resort for Dad!

[AbbyO14]

Here's the deal: if I make the WDW College Program, my dad will come to visit. He hates crowds and has no desire to tour the parks. He would be happiest at a relatively inexpensive resort, lounging in the sauna, watching TV, and reading the magazines. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

 

[Grumpy92]

I would think about one of the moderates. During the day CSR & POR tend to be quiet and they have great quiet pools. Another great suggestion would be he FW cabins they are tend to be very private, quiet and relaxing. There are also so many great things to do there. I know a lot of guest who go to FW and never enter the park. Finally from a CP alum good luck!!!!

 

[DancingBear]

I'd suggest CSR, or the Swan/Dolphin if he qualifies for the teacher or government rates.

Has your Dad been to WDW? Chances are there is more there that he will be interested in than he knows. Does he play golf? Enjoy a good meal? Fish?

 

[AbbyO14]

Doesn't golf but would love to fish! Good ideas! How much would the discounts be for teacher/government, and also the WDWCP discount? Price would be kind of an issue, only because I can see him staying offsite in somewhere boring like Days Inn just to use our AAA discount. My dad, always economical! I would love for him to have the Disney experience, and he has never toured the parks, but maybe he will enter once and fall in love! That is what happened when we went to the beach--never liked the ocean, and then fell in LOVE with it! And I have a feeling Disney has plenty of magic to do just that!

 

[DancingBear]

Don't know about WDWCP rates, but the gov't/teacher/nurse rates at the Swan & Dolphin are $129/night for a standard room, which is pretty good. It's an excellent location with a huge pool area, plenty of restaurants and other amenities, can walk to Boardwalk for evening activities, walk to mini-golf, etc.

Swan and Dolphin also have Entertainment discounts if you have an Entertainment card, or you can get a Disney Club membership which includes Entertainment membership.

And I'd say it's very likely if he stayed at Swan and Dolphin and had a park pass he might find that taking the boat to MGM or Epcot he would be able to find plenty of things to do without too much hassle.

Don't let him stay offsite with his attitude, or he may never see the magic!!

There are fishing excursions available; not cheap, but maybe this could be your big splurge for him.

 

[AbbyO14]

You just gave me so many ideas! Wow! Where can I go to find out what (if any) discounts he would qualify for?

 

[eeyore0062]

Call CRO and find out which resorts will offer you the CM discount at the time your dad will be there. I think he would enjoy either WL or AKL...AKL, being my 1st choice of the 2. I will PM you.

 

[AbbyO14]

Great about the resort options, but I still would love for him to get the full experience...any advice on how to get a crowd, hassel, busy-vacation hating single 52 year old wonderful Dad to enjoy Disney? PS--he likes amusement parks and rides and fireworks and parades and all that good stuff still!

 

[RuthAnne123]

We wanted CSR for that same reasons except it's my husband!

One thing though we now have CBR because CSR was all booked!

Hopefully you will not have that problem. I hear Swan and Dolphin are also good choices for quite places.

Ruth

 

[Duet]

in fact he refused to go with us in 1997, so my mom went without him. (My dad, 63, does not like walking and hates crowds.) Last year he came with us, but was sure it would not be for him. He came home raving to everyone about how great Disney is. He loved the fact that he did not have to drive, and the crowds and walking didn't bother him anymore than the rest of us. He is so sold on Disney World you could put him in a commercial! My brother and his family have not experienced Disney yet, but because of my dad's persuasion they will be joining us in 2005.

We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside in Magnolia Mansion. It's very quiet - we loved it. Its so peaceful sitting by the river at night.

I hope your dad decides to take in more of Disney than just the hotel. You might want to try taking him to Illuminations or Fantasmic, my dad enjoyed these the most!

 

[josierac]

Here are some websites that will help with what is available at Disney.

www.wdwig.com
and for pictures
www.ourlaughingplace.com
or www.disnepix.com

 

[PamOKW]

If you can get a good discount, you might want to have him try the BWI or a studio at BWV. He might be enticed to get on a boat or walk over to Epcot and/or MGM Studios. The moderates are good options, too, but he'd be less likely to head out to a park.

 

[AbbyO14]

I know Orlando is pretty youth-oriented, and I was wondering what else goes on there that he would enjoy??

