Taking Seniors to Theme Parks

Taking an older relative to Disneyland?

I have some tips for you.

Let’s get started on how to make this a great trip to the parks for everyone.

Planning Resources

If you’re planning a Disneyland trip, start with this post. It covers everything you need to know. Find my 2026 crowd calendar here, which shows you which days to avoid. (I would absolutely avoid Grad Nites and other after dark events if you can.)

And check out discounts for tickets and hotels both on and off site with my preferred travel partner here.

Where to Stay

If money is no object, stay at the closest and most convenient, the Grand Californian Hotel. Here’s a full review of this property with over 40 photos and a link to book at a discount.

I recommend avoiding shuttles and long walks to the parks. Tropicana Inn on Harbor Boulevard is my pick for a close option off site. Ask for a room downstairs.

For more about Disneyland Resort hotels, check out this post.

For more about off site hotels, go here.

How to Structure Your Day

Seniors tend to wake early, so embrace that and join them! I recommend arriving before park opening to take advantage of the earlier hours.

You’ll find less chaos with the crowds, lines for rides are shorter and easier to navigate, and it’s really the best time of the day.

The park opens at 8am most days. Arrive at security by 7:15am. The park will let you inside as early as 7:30am most days.

If you want to focus on rides, here is how to start your day. I share plans for families, so they’ll work for seniors, too.

If not everyone wants to join, have one person in your group attend to the seniors who don’t want to ride while everyone else gets busy. Older guests will enjoy the walk around the park and there’s plenty of spots to rest and wait. I share those below.

My Experience

We go to Six Flags Over Texas each year with my mom and basically use this strategy: Kids choose the next ride or rides and we set up in a seating area nearby while they make their way to the queue. I try to stay a step ahead and send someone in the group to secure a spot to sit at our next destination.

We wander and shop and dine while the kids enjoy rides, but we stay along their path through the park so we are still spending the day together. Finding spots to rest will help.

My mom joins us on the occasional ride, but mostly these days are just for hanging out together.

Spots to Rest

There are many benches throughout, but you’ll want to know some spots that offer lots of seating in case those benches are full.

As you’re making your way through the park, look for these spots to rest:

Disneyland

• Tomorrowland – The back seating area of Alien Pizza Planet (go through the restaurant to find a patio type area along the queue for Space Mountain)
• Fantasyland – Patio behind Edelweiss Snacks; Red Rose Taverne, a restaurant, has a large outdoor patio
• Toontown – To the left of Mickey’s House, you’ll find a quiet spot to rest (video here)
• Galaxy’s Edge –
• Bayou Country – Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree has lots of patio space upstairs
• New Orleans Square – The “secret path” behind Harbour Galley is ideal (video here)
• Frontierland – Rancho del Zocalo’s patio is large; Golden Horseshoe has the best air conditioning (there are both restaurants)
• Adventureland – There’s a seating area to the left of the Market Bazaar (across from Jungle Cruise)

California Adventure

• Hollywood Land – Grab a spot at the Backlot Stage if they’re not doing a show
• Avengers Campus – Pym Test Kitchen has a large outdoor patio
• Cars Land – Red’s Community Center, near Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, is a great spot
• San Fransokyo Square – This is the “food court” of DCA and has lots of seating
• Pixar Pier – Find benches near the Games of Pixar Pier, across from the Pixar Pal-A-Round
• Paradise Gardens Park – This area will have the most seating in the park, back by Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta
• Grizzly Peak – Redwood Creek Challenge Trail has several spots to sit down; Look for benches outside Soarin’

Mobility Devices

Disneyland invites guests to bring their own ECVs, manual wheelchairs and power-assisted wheelchairs.

Or you can rent them on site. Here’s lots of info on taking a guest with disabilities to Disneyland, including rental options.

Dining

I recommend making at least one dining reservation per day. It’s nice to get everyone seated and in air conditioning for a meal.

This not only provides a place to rest and regroup, but it brings everyone together, too, to discuss rides and how the day is going.

More Suggestions

• I recommend packing a small towel for rainy days, but I actually always have one in my park bag. You should bring one, too. You’ll use it to wipe down park benches or seats in the morning after everything is freshly cleaned. Pack Ziplock bags, too, to store the towel. I share more reasons to bring ziplocs here.
• If your seniors are interested in the history of Disneyland, take this one hour tour of Main Street that covers all the special places Walt Disney touched the parks and more. I share how to do this here.
• Be sure to pack warm clothes for the morning and night.
• Pay special attention to where you’re walking throughout the park. There are all sorts of tripping opportunities for the most agile guest. Seniors will be even more susceptible to a fall. Look for trolly tracks, curbs on Main Street, etc etc. Unfamiliar territory requires help to navigate.

Additional Resources

Planning a trip? Start with this post. It shares all sorts of basic planning info that will help you get organized. And take a look at my crowd calendar here too. 

Need discounted tickets and hotels? Check out my travel partner, Get Away Today. In business since 1990, they’re the absolute best with both pricing and service. This link takes you to them. Or you can call 855.GET.AWAY toll free. 

***Use code DDaily for an additional $10 off when you book hotel and tickets 

Let me know how I can help you plan!!