9 nights, 3 resorts - ASMU, CSR, Dolphin

[Pig Pen]

We just returned from 9 nights at WDW.

We stayed one night at ASMU (Fall Special rate of $59 per night)in Rock Inn....a long way from the action...it was quiet, almost too quiet! When we finally found the main pool area and food court, there appeared to be more people around. We took a bus over to Epcot. No problem getting there, but on the return trip we waited at the bus stop about 25 minutes before a bus showed up. And others had been waiting longer. This turned out to be the longest wait of our trip.

The resort is sparkling clean and fun, but we were ready for........

Coronado Springs

2 nights (AP rate of $104 per night). It was sheer heaven. The buildings are immaculate, the service great, the grounds and pool are spectacular. We rec'd a free upgrade to a waterview room, Casitas 5. Absolutely beautiful.

This resort had some children, but the clientele definitely felt older.

We were terrified that we would HATE the Dolphin and yearn for CSR. I checked with the desk to make sure rooms were available should we want to return. The resort felt pretty empty and I was assured rooms were available so I felt a little better about leaving.

Dolphin

6 nights (gov't discount, $129 per night). Another home run. The hotel is breathtaking, service good, location is to die for.

We again received a free upgrade to a waterview room, 19101, which had a spectacular view of both Epcot and MGM. I debated to use some Starwood points to get a balcony, but the desk clerk convinced me to "try" the room and if we didn't like it, they would switch us later.

We ended up staying in the room. Balconies were not available with the view we wanted. This particular view spoiled us completely! We could watch Fantasmic on one side and Illuminations on the other.

The Dolphin is definitely a more adult oriented resort. Unfortunately the pool area closed at 9:00. I had enjoyed returning to the other resorts after park closing and using the jacuzzi.

In all the resorts the rooms were very similar in size and configuration, except the Dolphin was a bit more spacious with the bathroom at the entry. The extra mirror/vanity area was handy.

I wish we could move the CSR to the Dolphin location...this would be THE perfect resort!

We ended up buying a DVC while there....so my next trip report will include one of those resorts!

Any specific questions?

 

[minniemmom]

Hi Pig Pen! Thanks for the report! Glad you had a great trip! We're considering adding the Swan or Dolphin on to our Christmas trip. We're thinking Club Level. Any suggestions? We have to DS's; 12 & 15. Just curious why you said Dolphin is definitely adult oriented. Do you know if the Swan is more "kid" oriented? Would love to have the view you had! Thanks for any tips!

 

[Pig Pen]

Compared to All Stars, the decor of the Dolphin and Swan is definitely more mature.

There were conventions going on and when we returned from the parks in the evening, we would have to go through a lobby full of smoking and drinking business people. I felt a tad uncomfortable in my shorts and t shirt, sometimes with wet hair, while everyone else was dressed to the nines.

I live in a state where you cannot smoke in most buildings so I am sometimes surprised to smell cigarettes inside a hotel lobby.

Otherwise, I think a 12 and 15 year old would find the resort appealing. The location cannot be beat - walking distance to MGM and Epcot and the Boardwalk. We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus. The game room, pool area and a couple restaurants would be perfect for kids.

 

[minniemmom]

Thanks again for your input! I'm thinking that Christmas week there probably won't be any (or much, I hope!) convention traffic. For some reason I have a hunch the kids will be better off at the Dolphin than the Swan; I don't know why! Although I'm torn because the Swan has Queen beds vs. Dolphin double beds. And I would like to stay Club Level and from what I can gather the Swan conceirge has night time drinks/snacks and the Dolphin does not. I'm so confused! But I do appreciate your input; thank you!

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

Thanks for the report
Happy you enjoyed your vacation!!

I have stayed at the Swan and Dolphin many times and never came across anyone smoking. I'm surprised.

And as for swimming in the Grotto, we always went there in the evening to the pool and the Hot tub. They were closed as there were no towels being passed out but there was always people in the pools.

minniemom
Thats exactly the ages of my boys when we went a couple years ago....your boys will love it.

 

[minniemmom]

Mickeyfaniam: Thank you for your input! When you stayed w/your boys which resort were you at; Swan or Dolphin? I do think they'll like it there, but I'm not sure which to stay at?? Also, what view/level would you recommend? I'm leaning towards Club Level at the Dolphin. Any comments/suggestions! Thanks again!

 

[TooBoyz4us]

Originally posted by Pig Pen
We just returned from 9 nights at WDW.
Coronado Springs

2 nights (AP rate of $104 per night). It was sheer heaven. The buildings are immaculate, the service great, the grounds and pool are spectacular. We rec'd a free upgrade to a waterview room, Casitas 5. Absolutely beautiful.
This resort had some children, but the clientele definitely felt older.

Any specific questions?

Hi PigPen !

I am curious about your room upgrade at CSR.How did you approach asking for this?As in:what exactly do you say?
Or was it given without you asking?

I would love to have a free upgrade
~Thanks!
Chris

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

Hi minniemom
I have stayed at the Dolphin twice and the Swan twice. At the Dolphin we had Epcotview with balcony in the east wing. I just HAD to have a balcony so I didn't do CL or a higher floor. At the Swan we had a studio, same studio both times. IF you're paying for a resortview w/balcony and you're going to the Swan, I recommend it. They are the same rate and you get 500 sq. feet.
Mine was on the end of the wing and although I couldn't see Epcot very well I could sit out on my balcony and look at the entire Dolphin which was beautuful at night.

I think the next time I go I want to try a suite or at least a higher floor so I can get that awesome view but I'll probably have to give up my balcony for that. But you don't know what you're going to like best till you try it.

I would say that if you're going and you can't decide.....start with the Dolphin, but make sure you check out the Swan while you're there so you'll know better next time.
However I have been there 4 times and I still can't decide which i prefer. Happy planning!!