HELP me decide don a resort QUICK!

[sleepingbeauty607]

I am hoping someone can help me decide on which resort to book.

Cast :Me (39), DH (48), DD (7)
We stayed at the Poly last year and while it was very nice and convenient, I cannot see paying that much money this year. So we decided to do a moderate or the Swan/Dolphin. We did CB and CSR previously so the choice is between:

POFQ
POR
Swan
Dolphin

The cons for the Swan/Dolphin are that you cannot do the dining plan and we kinda like that. But the plus is the boat transportation to Epcot and MGM. (we dont care for the busses but I can sacrifice for the sake of a table service meal daily I think)

What would you do? Have any of you stayed at any of the above resorts and can compare them for me? I would love to get this decision made ASAP so I can start making dining reservations.

We will be traveling in late June.

Thank you!!

 

[spiceycat]

POR is nice has 2 double beds. so does POFQ and Dolphin.

think the swan has 2 queen beds - if that matters to you.

if you can get one of the Dolphin/Swan discounts would go with it.

otherwise POR has both a food court and restuarant. POFQ only has a food court.

POR has several pools, POFQ only has the main pool.

POR is much, much bigger than POFQ.

so if you don't mind a big resort go with POR otherwise POFQ.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We LOVED the Swan. This year we are trying the Dolphin. I would go with S/D. We don't use the dining plan, so that was no big deal to us. The location can't be beat.

 

[cara loves the poly]

Not to confuse you more, but I have heard wonderful things about the Wilderness Lodge, I believe the cost is about the same as the Swan/Dolphin. To answer your question, I would choose the Swan.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Not to confuse you more, but I have heard wonderful things about the Wilderness Lodge, I believe the cost is about the same as the Swan/Dolphin. To answer your question, I would choose the Swan.

The cost of S/D is much less than WL if you can get the teacher/nurse/gov. rate. We are paying $179in May, and last year we paid $149 in June. Our standard room at WL was $240 in June.

 

[trivial]

sleepingbeauty, what we did is stay at a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort by renting points from a DVC member. We stayed at the BoardWalk Villas, right next to the Swan/Dolphin, in a studio for $149/night (preferred view, mid-January), were able to get the Disney Dining Plan, and were within walking distance of Epcot and Disney MGM Studios (now Disney Hollywood Studios). This sounds like a great solution for your family (another option is the Beach Club Villas across the lake, although the BoardWalk is my preference).

The DIS Boards has its very own DVC rent/trade board. For information on renting DVC points, check out these links:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1442533
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1255828

 

[trivial]

(Grrr, slow boards have me double-posting.)

 

[goofy4tink]

I love the Dolphin and POR. The Swan was okay, never stayed at POFQ. The other things you need to keep in mind are that the S/D are not eligable for DME. You have to get your own transportation to the resort. Also, you can't charge to your room key. They also share bus routes with BW all the time and with YC/BC some of the time. But, it's nice to be so close to Epcot and the Studios. And the S/D share a wonderful pool area. Much nicer than the moderate resorts, and nicer than some of the deluxe resorts.
It all depends on how much you are willing to spend, and what rates you can get. WL can be a nice option as someone else mentioned.
The dining plan is not enough for me to base my resort choice on. I would much rather stay in the resort that appeals to me. Yes, I've done the DDP and it just isn't the same value it used to be. It is convenient though...not having to worry about how much to budget.
I love POR..it's great theming. The landscaping is really nice. It's so pleasant to just walk around that resort. I like the food court. The buses were never an issue for us..always had decent bus service.

 

[Disneychix]

I love love love the Dolphin. You can't go wrong with the location. Boats to Studios and Epcot (or walking). The BW area at night is the best and there are many food options available in this area.
However, you have a 7yr old and I'd imagine she'd love a little Disney which you will not find at the S/D.

 

[annie1995]

Definately POFQ!!! Oh so pretty, great pools(you can use both POR and POFQ), cafeteria was really good too!!

 

[PolynesianPixie]

I have stayed in all but the Dolphin. Despite the great location of the Swan, I would go to POFQ, my 2nd choice would be POR. Just love that beautiful WDW theming! Swan is nice and lovely, don't get me wrong, but PO does a wonderful job submerging you in the Disney magic!

 

[Sleeping Becca]

To me the dining plan should not come into your decision. The 2008 dining plan does not include gratuity and no longer comes with an appetizer for the table service meal. It is not the dining plan of yesteryear! It is no longer a great value and now that you have to pay the tip out of pocket the convience factor is gone.

The 2008 dining plan gets a huge thumbs down from me!

 

[rie'smom]

I would choose the S/D. DH bought me points at BWV last year for Christmas. Sweet but after having stayed there twice (2 bd BWV view and 1 bd standard view), I still prefer the S/D.

Convenience to Epcot, MGM, Boardwalk.

We took the bus to MK and a cab to AK. The cab was about 9 bucks. I don't like the busses either but at the MK it drops you right at the monorail.

The discounts are great. I volunteered at DD's school and they wrote a letter saying I was an important member of the support staff!

You get away from the all Disney all the time, yet look out of your window and you're likely to see Epcot, MGM, or the Boardwalk.

To me, it's the best of everything with a fantastic staff.