Another swan/Dolphin ??

[Shelly]

Ok, can you tell I've never stayed here, but I'm pretty excited to try. We stayed at poly last year.
Anyway, I've got the 50%off rack rate, but is it worth the extra money to pay for balcony w/view versus just plain old lake view?
It looks like it will be about $250 more for our whole trip to do this. Do these have the best views? Not gauranteed epcot still , right?
Oh sorry we will be at Dolphin. thankyou everyone.

Oh, and is it necessary to have PS for the restraunts here or can you usually get in.

 

[poppins50]

I changed my posts because Glo's S/D faq's said it best.
"View info/ Balcony info Lake View rooms are mostly between the "fingers" of the building, with view of Crescent lake area, but a limited view due to the building. The Resort view rooms are more of a "wide open" view, with the possibility of view of the white sandy beach area, pools, or even Epcot. Standard rooms we describe as "non designated view", and most are on the wooded side or parking lot areas. Front of either hotel is "Standard" views. Hope this helps people a little more.
Balcony rooms tend to be on the fingers or wings of each resort and in rooms facing the other resort. Balconies have two chairs and a small table."

So your right, that your still not guarenteed an Epcot view. But it doesn't hurt to request it before hand and then before checkin. A balcony with a Resort view costs a little more than a balcony with a standard or lake view. The lake views are quite nice themselves.

With kids I really like having the balcony because while dd sleeps dh and I like to sit outside and sip wine and people/resort watch, and get a little fresh air, rather than sitting in a dark room trying to get her to fall asleep (at which time I fall asleep even though I don't want to). Even without kids a balcony is wonderful to have, it just depends on what you like. I love to sit out in the morning and listen to the tooting of the boats, have coffee and relax before anyone wakes up.

So it really depends on what you want and will be happy with. Remember the windows do not open, in non balcony rooms.

 

[Shelly]

you brought us some great points. Hubby says go for it . I'll request an epcot view but I'm sure any view will be great.

 

[glo]

Poppins could not have said it better myself....lol.
Shelly if you can afford the upgrade I would go for it. JMHO

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

Shelly if you can afford the upgrade I would go for it. JMHO

me too

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

Shelly if you can afford the upgrade I would go for it. JMHO

me too

 

[NHAnn]

Me three

Well said, Poppins!

Shelly-have fun! You will love it. DH and I made a PS for dinner at Swan's Palio last July....made it that morning for 7:30 pm, and we were glad we had it because we were seated immediately upon our arrival, no wait at all. Other than that we've only eaten at the poolside bar/grill, Tubbi's or the Dolphin Soda Fountain...no PS's there. I think it will depend on time of year, time of day, convention groups, etc as to how crowded the S/D restaurants are. Don't forget Boardwalk is steps away too....mmmmm...Bakery cinammon buns for breakfast on the way to Epcot.........

 

[kbeverina]

We found the "PSs" at Swan and Dolphin restaurants to be more like real reservations. We were always seated immediately upon arrival.

 

[BambiTamby]

And I believe that if you're a DC member, you'll get an extra 20% off restaurants at the SD....I think Palio's and Shula's are the exceptions.

 

[The Pluto People]

BT: I just renewed my DC membership and the only exception I saw to the 20% S/D dining discount was Shulas.

 

[glo]

Yes, the only exception is SHula's!!!

YOur purchases are also included! Can't go wrong!