Dolphin vs Boardwalk--UPDATE

[Ladyhawke10]

I'm thinking of trying out a studio at BWV, or else a room at the Dolphin. I can get a great rate at the Dolphin, except that I think they don't transfer luggage to the Disney resorts, and since we are moving to the Poly right after, and aren't renting a car, that would be a disappointment. However, I LOVE those heavenly beds and haven't had a chance to stay in the Dolphin yet (though I've tried the Swan). It's been a while, but I was looking forward to trying out the Dolphin until I got a chance to rent a Boardwalk Villa studio. We've stayed on the Boardwalk Inn side, but never the villas. Seems like a huge amount of rooms over there, much like the size of the Dolphin.

Which would you prefer? The price difference isn't enough to be a factor.

Thanks for any responses! Time is running out for me to finish all the booking for our long trip in January and I'd love to hear your opinions!

 

[RAD]

Well to start, I'm a DVC member with BWV's being my home resort, so I might be a bit biased.

With that said I'd recommend going with the studio at BWV. DW and I have stayed at both Swan and Dolphin and while it's in the Epcot resort area we just missed the little Disney touches. As you mentioned, you'd also get the luggage transfer, but I think you also loose being able to room charge. The room also has a nice little wet bar with small fridge, coffee maker, microwave. Just for grins, you might want to see if a DVC member would rent you a 1 bedroom unit, it's like having a small apartment and the whirlpool in your room is nice after a long day in the parks. Problem is you might then just want to join DVC. For us we joined during a stay at the Dolphin and we happened to stop in at the sales center when it was a Boardwalk, 3 hours later we walked out with 200 points, most expensive vacation I've ever taken.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

How is the Dolphin for kids? Anyone know anything about the quiet pool on the villas side of the BW? I loved the quiet pool on the BWI side, but I don't know if the other pool is that pretty. I remember Luna being pretty busy and preferring the quiet pool for the most part, especially in the jacuzzi at night.

Anyone know about the views at the Dolphin and/ or the views around the villas? Are there very long hallways to traverse?

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Anyone else have any opinions on the Boardwalk vs the Dolphin? Thanks

 

[Eeyore2003]

I have stayed at BWI and BWV. I much prefer the villas. I've not stayed at the Dolphin, but after renting points from DVC owners, I'm going to find it hard if I ever have to get "just a room". I really love the DVC units, we've stayed in both the studio and one bedroom, at OKW, BWV, BCV and SSR. Of those BWV and OKW are our favorites, one for "in the middle of the action" and one for "peace and quiet". SSR is a close second. The quiet pool at BWV is very nice. Bigger than the quiet pool for BWI and not quite as "secluded" of a feel, but we found it uncrowded and nice. And it was right out our back door.

We HAVE checked into becoming DVC owners, but with two kids in college, it's not the best time for us.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Ok, after careful consideration, I finally went with the Boardwalk with a Boardwalk View!!!! It was really tough deciding between the Dolphin (those heavenly beds and that lobby...so pretty) but when I considered looking at the lake over at the Yacht and Beach club at night, and saw some pictures of the fireworks from those views, I just went for it. Now I'm wondering which building we will be in! I don't have any requests besides non-smoking. Is there a particular location I should look into? I just know that we'll be right on the Boardwalk so that sounded great to me

 

[Lives4Disney]

Anyone else have any opinions on the Boardwalk vs the Dolphin? Thanks

Oh, boy. I have bad news for you. I just returned from my first ever stay at the BWI. I have a family of 5, chose a concierge deluxe room (that sleeps 6) and had an awful time. I haven't posted a trip report yet. I was just about to when I saw your post. The management is awful if you have a problem. Housekeeping was a mess. BEWARE of any sofa sleepers in that place. They may be different in the Villas, but ours was a wreck. My son slept on the floor for two nights because the bed was so awful and management lied and told us they would get us an aero as the rollaways were sold out. No aero ever showed up and the guy that promised us that went off duty and then they were sold out of aeros, too. The stay just stunk ( literally) we had this NASTY smell in our room - we think urine from a NASTY rollaway they delivered that sat in our closed up room all day. We all gagged as we entered the room and all agreed it smelled like urine. That situation brought more problems!! It was ridiculous and annoying and odd. We did get quite a laugh out of the whole thing after we moved to the GF. THe BWI was just the worst Disney resort stay ever. MANY problems all just passed from one person to another.

