Dolphin or WL?

[margiemc]

I am in the process of booking a vacation for 12/11 through 12/17. I was able to get the Dolphin (using the Government rate) for a total of 143.19 (per night,incl tax). I had contacted Dreams Unlimited and they were able to get the WL for 143.96 (per night,incl tax). There are two adults and one 5 year old. We haven't stayed at either one and we usually hit all of the parks. Which one would be best for us? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[drusba]

WL has the better theming and is closer to MK and Disney operated. Dolphin has one of the best locations on site--you can walk to Epcot, MGM, Boardwalk, YC/BC but is not Disney run. It is a tough choice at the same price but I would probably lean toward WL with a 5 year old as MK will be a main target with one that age.

 

[tinagirl]

Just out of curiosity, have you tried booking WL yourself? It is my understanding that many folks who were using code CKO (standard WL room for $119 prior to tax) switched over to the AP rate, so there maybe rooms available on that now.

Just curious
~Tina

 

[margiemc]

I hadn't tried booking the WL myself, but I'll try to see if I can get a better rate. I have read that the transportation from WL isn't always the best. Does anyone know if this is still the case?

 

[WiscMomof2]

We had the exact same situation. I already had the govt rate booked at the Dolphin and when the fall discount codes came out I could get WL for basically the same price. I debated a little and decided to split my stay between both resorts because there were so many things that appealed to me about both. I know resort switching isn't for everyone but to me it really was not that big of a deal. I think you'll be happy whatever you decide, but I agree with drusba that since you have a 5 year old you may want to be closer to MK.

 

[margiemc]

Tina,

I went ahead and called myself and was able to get the WL for 119/night, plus tax. So, we are now staying at the WL!

Thanks so much for the code! I can't wait to go!

Margie

 

[Eeyore1954]

Margiemc -- Transportation from WL to the parks is good -- not ideal, but good.

To MK: Boat transportation, shared with FW, so sometimes you may have a wait for a boat to stop at WL for pickup. You may want to plan to go early OR shortly after the park opens.

To Epcot, MGM: Bus transport; shared with FW. The buses pick up at WL first, then swing over to FW to pick up there. One nice thing about Epcot -- the WL bus stop is closer to the park entrance than most other resorts, so when you come out at the end of the day, it's a little less of a walk.

To AK: Bus, again shared with FW (same pattern, pick up at WL first, then to FW). One hitch -- AK bus stops at Blizzard Beach, THEN goes to AK. So plan to catch an EARLY AK bus so you can maximize your time at AK. Since the park is only open 9 - 5, every minute counts.