Disney World has always had cross-generational appeal, which is unsurprising since part of the original concept of Disney parks was a place where parents and children could have fun together after all. However, that doesn’t mean that everything at the resort is FOR everyone of every age.
In fact, there are some mistakes that guests in the 50s commonly make at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Riding ALL The Rides
Despite how young at heart one feels, as we age, the types of thrill rides our bodies can handle tend to change. Whether it’s becoming more prone to motion sickness or dealing with back or knee issues, some rides, motion profiles, and even vehicles become a no-go.
However, someone being in their 50s generally doesn’t mean you can’t ride ANY rides. It just may mean finding some balance. For example, that may be able to do TRON Light/Cycle Run at Magic Kingdom, but it may also mean skipping Space Mountain this time around.
Racing from Rope Drop to Close
It can be tempting for longtime Disney World guests to hold on to the “go, go, GO! arrive at the park before it opens and leave after it closes” mentality that they adhered to in their younger years.
However, the reality of aging may make that impossible. Instead, taking a midday hotel break or simply pacing out their theme park day with lots of breaks may be the key to a successful theme park day, even at the expense of a few rides or experiences.
Eating & Drinking Like They’re in Their 20s
While salty foods, sweet treats, and alcoholic beverages (especially at EPCOT) may be major parts of the Disney World experience, it’s likely not wise for guests in their 50s to overindulge, lest they want to dedicate most of their trip to Tums and upset stomachs.
Of course, that doesn’t mean guests in their 50s should enjoy their Disney favorite treats or have some drinks around the World Showcase, but they should probably do so with some self-control and a bit more pickiness than in their youth.
Not Wearing Comfortable Clothing or Shoes
We’re certainly not saying that guests in their 50s can’t dress stylishly during their Disney trip; they should focus more on comfort.
Comfortable shoes to avoid blisters, foot pain, or aggravating plantar fasciitis, and lightweight, climate-appropriate shirts and pants to make sure making one’s way through the resort’s parks. Of course, comfort doesn’t mean ugly. There are plenty of comfortable, easy-to-wear options that still look stylish.
A Walt Disney World vacation can be a blast for guests of any age, including those in their 50s, as long as they avoid making key mistakes. Stay tuned to AllEars for more travel tips!
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Have you adapted elements of your Disney approach as you’ve aged? Let us know in the comments below.
WOW! I am somewhat humoresly offended by this article. LOL. I am a young 55yo female and have done 3 full week trips to WDW in the last year alone. Each trip ,we did multiple premiere passes for each park everyday there , Including one 10 hour VIP tour for all 4 parks and road 19 rides in one day. We (my husband 56 ) road everything multiple times. We ate and drank around Epcot, dressed cute. I get compliments on my outfits from everyone including 20 something girls. In fact, our last trip we outpaced our 17yo daughter and 24yo Army Airborne son. We love Tron, Space Mountain , Slinky Dog and all the thrill rides, we just love rides. We are both in excellent health, fit and active. Being 50 plus is not like it was 20 or 30 years ago. I’ll admit, I know plenty of couples our age who have resolved to being grandparents and slowing down but I also know more ,who are embracing their financial freedom and empty nest lifestyles and are more fit and adventures now than in their 20’s. We and many others are not ready for the scooters yet.