Dolphin vs Wilderness Lodge

[mouseRD]

My husband & I are going to WDW in May & staying for 3 nights at the Swan. There was no availability for our last 2 nights there, so we booked the Dolphin for 2 nights. Then I was able to make a reservation for the entire visit at the Wilderness Lodge (I could also shorten the stay there to the last 2 nights). Would you recommend the Dolphin or WL for the last 2 nights? We enjoy all of the parks but particularly Epcot so we wanted at least part of our stay near there. The per night cost is similar at either resort. Thank you.

 

[chatty]

Hubby and I have stayed at Swan/Dolphin/and W/lodge..and that the S/D was corney looking from the distance. However DH and I learned don't judge a resort by the outside appearance. WOW!! We were Blown away by the S/D.. We wish, believe it or not that we were staying at the S/D but were staying at another Disney Hotel instead of the S/D due to a budget trip this May 23rd. We got a Great Discount rate on a moderate resort. Don't get me wrong I am more than happy to be anywhere on WDW Property. I just didn't know how to say how much we love the Class of the S/D..Top Notch all the way!! I DREAM of the day we can go back... We Loved the grounds of the WL, and the boat ride to the MK. But we thought the rooms were small and on the dark side. DH had a problem with the bus transportation, He thought too much to the TTC, and long waits, but that was 4 years ago. I have heard since that buses run better?? Hope this Helps.
Oh!! one more thing. LOVE,LOVE,LOVE that S/D GROTTO POOL!! Plus I felt More WDW feeling at the S/D than at the WL but this is just IMHO..
You'll be fine at either.
Chatty

 

[MPLsDad]

Can you book your entire trip for the Dolphin? This way you won't have to change rooms. I'd prefer the Dolphin over WL, especially since EPCOT is our favorite and the convenience of the location is excellent!

 

[mouseRD]

The Dolphin was unavailable for the first 2 nights of our visit, but thank you for that suggestion.

 

[newtodisney]

Everyone has their own opinions, but never, for any price would I choose S/D over WL. In 2001 we were supposed to split our stay b/w AKL and the Swan. After one horrible, uncomfortable night at the swan we checked out and went to WL. WL was beautiful, convenient and comfortable. The boat is very convenient to MK. Good luck with your decision.

 

[disneycuban]

Even though I haven't stayed there yet, (only 3 more days! ) I think the WL is the best one out of the three. The theming is great, you get a beautiful room and beautiful pool. You also get to be close to MK, which for some reason, helps me sleep better. I think it's also good to have a change of pace and scenery so the WL is my choice. Hope you have a good trip!

 

[disneybud]

Beds are better at S/D....

I would still pick WL...

I have stayed 2 times at Swan.. One time with family with a big group of conventioneers at the hotel and a second time when I was a conventioneer myself at the hotel.. To me seeing a bunch of conventioneers drinking heavily in the lobby is not what WDW is about when on vacation. It just was missing the magic... Total buzzkill with family when we walked into lobby after nice day at parks to encounter a horde of people with name tags and dressed up business casual.. Thought I was at work..Not to say that maybe you will be there when there is no convention going on, but that seems to be what S/D attracts lately...

 

[Mike_in_FL]

I too would choose WL over S/D. We have stayed at the Dolphin twice and Swan once, and have stayed 4-5 times in VWL (plus one stay in WL itself). We love the theming and atmosphere of WL. I know some people are huge fans of S/D, and that's great, but it does not feel the same to us. Entering the driveway for WL almost feels like you are somewhere else, and away from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

Some of the highlights (as I see them)...

S/D pros are:
Great location for EPCOT and MGM
Heavenly beds

WL pros are:
Great theming and atmosphere
Good location for MK
More consistent level of service (it has been hit and miss for us at the S/D - some great, some not very good)
Much prettier hotel!

I think a split stay sounds like a great compromise. That way, you get to sample two very different resorts and can make your own comparison, plus you get to be in two different parts of WDW and can focus your activities accordingly. Of course, all this is IMHO, and YMMV (your mileage may vary)!

