choices,swan/Dolphin or POFQ?

[hsmamato2]

what to do? advice? what would YOU do? if you had the choice of either staying POFQ for 6 nights,FD, GREAT table service meals nightly(mmm) which includes transportation,etc...
...........OR.....................
Staying at either Swan,or Dolphin for 7 nights,paying only for the resort fee nightly,plus food OOP,and transportation costs......
Are these apples to apples? equal choices? if not,why not? HELP!!!!!

 

[happymommy]

These are far from apples to apples.

POFQ: pros would be free Magical Express, well that's the only one I can think of.

Swan/Dolphin: cons would be that you need to get there from the airport. Pros include interior corridors, queen beds (I think that's the Swan) instead of double, room service (even reasonable priced kids meals), movies on demand, a balcony if you are lucky and get one or pay for one, walk to Epcot (okay that's a personal favorite), awesome pool, lots of dining choices, not stuck with a dining plan (I would rather choose and pay than do the plan).

If you are dead set on the dining plan, you would have to choose a Disney resort. Otherwise, the Swan and Dolphin are much nicer, with interior corridors, larger rooms (I think, never stayed at POFQ), and many more services.

Oops saw you mentioned your dining was free. So it's the same price but you get meals included? Gee that is hard. I guess if you like the POFQ then free food would be hard to top. But I'm cheap!!!

 

[hsmamato2]

thanks for that comparison.... since I could pay almost nothing for the rooms at S/D, food and transport would be oop-
at POFQ, food comes included,but the total cost initially at least,is higher. I guess it's not the numbers straight up I'm thinking about,it's the 'experience' you know mod vs. deluxe feel....onsite vs. (sort of) offsite feel...pools,etc etc.... so any and all advice is appreciated!

 

[wdw4rfam]

Exactly what we are debating, not POFQ, but same things. We are booked with FD at POLY in October. But now I am realizing that there are SOOOOO many benefits to staying at the swan, and it would still save us a tin even paying dining OOP. You still get Disney busing, EMH, etc, but don't have to lay Disney prices. The only downside I can see is if you REALLY want the DDP. I am seriously considering a switch for this trip, and DEFIANTLY going to try it next years trip.

 

[hsmamato2]

well,what is better at swan/dolphin? need experience here!
IDK what the price diff. is just yet, but what would be a good enough reason to switch our plans,and do it all piece by piece? would any savings at all justify the extra effort? IS one better than the other?
(FWIW,we've stayed at BC before,and love the location)

 

[DisneyKidds]

Me, I would say go to the Swalphin. Did anyone else ever note that the Dolphins really look like fish?

My wife would probably say POFQ.

Here is what is great about the Swalphin. It is a deluxe resort in the Epcot area that has great proximity (even walking if you like) to two Disney parks, and it offers MOST of the on site Disney guest benefits. You get Extra magic Hours and complimentary WDW transportation on property. What you don't get if Disney's Magical Express and the Disney Dining Plans. Generally I would say not much of a loss there, as we usually rent a car, but even if you don't, something like Mears isn't that expensive. I'm also done with Disney's overpriced Dining Plans, but I can see how the free food could be attractive. So, for giving up DME and DDP what do you get? I think you get a full on deluxe resort Disney experience. You can't beat being in the middle of all the activity in the Epcot resort area, boating or walking to Epcot and the Studios, the stroll along the Boardwalk after Illuminations is over, quick and easy access to those parks for Extra Magic Hours, maybe even seeing some of Illuminations (the taller fireworks anyway) from your resort area without going into the park. All that is really cool.

So, why would my wife choose POFQ? No, not for DME or DDP. Rather, for her, there is a little (as the French in the French Quarter would say) 'Je ne c'est quoi' missing at the Swalphin. For those that don't parlez Francais, it's a little "I don't know what". You see, the Swalphin aren't really Disney resorts, even though they are Official Resorts of Walt Disney World. They aren't run by Disney, they aren't staffed by Disney. They are Starwood resorts that have more of a business feel than a Disney feel. When you are directly outside your resort, or on the Boardwalk, in the middle of the action, it is all Disney, but inside the hotels, with the suits and the convention guests and the other.......my wife can't quite put her finger on it...it just doesn't "feel" Disney to her, to the point that she would rather be farther removed form the action but have that Disney touch.. It's not enough to keep me away, but it is enough to turn her off on the resorts.

So, if being in the middle of the action is more important to you than the sense of Disney theming, go Swalphin. If you want that Disney touch, go Port Orleans. If you do go Port Orleans, I'd suggest Riverside. I still like to call it Dixie Landings, and it is the best themed moderate resort there is. You really feel like you are in the Old South, and the ability to make you feel that is very Disney.

