Help me choose....

[Disneylover79]

We are going "home" end of next month and we, I mean I, am trying to figure out what hotel to stay at....I want to stay at a monorail resort but that is going to have to be next time ( I am going to rent DVC points), so now I am thinking Swan/Dolphin ( I have never stayed there) but DBF wants to stay at a value in order to save more money for the the monorail resort next time....

So I am between POP and Swan/Dolphin...what do you think....Post coming

Please also post why you choose the resort you did, so I can get pros and cons....also if you want to post another resort that is fine too...TIA

 

[Rora]

I voted POP. Save the money to go all out on the monorail resort!

 

[LoriABil]

I voted POP, as I agree on the money saving part, but we checked into staying at the Swan/Dolphin and decided not to...I will tell you the reasons why; maybe they will help in your decision making process.

First, friend staying there said it was horrible. Granted, it was for a convention and he is used to the Hilton or Marriott; not there solely for WDW. Described mildew smell, dirty bathrooms, slow elevators, poor housekeeping. He is not overly picky, so we took this to heart.

Second, no ME. We have always h a great experience with ME, and DH thinks it's not really a vacation unless someone else is doing the driving for you.

Third, no restauraunts that accept the DDP, which we have used. It's nice to have options at your resort.

BUT, it is in close proximity to the Boardwalk and Y&BC, so there are options there... And anything walking distance to Epcot is awesome I think
Also, if you have kiddos, it is across the street from Fantasia Golf course (mini golf)

That said, I think you really just sleep in the room anyway. I'm there for the parks! POP looks like a fun place, IMHO. Plus, save money for the nice, big resort next time

Hope that helps! Good luck choosing. I'm sure whichever it is, it will be a great vacation!

 

[tink_n_pooh]

I voted other.... I like the idea of saving money but I've stayed at POP and it was just unpleasant, loud, crowded, just way too many people in the amount of space and resources for my liking. I would vote for a moderate, maybe POR or rent points and stay in a studio at a DVC resort. Depending on when you are staying if you rent points for $10 a point (i think thats still about the going rate) you could get a studio for $90-120 a night. DVC resorts have more resources (full service and counter service food) and are more like deluxe rather than values - plus you get a lot more space in your room, and a kitchonette

 

[Disneylover79]

I voted POP, as I agree on the money saving part, but we checked into staying at the Swan/Dolphin and decided not to...I will tell you the reasons why; maybe they will help in your decision making process.

First, friend staying there said it was horrible. Granted, it was for a convention and he is used to the Hilton or Marriott; not there solely for WDW. Described mildew smell, dirty bathrooms, slow elevators, poor housekeeping. He is not overly picky, so we took this to heart.

Second, no ME. We have always h a great experience with ME, and DH thinks it's not really a vacation unless someone else is doing the driving for you.

Third, no restauraunts that accept the DDP, which we have used. It's nice to have options at your resort.

BUT, it is in close proximity to the Boardwalk and Y&BC, so there are options there... And anything walking distance to Epcot is awesome I think
Also, if you have kiddos, it is across the street from Fantasia Golf course (mini golf)

That said, I think you really just sleep in the room anyway. I'm there for the parks! POP looks like a fun place, IMHO. Plus, save money for the nice, big resort next time

Hope that helps! Good luck choosing. I'm sure whichever it is, it will be a great vacation!

I know you said no ME, but does WDW transportation pick up there, and thanks for all of your help.

 

[Disneylover79]

Thanks for all the help and opinions you have given me...keep them coming

 

[Aisling]

I don't think you can Extra Magic Hours with Swan/Dolphin. That would be a factor in my decision.

 

[Disneylover79]

I don't think you can Extra Magic Hours with Swan/Dolphin. That would be a factor in my decision.

Good point, if that is true then as you said my decision is made..anyone have the answer to this?

 

[Liberty Belle]

I chose POP because A) that's what your DBF chose (and for a sensible reason), and B) I've been wanting to stay at POP.

 

[ThanksForNoticingMe]

Swan and Dolphin most definitely have Extra Magic hours...they just don't have the transportation from the airport to the hotel.

And as far as quality the Swan and Dolphin are considered Deluxe...POP is a value. That should tell you something about the quality of each resort as well as their ammenities.

