GF or WL for my 70 yr old father?

[noopy]

I'm trying to get my father to go to WDW with me and my dd8. He is the father figure in her life, and my mom passed away last year, so he needs to do something special. I know he'll love it, but he isn't used to staying in nice hotels - he was an educator, so our vacations were limited. I have shown him a lot of pictures of the GF, but he hasn't taken the bait. Do you think he night enjoy the WL more? I have only stayed at the CR. Any other helpful suggestions to get him to go with us?
Thanks for your help!

 

[rifamtrav]

This post just brought a smile to my face. When my DD was only 10 months old, we took her to WDW, talked my father into going too (he was 72, never been to WDW and the only joy in his life after my mother passed away a year earlier was his Grandchildren). Stayed at the YC! We have the best pictures of him holding my dd, both grinning ear to ear. Also, feeding her ice cream in her stroller, both still grinning. Dad passed away 5 yrs ago (the trip was in 1993) but the pics still say it all.
Whatever you do, convince your Dad to go, he will have such a wonderful time watching you and your DD enjoy everything. And your DD is at a great age to fully appreciate it.
Enjoy and take lots of pictures, especially of DD and her Grampa hugging Mickey!!!

 

[dreamer423]

My father, 72, is a child at He also loves to go with me and my DS3. Not sure what his interests are, but I would suggest one of the Epcot hotels due to proximity of Epcot, MGM and al of BW activities.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Personally, I like the GF because there are so many spots to hang out and relax if you want to spend time at the resort. The theme pool has 3 cabana's available on a first come, first serve basis and that might be a good spot for your dad if he's not comfortable being in the sun all day. There is a patio along the length of the main building, with lots of nice shade and tables. There's also a little known balcony right next to the Mickey Mouse Mercantile up on the 2nd floor. The main building lobby has some very comfortable sofas and the orchestra and piano play there every night. Each building has a nice quiet and cool lobby for relaxing in and in the mornings, you can get your coffee right there. I have an 8 year old and she thinks of the GF as her princess hotel. If you're lucky and get an MK view, even if you just sit out on your balcony, you'll feel like you're in the middle of the magic.

If your dad is anything like mine, he's probably concerned more with what you are paying for the hotel. I'm sure he'll be happy with whatever you and your DD choose.

Tammi

 

[Beanjack]

We just returned from taking my 70 year-old parents to WL. They had never been to WDW before, and were absolutely blown away. They said it was the best trip of their lives. Like your father, my parents were educators and, too, had limited vacations. For that reason, among others, the Lodge was the highlight of the trip. My parents fell in love with the grounds, the tranquility, and just the simple things - taking boat rides around the lakes - having a glass of wine on the courtyard at sunset - morning coffee with the paper in the lobby. I cannot recommend the WL any higher. We are already talking about going back next year.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I'm in the same situation with my mom (age 70) as my father just passed away a few months ago. She's excited about her first trip ever to WDW.

Your father would love WL (who doesn't). I also think the ease of monorail transportation is a nice advantage when staying at the GF, CR or Poly. You really can't go wrong either way.

 

[Disney Planner Mama]

We never went to WDW when I was little because my father was vehemently opposed to the commercial aspect of it. Fast forward thirty-odd years. My husband and daughters and I are living in Jacksonville, and during one visit we drag my parents to disney with us. Within hours my father was hooked, walking around wearing a safari/cowboy hat with disney pins all over it, and being dragged away from every pin station (he even set off the airport security system with it! Oops!).

This was three years ago. They now go with us at least once a year, and are going with us on the cruise.

The Wilderness Lodge is much more laid back the GF. Not so formal in appearance, lots of wood and rocking chairs, and nature. I'd go with that one.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My Mom and FIL prefer the GF. My MIL prefers the WL. She is an antique dealer so that is why she enjoyed the WL. All of them are 70.

My FIL liked riding the little boat back and forth to the MK and talking with the captains. He never got off. He just enjoyed the view and great conversation!

You'll be happy with either resort. Enjoy your trip.

Lori

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

WILDERNESS LODGE! I know everyone has good opinions and advice but I'll add that WL would likely appeal to him more, especially given his education background. It just seems so much more "American History" and elegant yet simple. GF is awesome but WL offers a more subtle feel of awe.

 

[auroraarielella]

After just returning from WDW with my father and my children, may I inquire if mobility is an issue? My father has heart and diabetes problems, as well as a bad ankle from an accident when he was younger. He is not seriously mobility impaired, and therefore is too proud for a wheelchair or scooter, but he did have trouble with all the miles you need to log at WDW. We did the Beach Club, because I thought it would be good to be near EPCOT, MGM and the Boardwalk, but... because the rooms are spread out over multiple buildings, you are not near everything. The walk to EPCOT from our room was fine, but the walk to the boat to MGM, the walk to the "Kiddie" part of SAB, and the walk to the bus for AK and MK were quite tiring for him.

