Best DVC for a pooped Pop

[DanenRox]

At 73, Dad is independent and (relatively) healthy. He isn't able to walk through all the parks (too far/too fast) and refuses a scooter. Still, I'm intent on taking him with us next January for a week at the DVC. Since dad will likely stay at the resort during the day while we hit theme parks, what's the best DVC choice for our stay? He'll want to beebop around, chat with folks, drink in the beauty. I don't want him to feel isolated and alone. Any suggestions?

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Boardwalk or Beach Club Villas. Has all those other resorts to mosey around (Yacht Club, Swan, Dolphin), as well as lovely places to sit, inside and out, and a variety of restaurants to grab a bite to eat. Renting a boat, or just riding the Friendships, are a nice relaxing activity too.

Mare, a fellow RI'er!

 

[gracelrm]

I would think my father would enjoy VWL. It is isolated from the other resorts, so BCV & BWV might be better as far as being close to other things to walk to, but if you don't think he'd actually walk very far, I'd probably say VWL. The lobby of the WL is so impressive, they have tours of the lodge, the geyser, the water starting inside the lobby and flowing to the pool. I would think that would be a nice place to sit and people watch. Also, if it happened to be cool during January, there's the huge fireplace with the rockers.

 

[DVC Mary]

I just took my Mom who turning 80. Luckily after she tried a scooter for a few minutes, she agreed it was ok to rent it.

She liked BW b/c there was so much to see on the Boardwalk & she liked the close boat rides to Epcot or MGM.

BC of VWL could be great too.

Good luck!

 

[disneynutz]

I also vote for BCV/BWV. More to do and a short walk or boat ride to EPCOT which is a great park for older folk.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

At 73, Dad is independent and (relatively) healthy. He isn't able to walk through all the parks (too far/too fast) and refuses a scooter. Still, I'm intent on taking him with us next January for a week at the DVC. Since dad will likely stay at the resort during the day while we hit theme parks, what's the best DVC choice for our stay? He'll want to beebop around, chat with folks, drink in the beauty. I don't want him to feel isolated and alone. Any suggestions?

I think BWV is your best choice. He will love the boardwalk since it is almost always alive with adults (and children), but BWV has something new every 50 feet or so. AND.. maybe he would like to just walk over (very short walk) to Epcot one day and just go through the gates and experience life in WDW Epcot with you all. Maybe even ride a scooter.

The short walk to WDW from BWV is our main reason we love BWV.

 

[JimMIA]

Resort aside, I'd try to encourage him to stay as open-minded as possible about a scooter. I wouldn't push him, because you'll get push-back and he'll harden his position...but maybe he could think about trying it one day, just to have some fun at MK with the rest of the family.

People who have chronic mobility problems have no reservations about jumping on a scooter. But people with minor mobility or stamina issues don't want to consider them. They don't want anyone thinking they can't get around, don't want people looking at them, don't want to be a burden.

However, once he gets to WDW, he's going to see scooters all over the darn place, and being ridden by all kinds of people...including some who I suspect are just too lazy to walk! He won't be singled out; he'll be one of thousands of people on a scooter. Once he sees that, he may decide he could try it for a day...just for the family.

My MIL was reluctant, but we finally talked her into trying the scooter. By the end of the second day, she was plowing her way through crowds and ramming people to protect her Grandaughter's curb position before the parades! And the memories she took away from that trip were priceless.

His memories will be so much better if he can get past the minor mobility issue and just enjoy the trip.

 

[SamSam]

Although I do agree that BCV and BWV would be good, I must throw in a shout for AKV. He can visit with people, with cast members, view the savannahs and also attend the daily activities. They have a lobby tour, a culinary tour, lots of artwork and artifacts in the lobby and also down all of the hallways.

 

[BroganMc]

At 73, Dad is independent and (relatively) healthy. He isn't able to walk through all the parks (too far/too fast) and refuses a scooter. Still, I'm intent on taking him with us next January for a week at the DVC. Since dad will likely stay at the resort during the day while we hit theme parks, what's the best DVC choice for our stay? He'll want to beebop around, chat with folks, drink in the beauty. I don't want him to feel isolated and alone. Any suggestions?

My dad was like that at 73. He kept insisting he could walk about the parks just fine "as long as didn't rush him". I finally got so sick of the bravado I strong-armed him into renting an offsite one on our big multi-generational family getogether. (I called the resort and had them help me rent a scooter.)

My argument was that even if he only ever used it to get from Point A to Point B without losing sight of his rambunctious grandchildren, its purpose was served.