The kicker is, I had a Dolphin room reserved for $169/night for us. We would have brought our OWN aero for my son to stay in that room, but I really wanted my son (without going into detail, he is 15 1/2 and really struggling in HS) to get a good nights sleep and have a rejuvinating vacation. I cancelled that reservation and was so thrilled to get a concierge deluxe room at the BWI. What an ironic joke. I wound up spending close to $600/night at the BWI so he could sleep on the floor. He is not a picky kid, very easy going, but that sofabed mattress should have been tossed years ago. It was not even 3 inches thick and just touching it you could feel the springs and wires. I just feel bad for the kid sleeping on the floor and paying for a room that should sleep 6 while they gave us the runaround.

I will NEVER NEVER NEVER stay at the crappy BWI again. Sorry to disrespect anyone that has stayed there and enjoyed it, but it sucked for us. I was extremely disappointed in the way the issues were handled. They weren't!! I was told by one duty manager that apologized profusely (which she should have as she was the third person and second manager that I spoke with) that the executive housekeeper would be phoning us last Monday or Tuesday about the issues we encountered. Guess what?? No call yet. I am not surprised, either.

There were so many blunders on their part they should be ashamed and I think they are. That's probably why no call to follow up.

I have stayed at the Swan 2X and the Dolphin once and I would stay at either again. My kids liked the Dolphin just fine. I was the idiot that was looking for a bit of Disney magic over our Thanksgiving trip. What I got was a bunch of excuses and apologies and a big bill, but no solutions to make the problems better. I was so happy to leave the BWI!!!!! I tried EVERY morning and evening to get out of that place, but had no luck due to the holiday. NOTHING available - and I would have taken ANYTHING!!!!

Sorry to rant, but I really hated that BWI and the management there and I cannot say much about the concierge team there, either. Hope your stay is MUCH better than mine. I really don't think it could get much worse.

Lives4Disney

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Oh my gosh! That is horrible! I can only imagine how disappointing it would be to be in a room that expensive and have that awful odor. I had this experience at BWI last time I was there actually--but it was a cigar/ fish odor and they said it was because we were over the Flying Fish. They couldn't move us because it was spring break and everything was full--sounds a little familiar with what happened to you---except your stay had a whole host of other problems too...so sorry!!

I was going to request non-smoking and now I won't forget to add about the clean smell necessity. Ugh, I've already booked the villa and can't change it because it's through DVC. I got your post about a day too late! Maybe management will make some changes in the next month

 

[minijeanie]

How is the Dolphin for kids? Anyone know anything about the quiet pool on the villas side of the BW? I loved the quiet pool on the BWI side, but I don't know if the other pool is that pretty. I remember Luna being pretty busy and preferring the quiet pool for the most part, especially in the jacuzzi at night.

Anyone know about the views at the Dolphin and/ or the views around the villas? Are there very long hallways to traverse?

I can tell you firsthand that the quiet pool on the villas side is to die for!
absoluely wonderful. Never crowded, always a lounge chair and pool is great. There is also a jacuzzi right next to quiet pool which we use each and every time we go.
Luna pool too busy,,,you can never get a seat and the jacuzzi is always filled with young young kids

if you go, definitely go to quiet pool on villa side.. There is also a bldg in front of it whereby kids can get video games, play some games,etc. etc.

great place...
our family loves it

 

[CarolA]

Well, I have stayed at both.

My experience was that at the Dolphin on TWO different stays at least one day housekeeping never came. When I called I was told that "They were there" (I guess they just didn't DO anything, just came in an looked around. LOL!)

I perfer the Disney resorts for a lot of reasons, but I do like the Swan/Dolphin. I just wanted to say that any hotel can have a bad experience.

For more info on the villas you might post over on the DVC boards.

 

[minniemoms]

Now I am getting scared we are leaving on Thursday for the BWI, and after reading your review, I am a bit nervous. I have stayed there before, and always found it wonderful, but now, I am almost dreading it. I am so sorry to hear you had a horrible time, I hope they have improved, and that we don't have the trouble.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I can tell you firsthand that the quiet pool on the villas side is to die for!
absoluely wonderful. Never crowded, always a lounge chair and pool is great. There is also a jacuzzi right next to quiet pool which we use each and every time we go.
Luna pool too busy,,,you can never get a seat and the jacuzzi is always filled with young young kids

if you go, definitely go to quiet pool on villa side.. There is also a bldg in front of it whereby kids can get video games, play some games,etc. etc.

great place...
our family loves it

Wow, sounds fantastic. I know I loved the quiet pool on the hotel side, so I guess they are great on both sides. Looking forward to it!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Now I am getting scared we are leaving on Thursday for the BWI, and after reading your review, I am a bit nervous. I have stayed there before, and always found it wonderful, but now, I am almost dreading it. I am so sorry to hear you had a horrible time, I hope they have improved, and that we don't have the trouble.