 

[mariamouse]

Me, I would say go to the Swalphin. Did anyone else ever note that the Dolphins really look like fish?

My wife would probably say POFQ.

Here is what is great about the Swalphin. It is a deluxe resort in the Epcot area that has great proximity (even walking if you like) to two Disney parks, and it offers MOST of the on site Disney guest benefits. You get Extra magic Hours and complimentary WDW transportation on property. What you don't get if Disney's Magical Express and the Disney Dining Plans. Generally I would say not much of a loss there, as we usually rent a car, but even if you don't, something like Mears isn't that expensive. I'm also done with Disney's overpriced Dining Plans, but I can see how the free food could be attractive. So, for giving up DME and DDP what do you get? I think you get a full on deluxe resort Disney experience. You can't beat being in the middle of all the activity in the Epcot resort area, boating or walking to Epcot and the Studios, the stroll along the Boardwalk after Illuminations is over, quick and easy access to those parks for Extra Magic Hours, maybe even seeing some of Illuminations (the taller fireworks anyway) from your resort area without going into the park. All that is really cool.

So, why would my wife choose POFQ? No, not for DME or DDP. Rather, for her, there is a little (as the French in the French Quarter would say) 'Je ne c'est quoi' missing at the Swalphin. For those that don't parlez Francais, it's a little "I don't know what". You see, the Swalphin aren't really Disney resorts, even though they are Official Resorts of Walt Disney World. They aren't run by Disney, they aren't staffed by Disney. They are Starwood resorts that have more of a business feel than a Disney feel. When you are directly outside your resort, or on the Boardwalk, in the middle of the action, it is all Disney, but inside the hotels, with the suits and the convention guests and the other.......my wife can't quite put her finger on it...it just doesn't "feel" Disney to her, to the point that she would rather be farther removed form the action but have that Disney touch.. It's not enough to keep me away, but it is enough to turn her off on the resorts.

So, if being in the middle of the action is more important to you than the sense of Disney theming, go Swalphin. If you want that Disney touch, go Port Orleans. If you do go Port Orleans, I'd suggest Riverside. I still like to call it Dixie Landings, and it is the best themed moderate resort there is. You really feel like you are in the Old South, and the ability to make you feel that is very Disney.

I could not agree with this more. For me, location beats out theming every time-- so I would always opt for the S/D. It is literally right next to the Boardwalk! Plus, it houses some of the absolute best restaurants on property- Il Mulino, Bluezoo, etc. I have not seen the grotto pool area in person, but it is apparently quite nice.

While I am not a huge fan of the (sort of tacky) S/D exterior decor, the rooms are actually quite well decorated and feature their signature heavenly beds, which many DISers rave about!

If, however, you will not be able to get over the lack of Disney theming and do not mind taking buses everywhere, you are better off at a Disney mod.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I would always choose more days, no matter which resort it is...well except value, would never stay value

 

[kerriemiller]

We have stayed at the Dolphin and LOVED all of the stuff you can walk to compaired to POFQ where there is nothing with in walking distance. And because you have such easy access to Epcot and the Boardwalk all the food options will be more then satifying. We had one of the best meals inside or outside of Disney at Shula's

Ps the Dolphins look like fish because they are supposed to be Dolphin fish aka Mahi Mahi

 

[OKW Lover]

Under those conditions, we would pick the Swolphin every time. For the rack rate of a room at POFQ, you can pretty much eat what ever you want and still come out ahead. Plus at the Swolphin you are convenient to Epcot and the Studios.

 

[kerriemiller]

I forgot to add that when we stayed at the Dolphin, we had pricelined the room and got an amazing deal!!! No idea if you can still priceline those rooms but we were so impressed. We had a room that you could see some of the fireworks at Epcot from.

 

[hsmamato2]

oh wow...sounds like an overwhelming majority would go swolphin...that tells me something- thanks for the info and advice! I have a feeling that my fam might choose location too,vs ambience....

 

[Sweettears]

I could not agree with this more. For me, location beats out theming every time-- so I would always opt for the S/D. It is literally right next to the Boardwalk! Plus, it houses some of the absolute best restaurants on property- Il Mulino, Bluezoo, etc. I have not seen the grotto pool area in person, but it is apparently quite nice.

While I am not a huge fan of the (sort of tacky) S/D exterior decor, the rooms are actually quite well decorated and feature their signature heavenly beds, which many DISers rave about!

If, however, you will not be able to get over the lack of Disney theming and do not mind taking buses everywhere, you are better off at a Disney mod.

I'm on the other side on this one. I. Recently did a split stay POFQ then Swan. I wanted to go back to POFQ. I need the Disney touch. I travel for business and can stay at a Starward hotel anywhere. There is only one place where you can stay at a WDW hotel.

The only selling point for the Swan IMO is the location. That is why I usually opt for BWI, YC or BC.

