Dolphin or Yacht - Help!

[Laura Sti]

So torn, need help deciding. I know Dolphin comes without dining plan, magic bands, and magical express - I am ok without these. I am traveling with a 17 & 15 yr old & have been to Disney many times but not this location. Torn between hotels. Can anyone tell me why one over the other? Thanks!

 

[disny_luvr]

I have never stayed at the Dolphin so I can’t comment on that resort, but I have stayed at the YC and therefore my vote would go for YC as long as it’s in the budget. The YC rooms were recently renovated and are gorgeous. Also, the YC (and BC) has the best pool on property, in my opinion. The other thing I like about YC is the ability to walk to two parks, but you get that with the Dolphin, so that perk is a wash.

 

[writerguyfl]

Typically, people opt for the Walt Disney World Dolphin (or Swan) because it is less expensive. Also, some people opt for those hotels because they are members of Starwood's frequent guest program.

As for a comparison, the Dolphin earned a 3-Diamond rating by AAA. Disney's Yacht Club Resort earned a 4-Diamond rating, making it arguably a better hotel.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Between the two, with two teens, I would pick YC as you will get queen beds. The Dolphin has double beds. If Swan is an option and it prices out less than YC, I would put that one in the mix, though, as the Swan rooms have queens. I'm happy at any of the EP resorts, so I typically pick our resort and room based on solely on price.

 

[rosiebean]

YC all the way, unless budget is a serious consideration.

 

[Hopefully]

Yacht Club for sure. I don’t like the Dolphin

 

[Mousemommy1]

Yacht Club. Full on-site experience for us is the only way to go.

 

[Shellyred8]

We stayed at the Swan last year for the first time. It was OK, but it just didn't have the same "Disney" feel. So, if you are looking to keep that, I would recommend YC.

Have a great trip!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

The YC is my #1 favorite resort at Disney so it gets my vote no matter what.

 

[coast2coastmickey]

What's the price difference? For $50/night difference...do Yacht because of the pool. For $200/night difference...no Disney Magic would be worth the spread.

 

[maxiesmom]

For me it comes down to cost. I got the Dolphin for around $180 a night for my trip in October, via Priceline and Hotwire. Yacht Club shows up at $502 weekday $583 weekend during that time frame. That is a massive difference.

I've not stayed at the Yacht Club, but I have stayed at the Beach Club. And I didn't find it to be $400 superior. It is nice to open your room door with Magic Bands, and to be able to charge to them. But it is not that nice. Plus I can still use mine for my park pass.

 

[vicb]

What's the price difference? For $50/night difference...do Yacht because of the pool. For $200/night difference...no Disney Magic would be worth the spread.

This started out as why we switched to the Dolphin but we really like the Dolphin now and probably would not go back to BC or BWI unless the price was the same. I just don't see getting those kind of deals at a true Disney deluxe hotel any more. We need two rooms if we all go so that makes price even more important. But we actually really enjoy the Dolphin. The pool area is great, two pool bars, great restaurants, transportation, emh, nice rooms ect... The Swan has queen beds if that makes a difference for your family.

 

[k5xs]

IMO, it depends on what matters to you and the kids. YC is far more Disney branded and has a more energetic vibe than Dolphin. Dolphin comes across to us as stuffy and "conventiony." YC comes across as a WDW resort for families.

Also, it (marginally) depends on where you'll spend your time. YC is a little bit closer to Epcot. Dolphin is a little closer to DHS.

For us the choice would be YC every time.

 

[Linleedo]

Yacht Club has the best pool in my opinion. Kids would love it. Ours do. So, so our grandkids! It has a sandy bottom, lazy river, volleyball games, etc. lots of fun. We've stayed there at least five times and love everything about the Yacht Club.

 

[Jen1995]

I actually think teenagers would like the swan/dolphin pool more than Stormalong Bay, which is geared toward the younger set.

 

[Laura Sti]

Thanks for the replies! For those that asked, once I add in airport transportation (for dolphin) the price difference is Yacht is $75 more per night when all is said & done - $300 total over my 4 night stay.