Help! I've gotten myself so upset! Dolphin vs. GF

[lark]

Two points that others have not yet raised.

First, the dophin charges a resort fee per night of, I think, about $10. So, for a six night stay, the true cost of the difference is $540, plus the extra tax on $540. (Unless you've already taken that into account.)

Second, for me I'd want to know what room category you were talking about. The standard rooms at the GF tend to be pretty nice; unlike some of the other resorts, even the standard rooms have nice views, or at least the chances of getting a bad one are very very low. (I don't even think there are any parking lot views, for example.) But if view is important to you, there are some standard rooms at the Dolphin that can be disappointing, from what I understand. If you are talking about rooms in better categories than standard for either resort, I think it's basically comparing apples to apples, standard to standard is a little more apples and oranges.

 

[teentoddlermom]

Definitely stay at the GF. I stayed there in '03 and you can't beat the beauty. I would LOVE to be there at Christmas. I love the EPCOT resorts, but I would not choose the Dolphin. I know a lot of people love it there, but to me there is no Disney Magic. What is the theme? The big "dolphin" on the top of the hotel is really a goldfish. Plus I don't like high rises. There is no bad view at the GF. We stayed at the YC this year and it was really nice too, but there is nothing as great as the GF!!!!!

 

[caribbeanme]

Oh good! You're splitting your stay! I was going to echo that suggestion. We also didn't know if we wanted to pay the extra amount for a YC stay even though my sister had her heart set on the pool (we had a great deal at WL). We decided to split, and it was the best idea. We got to save on the first half of the trip (and stay at the WL, which is beautiful), but we got the concierge service at YC, AND Stormalong Bay. Best of both worlds!

Have fun! By the way, kudos on being such a good sister!!

 

[sugermouse]

I would definitely choose the Dolphin over the GF and pocket the $600. To me, the Dolphin is in the best location in all of WDW and offers outstanding ammenities for the price.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Well, I decided to split the stay. I've never stayed in an Epcot area resort so that should be fun and then we'll head over to the GF. I'm still going to suprise DS - have all the stuff packed up and let it be transferred and then suggest taking a break from MK and heading over to GF. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions!

Leighe, great choice. I'm sure you and your sis are going to have an awesome time. I love surprises within surprises.

Tammi

 

[robinb]

You have a rate of only $230 at the GF? I would stay there.

 

[yecats]

I really like the idea of splitting the stay but more on the side of 3 or 4 nights at the Swan and 2 or 3 nights at GF. This really is the best of both worlds, saving a little money while getting to enjoy two different resorts (one of which your sister always wanted to visit). Not to mention that you'll have great access during your stay to 3 parks instead of one or two.

Three suggestions:

First off, I wouldn't tell you to go Commando through the parks at that time of year. I would hit the parks early, use FP as much as possible and then leave time on at least one day at each hotel (maybe just 2 hours in late afternoon) to enjoy the pools at each resort. Your paying so much money that I would certainly take the opportunity to enjoy some of what your paying for especially with the crowds that go during the holiday season. You may find that you and your sister will enjoy the trip so much that you can schedule another small trip in the future in the offseason where you can hit the parks commando. In the end its supposed to be a vacation especially during the holiday season.

Second if you stay at Swan first, use those days to focus on hitting MGM, AK and Epcot (esp. at night). Then if you have 2 nights at GF end the trip by simply going to MK during the day/night and tramming to Epcot at night as well. Don't forget to watch the electrical water pagent while at GF.

Lastly, if you do decide to switch don't tell your sister (tell her a lie then shock her as you originally wanted to do). Let her know that you'll be switching resorts 1/2 way through the trip because rooms weren't available for your entire stay due to the approaching holiday. As I think that you'll have to move your own luggage to GF, you could lie to her and say that your checking in at CR (will explain why your heading in that direction) until you get to GF and she realizes differently.

You'll have a great trip no matter what you do.

 

[leighe]

I have gotten so much great advice! Thank you so much.