 

[Lumiere Lover]

I have stayed at both, and preferred POFQ. Staying at a true Disney resort gives you better benefits (package pickup, boat ride to DTD, extra magic hours). You could end up having a lot of people at the Swan/Dolphin there for conferences taking about work, using computers, cell phones, etc. POFQ is very small, clean, and quiet. Swan/Dolphin is very large, but very nice. I vote for POFQ. Please let us know when you decide........

 

[Sweettears]

I have stayed at both, and preferred POFQ. Staying at a true Disney resort gives you better benefits (package pickup, boat ride to DTD, extra magic hours). You could end up having a lot of people at the Swan/Dolphin there for conferences taking about work, using computers, cell phones, etc. POFQ is very small, clean, and quiet. Swan/Dolphin is very large, but very nice. I vote for POFQ. Please let us know when you decide........

My opinion as well except EMH is available at Swan/Dolphin. In fairness you can also walk (or boat) to EP and HS from SD.

 

[shannonstar]

I would always choose more days, no matter which resort it is...well except value, would never stay value

This is what my family says as well.

Having said that, I have stayed at both.

If you are looking for a more Disney feel, POFQ may be better. If you are looking for upscale and convenience to Epcot, go with Swalphin. We like both.

 

[bballmom56]

I have stayed at both, and preferred POFQ. Staying at a true Disney resort gives you better benefits (package pickup, boat ride to DTD, extra magic hours). You could end up having a lot of people at the Swan/Dolphin there for conferences taking about work, using computers, cell phones, etc. POFQ is very small, clean, and quiet. Swan/Dolphin is very large, but very nice. I vote for POFQ. Please let us know when you decide........

We have stayed most recently at POFQ and the Swan. At the Swan, you don't get Magical Express, the dining plan, or the ability to charge to your room. But you do get package pick up (they are sent to the gift shop at the Swan), boats to Epcot and HS (plus the ability to walk to either park) and EMH. We have not encountered business people to the extent it affected our enjoyment. Also, the Swan has about 250 fewer rooms than POFQ.

Bus transportation at POFQ was very easy since while we were there, the bus was always a dedicated bus. We never stopped at POR. We also really liked using ME and that is one perk that would be wonderful for S/D to have (but I realize they probably won't). I think we did all our breakfasts in the QS location at POFQ which was very good. We did like POFQ very much and loved the boat to DTD but when we were over in the Boardwalk area, I truly missed the Swan.

But heck, if I had the opportunity to go, it wouldn't matter where I stayed! If I had that choice, I would probably pick the Swan.

 

[goofy4tink]

S/D...
No DME
No ddp
No room charging
No Mickey theming all over the place
BUT....nicer rooms
great location
better food options
again, great location
terrific pool area
mini-golf right across the street
Epcot resorts within easy walking...5-10 mins
EMHs

POFQ...
DME
DDP
Room charging
Mickey theming galore
EMHs



I love POR..have yet to stay at FQ. But, if given the option??? I will always stay at the Dolphin. I love it there. Yes, there is a resort fee. Yes, you have to pay to park. But man....I love Picabu...great place to grab a quick bite to eat. I love being able to boat or walk to both Epcot and DHS. I love having YC/BC/BW right there.
If you don't mind paying for transportation to the S/D, I say go for it. You can get a car service for about $120 r/t, plus tip..for 4 guests. Or you can book the Mears shuttle, $34 r/t per adult, $27 r/t per child. I've done the Mears shuttle before, in the interest of gathering info for the boards, and found it to be quite acceptable.

 

[hsmamato2]

well, I put this question to the fam (finally) and my 19 y/o ds was horrified that I would even dream of a 'non' disney resort I couldn't believe he was the one who wanted POFQ the MOST!
I am still considering a day or two at S/D to try it, but he says it isn't 'disney' enough,no matter the location. I admit it,I've either raised him extremely well,or extremely badly
For me, I am thinking in terms of dollars, either way,we're staying at Disney for a week,and it will be AWESOME thanks for all the advice......

 

[LaurenT]

I have stayed at both, and preferred POFQ. Staying at a true Disney resort gives you better benefits (package pickup, boat ride to DTD, extra magic hours). You could end up having a lot of people at the Swan/Dolphin there for conferences taking about work, using computers, cell phones, etc. POFQ is very small, clean, and quiet. Swan/Dolphin is very large, but very nice. I vote for POFQ. Please let us know when you decide........

Swan dolphin also has boat or walking to Epcot or DHS. I had packages sent to the hotel - same as when I stay at AKL or BC. They also have the same EMH privileges. There was a conference there for a few days during our stay, the only time we really notices them was around 5 - 6 on when they were all having cocktails. I had some nice conversations with some of them.