Experiences to Enjoy in a Group of All Ages at Walt Disney World

Jenna, an awesome reader of the TouringPlans blog, told me how she traveled to Walt Disney World with her family, ranging in ages 2-82 years old. She expressed how the group wanted to stay together the entire time, but it was hard to think of different attractions the whole group could do together and enjoy.

After hearing Jenna’s story, she inspired me to put together this list of activities and attractions that would appeal to a group of all ages.

You’ll notice that I did NOT include any attractions where a guest would have to get in and out of an attraction vehicle. I did this for two reasons:

A. You won’t have to worry about height restrictions!

B. If someone is confined to a wheel chair or electric scooter, that person will not have to stand or do any walking to get on the attraction.

Also, if you see an asterisk (*) next to an attraction, that means a FastPass+ reservation can be made.

First, a few suggestions when traveling in a larger group:

1. FastPass+ reservations can be made 60 days in advance if you’re booked at a Disney onsite hotel and 30 days for all other guests. Use this for any attraction you really want to experience.
   
2. Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) can be made 180 days in advance. If it’s a really popular restaurant (such as Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table (currently closed for a refurb – at this time, reservations are being taken for March 6, 2015)), book ASAP! MyDisneyExperience.com is a great way to coordinate FastPass+, dining and on-site hotel reservations.
   
3. When making ADRs, remember to include any infants in your head count. I made the mistake of not counting my daughter when I made an ADR and we had to wait an additional half hour to be seated. Whoops…
   
4. Consider breaking up the day to include plenty of time for rest. It’s exhausting walking around in the Florida heat all day….especially if you’re a young child or senior citizen.
   
5. Be sure to set aside plenty of time to get to your destination. That way, you’ll be covered should any unforeseen delays occur within the group.

Okay I’m done blabbing. Let’s get started!

Magic Kingdom

• Meet Mickey at Town Square Theatre* – It all started with a mouse, so jump at the chance to meet the Big Cheese himself!
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic* – Fantasyland
• Festival of Fantasy Parade* – If you’re worried about standing throughout the parade, view it from the balcony of the Main Street, U.S.A. railroad station. It provides a great view and allows you to sit and relax.
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor* – Tomorrowland
• Wishes! Nighttime Spectacular* – A beautiful fireworks display.
• Liberty Square River Boat – Liberty Square
• Dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant – Fantasyland. Watch the cascading snow, explore the rooms of the castle. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
• Carousel of Progress – Tomorrowland. A great way to cool off and reminisce about the good ole’ days.

Epcot

• IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth* – World Showcase. A fireworks show that will bring tears to your eyes. Gets me every time!
• Venture inside the Seas Pavilion – Catch a glimpse inside Epcot’s 5.9 million gallon aquarium and view the sea creatures within.
• Explore the World Showcase – There is something here for everyone. “So much to learn and see!” Here I am quoting Sofia the First. Clearly I have a child.
• Club Cool – Future World. Try different Coca Cola flavors from around the world!
• Turtle Talk with Crush* – Future World
• Voices of Liberty – A flawless a capella group found in the American Adventure.
• Innoventions – Future World. Fun interactive games and activities for the whole family!
• Teppan Edo – Japan Pavilion. All eyes are on the chef as he/she prepares your meal in a complex and entertaining way.
• Serveur Amusant – France Pavilion. A French acrobat who balances from great heights on chairs and…wine bottles?

Hollywood Studios

• Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage* – Sunset Boulevard. A tale as old as time….I know I know, so cheesy. I couldn’t help myself!
• Fantasmic!*- Sunset Boulevard. Mickey brings you on an adventure of good vs. evil. Who will prevail?!
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular*- Echo Lake
• Lights, Motors, Action*- Streets of America. A stunt show full of crashes, fire and explosions!
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid* – Animation Courtyard
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre Restaurant – Streets of America. Sit inside classic automobiles as you eat and view campy clips at this drive-in theatre.
• Shop along Hollywood Boulevard – So many shops and fun merchandise to peruse!
• 50’s Prime Time Cafe – Echo Lake. Keep those elbows off the table and make sure you take off your hat…or Ma will do it for you.

Animal Kingdom

• Festival of the Lion King* – Africa. Amazing costumes and acrobatics. A must see!
• Finding Nemo: The Musical* – DinoLand, U.S.A.
• Flights of Wonder – Asia. Get a close-up look at dazzling and exotic birds.
• Rainforest Cafe – The Oasis
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug* – Discovery Island. Shrink down to the size of an insect in this cute and engaging show.
• Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – Africa
• Tusker House Restaurant – Africa. Meet Donald and Daisy among other Disney characters while you eat a scrumptious meal.

On Disney Property

• Enjoy time by (or in) the pool – Sip on a cool beverage while the kids swim or take a relaxing dip yourself. 
• Electrical Water Pageant – An oldie but a goodie. Be sure to catch this attraction from a Magic Kingdom Resort.
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – Fort Wilderness
• Fireworks Specialty Cruise – Enjoy a nighttime cruise with loved ones as you watch the Wishes or IllumiNations fireworks. 
• Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show – Polynesian Resort. A luau full of food and dancing!
• Walk along the BoardWalk – This is something I must do every time I visit Walt Disney World. Such a welcoming atmosphere.
• Roast marshmallows over a campfire– see a list of resorts that offer this here.
• Do some shopping at Downtown Disney.
• Watch a movie under the stars! – A great way to decompress after a busy day at the parks. 

Have you traveled in a large, multi-aged group? What suggestions do you have? Let me know in the comments!