 

[Nolcrest]

We took my parents with us when we stayed at POFQ and they loved it. It was their first visit to Disney too. FQ was small enough for them to get around and they enjoyed the fact that a boat could take them to DD for further sightseeing. My father enjoyed the piped in jazz music that was playing and the cobblestoned walkways are charming. The vision of my father sitting poolside in the afternoon, wearing a walkman and reading the newspaper will always remain with me. The transportation to the parks were easy enough for them too as there was only one bus stop at FQ. At that time it was the first stop on and first off before going to RS. I have faith that your Dad may too find the magic at Disney, in his own way.

 

[AbbyO14]

Honestly, what my dad needs to do is RELAX!!! He is on the go 24/7 at home, so his biggest treat would be to have nothing to do but what he wants to do--sleep in, read, swim, etc. Would FQ be good?

 

[PamOKW]

What does your Dad enjoy? If you think he might like a relaxing atmosphere and watching wildlife and golfers, a studio or one-bedroom at OKW might be a good choice for him to unwind.

There is just about everything at WDW, not just youth-oriented activities. If you give us an idea what he would like, we can point you in the direction of where he'll find it.

 

[mitzelf3]

HI Abby,
Well, my advice would be
1- a moderate, especially PO-R or PO-FQ
2- the Swan or Dolphin if he can get a govt. discount (call S/D directly)
3-renting points from a DVC member to stay at OKW

As for you, I have to welcome you to the College Program from an alum (winter '98). Here is some advice I have for you. First, if you don't smoke, request a non-smoking room. I think they have one building completely devoted to non-smoking rooms. Second, bring a blanket/comforter. I think we were given a twin sheet set, and a thin blanket, and it can get cold in Florida in the winter. Third, shop at Publix or Walmart, but not at Goodings-it is way to expensive. Also, bring things to decorate your apartment with, because they are pretty bare. Also, bring a car if possible, because the transportation is not that good. Finally, take advantage of your time off. Party with your friends at PI (if it is still the same, then Thursday nights are free for cms), visit the parks (the main ones are always free to you), visit the "other" parks like Universal, and other places in FL. When I was there, my roomates and I took a road trip to Miami and visited South Beach. And most of all, have fun!

Allison

 

[AbbyO14]

My dad is worried that I won't be a "full-time" student at my college during that semester and will lose my scholarships--any views on this? Also, he sees people who do this kind of stuff as "lazy" and people who "graduate in 6 years, not serious students"...would I fall behind in my classes? What is the max # of hours I could earn during that semester? Help me convince my dad and keep my dream alive!!!

 

[mitzelf3]

Hi again,
I can't really answer your questions, but I can tell you what I know. First of all, each college/university is different, so how many credits you can earn will be entirely up to your college. My university did not award any, but another university in my state awarded 12 credits (full time here). As for being lazy or irresponsible, that is not true of everyone. Yes, some people just want to come and play, others are very interested in working and networking within the travel/tourism industry, and others (like myself) are true disney fanatics who want the opportunity to "be part of the magic". Everyone has their reasons. If it is really important to you, then make up the classes you will miss this summer and next. You should still be able to graduate on time. And if you are one of those people interested in some business or tourism related career, then this can be a very good work experience. If you complete the CP, you can then apply for real internships in your field of interest (like human resources for example). As for losing your financial aid/scholarships, definitely check with your university now about that. Nothing is worth that, so you might have to postpone your CP experience till the summer.
The CP is a great experience, but it can also be a difficult one. You are far away from family and friends, your job will inevitably suck (in some way or another), and you will make NO money (don't even think about saving). On the other hand, you will really get an in-depth understanding and knowledge of WDW. You will be part of the magic, and you will remember the experience forever. It can be a lot of fun being on the inside, just walking into the parks for free, learning all the inside secrets, and helping guests. So I would encourage you to do it, because if you don't, then you might always wonder "what if".
Anyway, feel free to ask away if you have any more questions.

Allison

 

[AbbyO14]

Yes, I totally see the pros and cons...I will definitely go if the scholarship stuff works out...I want to own my own restaurant when I grow up, so I think this would be a valuable experience for me; that is why I asked for a food service position! I am going to the financial aid and career planning offices tomorrow--I will post the results!