Dolphin Fans ? (long)

[Disneycrazymom]

Actually several questions. I need to make a choice today. I have a paid off ressie at Movies for March 13-19. Dream Res can get me rooms at the Dolphin w/ teacher discount. I know the Dolphin is the better deal and has better transportation. My worry is my granfather who is 84 and gets confused easily. I am afraid he will not be able to get around the resort by himself without getting lost. He can at *** because of the Icons and we decorate the window. Are the halls all exactly the same? Do they wind around? We decided against the mods for this reason, too big and confusing. He likes to sit outside and doesn't want to go to the parks with us each day. Sorry this is long. Thanks for the help. I read the S/D thread but didn't see an answer.

 

[Tracy M]

Although the Dolphin is definitely better in location, I think it would be too confusing for your grandfather. The hallways are ALL THE SAME or at least they are extremely similar. It took me a few days to get acclamated. I had to follow my kids & I'm only in my early 30's.

My opinion is to stay w/the All Stars with your decorated window. (Great idea!)

 

[Mooneybeams]

I still got lost on my 8th day there....All the halls, doors, everything look alike. And to tell you the truth, we enjoyed our days at All Stars more than the dolphin because we had our daughter with us and there were many more kids things to do at the all stars. Much more laid back. When we were there the dolphin was covered in convention people, we were the only ones in the pool!

 

[pw2pp]

I think that he would get confused. I stayed at The Swan and I kind-of got lost when I went over to The Dolphin to look for the 24 hour store.

 

[Villain Dude]

As cool as the Dolphin is and the surrounding areas are, I think that you guys are right on track to stay w/ something familair.

Dude

 

[Ityldu]

I didn't think there would ever be a reason I would recommend All-Stars over Swan/Dolphin, but I will admit that as much as I love Dolphin, it ws confusing even for me. The staff seems aware of this because whenever we asked how to get someplace, like the pool, they wouldn't give us directions, they would personally escort us. (Service is amazing) The Dolphin is huge.

The only thing I could think is maybe if you got a ground floor room and decorated the sliding glass door. Then he could easily find his way to the pool area and back.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I know, I never thought I'd think of paying $103 for the *** when I could get the Dolphin for $129 or a mod for $121. I want Papa to have his freedom, so this is a tough call. I like the idea of a ground floor room. Do they have a little padio? He could sit out there to smoke his pipe. I respect your warnings. It is probably best to go with what we know works. He enjoys the livelyness of the ***, there are always people to watch. My kids will enjoy Movies too. My DH and I would enjoy not sitting on crowded busses!

 

[Ityldu]

I don't know much about the 1st floor rooms, I just vaguely remember walking past them. I do believe there are concrete patios with a couple of chairs.

Since he likes lively areas, the Epcot area certainly fits that bill. Dolphin is a short walk from the BW and there is so much to see there. He might even enjoy just hopping the boat at the Dolphin and cruising to MGM and around the lagoon and getting off at the Dolphin again.

I'd hate to see you miss out on the luxury and convenience of the Dolphin, especially like you said, for those rates. There has to be a way around this dilema. Why don't you give them a call and explain your situation. They are so accomodating, I'm sure they'll be able to come up with something.

 

[Mooneybeams]

I would love to be able to take my Papa to WDW!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Mooneybeams, I am very blessed. We have always traveled as a family. This is our 3rd trip to WDW together. I would stay in a shack to create these memories for my kids with their great grandfather. ( and me too) I know he won't be with us always and I intend to take advantage of every moment. (*** or Dolphin I'll be thrilled to be with my family at Disney. )

 

[simonmunro]

The Dolphin has THREE seperate elevators, East, West and Tower. The beautiful halls will look like mazes to him and as wonderful as the place is, magnificent, beautiful and FUN, I can think of almost no hotel I've ever been in where it'd be easier for an elderly person to become confused. Remember, many dis'ers shave miles off the trip to their room by cutting thru Coral Cafe, etc. There are over 1500 rooms! You are so fortunate to have him and traveling! My personal opinion is I wouldn't risk having an unpleasant experience spoil memories that should be beautiful for you in the future.

 

[LBYC-19]

We've only been to the Dolphin once about six years ago (we are going again in April). What I DON'T remember about it was its size I think primarily because we always request ground level. We used the patio exit daily to get everywhere-pools, busses, boat launch, etc. (DH stayed behind to lock the room up). We were in the resort to dine in the evenings, but only until I discovered the DIS did I realize how massive the Dolphin really was. I agree with above posters, if you choose the Dolphin, the ground floor would be a very wise choice so you could decorate the doors for him. Good luck!

 

[MJames41]

Personally, I'm a Bears Fan...ok, little humor...Anyway, I agree that the All Stars is definately the best bet for your situation, in my opinion. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I was thinking about this last night, and wondered if the Swan would be a better choice. It has a smaller number of rooms, is it easier to get around?

We will be there March 13 - 19. One of the reasons that we are not sure of the Movies, since the parks will most likely be crowded, and bus travel will be too.

Thank-you LBYC-19 for your kind words, I have always been Grandpa's girl!

 

[FINFAN]

MJames 41...I was thinking, WOOHOOO! Another Miami fan.... ...I'm in Naperville and RARELY see anything asking for Dolphin fans! Looks like you have a southern Bears team with Wanny. DH is a Bears fan....makes for some interesting football seasons around here.
Dizneycrazymom...sorry I can't be of any help...wish I could go compare the two for you right now!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Oh now I get the Bear's fan. I would certainly claim only to be a Rams / Cardinals / Blues fan as of now but hope to come home a Swan/Dolphin fan in 3 weeks! FinFan that's what I need, an advance party to go check things out!

 

[NancyIL]

The Epcot Resort area is wonderful, and it would be terrific if you could work out something at the Swan - which is only half as huge as the Dolphin! I've stayed at the Dolphin 4 times and I still get turned around in the lobby!

 

[Blondie]

I think the Swan might be a better choice. Your Grandpa would probably love the Boardwalk area, and the boat rides to and from Epcot and MGM.

 

[libbatexas]

I too tend to think that the Swan might be a better choice between Dolphin and Swan. It is a lovely location.