Dolphin vs. Wilderness Lodge

[Ned Land]

All things being equal (price, standard view), which would you prefer and why?

What are the pros and cons of both hotels?

 

[Blondie]

Well, both are completely different in terms of theming.

At the WL, it really feels like a big log home in the woods. Very woodsy, warm and welcoming. You don't feel like you are in Florida at all! Disney has done an excellent job in transporting you to another time and place at the WL!

The Dolphin is tropical, light and fun and says 'vacation' at every turn! Palm trees, beautifully themed tropical pool, and some great views of Epcot and MGM and the fireworks from Illuminations and Fantasmic.

The Dolphin ranks superior in the transporation department! It seems like at the WL, it's the last on the circuit or something, even though I know it's not true. It just seems to take forever to get somewhere, with the exception of the MK, where you can boat over.

Having stayed at both, I can honestly say I prefer the theming and transportation at the Dolphin and Swan, but I am glad I got to experience staying at the WL. If you don't stay there, I recommend a visit, even if it's just to walk around the lobby!

 

[jwfla422]

Totally agree with Blondie, we seem to alternate between the 2 since they are in two totally different areas (although I do prefer the EPCOT area a little more)

I like the options of things to do in the EPCOT area while staying at the Dolphin ... (walking along the BW, watching some of the evening entertainment, having a drink outside, etc). There are also a lot of restaurants to choose from in this area.

I like the options of things to do at the FW campground which is a quick boat ride away from the WL also. TEB has a great buffet. There is a campfire every night with a movie afterwards.

These areas are so totally different that if I had to extend a stay I would split it between these 2 resorts since they have such different themes, amenities and access to different places including the parks.

Well hey, we have a trip planned at the Dolphin next month and one at the WL in August. BTW, if there are more than 4 in your party I'd highly recommend the FW cabins

 

[tweety2444]

Having stayed at both, without question the Dolphin is better. We had a horrible time trying to get around using Disney transportation at the Wilderness Lodge. We stayed there about 3 years ago and it took us almost 90 minutes to get to Magic Kingdom by ferry which was the only way to get to Magic Kingdom during the early entry hour at that time. Unless you have a car, it is very difficult to get from one place to another from this hotel. With the Dolphin, you always have the option to walk to Epcot or even to MGM which takes about 15 minutes.

 

[WDW2000]

I agree with the previous poster. The Dolphin and WL are complete opposite ends of the spectrum - I would split a stay between the two. The WL is very relaxing and if you were to wake up there not knowing where you were - you would never know you were in Florida , let alone WDW. The Dolphin is more whimsical, very "Florida" and right in the center of everything I love about WDW! You are literally minutes away walking from countless restaurants and activities. Picking one over the other would depend on how long I had in WDW. If I had 10 days to take everything at a slow pace, I would choose WL. If I had to do everything in 3 days , I would choose the Dolphin. You would not be dissapointed in either.