Dolphin or POR?

[999DoomBuggies]

Both are priced within a few bucks of each other. In your opinion which one is better?

We recently stayed at POR. It was alright, definitely cheap enough.

 

[godders]

I think with POR you are in a much more Disney environment with the themeing and such so it may be the right way to start your holiday. Plus you are close to DTD.

On the other hand if you're a fan of Mini golf and I think the Dolphin has a spa then go for that hotel.

They both have the Disney benefits of free shuttles and the like so there isn't really much between them.

 

[cleophus12]

If you would describe yourself as an Epcot family, I'd definitely give the Dolphin a try. We loved it. We didn't miss the Disney theming at all because we were in such a Disney environment at the Boardwalk area. Also the beds are really comfortable. We loved our stay there. Good luck with your choice.

 

[OB1]

There is an additional resort fee/parking at the Dolphin. Make sure to factor that in as you are pricing. I know it has recently been increased - I think it is $20 or $22 now. No resort fees at Disney

 

[Dan Murphy]

One's a moderate, the other's a deluxe. Two different classes of resorts. I have at POR, Alligator Bayou, thought it was great. Very relaxing grounds, walking paths, nice food court. I have stayed many times at the S/D, mostly the Swan.

Dolphin is in the heart of Disney, situated in walking distance or Friendship boats to both Epcot and the Studios. Also walking to the Boardwalk and all it offers in dining and entertainment as well as the Y&BC resorts, nice dining there. Also a pool area second to none and equal to SB.

If my pick, the Dolphin. Here is a good information thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3264274

 

[999DoomBuggies]

One's a moderate, the other's a deluxe. Two different classes of resorts. I have at POR, Alligator Bayou, thought it was great. Very relaxing grounds, walking paths, nice food court. I have stayed many times at the S/D, mostly the Swan.

Dolphin is in the heart of Disney, situated in walking distance or Friendship boats to both Epcot and the Studios. Also walking to the Boardwalk and all it offers in dining and entertainment as well as the Y&BC resorts, nice dining there. Also a pool area second to none and equal to SB.

If my pick, the Dolphin. Here is a good information thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3264274

awesome thread, missed it in my search, read as much as i could regarding the swan and dolphin on this board and rival boards. I really only trust our people (dis fans) in this sort of situation! When at POR I disliked that we were shoved so far back and away from everything but I did love the lobby and a lot of the theming. I like the idea of the dolphin and being close to all the action and we are definitely deep into epcot in an unhealthy manner (same with MK). When I finish the trip I will write up an in depth review. Thanks

 

[hsmamato2]

Reality is they are both nice...as far as theming, the lobby of POR is more themed.... but Dolphin is actually in the heart of Disney, right there at the boardwalk within walking distance of 2 major parks..... the lobby of the dolphin is also very nice...and it even has it's own disney gift shop! Dolphin will charge a parking fee,plus a room use fee of 23 per night-so factort that in..... I have stayed both and would pick the Dolphin every single time- as far as cast members, I found only pleasant quick service at the Dolphin too,so noticed no difference there......

 

[999DoomBuggies]

There is an additional resort fee/parking at the Dolphin. Make sure to factor that in as you are pricing. I know it has recently been increased - I think it is $20 or $22 now. No resort fees at Disney

This is an important fact that guests need to consider. This is something Swan and Dolphin do not really put out there for guests. We were getting a cheap quote and of course we asked for all fees and parking costs and it jumped around 40 dollars.

 

[DisneyKidds]

They are both good choices......but I prefer the Swalphin.

POR is very nice. I still like to call it Dixie Landings, and of all the moderate resorts I feel it has the best Disney theming, which I think is it's main attraction. You really feel like you been transported to the old south. The main building, pool and grounds are very nice. Having boat transportation to DTD adds another nice Disney element. So, there is a lot to like.

The only knock I have on the Swalphin is that when you are in the hotel it doesn't feel very Disney. It's got an 'I could be anywhere' business/convention type feel. However, that is mitigated by the fact that once you set foot outside you are smack dab in the middle of everything Disney. Walk or boat to Epcot and DHS, stroll the Boardwalk, take advantage of all the nice food options at YC/BC (and BW and Swalphin as well). Location, location, location. Being in a deluxe resort in such a great location is hard to pass up.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

Reality is they are both nice...as far as theming, the lobby of POR is more themed.... but Dolphin is actually in the heart of Disney, right there at the boardwalk within walking distance of 2 major parks..... the lobby of the dolphin is also very nice...and it even has it's own disney gift shop! Dolphin will charge a parking fee,plus a room use fee of 23 per night-so factort that in..... I have stayed both and would pick the Dolphin every single time- as far as cast members, I found only pleasant quick service at the Dolphin too,so noticed no difference there......

does the dolphin actually have cast members working on site? Where do we pick up our magic bands if we book with dolphin but then buy tix through disney?

thanks

 

[wdwrich]

OP- If you're flying to Orlando, don't forget to factor in the cost of getting to/from the airport if you stay at the Dolphin. With POR, you can use Disney's Magical Express.

 

[ghtx]

I vote for Dolphin since you can walk to both Epcot and DHS.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

OP- If you're flying to Orlando, don't forget to factor in the cost of getting to/from the airport if you stay at the Dolphin. With POR, you can use Disney's Magical Express.

This is the saddest part, we are driving. We flew in January but budget and last minute trip planning makes flying almost double if we would have booked six weeks out.

13 hours in the car...........................................................long time

 

[SingingMom]

They are both good choices......but I prefer the Swalphin. POR is very nice. I still like to call it Dixie Landings, and of all the moderate resorts I feel it has the best Disney theming, which I think is it's main attraction. You really feel like you been transported to the old south. The main building, pool and grounds are very nice. Having boat transportation to DTD adds another nice Disney element. So, there is a lot to like. The only knock I have on the Swalphin is that when you are in the hotel it doesn't feel very Disney. It's got an 'I could be anywhere' business/convention type feel. However, that is mitigated by the fact that once you set foot outside you are smack dab in the middle of everything Disney. Walk or boat to Epcot and DHS, stroll the Boardwalk, take advantage of all the nice food options at YC/BC (and BW and Swalphin as well). Location, location, location. Being in a deluxe resort in such a great location is hard to pass up.

This has always been our reason to stay at the Dolphin. We love the hustle & bustle, pool area, and the heavenly beds. The location is perfect.

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[patty57]

Epcot resorts area is my favorite place to stay, and I love both the Swan and Dolphin. We've stayed at BW & BC many times, but I've been converted to the S/D.

 

[tng123]

Can you still get the dining plan if you stay at the Dolphin?

 

[patty57]

Can you still get the dining plan if you stay at the Dolphin?

No, you can't.

 

[Dan Murphy]

does the dolphin actually have cast members working on site? Where do we pick up our magic bands if we book with dolphin but then buy tix through disney?

thanks

They have their own cast members, Disney style name badges and all. And every bit as helpful and smiling. Bands are paid for and picked up in the Disney gift shops.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

Alright, so I booked the dolphin and now I am having second thoughts. I have heard that since i have young children i need to be at POR. We have stayed at POR and it was good, just felt very spread out and the theming was alright.

Is the dolphin seriously just a standard convention hotel with easy access to parks? Help what should we do?

Again prices are identical after all fees, we do not need airport transportation, or to charge to our current magic bands.

 

[Planogirl]

I never thought of the Dolphin as a standard convention hotel. I consider it and the Swan quite unique in fact.

I personally love POR but I would have stayed at the Swalphin for a good price no matter what age DS was.

Have you been to the resort? http://www.swandolphin.com/gallery/index.html