Now I have a new question. The morning we will be checking out of the Dolphin and into the GF we have a PS for Cindy's breakfast at 8:30 or so. What is the best way to get to the Dolphin to MK that early in the morning? Also, will Disney move our luggage from the Dolphin? I'm having to rearrange plans a little bit since I didn't plan on being in an Epcot area resort but I really don't want to change that particular PS.

One more question - any particular location to request at the Dolphin? We have a lot of Starwood points because my husband stays in their hotels a lot on business but I wasn't sure if those could be used at the Dolphin or the Swan.

Thanks so much!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Leighe, not sure how much help I'm going to be, but I'll try. Your best bet in the morning is to either take a taxi to the Contemporary and walk over to MK, or the bus from the Dolphin to the TTC.

I thought all Disney resorts transferred luggage, but a quick call to the Dolphin will probably give you your answer.

I don't see why you couldn't redeem Starwood points at the Dolphin. I'm pretty sure that I've read about others doing just that. I'd advise you to call the number on your Starwood card and see what you can get in advance.

Tammi

 

[#1hockeymom]

Tammi gave great advice!
DO NOT!I repeat, DO NOT take a taxi to MK! Stupid me wasn't thinking and we were running late for our sorority breakfast at Cindy's. I finally said, grab a taxi, not thinking about ferries and monorails. If you take a taxi to the contemporary you can easily, and quickly walk! This is, of course, if you don't take the bus from the Dolphin. The buses start an hour before opening so you might be able to just do that.

I think splitting your stay sounds like a wonderful idea! I hope the GF stays a surprise from your sister, but I think you'll both love the Dolphin, too!

Debbie

 

[robinb]

I think you should go directly to your Cindy PS and check into the GF later. Perhaps you can arrange to have lunch at the GF (or tea!) later in the day. That'll give you an excuse to go there without your sister suspecting and then voila! you check in .

 

[leighe]

That's what I'm planning on doing. I can't believe I've kept my mouth shut about this for so long! I'm the worst secret keeper on earth. Now I'm extra excited because we'll be trying out two fabulous resorts! Thanks for everyone's suggestions and advice.

 

[Hieatt]

You can definitely use SPG points at the Swan or Dolphin - one of the great advantages of these hotels over Disney owned hotels that offer no frequent guest benefits. In fact, Starwood has no blackout dates, so as long as there are rooms available, you can use points to book.

On the other hand, if you are getting a really discounted rate ($150 or under) it may be better to pay and EARN more points for the stay. Also, you can use points to upgrade your room - I think only 1000-1500 points per night might get you concierge level.

Not to complicate things further for you, but if you have enough points for and book 4 nights (40,000), they will give you a fifth night FREE! We are doing this between Christmas and New Years - what a benefit: standard rooms that week are over $300 and we are getting 5 nights free for 40,000 points.

 

[swilphil]

Your best bet in the morning is to either take a taxi to the Contemporary and walk over to MK, or the bus from the Dolphin to the TTC.

I'd have to respectfully disagree with this advice. We were staying at the Swan this summer and had an 8:15 a.m. PS at Crystal Palace on a non-Early Entry day. We took the Disney bus directly to MK. We did not have to hassle with going to the TTC and taking ferry or monorail over. I believe the busses start running at something like 7:30 for those with pre-opening PS's. The bus picked us up at 7:45 and we were INSIDE MK a little after 8, plenty of time to take a few pictures when the park is empty.

And yes, the Swan/Dolphin will transfer your luggage to a Disney resort. If you have those SPG points, take advantage of them. You may be able to get a nice upgrade or some free nights.

Sounds like a great trip, enjoy!

 

[leighe]

Oh good. I'm glad to know that we can just get on a bus and to directly there. Much easier than taxis, tranferring, all that stuff! I'm also glad to know that they will move our luggage for us.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Sherry is absolutely right. In the past, the TTC was just that, a transportation center. Now they have a bus stop right at the Magic Kingdom. This was not here on our previous trip, so that's why I thought a taxi to the CR was your best bet. For the ride over to the MK, the Swan/Dolphin doesn't even share a bus with any other resort, so you'll get over there without any problem.

Tammi