Dolphin or CR

[Mercy]

I already have ressies at the Dolphin at $146/night (et rate). We have stayed here before and really loved this resort.

However, I have always wanted to stay at the CR. Do you think I can get a comparable rate at the CR with some code or AP? We are going in August.

Let me know what you think of the two resorts. We may have 5 in our party.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Mercy
I already have ressies at the Dolphin at $146/night (et rate). We have stayed here before and really loved this resort.

However, I have always wanted to stay at the CR. Do you think I can get a comparable rate at the CR with some code or AP? We are going in August.

Let me know what you think of the two resorts. We may have 5 in our party.

Check out www.mousesavers.com for historical AP and other discount rates. The CR has never appealed to us much so I would say that between these two resorts we would go with the Dolphin hands down.

 

[Mercy]

bump

 

[jwfla422]

You might have some luck for the 2nd part of August when the season kinda winds down. But, if you can get a rate close to that it'll probably be in the garden wing.

Personally I'd stay at the Dolphin ---no contest. But, if you've really wanted to stay there it's worth checking into. (but I still say--stay at the Dolphin!! )-that's a good rate

 

[Mercy]

Bumping for more opinions

 

[hellokitty]

although the Cr is on the monorail, we were not too impressed with it. the food court was tiny and it was a hike from our room to the monorail, with a huge set of stairs or elevator and escalator
to ride....

the dolphin is located near MGM and Epcot with boats and walking to both (as well as the buses) and being so close to
the boardwalk opens up endless possiblities for eating! the pool
is supposed to be really nice and much bigger than the CR.
the dolphin is considered deluxe and they just upgraded all the rooms with new decor and heavenaly beds!!
you can also visit many other resorts within minutes.

I say there is no contest but that is just me. as you can see we are staying there this JULY because we have heard such good
things about it!

good luck in wherever you stay!

 

[Kimberle]

I love the CR. It's a wonderful hotel. 5 will be very comfortable in their rooms. Our first trip, we were in the north wing. It was only a couple minutes walk from the main tower. It was also closer to the bus stop.

When are you going? If later this summer, discount codes will probably come out in another month or so.

I guess I'd look at which park(s) you'll be spending most of your time. CR & Dolphin are on opposite ends of WDW. MK from CR is only about 10 minutes, and you can even walk it.

Good luck!

 

[opal]

I've never stayed at CR, but have stayed at BWI, CBR, PO, CS, Y&B. Most recent trip was a split between Y&B and Swan. The Swan was wonderful! Our room at Y & B was so far from the front desk that we were closer to the Dolphin, which was ok because they have better coffee! We could hear everything our neighbors at the Y & B said and did, but not a sound at Swan.
Our second day at Swan, somehow we never got maid service. When we returned to our room that night, we called, just to get some fresh towels. Five minutes later, two lovely ladies from housekeeping arrived and brought towels, changes the linens and told us there was something special for us at the front desk. When my husband inquired at the desk, there were vouchers for each of our party for breakfast, lunch or dinner at any Swan/Dolphin of our choices (except Shulas)! Great customer service!!!!! The rooms are lovely, the beds are the best hotel beds ever and the location can't be beat!!!!

 

[WALT2DAY]

I would only do the CR if you can get the TOWER.
Wings are dark and far from food & transportation. Close to the marina, pool and laundry is in one of the wings.
The tower rooms are wonderful. My DS & DD think the CR has the best game room. Very close to MK - first stop on the way back and first stop on the way to MK - so you get a seat every time.
You can see MK fireworks from some rooms. 2 nice pools to use - one by the lake, the other in the shape of Mickey's head with a water slide. Boat & water mice rentals available.
Rooms at CR sleep 5. 2 queen beds and a day bed. Very large rooms, lots of closet space.

Dolphin - closer to EPCOT, MGM, Broadwalk activities, plenty of choice to eat, lots of characater meals in walking distance, on the boat path from MGM to EPCOT, can see the MGM or EPCOT fireworks (depending on room view). A 3 acre grotto pool with a slide and waterfall - and volleyball net on one side.
There is also a hot tub, adult lap pool and a smaller pool.
Small game room and laundry in the hall way out to the pool from the Dolphin. Rooms sleep 4. 2 double beds in the Dolphin. All rooms have been recently renovated. Nice size rooms , but CR is larger.


If you want to spend more time at MK - do the CR tower.
If you want to spend more time at EPCOT & MGM, do the Dolphin.

We like both places. Sorry if I was not a help.
Have fun deciding

 

[sugermouse]

GO WITH THE DOLPHIN! GOOD LOCATION

 

[sotoalf]

I'm not sure why people think the CR Garden wings are a "hike." It's a three or four minute walk from the farthest room to the Tower - not a hike at all. And the tranquility afforded by those distant wings offset any fatigue incurred in walking to the Tower.

Besides, this is DISNEY: you're supposed to get a workout!

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by WALT2DAY
I would only do the CR if you can get the TOWER.
Wings are dark and far from food & transportation

What wing did you stay in? Our wing room was very light & bright and very close to transportation. The north wing is closer to the bus stop than the tower.

 

[buzz'smom2]

We have stayed at CR tower--top floor concer. We have also stayed at the Swan--concer and non-concer. We prefer the Swan. The pool is way better IMHO. Plus, it just has a more relaxing feel to us.

The biggest plus to the CR was the ability to walk to MK and being the first monorail stop on our way back. The kids liked the arcade, but now we just go over the arcade when we stay at the Poly.

We have stayed at the GF (x3), Poly (x3), CR (x1), BC(x1) and Swan(x2). CR is the only one to which we would not return. It seemed loud, and to us, it did not feel like a luxury hotel. For us, it lacked the magic.

Since everyone is looking for something different, you may love the CR--a lot of people do. However, our favorites are the Poly, Swan and BC.

 

[jimmiej]

I faced this same situation. We have opted for CR because of the larger rooms, beds for all five of us, proximity to MK, monorail, & the fact we've never stayed there. I must admit I'm not impressed with the "color scheme" I see in pics of the CR rooms. Plus, the pool area doesn't look as inviting as the Swan/Dolphin (we stayed at Swan last trip). At the Dolphin, we would have to have an extra bed for my nephew (11 yo). In other words, crowded! I hope we've made the right decision.

 

[sotoalf]

JimmyJ: You made the right decision. I've stayed at both the Dolphin and Contemporary; both hotels have pretty garish interiors, if you ask me. The Dolphin does have a better pool, but if extra room is your concern, then stick with the CR.

Otherwise your decision depends on which parks you're spending most of your time. For Epcot/MGM, the Dolphin is, of course, easier. But for MK/Epcot, you can't beat the CR. In addition the CR has a boat to Wilderness Lodge/Ft Wilderness, increasing your dining and recreation options.