I decided that when I return again, I will go with the Contemporary Tower if my father accompanies us. It is an elevator ride to restaurants, monorails, bus stops, etc. Even a Super-Deluxe resort like the GF can have alot of walking (from an older person's point of view) and I want to save his walking for the parks!

 

[Kimberle]

I think he would love WL. It's not as big as GF and all under 1 roof. It's very easy to get around and there are lots of great hidden corners to sit and relax. There is a huge fireplace in the lobby with lots of wooden rocking chairs. If your Father likes the "west" or a Yellowstone like atmosphere, he'll love WL.

Go to the WL faq, part 5 thread. Show him the pictures on page 1 and see what he thinks.

 

[tkldisney]

I would go for the GF. Not sure if he will spending all his time with you, but this would give him access to monorail. He can get to Epcot easily and if your in MK he can get back if he needs a rest. WL is beautiful, but I think GF has more options for him.

 

[noopy]

All of this information and advice is very helpful! If anyone else has anything to offer, please do! My father is in fairly good health, but can tire easily.
One other question: is it difficult to get one ofthose scooters that I see people using in the parks? He isn't physically handicapped - he has fibromyalgia, which causes some aches and pains, and the tiredness he sometimes feels.
Thanks so very much to everyone! Your help means a lot! I am going to print this thread when it runs its course and give it to Dad to read.
God bless all!

 

[Joan1]

Does he like band music?

If he does he may enjoy sitting in the lobby of the Grand Floridian listing to the band each night

 

[noopy]

Dad enjoys listening to music. He's more of the folk and country music type, which is why I asked about the WL versus the GF. The ease of the monorail at the GF and the covered loungers on the beach seem appealing, but I don't want him to feel out of place. I worry about the noise at the WL - are there are lot of children there compared to the GF? We're both educators, so we enjoy children, but Dad is older now and also enjoys a bit less chaos around him. I think this is one reason he is hesitant about going with us to WDW, but I really think he'll love it! The joy he will see in my dd will make him happy!

 

[caribbeanme]

Hi Noopy!

I would recommend the GF. I took my reluctant mother to WDW last year and we split between WL and YC. While we all loved the WL, the YC was just a bit more quiet, and made my mom more comfortable. The fact that GF is on the monorail is even better. I personally don't find the GF snooty-- we felt right at home when we visited, even though we were all parky (what I call when you have a full day at the parks and have gotten wet and sweaty and look like death warmed over, and probably act like it too).

Also, the scooters are a plus! They're not hard to rent at all-- you can get them in the same place where you rent strollers (usually right at the entrance of all the parks). If you park hop on the same day, you have to turn in your scooter, but you can take your receipt and get a new one at the next park you go to. Very sweet.

I would recommend getting a scooter as soon as you get there, even if your dad may not need it and may not use it constantly. We made the mistake of waiting to get one for my mom, and I think our second and third days were a slice of awful because she was getting tired and hurting and couldn't enjoy it. We should have never let it get to that point, you know? I almost had a mutiny in my hands by the time I got a clue and got her a scooter. After that she was ridiculously happy just scooting around and leaving us behind and getting to the rides (she's the BIGGEST Tower of Terror fan), and she would walk for a bit if she wanted, but she had the scooter whenever she needed. We got two scooters for our MGM day (park was pretty empty) and we "raced" around the park.

Hope this helps! Have fun!

PS- Our trip with our Mom was our first family trip after my Dad passed away. She was doubtful, but she warmed up to it and will probably go again with us (sis and myself) to WDW in January.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

All of this information and advice is very helpful! If anyone else has anything to offer, please do! My father is in fairly good health, but can tire easily.
One other question: is it difficult to get one ofthose scooters that I see people using in the parks? He isn't physically handicapped - he has fibromyalgia, which causes some aches and pains, and the tiredness he sometimes feels.
Thanks so very much to everyone! Your help means a lot! I am going to print this thread when it runs its course and give it to Dad to read.
God bless all!

My mother is 50 and gets them with ease. OOPS--she'd kill me--she's not 50 until next year--don't tell her I told ya! She has been getting scooters since she was about 45 (I was pregant with DD4). She thinks they are cooler than the wheelchairs and refuses the wheel chairs. The scooters are first come first serve--so as long as you get there close to opening (even within 2 hours--she's had luck), you will be fine. The problem is park hopping--b/c the other parks won't necessariliy have them.

The resorts have free wheelchairs for use--first come first serve. I know the all stars keeps them in the baggage area. She used this for downtown disney.

Her ailment--she can't stand or sit for long periods--so she uses these about 50% of the time--switching back and forth. The scooter--she will use most of the time b/c the standing in lines makes up for it.

She's very prideful--but the whole family is on strike at Disney if she refuses a chair or scooter. We've had too many sloooooooowwww trips and we feel guilty to abandon her when we go for family time.