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Two FTF grandparents with a grandchild in tow prove that you're never at a loss for things to do in Orlando Florida.

What could be more daunting for senior travelers than facing the prospect of a week at Orlando, Florida's many theme parks with hyperactive grandchildren? Where could we find other things to do in Orlando? Where would be the cheapest Disney World tickets? Even more fear factors plagued two healthy, 70-something grandparents:

      ♦•  Could we keep up with our grandson at a respectable walking pace in the vast theme parks? (Yes, but wheelchairs for the less ambulatory are widely available).

      ♦•  Would our stomachs rebel on a high-speed roller coaster? (No need to find out; there are always young people looking for a ride partner!)

      ♦•  How about the proverbial waiting lines at each attraction? (Long, but there are short cuts.)

      ♦•  Would there be shady spots to get respite from a possibly scorching sun and aching feet? (Yes, but not enough.)

Our concerns were unfounded. Thanks to advance planning, we had an absolutely wonderful time and saw thousands of seniors (what Disney calls their Golden Years Market) calmly having a good time as well.

Too Much to See & Do

No one can visit Walt Disney World, Universal, Discovery Cove and Sea World in a single day. There is far too much ground to cover, too many interesting things to see, and way too many attractions you won't want to miss.

Most seniors with grandchildren spend at least two days in the theme parks but more is better; we had four non-stop days (two at Disney, one at Universal, one at SeaWorld). If you're not planning an itinerary with a travel agent, it pays to surf the Internet. The Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau is a website where you can find guidance for most grands and indecisive grandchildren.  

The multi-park, length of stay passes are cost-efficient, but beware that almost everything you touch costs money, except for the several Orlando restaurants where kids can eat free with an adult purchase.

For that reason, it's not a bad idea to give each grandchild a firm spending budget so that they learn what to buy in the way of souvenirs, snacks and toys.

Getting Around Efficiently

Every theme park has its own brochure which lists and describes every attraction with show times, height restrictions for all rides (crucial information if you have young grandchildren), dining (very important), shopping and entertainment locations.

Pick up a set at your hotel on arrival and decide where you want to go ahead of time. Very young children will function better with only half a day in the theme parks, spending the afternoon at the hotel for R&R.

What could be more daunting for senior travelers than facing the prospect of a week at Orlando, Florida's many theme parks with hyperactive grandchildren?  These fear factors plagued two healthy, 70-something grandparents:

•  Could we keep up with our grandson at a respectable walking pace in the vast theme parks? (Yes, but wheelchairs for the less ambulatory are widely available).

•  Would our stomachs rebel on a high-speed roller coaster? (No need to find out; there are always young people looking for a ride partner!)

•  How about the proverbial waiting lines at each attraction? (Long, but there are short cuts.)

•  Would there be shady spots to get respite from a possibly scorching sun and aching feet? (Yes, but not enough.)

Our concerns were unfounded. Thanks to advance planning, we had an absolutely wonderful time and saw thousands of seniors (what Disney calls their Golden Years Market) calmly having a good time as well.