Dolphin or Contemporary?

[mmcguire]

Hi,

We have 10 year old and a 2 year old, and our favorite part of the Dolphin is being close to the parks. The pool is very nice, but in Dec, usually too cold to use it. We've stayed at the Dolphin our past couple of trips, planned on it again this year, briefly considered points for a DVC villa (until learning about the sleeper sofas), and also considered getting two mod or value rooms so my brother & his family could join us. They definitely aren't going now ( want to go to the beach instead), so now we're back to just us...

Now that the Dolphin is tacking on their non-waivable resort fee & parking fees, AND their AP rate is quite a bit higher than in past years, we crunched the numbers and it appears to be a toss up between the standard Dolphin room with AP rate & the standard Contemporary room with an AP rate.
If you've stayed at both resorts, which did you like better, and why? Also, what kind of condition is the Contemporary in? Has it been recently renovated?

Thanks bunches for any advice!!!!

Marci

 

[Stitch1962]

Most definitely the Contemporary. I don't consider the Dolphin to be a Disney resort... to me, it is much more like a convention resort stuck on Disney property. The Contemporary is very convenient, sleeps 5 in a rooms and the rooms are huge!

 

[rcraw45425]

CR all the way! Huge rooms, convenience and that MONORAIL!

 

[dreamflight99]

Since I LOVE both of these resorts...here's my .2 cents!

The CR is nice, if you intend to use the MK more than any other park. Otherwise, the Dolphin is in a better location. Also, the Dolphin's recent renovations...with the heavenly beds and wonderful decor, rate above the CR (IMHO). When we visit the CR (last in 2003), we always stay tower concierge 14th floor. We have never stayed in the wings, as they do not appeal to us (and we have read too many negative posts concerning the condition of these rooms/area). Therefore, if "standard" CR means the WING section---I would truly give this decision considerable thought.

Ultimately, it's more of a personal preference. I would base my decision more on the PARKS you intend to visit, rather than the resort (in this instance).

 

[Hieatt]

Hmmm, I would stick with the Dolphin if I were you. Rooms at the Contemporary are larger, and it is a stone's throw from the Magic Kingdom, but after that I'd say all advantages go to the Dolphin...

When you say a standard room at the CR, I assume you mean a garden wing room, which means no view and inconvenient access to the big selling point of the CR - the monorail. At the Dolphin, a standard room usually will be upgraded on request for no charge - odds of getting a good view are much better. Also, Dolphin was just renovated - rooms and public areas - and it is beautiful. CR is in serious need of renovation - we stayed in a garden wing room in 2001 and I thought is was dreary - felt like an old motel. The counter service food court at the CR felt dirty and crowded, unlike Tubbis in the Dolphin, which also has food that is far superior. The Dolphin is a much nicer, more attractive property at this point, with much more to offer, including a new spa this summer. Also, while the rooms might be a bit smaller, the Dolphin's beds are the best at WDW.

As far as feeling like a Disney hotel - if no one told you, you would never know it wasn't. Plus you can earn Starwood points.

Finally, and for me the biggest benefit, the Dolphin is on the Boardwalk. None of the MK resorts have a similar venue in walking distance.

Unless you plan to spend most of your time at the MK, or intend to do some waterskiing, I'd go with the Dolphin hands down. I do agree, however, that as the Dolphin has made huge improvements over the last several years, the corresponding changes in pricing and fees have made it less of a steal than it used to be... getting a $99 discount rate, getting the resort fee waived and free parking - those were the days!

 

[elf]

We usually go to the Dolphin also. But one year we split the stay between CR and Dolphin it was quite nice, I loved being able to walk to MK. While CR does have that great advantage of walking to MK, I find things to do at night limited. Thats why we love the Dolphin. Especially with a 10 year old. You have the boardwalk area to roam around one night, Epcot another few nights. Lot's more options without getting in and out of the car.

At the Dolphin when my older dd was 2 and up (now 7) it was so great to just walkaround and let her fall asleep in the stroller, we would have dinner and drinks outside the restaurant on the boardwalk. She's too big for the stroller now but still it's nice to take her for ice cream and some carnival games at BW

 

[dreamflight99]

At the Dolphin when my older dd was 2 and up (now 7) it was so great to just walkaround and let her fall asleep in the stroller, we would have dinner and drinks outside the restaurant on the boardwalk. She's too big for the stroller now but still it's nice to take her for ice cream and some carnival games at BW

What a nice idea! I'm sure many people posting/reading here could use this tip. It's a fabulous way to enjoy family time together, a nice stroll and also a relaxing/quiet dinner along the water's edge (as your 2-YO slept soundly in the stroller). Those are some GREAT memories...for sure! The convenience, and FUN associated with the boardwalk is absolutely PRICELESS!! We all enjoy the games, and interesting things happening nightly along this venue. Thanks for the nice post.

 

[beattyfamily]

CR in a heartbeat!

 

[eeyore0062]

I have to agree with Stitch1962.... CR all the way.... it is a TRUE Disney resort... Mickey's Resort.... Walt's Resort! The rooms are huge and comfy, and it is so convenient. The bus service there is good, too! Plus none of those pesky extra fees!

 

[dreamflight99]

Plus none of those pesky extra fees!

Never truly bothered me before... BUT NOW...with the addition of the new parking fee, I too am a little concerned. Hopefully, this too...shall pass. (Thinking positive thoughts).

Either way, you can not go wrong. I absolutely LOVE the CR too...and feel WALT's presence every time we visit. My favorite restaurant (CALI GRILL) is located there too.

Enjoy your stay mmcguire, whichever resort you decide to choose!

 

[mmcguire]

Thank you all so much for your advice! Looks like there were only two strong votes for Dolphin. We want to try something new this time, so it looks like we'll give the Contemporary a whirl.

Timing is also a factor in our decision -- I've read on the boards that that there might be renovations in the not-so-distant future, and I fear a rate hike might follow, which could put the Contemporary out of our reach for good (or at least until the kids are grown!)

Marci