Boardwalk vs Dolphin

[Candycane83]

DH and I (no lil ones yet) reserved for BWI from Nov 5-9 (package with room discount) and Nov 9-13 (room only, no discount). I found availability only at Dolphin for Nov 9-13 within the EPCOT/ DHS area and it's $500 cheaper for those 4 nights. I'm now wondering if I should just cancel my BWI ressie and go with Dolphin. So how does Dolphin compare to BWI? Will I be disappointed if I switch at the 2nd half of my trip??

 

[Land Shark]

Will I be disappointed if I switch at the 2nd half of my trip??

From our experience, I say no, but as usual, its all about how you spend your vacation. BWI is my favorite resort but the Dolphin is our go-to whenever we can't get a rate we like from BWI. If you spend a good amount of time at the resort then, IMO, the pool at Dolphin is nicer and the on-site restaurants/lounges are great! Also, its just a short stroll to everything the boardwalk offers and, of course, it's an easy walk to our favorite park, EPCOT. I could be wrong, but i think you can request your luggage be transferred at no cost from BWI to Dolphin.


You do miss out on the "Disney feel", and i'm not talking about the decor. You won't hear "welcome home" but I've found the resort staff extremely pleasant. You still get EMH but not ME or room charging privilages in the parks. There aren't as many rooms with a balcony at the Dolphin if that is important to you, and you may have to pay extra if you request one with.

Be sure you have included the $14/nite resort fee and $15/nite parking fee (if you drive) to your overall cost comparison.

Best of luck with your decision, I'd be thrilled if I was going either place in Nov.

 

[amberpi]

I would pick the Dolphin over the BWI regardless of price, the fact that its less is a bonus!!! The pool at the Dolphin is much better as are the restaurant choices. Enjoy your stay at the Dolphin and use the savings to treat yourself to V&A or a tour or something Have a blast!

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd say you are likely to feel a come-down by moving to the Dolphin after being at BW. The overall theming inside the Dolphin isn't as good as BW. Not that its bad, but you will notice the difference and it will be a "oh, oh, we're not in Kansas anymore" moment.

As far as dining options go - the Dolphin and the Swan have some very good restaurants. You don't need to be staying at those hotels to eat there.

Also, BW is a shorter walk to Epcot and the Studio.

 

[cluvsdisney]

I would switch. Between the price difference and my desire to stay at either the Dolphin or Swan, it would be an easy decision for me.

You would lose ME service going home - I am not sure if that would be an issue.

 

[Candycane83]

Thanks all! I crunched the numbers one more time and the difference is actually more than 600. I am pretty much decided to switch to Dolphin... (although I still need to talk to DH) Just a question, can anyone verify if the luggage transfer service between BWI and Dolphin is available?

Thanks again! So excited now...