Mike

 

[Tigger Woods]

Originally posted by Mike_in_FL
Entering the driveway for WL almost feels like you are somewhere else, and away from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

WL has a great atmosphere, but to some, seems to be off the beaten path. Watching the monorail go by is cool, but I found myself wishing I could get on it! The S/D is in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Disney World, for those who prefer that atmosphere. You should split your stay and have the best of both worlds.

 

[M. Eisner]

We have stayed at both and prefer the WL, especially if you get the same rate. We just like more of a Disney theme rather than the fancy non-disney theme of the Swan/Dolphin.

 

[las3888]

I couldn't agree with Tigger Woods more...WL was nice, but you feel a little cheated not being connected to the monorail. Therefore, it is a nice resort but a little disappointing. We also LOVE S/D...you are really in the middle of everything by EPCOT and the Boardwalk. Plus the resort (either one - S/D) is just great...every amenity you could think of. You can walk to EPCOT or MGM...just a great location - great access to tons of dining options....

 

[Blondie]

Wow, look at all the celebs on this thread!

You are talking about two of my favorite resorts, the Dolphin and the WL!

The Dolphin was booked for the dates I needed in January 2003, so I did some research and got a super rate at the WL using a code. (didn't beat the great rates I've had in the past at the Dolphin however)

Anyway, as much as I adored the WL, I still prefer the S/D resorts and the Epcot location.

The Dolphin and the WL are two completely themed resorts.

At the Dolphin you really feel like you are on a tropical vacation. The color scheme is bright and lively and there are plenty of palm trees all around. And the Grotto Pool is a waterpark in itself.

The WL is like being miles (or should I say states) away from everything! We felt totally removed from all the action. There isn't a palm tree in sight! I felt like I was in the pacific northwest! Great ambiance, warm and inviting lobby, loaded with theming and charm. However, when we were at Epcot, I'd look over and see the Dolphin and feel home sick! Sounds weird, I know, but we've really come to love it there!

So......I am of no help in deciding! Sorry!

I love both resorts, with the Dolphin having an edge over the WL for it's location and transportation options.

 

[mouseRD]

Thank you, everyone for your very valuable input!

 

[B3LM]

I''d have to go WL over S/D, also. I've stayed at both WL and Swan and much prefer WL.

Having said that, since you said that you really like EPCOT, the location of S/D is great for that! You may want to go ahead and consider splitting your stay between the two resorts.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

That's because I would love the Epcot location for the S/D but I would like the MK location for the WL. And besides........I would want some time at my favorite resort!

 

[Kimberle]

We really liked the WL, too!!

I'd split. When you're at the Swan, you can do Epcot/MGM. When you're at WL, you can do MK. Plus, HoopDeeDoo and the Poly dinner show are much more accessable from WL.

 

[3for Me]

Another vote for Swan/Dolphin!!!

Just stayed at WL in February - thought it would be a good time to stay, since it had that "lodge" feel and it was winter, thought I wouldn't miss the beachy, happy feel - WRONG!!

Frankly, I thought the rooms were dark and not very cheerful. Transportation was O.K., but I honestly felt it was BETTER at S/D.

I would ax the idea of WL, but that is just me!

 

[gina2000]

I've stayed at the Swan and the WL. I think you can't beat the S/D Epcot location and the rooms are more spacious and airy. I loved the main areas of the WL but the rooms were dark, a bit dank and in need of refurbishment. The WL pool area is wonderful but very, very crowded.

I wouldn't turn my nose up at either resort but right now I prefer the S/D.

 

[LFTNY4ME92]

Having just returned from a stay at the Boardwalk Villas I would recommend staying in the Epcot resort area. During our visit we dined at both the Swan and the Dolphin and enjoyed them both. You can enjoy many ammenities in that area. You would be able to enjoy all that the boardwalk has to offer. You are within walking distance to both Epcot and MGM. You can walk to play mini golf. You can enjoy the illuminations and wishes fireworks from the boardwalk. It is a wonderful area to stay in. Wish we were still there! Enjoy your time there no matter where you decide to stay!