Beach/Yacht vs Swan/Dolphin

[kathymc]

Starting to think about a Dec 2003 trip. We are planning on going for 14 days and will hopefully split our stays between two resorts. One will probably be GF (just because I've always wanted to stay there) We stayed at the Swan in Dec 2001 and while the hotel was just ok - the location was fabulous. I'd love to stay at Beach or Yacht but can anyone justify the cost increase over the swan (able to get the govt discount). Love to hear your comments about these hotels and whether or not you would reccommend spending more $$

thanks

kathymc

 

[DisneyLisa]

We stayed at BC last summer & went over to the Swan & Dolphin a few times, but as far as I'm concerned...there's no comparison. The BC was gorgeous & felt like a resort...the Swan & Dolphin felt like a large hotel in any big city...don't know exactly how to describe it.

I'd definitely go for BC/YC...even for extra$$.

 

[NancyIL]

I think the Dolphin is great, and I'll give the Swan a try in April. However - if you really want the Yacht or Beach Club - keep checking on the availability of discounts.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

I have stayed at the Yacht club and the Swan & Dolphin and NO, I could never justify spending more for the the YC or BC. The pool, in my oppinion is far better.... I didn't like the sand in SB, and I didn't like the fact that I couldn't run downstairs for a quick bite at all hours. The SD has far better views if you ask for a higher floor. AT the YC i had a room overlooking SB and I still prefer the S/D.

 

[mariamouse]

no question here, in my opinion... BC all the way. The pool, decor, rooms, restaurants, everything make it better in my opinion. we just stayed there and had a blast! It is such a beautiful resort and really tends to grow on you (as if that is hard!) but it really is homey and the best in WDW. It's a bit more, but I feel totally worth it!!

~~mariamouse~~

 

[nigel-bigel]

I have stayed at both the Yacht Club and the Beach Club, but haven't stayed at the Dolphin yet (I have ressies for Oct, though!). The BC is my second fave resort (Boardwalk is #1- awesome! But that's another thread...).

However, ithe BC might not cost you that much more than your govt. rate at the Dolphin anyway. Have you looked into getting an Annual Pass? If you will be there for 14 days it will already save you a lot of money in park admission (I think it pays for itself in 8 visits), and the hotel discounts you get with it are terrific!

I don't know what your Dolphin gov't rate is, but I remember when I was making AP ressies for Jan I was quoted around $180 standard room, $275 concierge (this is including tax) for the BC. The only bad thing is that you can only make AP ressies a few months ahead.

Now, I'm not sure about what I'm going to say, so please check this with someone else who knows, but I am under the impression that you can go ahead and make ressies now (or whenever it is CRO starts taking regular non-AP ressies) and when the AP rates are announced for your dates they will adjust your rate if you call. There is a little paperwork involved b/c they give you a new reservation #, and your deposit needs to be based on the original quote. But at least you would have your dates and rooms reserved.

Like I said, I'm headed to the Dolphin in the fall, and not super-exited about staying there. But, it's a short trip and the whole reason we are going is because we could get a great rate at the Dolphin through the Starwood program.

This is a trip you aren't going to be making again for a while, I say go for the magic... go for the Beach Club!

Nicole