Dolphin or Riverside opinions

[pbg]

We are going in June and have the Dolphin for $155.00 a night with tax included and Riverside for $116 a night tax included. What are your opinions on which resort to stay at with these prices? Have stayed at both in the past and like each one.

 

[HANDYMOM]

Riverside! More money to eat, shop, etc. left over too! Sounds like a good deal especially considering how beautifully Riverside is.

 

[Parrothd]

I'd pick Port Orleans because:

- Riverside is Disney, Dolphin isn't,
- Riverside is less expensive.

I know that there are a LOT of people who like the Swan & Dolphin BUT, I'd definitely go for the "less-money-for-more-magic" option. That's just my opinion though.

 

[SillyOleBear]

Definitely Riverside - as Parrothd said, Dolphin isn't technically a Disney hotel. The Port Orleans area is gorgeous!

 

[Gomez Gang]

Count me in for a Riverside vote!
It is cheaper AND a Disney property--what more could you want?
It is also FABULOUS in the a.m. to take a walk along the grounds--so peaceful next to the "river".

 

[01Sweetpea]

we went 2/27 - 3/6.. originally had Dolphin ressies @ $162.50/night, then got a postcard for $104/night at POR. In the end we chose POR, in addition to the savings (in our case $600) DH felt POR was more "us". I was a little disappointed originally when I changed our ressies, but on our first night we went to the Dolphin to check it out, and I immediately knew the hotel was not for us. It is a beautiful hotel, but I felt it was just that...a hotel. It is enormous, and we got lost trying to find Tubbi's.

POR was so relaxing, and lush, and beautiful. Now in all fairness we only saw the interior of the Dolphin, so I'm not sure what the landscaping is like. We just loved POR. We are heading back to PO in Oct, but this time trying FQ.

 

[stringercapecod]

We had the same dilemma for April. AP rate of $74.00 at the Moderates or $129.00, Teacher Rate at the Dolphin. My family decided on the Dolphin for several reasons. Most important, we are traveling with 2 other families staying at the Dolphin and BCV so the "kids" wanted to be together. Second, we have stayed at the Dolphin 4 times and feel very comfortable there. The room location and condition have been great every time (esp. with those new beds), the transportation good, the staff helpful and courteous, kids LOVE the pool and of course the location is perfect.
I've never stayed at POR but I have "visited" and thought it was charming, rustic and woodsy. Seemed a little remote compared to what we are used to at the Dolphin.

I'm sure you won't be disappointed no matter which you choose.

 

[GoofyinNY]

You can't go wrong with either Riverside or the Dolphin. Riverside is achingly beautiful, and the Dolphin exudes a kind of time-stand-still grandiloquence.

I lean a bit toward the Swan/Dolphin because of their fabulous location. You are right next to Boardwalk and a short walk to Epcot. MGM is a short boat ride away. I will never forget parking our car in the Swan parking lot and hearing the music from Fantasmic soaring overhead. We stood transfixed for what seemed like forever.

 

[dznyntnh]

Riverside is one of my favorites and the price your getting is great. That said, I just switched my rez from POR to Dolphin. I got a good rate and I've never stayed in the Epcot area.

I don't see how you can go wrong with either.

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Another vote for riverside!!! Enjoy!

Allison

 

[TWOOD]

I've stayed at both several times & prefer POR for a couple of reasons: first, there's no $10 resort fee to haggle over (if it's still even possible to do that), & second, I like the ease of being able to charge things on my room key & pay up at the end, rather than worry about cash or traveler's checks holding up the line I'm in. Just my opinion. POR's relaxed atmosphere, even when the resort is at capacity just can't be beat after a day of touring the crowded parks. The Dolphin is lovely, but can be overwhelming when a convention is arriving or departing, and frustrating when the Grotto pool is closed for a special event due to a convention. Again, just my opinion. Have a great time wherever you choose!

 

[zumbergc]

I like the swan/dolphin for 2 reasons.

1. The location is near epcot and MGM, you can pretty much walk to both. MGM is a little farther of a walk.

2. Dolphin has a fitness center. There is no fitness center at the Port Orleans. If you are someone who works out on vacation. They have free weights and cardio equipment and you don't have to pay the $ to use the gym like at disney resorts.

Connie

 

[CamColt]

Ive stared at POR twice and the Swan(pretty similar to the Dolphin ) once and my vote goes to the Dolphin. I havent been impressed by the moderate resort at all. The location & transportation options at the Dolphin cant be beat. You can walk or hop a boat to 2 parks and 4 resorts for dining or entertainment.