Dolphin vs. 'onsite' hotels

[hsmamato2]

Well, I found a GREAT deal at the Dolphin for my upcoming planned trip...I am constantly comparing the deal I found with what I might find when/if discounts are released for next November(before T.Giving)
I think it almost evens out (prob. with fees added at Dolphin) except for the ME bus to/from airport..... what do you all think?
I am a changer,so will keep an eye out for upcoming discounts, but I do love the whole boardwalk area....never stayed dolphin though-
If I found a 25% disc. for POR, it would be close in price within a couple of dollars. I plan to do QS oop this trip,so we don't revolve around ADR's this time...
WWYD? which would YOU prefer? I have a res. at Dolphin,but you know we changers can be....

 

[jade1]

Swan & Dolphin has moved ahead of quite a few WDW resorts for us in appeal. Mostly location and WDW transportation (minus ME though), so we use it as a filler here and there during the stays we did bad planning for, or to stretch a stay.

Its above all Values and Mods, and also SSR/OKW/AKV. If we had to use it to get to MCO-it is app $65 plus tip one way for 5 of us.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

So you are comparing it to POR? There is no comparing a WDW mod and the Dolphin. It is a deluxe. If it is based on price alone, I would maybe chose a mod. But if you are considering location, transportation, dining, and luxury, it is the Dolphin everytime.

 

[hsmamato2]

well,considering rental car options at this point, but I know for sure I don't want to pay a parking fee....

 

[hsmamato2]

good to know...I found a rate that is comparable to a disney mod with discount.... I do think the walking to a lot of things factor has me at the Dolphin when comparing the 2 though.....thanks for all the input! I found some good rates at quikbook based on another thread on the Dis...

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

well,considering rental car options at this point, but I know for sure I don't want to pay a parking fee....

Weigh the difference in the cost of a shuttle/taxi from the airport against the car rental and parking. There are plenty of discount codes to try on mousesavers .com that may get you a lower priced rental.

As far as the parking fees, it is a fairly common thing for hotels and resorts. Any time you stay anywhere near a city, you will pay a parking fee. Heck, we paid for parking at the Hilton in Myrtle Beach during spring break. The only big tourist spot that i have been to lately without a lot of parking fees is Las Vegas, and all those gamblers help pay for that, lol.

The parking fees are just included in your WDW room rate, along with the cost of ME, EMH, and wi-fi. One reason why WDW rooms are so overpriced.

 

[pigletto]

How long is your trip and are you opposed to moving? I priced out the Dolphin and was very tempted. The plan was to do a value resort on either end so we could use Magical Express and just use a taxi to move. Then there would be no parking or car rental fees. However we had 10 nights to play with so it wasn't a big deal to stay in a value on arrival and departure nights. I ended up going with something else but would consider it in the future. The location is second to none IMO. We love DHS and Epcot so that's the perfect location for us.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, but if you opt for a resort that charges parking fees and you have a vehicle that needs to be parked, then you need to pay the daily parking fee.

Something to include in your calculations/decision.