Dolphin vs Riverside

[Katlyn.rego]

I originally had booked AKL for a trip this fall. Once they announced Riverside was reopening we booked that to save a decent amount of money. At the time Swan and Dolphin were more expensive, but now I see that Dolphin (fees included) is about the same as our Riverside reservation. I've never stayed at Swan or Dolphin before. Being so close to Epcot and HS is definitely appealing. But I'm not sure how the buses to MK and AK compare? We'd also lose out on Magical Express. We really like the quiet pools at Riverside and it seems Swan and Dolphin have comparable. Would you recommend switching to Dolphin or staying with Riverside? It'll be my fiancé and I, mid 20s. He's not as into Disney as me and we will want to take midday breaks. Thank you!

 

[Marionnette]

I originally had booked AKL for a trip this fall. Once they announced Riverside was reopening we booked that to save a decent amount of money. At the time Swan and Dolphin were more expensive, but now I see that Dolphin (fees included) is about the same as our Riverside reservation. I've never stayed at Swan or Dolphin before. Being so close to Epcot and HS is definitely appealing. But I'm not sure how the buses to MK and AK compare? We'd also lose out on Magical Express. We really like the quiet pools at Riverside and it seems Swan and Dolphin have comparable. Would you recommend switching to Dolphin or staying with Riverside? It'll be my fiancé and I, mid 20s. He's not as into Disney as me and we will want to take midday breaks. Thank you!

I would switch. You can always walk over to the Boardwalk or YC to catch theme park buses if you find that the Dolphin transportation is too slow or erratic.

 

[Turksmom]

I originally had booked AKL for a trip this fall. Once they announced Riverside was reopening we booked that to save a decent amount of money. At the time Swan and Dolphin were more expensive, but now I see that Dolphin (fees included) is about the same as our Riverside reservation. I've never stayed at Swan or Dolphin before. Being so close to Epcot and HS is definitely appealing. But I'm not sure how the buses to MK and AK compare? We'd also lose out on Magical Express. We really like the quiet pools at Riverside and it seems Swan and Dolphin have comparable. Would you recommend switching to Dolphin or staying with Riverside? It'll be my fiancé and I, mid 20s. He's not as into Disney as me and we will want to take midday breaks. Thank you!

I'd switch to Dolphin without hesitation, BUT POR is a much quieter resort, so if that is important to you, you may want to stay put. As PP mentioned, there are plenty of transportation options, so I wouldn't be put off by that.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I would absolutely switch to Dolphin. Since you’re two adults traveling together Epcot at dinner is probably going to to be your jam and Dolphin will make that so easy!

 

[a1tinkfans]

Tough call imho. Love Riverside with the carriage rides.. will they be back, easy nice boat ride to Disney springs for tons of restaurants n bar time without a Entrance fee, lol. Great resort but I’d only stay Preferred AB snd request 14 or 18 and hope for best. It’s a tough one and if ME matters to you And Disney ambiance imho, I’d stay por. Wherever u stay have a great time, stay safe n Pixie dust ur way

 

[disneydreamer1980]

Keep in mind that the Dolphin is considered a deluxe so it will allow you to access the deluxe-resort-only extra magic hour evenings. Plus it’s got a better location IMO and access to lots of good options, and the pools are awesome

 

[loves to dive]

I'd go Dolphin hands down. We stay there almost exclusively now. I was hesitate about staying there the first time because it wasn't a Disney hotel. I couldn't beat the price though since I usually stay Deluxe in the Epcot resorts. After that first time, it was an easy decision. We drive so ME isn't an issue. I think for two adults, it's probably a good choice.

 

[Silver saucer]

Dolphin for sure. Have a great trip where ever you stay!

 

[unrequited23]

I would switch to the Dolphin, but I think it only has full size beds vs queen beds at POR. Not sure if that is a deal breaker for you.

 

[nkereina]

Is Dolphin still busing people to TTC only for MK? I know that was in place for a while, but not sure if that's still the case. Also make sure when comparing prices that you're including the per-day resort fees that Dolphin charges.

 

[rangerxenos]

Just FYI, if you are a Costco member check them out for Swan & Dolphin, the resort fees are included in their quoted price and you'll only have to pay for parking for the first 5 nights on a longer trip. You do have to book a package, though, so either rental car and hotel, or hotel and tickets.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Is Dolphin still busing people to TTC only for MK? I know that was in place for a while, but not sure if that's still the case. Also make sure when comparing prices that you're including the per-day resort fees that Dolphin charges.

Yes.

 

[NCDisNut]

I stay at the Dolphin frequently and really like it. I have never taken their transportation, though. You have things to do on the boardwalk. You can walk to HS or EPCOT. You have boats, walking and skyliner on the boardwalk. It's an easy walk to the HS buses. I stayed at Riverside once and it just wasn't my thing. When I was doing a lot of business traveling, I had a bunch of starwoods points and we'd use them to stay there. They also upgrade your room with the AmEx platinum.