Help with Dad's 80th Birthday Destination!
 

My Dad will be celebrating his 80th birthday in October and I would like to send him and my step-mom somewhere special. We all travelled to Disneyland California in December and they loved it. They are very leary of travelling alone to someplace new. Would love to send them to Vegas but don't know if they would enjoy it... they do enjoy Atlantic City when they drive up from NC, but maybe because of the boardwalk and beach and it reminds my Dad of his youth in NJ (i.e. not so much for the gambling). They often go to Myrtle Beach for shows and such and enjoy that alot. Any ideas? Thanks for all your help.

Give him a birthday card telling him you're sending him to Paris, Rome, Venice and New York. Then give him the tickets for Vegas! Tell him that you thought seeing all those places in one stop would be easier on an 80 year old. <BR><BR>I can't think of many places where senior citizens could get around easier than in Las Vegas. Book 'em at the Flamingo which is very easy to navigate, and as long as they are good "walkers", they'll have a grand time. Easy-as-pie to hop a shuttle or taxi from the airport, and EVERYONE there is from out-of-town so you don't get that "I'm a lost tourist in a big bad city" type feeling. It's a place that everyone, even if they don't like it, says "I'm glad I saw it once!" , and certainly will be memorable. They will enjoy the shows ie. Debbie Reynolds, Wayne Newton, Don Rickles etc. <BR><BR>October is famous as being expensive in Vegas due to lots of conventions in town. Hopefully pick a week that is not too busy/pricey. Flying Sunday and returning Friday is a good length of stay I'd say, long enough to see everything in a leisurely manner.

What a lovely & generous gift for your Dad!<BR>What about Atlantis in the Bahamas? That is basically a Disney/Vegas aquarium in the almost-Caribbean. <BR>Or if they loved Disneyland, they might like Disney World with it's additional Epcot, MGM, and Animal Kingdom.<BR>Or perhaps another trip out to visit you with a long weekend away to either San Diego or Wine Country?<BR>

Thanks to you both for your replies... I was hoping that someone would point out to me how easy Vegas would be for them. Any other ideas?

don't know if they like to travel with groups of other seniors, but there are lots of nice bus tours in late Sept/early October up to New Hampshire and Maine to see the lakes and the fall foliage.

Have to say, I'd be ticked off if someone told me they were sending me to Paris, Rome, Venice and New York, and later announced I was just going to Vegas. But I do think Vegas is a good idea.<BR><BR>What about a cruise? They don't have to leave the ship if they don't want to, everything's right there, no arrangements to make for food, entertainment, etc.

<BR>I LOVE Mare's idea and think your dad would love all parts of it! INCLUDING the card saying he's going to various places--- all in vegas! VERY clever!<BR><BR>What a wonderful gift for your dad, sue. How I wish I still had my parents to do the same. Enjoy!!!!

Las Vegas is a great choice. But telling him that he's going to Venice, Paris, etc. is mean - he'll be so disappointed when he finds out that he's only going to Nevada and not Europe!

Las Vegas would probably be a great trip. BUT - I wouldn't joke about the destination. That just seems bizarre. However, it does seem like the kind of joke he'll have fun relaying to his friends!<BR>

Lots of seniors and easy living in Palm Springs. I find Las Vegas loud and confusing. Other places might be Santa Barbara or the Monterey Peninsula.

If they loved Disneyland, they'll love Las Vegas. Some people just don't like crowds or loud places, so they don't like Vegas, but most people love it.<BR><BR>Personally Monterey bores me.

Some great ideas! Thanks a bunch- thinking Las Vegas is gonna be the destination I choose for them. I would love to send them on a cruise but my Dad isn't "much for boats". So any ideas on which hotel? Thanks again everyone. By the way, I like Mare's idea of NY, Venice, etc... my Dad is a real jokester and would get a kick out of that! Also - which shows would be the best for them (my Dad loves Lawrence Welk!)- they have seen the Legends show in Myrtle Beach and liked it, too. And they are country music fans.

The Honky Tonk Angels show at the Gold Coast Casino is a hoot - a tribute to Patsy Cline and some others. There's a free shuttle from the strip and its only about $20 for dinner & the show. <BR><BR>Haven't heard of any country concerts in Oct but I'll keep my ears open. Tom Jones is in town from Oct 17 to 30, and the Righteous Brothers are there most of the month. Oct 10, 11 and 12 Tim Conway and Harvey Korman are performing and that might be fun. <BR><BR>I'm glad you knew I wasn't trying to "fool" or "disappoint" your father, after all an 80 year old leary of new cities wouldn't even WANT travel all the way to Paris and Venice! It'll be a relief when he figures out that he'll be staying right in the good old U.S.A! <BR><BR>Oh, and I almost forgot that Luxor Pyramid. Tell him he's going to EGYPT, too!!!!!

vegas is a blast. <BR>bailly's hotel is in a great location, the little mono rail stops there and they've recently renovated their rooms. or, if you have lots of money, look into paris, bellagio, venetian.

Hi all - it's me again.... it may be looking like early November as the big party will be in October. Sis dropped a hint and asked Dad if he could go anywhere (with "money being no object" thanks alot Sis! lol) where would it be and he said 1)Orleans France (was there after the war) 2) Disney World FL 3) Branson MO (saw a Lawrence Welk tribute show on TV from there and would like to see that. So now I have my work cut out for me. Looked up Branson on the net and didn't find much. Disney would be tough without transport unless I did the Disney property thing ($$$!!!), and Orleans is too far away and I'm sure pricey. So now anyone with any great ideas- I could use some more help! Thanks - you are all the BEST! :-)

Cruises are very inexpensive right now. <BR>That would be easier for them.<BR><BR>Check Priceline, Expedia and Orbitz.

