Mouseteacher~Do you "train" prior to your marathon in WDW/Dolphin?
I know what it is like, as my DF and DB are both very tall (Bro=6'4"), and have L~O~N~G Strides! They also seem to always be seriously walking towards wherever they are headed?!? I am more of a "talker", hence...I much prefer the STROLL.
I enjoy walking/running each day for exercise.
DH and I walk about the same pace, and are much closer in height. When home in NY (parent's home...I still refer to it as HOME! LOL), I went walking with my dad. He's got more than 3 decades on me, and I was breathless. I nearly had to break stride and begin to GALLOP...just to keep up with his pace. He walks (fast) about 4 miles per day (DM too). All these years, and they still impress/motivate me. My heroes.
mousetime~YES...absolutely. There are plenty of them. Where do you wish to be located? Do you have a preference, such as overlooking the pool, or the MGM theme park? Would you like to be able to view the illuminations fireworks from your balcony? All of these are wonderful possibilties at the Dolphin/Swan.
Belle~
Hello sister! (self-professed lurker)Previous posts are all correct (on the path to the Grotto pool), but I take an even shorter (more discreet) path to the pool from the East wing. Instead of taking the EAST elevators down and trapsing through the lobby in my swimming duds, I take an alternate route. I walk just past the elevators and cross the "long hallway" over to the WEST elevators. This hallway has rooms/suites...and sometimes has double doors closed (depending on which floor you are on, as housekeeping/cleaning facilities are located off this hall). Do not be intimidated. Simply push open the doors, and cross the hall to the WEST elevators.
When you exit this elevator, take the same path (away from the gift shop side) past tubbies, the arcade, the salon, the childrten's center and the health club, out the doors to the pool. You will approach the Lap pool on a path along the lake (Swan boats to the left). Keep walking to the Grotto pool, and select a spot! IT's much nicer to return this way too. Sometimes the lobby has conventioners, etc., and I feel uncomfortable in my cover-up, sandals and wet hair! I MUCH prefer the discretion of this route. Just reverse the process upon your return.
This is ALSO a faster alternative route (from the EAST wing) to the bus stop. Just exit the WEST elevators and go out on the side of the gift shop...to the exit doors. Simple and fast.
Also, if you take the CENTRAL elevators up as far as they will go (top floor permitted), you can go to the "right", through the little door...and out to the hidden balcony overlooking the horizon. It's a beautiful sight, as the trees and wild seem to go on infinitely. Like a scene out of the Lion King, just about all you see belongs to Disney. You can also see CSP from this secret vista. I love these little hidden treasures. Kids find them especially adventurous!
TTFN...DF99
P.S. Everyone have their TAXES completed?
I guess you could consider me more of a lurker than a participant. Just about every question I could possibly have is answered here. 
He keeps thinking that he's going to find a shortcut or something, LOLOL......
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