Help deciding between Dolphin and POFQ!!!!!

[laurenmarsh]

I need help deciding on where to stay.. We've always stayed off property due to traveling with other families. Always got 4-6 bdr houses. We are going for a quick trip in Jan with our 4yr old Alone no others, and are looking to stay at either the Dolphin or POFQ. Any input on both hotels would be great!!!

 

[safetymom]

I changed the title so more people will be able to help you.

 

[laurenmarsh]

Thank You!! I am new to this site...

 

[Ali]

I love POFQ for its size - so small and easy to walk around. My DS6 loves the pool and pool slide. And you have to love the Beignets in the food court. DS loves the food court because of the crayon and lego table by the TV.
I love the boat ride to DTD. It's nice that the hot tub is away from the pool as well. I can't stay there any longer because of the In-room style Air conditioner that is so dirty and noisy. I just can't sleep because of the on and of cycling noises and the dirt, bugs, and stuff on the AC register makes me feel like I can't breathe. Bus always full to standing room only.

I Love the Dolphin for the boat transportation. I love the choices at the Picabu 24 hour restaurant (don't like the prices, but I'm a budget minded teacher). LOve the ice cream at the fountain. Love the white heavenly bed (double bed size though) Love the Epcot view rooms where you can lien in bed and watch the fireworks. Don't love the rooms that smell so badly of mold and must and mildew that you walk in a have to walk out again. Don't love all the construction going on right in the rooms that are being used. Don't love how early the pool closes (9), don't love how they close everything at the pool when there is lightening in the area. Don't love the atmosphere in the hotel (very working formal and feel out of place in a swimsuit or Mickey tshirt). Don't love the vaet parking fee of &16 per night but love the valet parking option. Bus always full!

So, sorry if these don't help, I would choose the Swan. Bigger beds, all new refurbished rooms, close to the food choices at the Dolphin, same boat transportation. Smaller hotel, less people. Sme price as Dolphin.

Good luck!

 

[ScrappinGran]

I have never stayed at Dolphin, but highly recommend POFQ! We loved it so much that we are going back there next year...and our last stay prior to POFQ was the Wilderness Lodge. We loved the compactness of the resort, nothing more than a 5 minute walk from your room. We loved our room. The privacy curtain that separates the sink area from the rest of the room was nice, as I am the early riser, so I could dress, etc. early and then go to the food court and bring back stuff.We enjoyed the food court,my grandkids loved the coloring pages and crayons that were always out, especially if DH and I were dawdling over our coffee. The food was good,too. We ate most breakfasts there and one lunch. I have to confess though that I did not care for the famed Beignets. To me it was like fried dough.
We LOVED that we got picked up first before POR and we always had a seat, even coming home from the parks. The only time we were not dropped off first was whan we were returning from DTD, and had to take the bus because we missed the boat(literally! ) And believe me...when you have tired kids late at night the small size of the resort, with a short walk to your room- matters!
The pool was another favorite spot, especially the Serpent slide. Having life jackets there to borrow was a plus for my grandson.
Mousekeeping was great, we got a towel bunny our first day, and then the grandkids toys were cleverly arranged each day in different spots. CM's were very nice. We just love this resort and felt like it was a hidden jewel in the World.Only thing I regret was because it was so hot last Sept, I didn't try the hot tub. I hope this helps your decision. Good Luck!

 

[Hieatt]

For me, the resorts are all about location. The Swan/Dolphin are within walking distance of Epcot and a short boat ride to MGM --> two parks without having to get on a bus. For the same price, my personal opinion is that the Dolphin wins hands down.

 

[DisneyFanatik]

For me, the resorts are all about location. The Swan/Dolphin are within walking distance of Epcot and a short boat ride to MGM --> two parks without having to get on a bus. For the same price, my personal opinion is that the Dolphin wins hands down.

I agree....100 percent!!!

 

[rie'smom]

The Dolphin is fabulous!! It's a short walk or boat ride to the Boardwalk, Beach Club, Disney Studios, and Epcot. It's a deluxe hotel at a moderate price.

 

[TheresaNY]

Dolphin !! Like others have said: Location, location, location !! Think it is nicer location at Dolphin and easier transportation especially with small child.

 

[Fionasmommy]

We adored POFQ, and I personally would always prefer an onsite resort.

 

[TheresaNY]

We adored POFQ, and I personally would always prefer an onsite resort.

Dolphin is on-site. It is an EPCOT area hotel. Although it is not owned by WDW guests receive most benefits of WDW resorts...EMH, park transportation, etc. You cannot use Magical Express or charge to your room. POFQ is beautiful as well, but Dolphin has a bigger WOW factor and better location in my opinion.

 

[f7prez]

To me the Dolphin and POFQ are not even in the same category.
Go with the Dolphin. A beautiful hotel with interior hallways, excellent restaurant choices on site as well as at the other surrounding hotels Swan, YC/BC, Boardwalk. Short boat ride to EPCOT MGM and Boardwalk. Awesome pool. Nicer rooms.The location is superb.

