Dolphin or Wilderness Lodge?

[fertmc]

My wife and I are taking our 3-year old to Disney in August. We can do Dolphin on the teacher discount or wait for a code discount for Wilderness Lodge, so there shouldn't be a huge price difference over a 5-night stay. Has anyone stayed at both resorts? Which do you prefer?

 

[old lost boy]

We have stayed at every moderate and deluxe except GF and AKL. I think overall WL is the best WDW has to offer. The themeing is unbelievable. Dolphin is a very nice hotel but it's a hotel not an experience.

 

[msteddom]

I just had to go through the same debate. I'm going solo, so I decided on the Dolphin, but I really think your 3 yo will prefer the WL. Plus it's much closer to the Magic Kingdom. Have fun deciding!


Melissa

 

[Blondie]

You have listed two of my favorite resorts!

Both have something special to offer in terms of theming, location and transportation options.

Personally, I love the Epcot resort area. Getting on and off the boat that transports you to Epcot or MGM is a breeze with a stroller (if you're bringing one) OR you could walk to either parks, you are that close.

Then you have the Boardwalk at your backdoor for something different to do, and the Yacht & Beach Club are a stone's throw away.

As much as I adored the WL, everytime we were at Epcot, I would glance over at the Dolphin and wish I was staying there, I'd think to myself, look how close we are and I'm not staying there!

The WL really takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the busy parks, and with a little one, you might be looking for that.

Sheesh! I don't know what to tell you! Both are great choices!

 

[Kallison]

Never stayed at the WL, have done POFQ, PORS, Contemp, BC and Dolphin. For our family location is the most important thing, followed closely by pool. WL looks awesome, but I would hate taking that slow boat or busses everywhere. We loved the Dolphin location. Personally out of the 5 above, for price and room size I liked Dolphin best.

 

[vickyBaby]

Both are lovely properties. The Dolphin can't be beat for the location.

 

[Geoff_M]

We've stayed at both under the same conditions you're looking at (teacher's rate/codes). The Dolphin is a very nice hotel, and if you're planning on spending lots of time at Epcot/MGM/Boardwalk, then the Dolphin's the way to go. It's "location, location, location." But for theming, WL can't be beat. And if MK is going to be your prime park, then WL has the location edge. Also keep in mind that when comparing rates you need to include the Dolphin's non-waivable $10/day "resort fee" into the mix.

 

[3princesses]

I, too am a teacher and we've stayed at both WL and the Dolphin. Though my husband and I prefer the WL, our 3 year old loved her "fishy" hotel.

 

[kozmo]

Wilderness Lodge!!!!

 

[QJ411]

We've also had the chance to stay at both resorts. And by far...I would have to say my vote goes to WL. Although Dolphin was a beautiful resort, there is nothing that compares to being in a Disney Resort.

The Dolphin is great on location w/ the water taxi to Epcot/MGM but we didn't feel the Disney "Magictude"...it's just not Disney enough for us. The CMs were nice, but not as nice as WL, the housekeeping didn't speak English when we asked them a question. (The Dolphin has an amazing grotto pool though!!!)

But my vote would be WL...especially if you have a little one, the theme at WL is breathtaking and the transportation is great too!

ENJOY!

XOXO

 

[Kimberle]

Hi!!

I have stayed at WL, but not the Dolphin.

WL is a beautiful resort! Your 3 yo will LOVE it! Our dd was 4.5 during our stay and she LOVED it!!

But, where Mom & Dad are happy, so will the child! I'd say, look at where you'll be spending most of your time. WL is much closer to MK and Dolphin is much closer to Epcot/MGM. Since you'll only be staying a short time, you want to "save" as much on transportation as you can!

Either place, you'll have a wonderful time!!

 

[fertmc]

It's me again-- many of you brought up the excellent point that we'll be spending more time at Magic Kingdom than Epcot (though I love World Showcase, esp. the 5-gallon mugs of beer @ Germany). Wilderness Lodge might then have the edge on location and theme for us. My next question is, do I book now and try to get a code discount later? How does that work?

P.S. Keep those resort opinions coming in! Thanks!

 

[colleen costello]

Safest bet is to book now and watch obsessively for the codes. They WILL come out, but the amount of rooms available at the low price is limited. You can always cancel if need be.

I got WL last summer for $139, a great deal. Travel is increasing so it will likely be more expensive this year, but good discounts are still probable. I am watching too! Good luck.

 

[Tigger Woods]

Originally posted by QJ411

The Dolphin is great on location w/ the water taxi to Epcot/MGM but we didn't feel the Disney "Magictude"...it's just not Disney enough for us. The CMs were nice, but not as nice as WL, the housekeeping didn't speak English when we asked them a question.

I agree that a monrail resort is the place to stay if you'll be spending a lot of time at MK. I totally disagree that the Dolphin's employees aren't as nice as those at the Disney resorts. In fact, as recent posts to these boards can attest, the opposite may be true. Due to understaffing and low employee morale at the Disney hotels, many posters have been complaining about dirty rooms, rude desk clerks and disinterested management. As for employees not speaking english, the last time I stayed at the GF, not only did the maid not speak it, neither did the maintenance man who came to fix our broken toilet. Hopefully, Disney will have all these problems ironed out in time for your stay. Have fun!