I'm a little worried about the management issue. I know I LOVED the CMs in BWI's concierge when we did that, and they are the same that cover the YC and the BC, but I also had kind of a lackluster response to a smell issue when we had our last stay over the Flying Fish. Even though I tried to take it in stride while on vacation, in retrospect I wished there'd been more of an effort to move us, considering how bad it was. It definitely had a negative effect on our stay there...and never anywhere else have I spent several hundred a night to be assigned to a horrible smelling room I remember reading about another report where a couple posters had that happen to them at the Poly, and I'm sorry this happened to Lives4Disney. I know on our upcoming stay at the BW, that if there is any problem like this again, I am going to be more assertive about having our problems addressed.

Hopefully, upcoming trips will be great

 

[CarolA]

If you are looking for a Disney hotel with a 100% satisfaction rating you may be looking a long time.... I can't think of one that I have not read a negative review on.

I would look at the "majority" rule and from what I have read most folks really like BW.

 

[minniemoms]

Well, thanks for the help, so hopefully they have corrected the manager, or lack of, problems.... Still can't wait to go....

 

[wdwfan]

I have stayed at both the Dolphin and BWI. I will not return to the Dolphin. On the other hand, I have stayed at the BWI several times and have stayed concierge twice. It remains our favorite resort. It is a shame that others experience a lower level of service. But that is everywhere and not unique to the BWI. I would go ahead with your plans. Look forward to your trip. Ask for what you need at check-in and have it put on your reservation ahead of time. If you are not satisfied when you get to your room then let them know right away that you are not happy. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Merriwind]

Oh, boy. I have bad news for you. I just returned from my first ever stay at the BWI. I have a family of 5, chose a concierge deluxe room (that sleeps 6) and had an awful time. I haven't posted a trip report yet. I was just about to when I saw your post. The management is awful if you have a problem. Housekeeping was a mess. BEWARE of any sofa sleepers in that place. They may be different in the Villas, but ours was a wreck. My son slept on the floor for two nights because the bed was so awful and management lied and told us they would get us an aero as the rollaways were sold out. No aero ever showed up and the guy that promised us that went off duty and then they were sold out of aeros, too. The stay just stunk ( literally) we had this NASTY smell in our room - we think urine from a NASTY rollaway they delivered that sat in our closed up room all day. We all gagged as we entered the room and all agreed it smelled like urine. That situation brought more problems!! It was ridiculous and annoying and odd. We did get quite a laugh out of the whole thing after we moved to the GF. THe BWI was just the worst Disney resort stay ever. MANY problems all just passed from one person to another.

The kicker is, I had a Dolphin room reserved for $169/night for us. We would have brought our OWN aero for my son to stay in that room, but I really wanted my son (without going into detail, he is 15 1/2 and really struggling in HS) to get a good nights sleep and have a rejuvinating vacation. I cancelled that reservation and was so thrilled to get a concierge deluxe room at the BWI. What an ironic joke. I wound up spending close to $600/night at the BWI so he could sleep on the floor. He is not a picky kid, very easy going, but that sofabed mattress should have been tossed years ago. It was not even 3 inches thick and just touching it you could feel the springs and wires. I just feel bad for the kid sleeping on the floor and paying for a room that should sleep 6 while they gave us the runaround.

I will NEVER NEVER NEVER stay at the crappy BWI again. Sorry to disrespect anyone that has stayed there and enjoyed it, but it sucked for us. I was extremely disappointed in the way the issues were handled. They weren't!! I was told by one duty manager that apologized profusely (which she should have as she was the third person and second manager that I spoke with) that the executive housekeeper would be phoning us last Monday or Tuesday about the issues we encountered. Guess what?? No call yet. I am not surprised, either.

There were so many blunders on their part they should be ashamed and I think they are. That's probably why no call to follow up.

I have stayed at the Swan 2X and the Dolphin once and I would stay at either again. My kids liked the Dolphin just fine. I was the idiot that was looking for a bit of Disney magic over our Thanksgiving trip. What I got was a bunch of excuses and apologies and a big bill, but no solutions to make the problems better. I was so happy to leave the BWI!!!!! I tried EVERY morning and evening to get out of that place, but had no luck due to the holiday. NOTHING available - and I would have taken ANYTHING!!!!

Sorry to rant, but I really hated that BWI and the management there and I cannot say much about the concierge team there, either. Hope your stay is MUCH better than mine. I really don't think it could get much worse.