 

[FINFAN]

The Grotto pool and beach area are coll also at the S/D.....AND the Boardwalk is right there....we LOVE the Boardwalk bakery and being able to see most of Illuminations from the S/D doesn't hurt either ...in case your little one is tired and you would like to be near your room instead of in the park to watch it. We always ride the boat for leisure as well, and you can go over to the Yacht Club marina and rent different watercraft, we like the mouseboats, or (sea racers I guess they are now) I know you may be at MK a lot with a 4 year old, but being able to walk or quick boat ride back from 2 parks for a rest is huge to me....and you also have many resturant choices close by between WS at Epcot, Boardwalk, MGM and of course the resorts all around Crescent lake, BC, YC, & S/D. Even tho S/D has busses, you can also walk/boat to MGM to catch a bus there to another park from MGM or the same to get thru Epcot to the monorail. While the S/D is a large resort, just ask to be in a room closer to the elevators. The Swan is a smaller building, but laundry and most restaurants arein the Dolphin, including 24 hour Tubbi's...or has the name changed?
We have never stayed at POFQ, and the slide looks fun and the grounds look beautiful, and easy access to DTD, but I think the S/D falls more under deluxe than mod. We went one year and stayed 3 nights at the Dolphin and did not set foot into the parks. ( not that we didn't WANT to, but a quick stop over to visit family and on a TIGHT budget)There is Fantasia mini golf right there, boat rental, the pool , we visited other resorts to check them out and hit DTD, free petting zoo at Fort Wilderness. The S/D also offers the refil mugs like WDW resorts. I think the food is higher priced at the S/D, and then there is the daily parking fee if you have a car which is a bummer. Those are my negatives, other than that, we have always enjoyed our stays there.


Pam

 

[nuke]

I've stayed at both and I love both for different reasons. I think with a 4 year old it depends on what you plan on doing. If you are going to spend time in the pool then I would do POFQ. That pool is perfect for smaller kids. It's also nice to be in a compact resort with a little one. Not so much walking before and after the parks.

The Dolphin is definately more of a deluxe resort and the prices for everything are more "deluxe". $11 for a mojito at the bar! rip off!! $2.50 for a small coke from the fountain. Rip off!!
But it is a very nice hotel and you can't beat the location!

 

[kmg1107]

Having recently booked a November vacation to WDW, we were also deciding between staying at the Swan/Dolphin and POR (not POFQ). For us, we decided on POR for a couple reasons that were important to us:

1. We will not be renting a car on this trip, so using Magical Express to get to and from the airport was a big plus.
2. After looking into the Dining Plan, we decided that this would be most practical option for us. It allows us to pay for everything upfront and not have to worry about the cost of meals once we are there. The Swan/Dolphin do not participate in the DDP.

I have stayed at the Swan and really liked it. It definitely had a different feel than the Disney owned resorts, but the location is great if you think you will frequent Epcot or the Boardwalk.

Either way, I don't think you can go wrong. You will have a great vacation!

 

[Fionasmommy]

Dolphin is on-site. It is an EPCOT area hotel. Although it is not owned by WDW guests receive most benefits of WDW resorts...EMH, park transportation, etc. You cannot use Magical Express or charge to your room. POFQ is beautiful as well, but Dolphin has a bigger WOW factor and better location in my opinion.

I know it's technically on-site, but it's not Disney owned so it doesn't have the same magic to me at all. I also really like and rely on both ME and room charging - and IIRC, you can't use DDP at the Swan or Dolphin either.

 

[Lilolvr]

Dolphin!!

 

[Marthasor]

I think if Magical Express and the Dining Plan aren't important to you, I would choose the Swan or Dolphin. Personally, I think the whole charging stuff in the parks to your room is overrated - can't you just use the same credit card you used to pay for the room - it's essentially the same thing, right? I haven't stayed at any of the hotels you mentioned (stayed at BWI, which is across the lake from S/D), but just the deluxe amenities and the close proximity to MGM and EPCOT alone would make me choose S/D. When we stayed at BWI it was great just walking back to our resort after Illuminations at Epcot - no crowds or buses to deal with!!!

 

[webray]

There is no comparison between the two.

PO is a disney moderate resort. Rooms are cute, nothing special.

Dolphin is a true deluxe resort..wonderful ammenties. Excellent area, walk to epcot, quick boat to mgm. Or walk to mgm, boat to epcot. Many dining options within minutes at all the epcot resorts/parks or mgm. Wonderful dining options right at Swan and Dolphin. Great pool area, nice hot tubs.
Great staff, very friendly. Beautiful rooms.

As you can tell..our vote goes for the Dolphin, in fact, we will be up there again this weekend. We love it!

 

[Mazzy]

We have stayed at both resorts and love them both for different reasons.

POFQ is very small, cute, and very short walking distances to everything.

The Dolphin is very large, amazing and longer walking distances to everything!

Seriously, we do love both resorts, but are leaning more towards the Dolphin now, as with our Annual Pass, it's coming out as the same price as POFQ and just has so much more to offer. Bigger pools, bigger rooms, boat transportation to MGM and EPCOT (or you can walk), more choice of where to eat, incredible views of the parks, rooms with balconies (we have got one twice purely for being SPG members), Boardwalk over the bridge, a gym, spa, kids club, hairdressers etc etc!!!!! So lot's more bang for your buck! :thumbs-up We are heading back there next Easter.