Dolphin or Pop Century?

[Winston112]

For our WDW trip in April 2004. I can get the Dolphin with the nurse discount at $129 +resort fee + taxes or the Pop Century with a AAA discount at $103 pn + taxes. I love the Dolphin, we stayed there for 5 nights in 2001. The boat rides to MGM and Epcot were great. I got hooked on the Dolphin fountain and DS loved the pool. On the other hand, I don't know anything about Pop Century except that it's a new value resort with a food court. Can anyone give more info on this resort? Which would you choose?

 

[mom-2greatkids]

We're beginning our stay at Pop Century from 1/6 - 1/9 and then changing to the Dolphin for 1/9-1/13.

We're doing a lot of parks for the first part of the stay and didn't need much in the way of room ammenities. DH will be at a conference for part of the second half, and the kids and I will be utilizing the resort more.

Not sure how long you're going for and if splitting a stay is feasible, but did this last year, too (ASMO and AKL) and it worked great!

If not, I'd probably choose the Dolphin, although we haven't been to either resort yet.

 

[photobob]

I would assume that Pop Century will be virually identical to All Stars just newer with different theming. For the litle price differential I would stay at the Dolphin in a hearbeat, your talking about deluxe accomodations vs. value. The Epcot Resort area is one of the best locations there is. Dolphin is a shortwalk to Boardwalk, Epcot and a short boatride the MGM. PC will be a value resort acommodations with buses being the only transportation option.

 

[catherines_mama]

Tyler (chip n dale express) posted a wonderful thread regarding the Pop Century. It will help you make your decision. But it all is about what you need in your stay. For me. I have a 2 1/2 yo and in Feb, we wont use the pool. And she does not eat much. So I am not going to pay more for the hotel with a FUN pool and nice restaurants. Our next stay, probably. But not this one.

Hope this link helps. It is VERY good!

POP Century Preview by Tyler

 

[swilphil]

I think after staying at the Dolphin where you could walk/take a quick boat to so many places, you will be disappointed with the location of Pop Century and having to take a bus everywhere. Remember with the nurse's discount you are getting a $320 a night room for $129. If you are going for more than a week you could spend the first couple of nights at Pop Century, then move to the Dolphin.

Did you also know you could upgrade your Starwood Preferred Guest membership to AAApro for your Dolphin stay?

 

[Winston112]

Thanks for the responses.
swilphil- What is AAApro and how do I upgrade?

 

[swilphil]

If you are already a member of the Starwood program, just call their 800 number. You might also check out the spg.com website for more info. The AAApro status allows you more upgrades and/or discounts. There is a Starwood thread on this board that can answer more specific questions.