If they were fairly close in price, which they often are...I would defn. choose Swan/Dolphin over POP.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

If monorail is your dream, I would stay at Pop.

Swan/Dolphin from what I understand are lovely and not being "Disney operated" hotels--you can get a higher standard of service for less cash than it would take at one of the "Disney operated" deluxe resorts.

But again--if monorail resort is your goal, I'd have to go with DBF on this one.

And Pop is my favorite Value. Since they did not completely build it out, bus service is very convenient. And I love the nostalgia. It's truly the only value that I enjoy anymore. I lost the love for the all star resorts--I find them way too busy.

ETA: My opinion is based on an assumption that you will be saving hundreds on this....if it only costs you $20 more a night...I'd go with Swan/Dolphin.

 

[Planogirl]

Can you save money AND stay at the Swan/Dolphin? I've always wanted to stay at the Swan though so I'm biased. I love the look and location!

 

[Luvchefmic]

I voted POP love the atmosphere, love the buses, ok I never stayed at Swan but I don't consider it a Disney experience ....just MY opinion no flames

 

[Judy from Boise]

My family loves the Swan. We have stayed at the Swan or Dolphin at least 8 times. I could go on and on but here are just some things that make the Swan worth the extra money......

Walk to the Boardwalk and Epcot (We also walk to the Studios, it is a little less than a mile) or boat if you desire.

King size beds with a truly decadent linen package

In room starbucks coffee

A huge pool complex with food service, a sandy shore with hammocks, a waterfall and slide

 

[phorsenuf]

The Dolphin doesn't have frozen margaritas at their bar. 'Nuff said.

 

[Buckalew11]

Pop is probably my favorite value resort.

However, having been blessed to stay at the S/D many times now, I must say the friend of the PP did not have our experiences for sure.

The swan and Dolphin have been without exception the cleanest rooms we have stayed at on WDW property. I have said it over and over again--their housekeeping could teach mousekeeping a thing or 2 (or 3!)
I've never experienced any musty, mildewy smells at either resort.
And actually, there elevators are the fastest I've been in anywhere!

You get EMH, package delivery, great service, very good food. Even Picabo has good food and probably has the best team around the property! We were marveling in january that so many of the workers there have been there for a long time AND remember us. Plus the best ice cream is there!!!!

Transportation from the airport is the only thing that would be really, really nice. But the resort, the people who work there, the grounds, the beds are terrific.

If there is anyway possible, go for it. The convenience of the boats and walking distance to Epcot and DHS is great. I cannot brag on the S/D enough. It is an absolutely wonderful resort and I miss it the same way I miss WDW when I'm not there.

 

[Planogirl]

I voted POP, as I agree on the money saving part, but we checked into staying at the Swan/Dolphin and decided not to...I will tell you the reasons why; maybe they will help in your decision making process.

First, friend staying there said it was horrible. Granted, it was for a convention and he is used to the Hilton or Marriott; not there solely for WDW. Described mildew smell, dirty bathrooms, slow elevators, poor housekeeping. He is not overly picky, so we took this to heart.

Second, no ME. We have always h a great experience with ME, and DH thinks it's not really a vacation unless someone else is doing the driving for you.

Third, no restauraunts that accept the DDP, which we have used. It's nice to have options at your resort.

BUT, it is in close proximity to the Boardwalk and Y&BC, so there are options there... And anything walking distance to Epcot is awesome I think
Also, if you have kiddos, it is across the street from Fantasia Golf course (mini golf)

That said, I think you really just sleep in the room anyway. I'm there for the parks! POP looks like a fun place, IMHO. Plus, save money for the nice, big resort next time

Hope that helps! Good luck choosing. I'm sure whichever it is, it will be a great vacation!

Which one did your friend stay at? Since they are independent from one another, the other might not have the same issues.

 

[DBL101]

Not even close. Swan/Dolphin lets you walk to two different parks. They often have deep discounts if you check out MouseSavers or the Swan/Dolphin thread.

 

[parrothead365]

Wilderness Lodge

 

[Handbag Lady]

We had the same problem, too, in planning our upcoming trip and decided to split the stay between the two places we wanted.

I voted for POP for you because of the price and therefore you can save for a Monorail place later. Plus, the perks of on-site outweigh (at least for me) staying at the Swolphin.