He was mighty hesitant at first, but within a day's use he loved it. Especially when it came time to watch parades or fireworks and there was no seat in sight. 70+ year olds don't have an easy time standing or sitting on curbs.

Now he does prefer doing without the scooter when we resort visit. Then he likes nice leisurely strolls through the grounds, getting some sun and meeting folks (though he does that everywhere). We have walked around VWL (he likes the courtyard area most), AKV (he LOVES the firepit in the lobby), BWV, BCV, OKW and SSR. He's the type who gets irritated by a lot of activity so SSR's scenic walkways appeal to him more than BWV and BCV's "noise". He also hates air conditioning so prefers walking around outside.

So when you ask what is the best resort for a 73 year old dad, you have to ask yourself what kind of person he is. If he's the type who relaxes in the middle of the city, then BWV or BCV would be great resorts. A BWV Boardwalk view room would be even better since he can watch the crowd below to see if he wants to join in.

But if he's the type that can only relax with some soft music in the background and a good view of the birds in the backyard, go for AKV, OKW or SSR. If heat bothers him, then AKV is better since a good deal of socializing is inside, except for the animal watching on the balconies.

Whatever the case, the best situation is to gently introduce him to the world of ECVs. Of course, the first trip he takes there and sees all those ECV's around, he may reconsider the idea himself. They are no harder to drive than a car.

 

[PinkTink63]

Boardwalk or Beach Club Villas. Has all those other resorts to mosey around (Yacht Club, Swan, Dolphin), as well as lovely places to sit, inside and out, and a variety of restaurants to grab a bite to eat. Renting a boat, or just riding the Friendships, are a nice relaxing activity too.

Mare, a fellow RI'er!

I would have to agree! There seems to be things happening all the time when we are there. I think it would be a great place to people watch and a lovely view. I think they have rocking chairs on the porch at the backside of the BWV, if I'm remembering correctly.

 

[LSchrow]

my 80yo parents love the BWVs!! they enjoy the multitude of both day & night activities being so close (fyi, mom has had both knees replaced, & dad is scheduled for the same ~ so they deal with mobility issues).
he can go to the bakery for b'fast, a swim at the quiet pool, read a book on the balcony overlooking the village green, people watch with a beer sitting at BRG, enjoy the nighttime "street performers", watch as people lose tons of money on the arcade games , hang out at ESPN.
if his mobility is limited, taking a ferry to EPCOT requires little walking (& he can visit the closer countries).

do make sure to request a villa near the elevators (the stairs are not fun with wobbly legs ).

hth
laurie s

 

[DanenRox]

This is great information! We own at BCV but I'm going to try for BWV during that stay. I didn't realize I could request (understanding it's only a request) a room near the elevators. Would I ask upon check-in or when making the reservation? He'll be with us in a 2 Bedroom standard view if that matters.

 

[bobbiwoz]

This is great information! We own at BCV but I'm going to try for BWV during that stay. I didn't realize I could request (understanding it's only a request) a room near the elevators. Would I ask upon check-in or when making the reservation? He'll be with us in a 2 Bedroom standard view if that matters.

Asking for standard view near elevators ups your chance of getting something by the ME luggage cages that have been described as making a racket. You may be further down a bit, they may ignore the "near elevators" or not be able to accomodate you, but standard view, near elevators is where the luggage cages are handled.

Preferred view near elevators wouldn't have THAT problems.

Bobbi

 

[mickey&minniealways]

To JimMIA:
Please don't spread your sterotypes of "If you can't see it then they don't have a disability". There is nothing that angers me more. My 76 year old mother can get around just fine. She walks the golf courses at her condo everyday. At disney she needs to get a scooter. She is very quick walking around on her own. However if she has to stand up for more than 50 seconds she looses her balance and needs to lean on something or someone. Quite a few people have invisible disabilities and should not have to explain them. So unless you know for absolutely sure then please don't assume. Sorry but you have pushed a hot button.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

My inlaws love OKW. Yes it is more quiet then the others. The grounds are beautiful though. Relaxing by the pool with the quiet music playing in the background can be great. There may be more people his age there as there are quite a few retires who go there just for golf getaways. It can be a great place to go back to after all the hustle and bustle of the parks. DTD is just a short busride away or you can take a boat there. Epcot is a little longer, I think it is a 15 to 20 minute ride. We will be at OKW the end of April, my mother is comming with us, she is 76, and this is one of her favorite places.