Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dark. What you need to tell seniors is that they have to be alert and not trust
anyone. Not their children or even the Disney people, and especially not their
grandchildren. When your grandchildren want you to go on a ride, don't fol-
low along blindly like a lamb to the slaughter. Make sure you know what the
ride is all about. Stand your ground and do not waffle. He who hesitates is
launched!
If you don't get to see much of your grandchildren, you might think that Walt
Disney World is the perfect place for a little bonding and togetherness. Wrong! Walt
Disney World can potentially send children into system overload and can precipit-
ate behaviors that pose a challenge even to adoring parents, never mind grandparents.
You don't take your grandchildren straight to Disney World for the same reason you
don't buy your 16-year-old son a Ferrari: Handling it safely and well requires some
experience.
Begin by spending time with your grandchildren in an environment that you can
control. Have them over one at a time for dinner and to spend the night. Check out
howtheyrespondtoyouroversightanddiscipline.Mostofall,zeroinonwhetheryou
are compatible, enjoy each other's company, and have fun together. Determine that
you can set limits and that they will accept those limits. When you reach this stage,
you can contemplate some outings to the zoo, the movies, the mall, or the state fair.
Gauge how demanding your grandchildren are when you are out of the house. Eat a
meal or two in a full-service restaurant to get a sense of their social skills and their
ability to behave appropriately. Don't expect perfection, and be prepared to modify
your own behavior a little too. As a senior friend of mine told her husband (none too
decorously), “You can't see Walt Disney World sitting on a stick.”
If you have a good relationship with your grandchildren and have had a positive
one-on-one experience taking care of them, you might consider a trip to Walt Disney
World. If you do, we have two recommendations. First, visit Walt Disney World
without them to get an idea of what you're getting into. A scouting trip will also
provide you with an opportunity to enjoy some of the attractions that won't be on the
itinerary when you return with the grandkids. Second, if you are considering a trip of
a week'sduration, youmight think about buying a Disney package that combines four
days at Walt Disney World with a three-day cruise. In addition to being a memorable
experience for your grandchildren, the cruise provides plenty of structure for children
