dolphin hotel vs disney properties

[bishop1989]

Never stayed at the Dolphin Hotel. We have a good rate and am wondering if it's better than staying at a moderate hotel. Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

We stayed at the swan and it was great. Because of the location you will not really notice a difference other than decor possibly. They don't have ME either.

 

[RMulieri]

As long as you don't miss the dining plan or ME you will LOVE it..If those 2 things are a MUST for you then you will want to avoid the Swan and Dolphin.That said, they are beautiful deluxe hotels in an ideal location

 

[shannonstar]

We loved the Dolphin, but it's true about the ME and DDP. And there are some hidden resort costs as well as expensive parking fees.

However, the Mears is pretty reasonable if you are flying, and the location is great! We loved it, but decided to rent DVC points to stay at the BCV this time. We will see which is better in the long run.

 

[TaraPA]

Another thumbs up for Swan/Dolphin! If having ME & DDP aren't an isse for you, go for it! They are deluxe hotels, in a fabulous deluxe location, for the cost of a moderate.

As far as theming, some say they miss the Disney theme. I say when you can wake up & see ToT in one direction, Spaceship Earth in the other, and step out onto The Boardwalk a few feet away, that's all the theming I need!

 

[roydavid7771]

You get a deluxe level resort at the price of a moderate. What's not to love?

 

[MissionMouse]

... We have a good rate and am wondering if it's better than staying at a moderate hotel...

As some have indicated you need to include the daily resort fee and the parking fee if you have rental car. They will make your good rate change by about $30+/day

 

[bishop1989]

Thanks for the feedback. That's what we were thinking as well. We will miss the DDP and ME but I'm sure the hotel and location will make up for it.

 

[jujube]

As some have indicated you need to include the daily resort fee and the parking fee if you have rental car. They will make your good rate change by about $30+/day

Thanks for the feedback. That's what we were thinking as well. We will miss the DDP and ME but I'm sure the hotel and location will make up for it.

I plugged in the dates, April 22-28, just for comparison's sake:

BWI=$400/night
AKL=$325/night
Swan=$229/night + parking and resort fee=$259/night

The Dolphin would probably be a bit less than the Swan because it is usually $20-30/night cheaper. The Beach club would likely be a bit more expensive than the BWI.
Both the S/D are really nice resorts. You can't beat either the location or the price.

 

[Debrn]

Love the Disney room soooo cool.

 

[stephmarty]

I'd stay there in a second if we didn't have free dining plan. I've stayed there a couple times, and I love the location and the pool. Great restaurants. Starbucks coffee in the room, "Heavenly Beds." Go for it!!