HAve stayed at the Sheraton Lakeside and at the Hilton Garden Inn near Disney World and both were topnotch. Both shuttled us back and forth to the parks, plus there's lots of other transportation available- you're with a lot of other folks who are in the same predicament. <BR><BR>The Sheraton was extra-special with the customer service, really helpful, and they won't feel lost with all the assistance they'll get. <BR>Just as good as staying in the park, the shuttle drops you right at the entrance. If you stay at a disney property, you still have to wait for a shuttle or else you have a long long walk to the entrance.

Rates should be excellent in early November. When you call (800 848 0801), check on a senior citizen rate. Also ask them what the "entertainment card" rate will be, we got a great discount. If there is a great e-card rate available, you have plenty of time to buy yourself an entertainment card at www.entertainment.com , so they'll be eligible for the discounts. <BR><BR>www.sheratonlakeside.com

Thanks again... Mare I will look into the Sheraton. Any one else have any ideas on now to make this trip easy for them and easy on my pocketbook!?

ttt

Early November the Econolodge Maingate Resort (decent clean 2 star 1 mile from Disney, free shuttle) is $39 a night and the Sheraton I've seen listed at $69 per night. <BR><BR>good time of year for low rates.

Request an info pack, you'll get bombarded with offers and information. <BR><BR>www.orlandoinfo.com

Thanks for the replies. I will look into the entertainment book and send for the orlando info. It is definitely Disney now.. haven't told Dad and Vivian the news yet. Need to call and confirm the dates, to make sure they don't already have plans. I am leaning toward the Comfort Suites or the Sheraton Lakeside. Found a good rate on them both. Still haven't given up the Disney onsite idea.. waiting for the "Disney Specialist" to get back to me re: price. Going with the Park Hopper so that the days they don't use "never expire"- who knows maybe next summer I can go again and take them with me!?

If I live to be 80 and this happens to me, would somebody please just put me out of my misery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My 81-year young father went to celebrate his birthday to Kenya on tented private safari for three weeks. <BR>Next year for his 82nd he told he is going to Alaska camping and hiking

Spoke with Dad yesterday and asked him if he would like to go to DisneyWorld in Oct or Nov and he said "are you coming with us?". When I said no, he said he'd rather go when we can go together- isn't that sweet? So we will be going together in the summer of 2003. My 8 year old son is ecstatic! We're going to DisneyWorld! Woohoo! Plus this gives me more time to get my money together- LOL! Thanks again to all who replied. I may buy the entertainment book or join the Disney Club or... (my options are endless and I will drive myself crazy doing internet searches until then!).

Sue, although WDW sounds like a blast, in the summer it is going to be horrendously hot and uncomfortable for youngsters, so it will be even worse for the oldsters. Consider changing your dates to spring or fall, when the weather is more pleasant. Also, even if your dad and stepmother are mobile, look into getting them wheelchairs for the parks, and you'll be able to dodge the lines.<BR><BR>You might look at Priceline's site for hotels for WDW. Two of the resorts (both 5 stars) on the WDW property, the Swan and Dolphin (one is a Wyndham and the other is a Sheraton) have regular rack rates of about $350, but there have been some winning bids at $70/night, and you can enjoy the free shuttle bus in the parks and not use your car. If you don't want to rent a car, both the Swan and Dolphin can arrange pickup for you at Orlando Airport -- for five people the cost is $56 one way.<BR><BR>By the way, you can bid for 2 rooms at a time on Priceline.

Thanks for the tips Leslie. I know it is awfully hot and humid- went in 1999 with my then 5 year old and we were dripping wet the whole time (and NOT from the mist sprinklers either!). We are from NC and we are all pretty used to the heat. I lived in Kuwait for a while and it gets awfully hot there as you can imagine. I am a teacher and can only get time off in the summer so there is no way to change the dates to fall or spring. I like the idea of getting a wheelchair. I may do that! Thanks again to everyone who has helped with this.

Sue,<BR>Ypou are a very nice and thoughtful daughter. Maybe take it one step further. Have you considered asking him where he'd like to go for his 80th? He may have some secret dream of a place he's always wanted to visit... and since you've done Disney before ....

If dad loved DL, dad will love DW even better. Stay on site, and get every ounce of the magic. And if in 35 years, if my kids ever ask this same question, please reassure them that I've been so many places in this world, but, this is the one place that I always love, always have a good time at, and always can't wait to get back to.

Hi Sue,<BR>You mentioned you were a teacher..when does your school end for summer break? Ours is the last of May, right before Memorial Day, and when we left immediately for DW, found it was not yet crowded. Workers said by 2nd week of June is when the place is packed. Maybe you can save some personal days, and get a jump start. Would help with crowds and heat!

My Dad is 82 & my Mom 80. They live in Santa Monica. Atleast once a month they drive to Vegas for a few days & then drive back home, they really enjoy it there. But also, occasionally the will also drive to Laughlin, NV. They also enjoy it there. They seem to have no problems getting around either place. They usually go mid-week & stay away from the busier times & the weekends.