Taking My 73-Year-Old Mum to Disney World: A Journey of Healing, Firsts, and Magical Memories
A few months after the passing of my dad, I decided to take my 73-year-old mum on her first ever long-haul vacation — to the one place that promises joy, magic, and healing: Disney World. It was a much-needed escape for both of us, a chance to step away from the daily grind and create some new memories. Joining us on this magical adventure was my daughter, who was 8 at the time. Seeing her and Mum together, making memories and sharing moments of pure joy, was one of the highlights of the entire trip. Disney World was more than just a family vacation; it was a healing journey that brought us closer together and created memories that we’ll cherish forever.
Mum had never flown long-haul before, and, understandably, she was a little nervous about the 9-hour flight. I kept reassuring her, but there was still that little bit of anxiety. Once we boarded Virgin Atlantic, things quickly got easier. Between the great food, comfortable seats, and a wide selection of movies, the hours 'flew' by! Before we knew it, we had arrived in sunny Orlando, ready to begin our magical adventure!
We stayed at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, which was a perfect choice for our trip. The bright, fun theming and the iconic Disney magic were felt throughout the resort. The real highlight? The Skyliner! Mum and I both loved the unique experience of zipping through the air on the Skyliner gondolas, offering stunning views of the resort and the parks. It was a simple, yet unforgettable experience that added a special touch to our stay. Watching my daughter and Mum laugh together while riding the Skyliner was a moment I’ll never forget — it felt like time stood still.
One of the firsts of the trip was swimming with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays at Discovery Cove. This was such a unique experience for Mum, who had always loved animals but never had the chance to get this close to them. Discovery Cove provided everything we needed — all-you-can-eat food and drinks, towels, wetsuits, and even animal-friendly sunscreen. We spent the day floating along a lazy river that went through an aviary where we got to meet flamingos, and we couldn’t believe how amazing the entire experience was. It was wonderful to share this experience with my daughter, seeing the joy in her eyes and Mum’s as they interacted with the animals.
Another fun first for Mum was toasting marshmallows over a campfire at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. It’s a simple, free activity offered at all Disney resorts, and we made some fantastic memories doing it together.
One of the standout moments for both of us was dining with Lilo and Stitch at Ohana’s Character Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. This is a must-do for anyone visiting Disney World, and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious, the characters were beyond adorable, and the atmosphere was perfect. Top tip: Ask for a table with a view, and you’ll be treated to a fantastic view of Cinderella Castle — the perfect backdrop to a magical breakfast. Watching Mum and my daughter interact with Lilo and Stitch was one of the sweetest moments of the trip. It was pure Disney magic — and the perfect way to start the day.
We also had the opportunity to travel the world — all in one day! At Epcot, we visited 11 countries in a single afternoon, experiencing their cultures, food, and music. Top tip: Start at the back of the park to beat the crowds and end your day with the rides. It’s a great way to experience everything without the long wait times. Seeing Mum and my daughter’s faces light up as they explored different countries together was a heartwarming experience. It made me realize just how special it was to share this adventure across generations.
For Mum, one of the most special moments was dining at Sanaa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Mum has always loved animals, so the chance to watch giraffes grazing outside the window while enjoying a delicious meal was a dream come true for her. Top tip: Don’t skip the bread service — it’s hands down the best! My daughter loved watching the animals too, and we spent ages gazing out the window together. It was one of those moments that reminded us of the beauty of nature and the importance of slowing down to appreciate it.
And, of course, we had to stop by Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club to try the famous Minnie Kitchen Sink. The sundae is served in a minnie version of a kitchen sink, and it’s a fun, indulgent experience. (It’s a big enough portion that Mum and Poppy enjoyed it while I got to skip the ice cream!). We also learned about the even bigger Kitchen Sink sundae, which comes with a whole spectacle — lights, sirens, and a cast member announcing the ingredients as they deliver it to your table.
Our day of relaxation included a visit to Typhoon Lagoon, where we floated along the lazy river, sipping grape soda. It was the perfect way to unwind and cool off after the excitement of the parks. Top tip: Don’t forget to bring water shoes — the floor can get really hot underfoot!
One of the most emotional moments of the trip came when we watched the fireworks from the Rose and Crown at Epcot. We had booked the fireworks package to end our holiday on a special note, and it was a beautiful way to mark 10 weeks since losing Dad. The three-course meal was huge and came with unlimited drinks, which made for a fun, relaxed evening. Poppy, who was a little scared of the fireworks, was taken inside by the cast members, who were so kind and made sure she had a great time while Mum and I enjoyed the show. It was a bittersweet, emotional moment that brought us all closer together.
Mum’s favourite ride? TRON! Yes, my 73-year-old mum is secretly a thrill-seeker, and she absolutely loved the fast-paced, futuristic ride. We had so much fun together — I could never have guessed that she’d be so into the high-speed rides, but it was amazing to see her embrace the adventure.
Now, months later, Mum keeps asking, "When can we go back?" I think it’s safe to say that Disney World was a hit! It was more than just a vacation; it was a healing journey, a chance for us to experience new things, create magical memories, and reconnect in a way I’ll always cherish. Watching Mum and my daughter share these moments together was incredibly special. Disney World truly is a place where the magic is real, and it's never too late to have a little fun — no matter your age.
I can’t wait for our next trip together. The magic of Disney will always be with us, and we’ll continue to make memories for years to come. ✨