Dolphin location helpful @peak times?

[FINFAN]

We will have from 12/18 thru noon 12/25 @WDW...and since we do not have to rely on busses for MGM or Epcot (we practically RUN to these parks) do you feel this will be an advantage? We had thought to split the stay w/POP to save a few$$$$, but then started thinking about the time transportation will take, holiday crowds...what do you think?

 

[webray]

Dolphin is definately an advantage during holiday times. I would stick with it, if you can afford it. Walking to epcot/mgm is so great..especially during the holidays, they have so many holiday activities.

Enjoy!

 

[swilphil]

We stayed off site during Christmas 2000, and NEVER AGAIN. I know Pop isn't off site, but we've stayed at the Swan/Dolphin twice and LOVE IT. You don't need to rent a car (we took a car service with a grocery stop). The location is fabulous. We were there last week, and we went to Epcot twice in the same day. We also went to MK, Epcot, and MGM all in the same day, and we had a pool/nap break everyday too.

During Christmas all of WDW is a mad house. Being close is definitely worth it. I am interested in staying at Pop someday, but I wouldn't do it during peak season.

 

[Connears]

We did the exact thing for 12/28-1/02/04! We are DVC members and stayed at our home resort OKW the previous year for the same holiday week. Last year, we decided to rent our points and stayed at the Swan CL with teachers discount. The location was fantastic for that time of year and especially for NYE! We loved the ability to walk to any Boardwalk area and epcot and to boat to MGM. It is definitely a plus. Our friends who stayed at OKW the same time waited 45 minutes to get a bus to OKW on NYE(really not bad) while we waited 10 minutes for a boat! Well worth it!
Connears

PS-we love OKW and usually love quiet atmosphere, but that week is craziness!

 

[FINFAN]

Unless the budget doesn't allow, I think we are going to go w/ the Dolphin...I have it @ 149 w/water view....not too bad (well, the resort fee does add up a bit ) Since we will only have 6 1/2 days time is of the essence! I had hoped we could arrive the 16th and be a bit ahead of the crowds, MVMCP etc., but alas....we are guilty of being in the group that will arrive and start making the parks crowdwd! We did the Dolphin for 3 nights 12/22-24 last year, but did not go into the parks, so I really do not know how crowded it will be, but I do know we enjoyed the boardwalk, renting a boat and touring the resorts for their decorations, and the location was great for that too!

Pam

 

[travelbug]

I've stayed at the Dolphin during Christmas week and at the Swan during Easter week. The location is absolutely the best at any time, but it is especially wonderful during peak times. Great to be within walking distance of 2 parks, plus the Boardwalk. If it fits into your budget, I'd say to definitely go with the Dolphin. Have a great time!

 

[sarahsmom73]

We stayed at the Dolphin over Easter and it was AWESOME! There is nothing like walking to EPCOT! We even walked to MGM! The location is fantastic!