Dolphin vs. Moderate

[Dismom63]

I can't decide... Do I take advantage of the teacher discount rate at the dolphin or stick with a tried and true moderate? My family of 4 always travels during school vacations (aka. no discount season) so rack rate at a mod. is equal or HIGHER than my rate at the Dolphin. Some negatives about conventions and service are making me leary of trying the Swan or dolphin.
I really would love to hear people's opinions.
Thanks
Sharon

 

[NancyIL]

I've stayed at the Dolphin but not a moderate. Why not give the Swan/Dolphin a try - you just might love it! If not - you can go back to the tried and true next time.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Well, I would always stick with my beloved Dixie Landings - UNTIL - I stayed at The Swan on gov't discount!

The location is so perfect. The transportation options are so much easier, and to me, that made a huge diference in how I felt at the end of the day.

I have stayed at POR (DxL) many times, with my DH and also solo. I stayed at The Swan only by myself.

I had a great time at each place.

 

[dreamflight99]

Hello Disnurse...Having stayed at EVERY Disney-Owned Property w/exception of the AKL (next visit), I PREFER the Dolphin! There are TOO MANY resons to list here for the preference, but the negs. recently posted represent the "minority", as do most inferior experiences (Otherwise, such properties would "FOLD"..lol).

I recall you stayed at the Swan, and loved it (correct?). Try the DOLPHIN...you will be very pleased. Have you read Glory Days recent post on this board of her Dolphin Stay? It is worth your time to take a peek.

Either way, enjoy!!

 

[BadgerBruce]

We are 2 adults who love Dixie Landings, but for our tastes we take any of the Crescent Lake resorts if they are available at a reasonable price. It is our favorite location at WDW. We've stayed at the BC, BWV, Swan & Dolphin, and would happily return to any of them. You will miss the food court of the moderate, but the proximity to Epcot & the Studios and the many dining & entertainment offerings in the area are wonderful. Have a great trip!

 

[Ityldu]

I love this question, because it's such an easy one. I've always loved DxL and have heard so many fantastic things about CSR that I really want to try it. The problem is the Dolphin is so amazing that there's no way to justify staying at a moderate when you can get the location and amenities of a deluxe for the same price.

We swore we'd never stay at S/D, but ended up there by accident in 2000. We fell in love with the place and now make it part of every Disney vacation.

 

[IvyandLace]

This is exactly MY dilemma also!!! I haven't stayed at a moderate or a deluxe yet, though, so I don't know what I would be missing at either. What I would like is to know if the Swan/Dolphin has a hot tub. Besides the romantic feel of PO, my DH and I would like a hot tub to use at the end of each day. The Dolphin/Swan have GREAT location which is definately a plus. Any other pluses that I should know about before making my decision??? Thanks!

IVY

 

[Ityldu]

I don't remember if S/D have a hot tub, they have a number of different pools, but we've only used the Grotto pool.

As far as other benefits, after location my fav. benefit is the amazing views. We had a corner room last time and watched Illuminations fireworks from bed. Both times we were upgraded, for free, to the most amazing views of BW, MGM and Epcot.

The poolside restuarant is one of our fav. places to eat. Nice gamerooms in both resorts. Lovely beach with volleyball and hammocks. I believe there is also a kiddie area with squirting sidewalks.

People have complained about too many conventions, but we have yet to notice any. As a matter-of-fact, we've run into more conventions/weddings at Contemporary and GF.

Let me know if you have any further questions and make sure you check out Glo's fantastic S/D site. I'm a huge Dolphin fan, mostly b/c I expected to absolutely hate the place and still can't get over how amazing it is. Make sure you check out the shooting stars in the lobby, I can't wait to see them in June.

 

[NancyIL]

Yes, the Swan/Dolphin has several hot tubs!