Lives4Disney

Sorry to hear that my TWO horrible housekeeping/management stays at BWV weren't an isolated event. We first stayed December 2000, our first stay as memebers. Our room wasn't cleaned. We had to call to request service the day after our "cleaning day." They left dirty towels, the sofa bed was gross, the corridors had room service trays, crumbs, trash, etc for days. We tried again lat October, thinking that four years surely gave them enough time to work out their troubles.

We walked into a villa that hadn't been cleaned! Sure it looked clean, the spread was on the bed and there were clean towels. But, there was something sticky (and dark colored so visible) all over the kitchen floor and splattered on the fridge. Toothpaste in the sink bowl, makeup on th emirror. Dirty fingerprints all over the slider handle, lock, frame. Dust on top of the entertainment center I could have written my name in. The grossest--the sheets weren't changed. There were crumbs and string in the bed and it obviously wasn't clean. EEWWWWW.

I discovered these things one by one and always have cleaning stuff with me, so I started cleaning. The bed set me over the edge. We went down to the desk. They told us they would send someone up to clean and that tomorrow we would get some super-cleaning. They also paid for our dinner at Beaches and Cream. Can I tell you, two hours later, the spread was back on the bed--with the same string and crumbs!!! The manager we spoke to earlier was conveniently unavailable by phone. DH had to go back down to the lobby to find someone to help us. We had someone up there at 9pm changing the sheets while we watched. The next day, the room did smell like it had been cleaned. By that time, I had done so much cleaning, I couldn't tell how well the place was cleaned. (BTW, after the second time iwth the dirty bed, they did offer to change our room. By then, I had cleaned a lot and I feared what I would find elsewhere.) No one from housekeeping or the front desk followed up with us to see how things were rectified.

The corridors were still gross too. Room service trays got moved around, but never picked up. Trash by the elevators left, etc. We started taking the stairs just to avoid the dirty hallway. Plus, it was good exercise from the top floor!

I did write a letter after we got home and did hear back from DVC. I really wanted not to have BWV as my home resort anymore because I won't return, but they couldn't do that. They did credit me back my first night's points. Sorry to say, because I do own there, but the management and housekeeping both have problems--at least they have when I have visited. I won't be back though--two bad experiences out of two is enough for me. We're trying SSR and BCV next.

To the OP, I am sure that most resorts generally are clean with competent management and housekeepers. There is always the possiblity of a bad experience anywhere. Mine happen to have been at BWV. I hope that yours won't be. Enjoy!!

 

[DizWacko]

Be careful when comparing a DVC studio to a Deluxe hotel room. They are almost the same size .. with the hotel room being slightly larger. HOwever, the biggest difference is the "sofa bed" at the BWVillas. To me, this is an extremely sorry excuse for a bed. If your party consists of more than 2 people, do not expect that 3rd/4th person to sleep comfortably on the sofa pull-out bed in any of the DVC resorts... it just simply does not compare to a real bed .. especially after long days in the parks. I would recommend any arrangement other than 2 adults in a DVC studio.

Other than that, I much prefer the BW theming/ambience to the Swan/Dolphin resorts. Go for the 1bedroom at DVC. Even though the 3rd person STILL has to sleep on a sofa bed, atleast you have a ton of extra space and amenitie .. otherwise choose the Swan

 

[DeluxePrincess]

I had a very moldy smelling room at the Dolphin. Front desk did not seem to care. I have stayed at BWI several times and always had good service. Unfortunatley, no resort is without an occasional problem.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Be careful when comparing a DVC studio to a Deluxe hotel room. They are almost the same size .. with the hotel room being slightly larger. HOwever, the biggest difference is the "sofa bed" at the BWVillas. To me, this is an extremely sorry excuse for a bed. If your party consists of more than 2 people, do not expect that 3rd/4th person to sleep comfortably on the sofa pull-out bed in any of the DVC resorts... it just simply does not compare to a real bed .. especially after long days in the parks. I would recommend any arrangement other than 2 adults in a DVC studio.

Other than that, I much prefer the BW theming/ambience to the Swan/Dolphin resorts. Go for the 1bedroom at DVC. Even though the 3rd person STILL has to sleep on a sofa bed, atleast you have a ton of extra space and amenitie .. otherwise choose the Swan

For us, it's just one adult, one little boy, so there shouldn't be the room issue. I was a little disappointed to find out the studios don't have the jacuzzi tubs after I booked it, but of course, none of our Disney hotel rooms have either and I have a great time enjoying their regular jacuzzis out on the grounds.