We are big fans of Disney and always have a great time. It was even better with the grandparents who delighted in seeing the kids enjoy.

Another option could be renting a big house in Kiawah Island...drivable for your sister but lots to do for the kids.

How about...everyone stays at the Four Seasons Baltimore. You have a resort-like experience with many things to do nearby. Rates will be similar to Disney hotel rates. Or find a cheaper hotel if $ is a concern.

We had a family reunion there once and it was easy and fun.

How about a big mountain house on a lake or with a pool?

Rent a big house with a pool in Hilton Head. Or get a few houses near each other. You'd have the ocean, pool, golf, tennis, biking, etc.

Or Maine. Or even OBX.

At Disney you will be focused on the park and will spread out. Instead of spending time together.

I went to disney as a twenty-something and loved it, so I wouldn't conpletely rule it out. If it's less a mobility issue and more of the enjoyment factor, I would atill attempt disney. We went a few years ago with a small child and the grandparents.
Yes, there is lots of walking. Also a lot of older people on scooters.
Grandparents got a kick out of showing things to DC and spoiling with treats
Grandparents really enjoyed the hoop de doo revue (corny but clean, we were surprised that we didn't just like it for DC's sake).
I would maybe do epcot? Maybe 20something and grandparents could do a day in epcot while little kids have a second day in MK?

It sounds like you have a sister problem, not a grandpa problem.

Anonymous wrote:What about Disneyland instead of Disney World? There is a ton of other stuff to do in Southern CA, and there are lots of hotels within walking distance of Disneyland for Grandpa to join you in the parks in the morning, and then head back to the hotel in the afternoon.

Sister can't drive there and doesn't want to fly with young kids.

Anonymous wrote:He who pays picks the destination. Give him a list of requests (no flying, beach access) and let him pick. I think it is extremely rude to say, "Thanks for offering to host, please take us to Disney! We promise you'll like it!"

You say a beach week is out for cooking reasons. With the money you could save by not doing disney, you could probably hire a chef for the week to cook all your meals at home.

Trying to crowdsource ideas to see if it would be possible for him to enjoy it, I don't know enough about it to present him features that he might enjoy. We will be doing Disney one way or another next year because we're going to go before my oldest gets too old. If we can't find a destination that everybody wants to attend, the trip will probably fall apart, and I don't think that is his goal. It could happen and maybe try again in a few years when everyone is older and more flexible about flights. Obviously since he is paying he ultimately decides. He will look at the features and decide if it works for him or not. As I've said, he is opposed to a beach house. Sister won't fly or go on cruises. So it is what it is. It's a generous offer and if we can find a solution that has something for everyone, I would love to do it.

He who pays picks the destination. Give him a list of requests (no flying, beach access) and let him pick. I think it is extremely rude to say, "Thanks for offering to host, please take us to Disney! We promise you'll like it!"

You say a beach week is out for cooking reasons. With the money you could save by not doing disney, you could probably hire a chef for the week to cook all your meals at home.

What about Disneyland instead of Disney World? There is a ton of other stuff to do in Southern CA, and there are lots of hotels within walking distance of Disneyland for Grandpa to join you in the parks in the morning, and then head back to the hotel in the afternoon.

Anonymous wrote:What does Grandpa want to do? Sit on a beach, go hiking, go to a casino, rent a boat on a lake. you said a lot of what everyone doesn't want, but not what they do.

Yes, that has been our challenge. Grandpa does have two elaborate overseas vacations lined up for himself already. The point of this particular trip is to try to restart the tradition of a family get together every year or two. This tradition ended when my mom got sick. Now that she's no longer with us, he's trying to take the lead but he's not a natural at kid stuff so trying to find him something kid-friendly that he also would enjoy to some degree. With the three children spread out and having different interests/needs for their young families, it has been challenging.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Disney's Vero Beach resort?

Driveable, relaxing, but kid-oriented.

Those who want to do Disney could do a daytrip to the Magic Kingdom.

This. I was just about to suggest this. Great resort, good beach. Easy drive to disney as well.

Thank you! The kids pool looks fun there. Will check it out.

And thanks to the grandparents who have weighed in that they have enjoyed the trip. Yes, grandpa is completely able bodied for walking around the parks. I am hoping he might enjoy mornings at Epcot and Animal Kingdom with us, then he could go back to his hotel and read by the pool/nap. He likes down time on vacation.

Can't help you here - my father loves Disney, and taking his daughter (me!) and his grandkids there.

Anonymous wrote:Are all of you in the DC area?

No, just my family. But everyone who doesn't want to fly is close enough to drive to Florida/East Coast destinations.

My initial suggestion was a long weekend in Hershey PA but that was deemed not enough of a draw to be worth the travel.

I would be fine with a beach house but grandpa is resistant because he thinks meal prep would be too much. It's just an idea he has in his head even though I would be fine with a kitchen and only eating out 1x/day or something. Would actually prefer that to having to eat all meals out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Disney's Vero Beach resort?

Driveable, relaxing, but kid-oriented.

Those who want to do Disney could do a daytrip to the Magic Kingdom.

This. I was just about to suggest this. Great resort, good beach. Easy drive to disney as well.