Drury Disney Springs vs Dolphin?

[JenniferFolsomCa]

I can't decide. Headed to Disneyworld with my 22 year old daughter in December! Planning on 2 park days, and 3 rest days (1 for shopping, 1 for resort hopping to see holiday decor and 1 flex day to do whatever, mini golf, water park? swim?) No car, relying on uber or shuttles. I definitely want to stay at a place that gets us into the park 30 minutes earlier and have 2 very full park days. I've narrowed it down:

Choice #1 Drury Disney Springs
Pros: new/clean so less allergy issues?, free breakfast, won't use the kick back benefit, decent pool/jacuzzi but nothing special, walking distance to Disney Springs which we plan to visit 1 day.
Cons: even though we can get in 30 minute early not sure if the shuttles will get us there that early? Not close to any parks to pop in and grab a jacket, etc.

Choice #2 Dolphin
Pros: location, could walk to Hollywood Studios or Epcot, close to skyliner, take a boat to the park, super nice pool.

Cons: About $70-$80 more a night, not going to use the extended evening benefit for our dates, rooms were old on our last visit, not sure if they have updated. food might be harder to get/more expensive in the Boardwalk area. Bad reviews.

Am I missing anything? Any thoughts on either of these?

Jenn

 

[gottalovepluto]

I’ve had great food at Swolphin and felt the rooms at Dolphin were in fine shape. Trip Advisor reviews are waaaaay too negative for this property. Are you even visiting EP/DHS though? If not Dolphin is a harder sell.

If you are I think Dolphin is an easier sell, the access by boat is such a time saver on a short trip, the pool area awesome and the food choices at Swolphin are very broad.

 

[JenniferFolsomCa]

Thanks! 4 nights/5 days
My current plan is
+ Day 1 Visit Disney Springs, see the the Christmas trees
+Day 2 Hollywood Studios and then hop to MK
+ Day 3 Use Disney transport and hop around resorts, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary, have a drink or 2 at the bars, eat, see the decorations, maybe do a scenic walk by the lake like Grand Floridian to MK but not go in?
+Day 4 MK/EP
+ Day 5 floater day, sleep in, Christmas mini golf? Disney Springs again? more resorts?

 

[Skippyboo]

It would be easier to resort hop if you were onsite rather than out in Disney Springs.

 

[NothingClever]

Unless I was planning on spending a lot of time in Disney Springs, I would choose Dolphin 10 out of 10 times. In full disclosure, I've stayed at Swan/Dolphin many times and never at the Drury. The amenities/restaurants at Dolphin are very nice and the location is about as good as it gets IMO. Good times ahead no matter which one you choose!

 

[hsmamato2]

Dolphin for sure. can't beat the location- Drury is the farthest from Springs so it's a bit of a walk over to there-

 

[Skippyboo]

I am staying at the Drury tomorrow for a night before my cruise. It’s seems great for short trips but not ideal for what you want to do especially without a car.

 

[White Cat]

Dolphin. No doubt about it.

 

[PetePanMan]

Dolphin for sure given better access to two parks

 

[CeCe0906]

Also Dolphin has the deluxe Disney extras, so if interested in the new premier pass, there is that. Also on-site gets earlier access to the other LL passes Also, and early entry. We love staying at Dolphin, earning Marriot points, and especially the boats to DHS and Epcot. Also easy skyliner access to resort hop, if that's your thing. Monorail to MK from epcot. Busses are the same for AK. MK goes to transportation center, but if that annoys, it's a real short walk to Boardwalk Hotel or even Yacht Club and their busses go direct to MK entrance. Nice pool area, and we often eat by the pool on arrival day. Disney mini golf nearby also.

 

[kevtlas]

Another vote for Dolphin