Resort: We stayed with both my parents in AOA-Nemo when our teen had turned 5. After that we’ve been to the GF and twice to AKL with my just my mom. AKL was better and she loved waking up and sitting on the balcony, watching giraffes/zebras while sipping her morning coffee. I would book a 1 bedroom. We had 2 kids (1 was an infant) so we still fit on the bunk bed room (no longer offered). Some days my mom would offer to babysit the kids while the adults went back to Epcot etc. She wasn’t comfortable going out of the room in her own so we had to make sure she had lunch/dinner (order groceries from garden grocer). 1 bedrooms usually have 2 baths and a full fridge (except AOA suites which have a kitchenette). You need the extra bathrooms.
Mobility: My dad has advanced Disc Degeneration but he still wanted to walk the first day or so, but did so at an extremely slow pace (budget extra time to get to LL, dining). My mom kept looking back at him (CMs were yelling to keep moving and it was dark) and tripped and scraped a knee (CMs didn’t care and no one assisted while she was on the ground; first aid centers are at each park and she was able to get the wound cleaned and a bandaid). My dad slipped in the tub and then on he needed a scooter to move around comfortably (we reported it and requested a non slip floor mat but received nothing).
Things to do: Food & Wine was a highlight. We’ve booked ADRs at BoG, CRT, Crystal Palace with both grandparents and they enjoyed everything. Boma is now my moms favorite restaurant and Ohana was second. Grandparents haven’t been post COVID (mar 2020 trip got cancelled). The shows (Fantasmic, MK fireworks, parades are a highlight). Make sure grandparents have a break mid day. They don’t have to join every evening and might want to stay back and rest at the resort (so keep 2 days without Dinner ADRs that would allow pool breaks as well)
Rides: No riding Space Mountain or RocknRoller coaster with Grandparents who have any back/neck issues. Parades/shows/fireworks are just as entertaining. Also be prepared for them not wanting to stay back as well. My dad wanted to see Fantasmic despite having slipped that morning. Unusual things: we went out of our way to ride the monorail simply because my dad wanted to.
Food: Don’t order chicken at CRT or any other dining location unless fried (they tend to undercook it). One QS lunch and 1 TS dinner is enough. It would be a challenge to get everyone Uber/Lyft to get where you’re going as Disney transportation is really unreliable. Make sure to order a few breakfast items to save time and money. Try Topolinos breakfast once (food was excellent; characters were a plus). Dining was so time consuming this past trip without grandparents that we ended up cancelling a few to free up our evening. Dining and
Genie+ are a nightmare (at 7 am I got LL for SDMT at 5 pm when I clicked 9:30 am; I had to run down to the front desk to get it fixed before non resort guests’ window opened).
https://gardengrocer.com/
Laundry: My parents underpacked. It was stressful to find time to do laundry. Unless your room has a washer dryer OR you have a pool day where laundry is nearby (AOA laundry is next to the pool) pack for the entire trip. I do pack a Fels Naptha bar for washing clothes as we have younger kids/accidents.
Shoes: ask them to wear runners (no fancy shoes at Disney - I walked 19-25k with mid day breaks - takes more steps) and bring flip flops for rain/Kali River ride/pool (ponchos are a must even if rain not forecasted)
Pain relief: Actviene pain relief cream, foot cream by temple spa and a mini massage gun (I have a full size one by Bob and Brad), Advil, ice/gel pack for medication/pai if you have a full fridge, Aspercreme with lidocaine.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012A5Z89...&pd_rd_r=b056cfb0-3097-4b0c-b836-f9d43eb97a86
https://usa.templespa.com/aaahhh-foot-and-limb-cream
https://www.amazon.com/BOB-BRAD-Pocket-Sized-Massager-Percussion/dp/B08M8YSFC7/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3TNHQLEW2W116&keywords=bob+brad+massage+gun+mini&qid=1651673552&sprefix=bob+brad+massage+gun+mini,aps,92&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
Overall expectations: It’s stressful to coordinate so many people. If you have to cancel something or they can’t join, don’t be disappointed. Sometimes it felt like having to manage an extra set of toddlers at the same time, so give yourself a break as well.