2 adults- WL or Swan/Dolphin??

[Forevryoung]

aaaaaaaaaaah

I'm so confused. Only confused because I thought I had this all figured out.

DBF has NEVER been to Disney so he told me to book a trip for the two of us. He wants this to be my best Disney trip and I want him to fall in love with Disney so we go back every six months forever and ever and ever (not going to happen but a girl can dream)

Trip is going to be 6 nights in the early part of Jan 2008.

I thought I had decided on the WL and the DDP so we don't think about food (we enjoy eating) but now I am wondering if staying at the swan/dolphin is a better idea. We could try to get the government rate due to DBF's job but there would be little cost savings because we would wind up renting a car and paying out of pocket for all meals.

So WL and DDP or Swan/Dolphin? Any advice?

 

[travelin' tigger]

DBF has NEVER been to Disney so he told me to book a trip for the two of us. He wants this to be my best Disney trip and I want him to fall in love with Disney so we go back every six months forever and ever and ever (not going to happen but a girl can dream)

Trip is going to be 6 nights in the early part of Jan 2008.

I thought I had decided on the WL and the DDP so we don't think about food (we enjoy eating) but now I am wondering if staying at the swan/dolphin is a better idea. We could try to get the government rate due to DBF's job but there would be little cost savings because we would wind up renting a car and paying out of pocket for all meals.

So WL and DDP or Swan/Dolphin? Any advice?

Since DBF has never been to WDW and you want the best Disney trip ever, I'd do WL. It's a great resort - close to MK and everything Disney.

BUT, the great thing about the Swan/Dolphin is location - especially for 2 adults. Walking distance to Epcot, MGM and the Boardwalk plus it's a more "adult-oriented" hotel with a great pool and restaurants (but no DDP!).

So did I help or confuse you more?!?!

 

[mcarthur205]

My vote goes to the Swan/Dolphin, the location is perfect for an adults only trip. Being within walking distance of Epcot (my fave park), MGM and the Boardwalk, makes transportation so much easier. I'm not sure why you would need to rent a car here as opposed to WL since you can still use the Disney buses, boats etc.

We had the DDP when we rented points at the BWV in 2006. It's a great deal but it's a LOT of food and we found that we ordered (and ate) much more than we needed just because we could. You probably won't spend much more at the Swan/Dolphin as the discounted rate on the room will offset the $$ spent on food.

DH and I will be at the Swan without the kids for a short trip in July and we can't wait!

 

[spiceycat]

I find WL more romantic.

but the real issue what is your favorite park. Since you have been and BF hasn't.

if the MK then go with WL.

if Epcot or Studios then go with Swan/Dolphin.

remember that the S/D charges you for parking. So I would go with a shuttle from the airport. forget renting a car.

 

[webray]

If you want him to love Disney then definately the Swan or Dolphin.
The area is perfect. You have so many restaurant options within a short distance. Easy access to EPCOT and MGM.
Swan/Dolphin are true luxury resorts, wonderful comfy beds, great ammenities. You definately wouldn't need to rent a car, just grab a shuttle service from the airport, or a cab or a private car.

The WL lobby is beautiful and Artist Point restaurant there is one of our favorites and the pool bar is great. We weren't really thrilled with the rooms.
Easy access to MK.

 

[Leota]

If you want him to love Disney then definately the Swan or Dolphin.
The area is perfect. You have so many restaurant options within a short distance. Easy access to EPCOT and MGM.
Swan/Dolphin are true luxury resorts, wonderful comfy beds, great ammenities. You definately wouldn't need to rent a car, just grab a shuttle service from the airport, or a cab or a private car.

The WL lobby is beautiful and Artist Point restaurant there is one of our favorites and the pool bar is great. We weren't really thrilled with the rooms.
Easy access to MK.

Absolutely!
I have stayed at both & the Swolphin wins, hands down. It also helped me convert my DH from whining "Do we have to go to WDW again" Into declaring "We are coming every year!" making me a very happy girl.

Pluses of the Swan/Dolphin:
Location
Access to restaurants
Best WDW Restaurants
Heavenly Beds - I do mean Heavenly!!!!
Views of MGM, Epcot & Boardwalk
True Luxury Resort
The Grotto
Adult Atmosphere
In room Movies
Quieter Rooms

 

[Forevryoung]

Ok, now I'm back to the Swan or Dolphin instead of WL-

Reasons Why:

1. Money for meals is going to be spent no matter what and we can put money on a prepaid visa or something so we don't think about it and there is a true split or else he would pay all meals...

2. We could take a towncar and make a grocery stop for cases of water, snacks, and grab and go breakfast items

3. Boardwalk is right there to wander when the parks close earlier (it will be Jan.)

4. Potentially fewer children/more adult atmosphere

5. Boat to Epcot and MGM (and Monorail from Epcot to resorts for meals...)

Hmmmmm I'm going to run this by DBF (and consider if we would save a significant amount with the DDP)

 

[Leota]

Another thought - We did DDP in 2005, when they had it for "free". While it was good for my then 17 yo boy, it was WAY too much food for me. If you like to eat alot, then DDP makes more sense. Usually when DH & I go, we split almost everything so that we can try different flavors without bogging ourselves down with too much food.
For us, the DDP doesn't make any sense at all. Besides, some of our favorite restaurants don't take DDP anyways (BlueZoo, Kimonos & now Il Mulino)

 

[spiceycat]

boy I haven't spend alot of time at Dolphin & swan - so I will just have to go by this trip. as a DVC member I get 20% off of their restuarants.

just never was that curious.

 

[PghLybrt]

I also vote Swan/ Dolphin. Having stayed at the WL with just 2 adults we vowed never to go back. We really enjoy the boardwalk area and the amount of dining options around. The ease of getting t Epcot is a big bonus for us (that is where we spend most of our time).