Planning a multigenerational Disney trip? See how one family balanced different energy levels, mobility needs, and park styles at Walt Disney World.

If you had told me years ago that I would someday convince my dad to return to the Most Magical Place on Earth, I would’ve laughed and told you there was no chance. His last trip in 1979 was in mid-July. Between the heat and the thousands of steps he took, he was miserable with hurting knees and feet, and he said he would never go back. 

Fast-forward 54 years, and he finally agreed to a trip with me, his wife (my wonderful step-mom), Sheila, and my college-aged daughter, Amber. I had finally succeeded in getting him to give Walt Disney World another try. It turned out to be one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. 

Planning for Different Activity Levels

Amber and I are used to traveling to Walt Disney World and are rope-drop-to-park-close type of people. We hit every ride we can, often more than once, and stay until the last possible minute. My dad, well, he doesn’t quite have that same energy anymore, and that’s ok. We knew this trip would be different than our normal fast-paced trips, and I prepared for that from the beginning. 

The first thing I considered was making sure the weather wouldn’t be too hot. My daughter’s spring break fell in early April, when Orlando is warm but nowhere near the summer heat he had previously experienced, so it felt like the ideal time. Another bonus to choosing April was that it’s Sheila’s birthday month.  

Photo by Laurie Sapp

The second thing I considered was the excessive walking he had experienced previously. I convinced him and Sheila to rent a scooter so they could stay seated for most of the day, even through many of the lines. If they wanted to hop off and stretch their legs, they still had the flexibility to do that.

The last thing I wanted to focus on was making sure Amber and I could still enjoy our usual full-speed Disney days, while giving them the ability to rest, so I booked us at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. With the monorail available to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, the two parks we planned to visit, it was the perfect home base for a multigenerational group with different energy levels. 

How a Multi-Generational Disney Trip Worked for Us

It went wonderfully! 

In the mornings, we woke early and headed to the park. Dad and Sheila would hang with us through the mornings and early afternoon. We chose rides we thought they would love, enjoyed a nice lunch together, and soaked in the magical atmosphere. 

Photo by Cliff Wang

When dad and Sheila were ready for a break, they’d head back to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to rest and relax. Amber and I would take the scooters and park them in a scooter-designated area of the park, and then we’d hit the park at our usual pace.

In the evening, we would grab the scooters and meet them back at the front of the park. They were refreshed and ready for round two. We would stay until late most nights, enjoying the fireworks and the rides that felt more magical after dark. The best part, my dad had no aches or pains this time around. 

Photo by Danny Shuster

We made sure to get some great meals together, I introduced them to a DOLE Whip, and shocked them with a Beverly from Club Cool (if you know you know). The beauty of EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival made the park more stunning for Sheila’s first-ever Disney experience. Curious as to their overall favorite part? Mickey’s PhilharMagic.  

Creating Memories with Family

My favorite part was seeing how different everyone, regardless of age, enjoyed Walt Disney World. Amber and I have always loved it, but seeing my dad enjoy himself so much, after saying he would never return, was something special. Watching Sheila experience the parks for the first time was unforgettable. Getting real family photos together, with PhotoPass, some of the first since Sheila joined our family, made the trip feel more meaningful. These moments were the true magic.

We created memories that will last a lifetime! The best part? Dad and Sheila are already asking when we can go again. Maybe our next trip will be to see Magic Kingdom all decked out for Christmas.

Final Thoughts

A multigenerational Disney trip doesn’t mean sacrificing the way you like to experience Walt Disney World. With the right planning, everyone can enjoy Walt Disney World together. Now we all have memories and photos we will treasure forever.