which premiered at the New York World’s Fair in 1964.
The lobby of the theater is filled with portraits of the presidents, as well as authentic artifacts dating back to the 1700s — it’s pretty cool! Plus, it’s air-conditioned which makes for a nice break from the heat. The show can be a bit boring for kiddos, but fans of United States history will probably get a kick out of it.
“it’s a small world”
Walt originally designed this attraction for the Pepsi-Cola Company to benefit UNICEF at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair (are you sensing a theme?). When the Fair closed, the attraction made its way to Disneyland and was so popular that it was one of the original attractions when Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971! It is located in Fantasyland, across from Peter Pan’s Flight.
Main Street, U.S.A.
It’s hard for anyone not to love the charm of Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney himself said, “Main Street, U.S.A. is America at the turn of the century – the crossroads of an era. The gas lamps and the electric lamps, the horse-drawn car and the auto car. Main Street is everyone’s hometown…the heartline of America.”
If you ask us, he’s right! It might just be two blocks of charming turn-of-the-century nostalgia, stretching from the south at the Train Station and Town Square to the Plaza and Cinderella Castle in the north, but it’s a huge part of our hearts.
Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort is where larger-than-life icons of past decades bring some serious nods to the days of old to your Walt Disney World vacation! This hotel spans 20th-century pop cultures and reflects (to an extent) the way people lived, played, and communicated.
You’ll find sections dedicated to the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s at this hotel and we love the charm! Plus, it’s a Value Resort making it one of Disney’s more affordable ones.
If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!
Whether you’re an actual grandma or a grandma at heart, chances are we can all agree on the fact that Disney World will remain a special place for all of us for years to come.
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Are you a grandma or grandma at heart? Tell us in the comments.
My husband’s nanna went to WDW for the first time in her late 70s or early 80s. She went on Peter Pan’s Flight & as it drew to an end & the cast member was there to help her disembark, she said “Ooh! That was lovely. Can I do it again?” She was pixie dusted & left in the vehicle to go round a second time.