Hilton Bonnet Creek vs. Swan/Dolphin

[MamaToDavis]

I *think* I've narrowed down our choices to HBC or S&D. We haven't stayed at either hotel, so I'm looking for some input, pros/cons etc.

We plan to travel in Jan 2012 and have 2 boys (ages 4 and 8). I believe we're going to spend the first two nights of our vacation at a Universal hotel and then move to something closer to WDW.

Given the two choices, which would you choose? I know that the S&D offers a teacher's discount. I have a current teacher's certificate but currently unemployed so I don't think I would qualify for the discount. I am also a AAA member, if that helps.

Thanks so much!!

 

[Disney grandma]

If you have a current teacher's certificate you would be eligible for the rate. AAA members get discounts in the restaurants at S/D. If your boys like Star Wars, you will be going to Hollywood Studios for Jedi training, Star Tours and then of course Toy Story. The location between HS and Epcot is a great perk for the S/D, and it is a beautiful resort. They have special rates throughout the year so if you do decide on going there, keep checking their website for your dates to see what is available.

 

[shawy1269]

You will be happy at either hotel. The pool at HBC is much nicer,with a lazy river. S/D you are a 10 minute walk from EPCOT and a 10 minute boat ride from DHS. Plus at S/D you get the privs of Extra Magic Hours and package delivery to your resort. I'm thinking the boys would prefer HBC because of the pool.

 

[MamaToDavis]

Thanks for the replies! HS is one of our favorite parks and we plan to spend more than one day there, so being close would definitely be a plus. We don't utilize EMH, but we could park at the resorts free if staying at the Dolphin, correct? The AAA discount on the restaurants would be great! I'm going to call today and check on teacher rates for the second week of Jan.

As for the pool, the HBC looks awesome but I'm afraid since we're traveling in January there is a good chance it will be too cold to swim. I know my boys would love that lazy river!

And to throw another wrench in my planning, the free dining that was just released has me tempted to book the cabins at Ft. Wilderness. I think that would be way more money though, even with the FD. Ugh!

Thanks again for your help!

 

[ccgirl]

Thanks for the replies! HS is one of our favorite parks and we plan to spend more than one day there, so being close would definitely be a plus. We don't utilize EMH, but we could park at the resorts free if staying at the Dolphin, correct? The AAA discount on the restaurants would be great! I'm going to call today and check on teacher rates for the second week of Jan.

As for the pool, the HBC looks awesome but I'm afraid since we're traveling in January there is a good chance it will be too cold to swim. I know my boys would love that lazy river!

And to throw another wrench in my planning, the free dining that was just released has me tempted to book the cabins at Ft. Wilderness. I think that would be way more money though, even with the FD. Ugh!

Thanks again for your help!

Were you staying in a room or suite at HBC? Don't forget to add the resort fee and parking fee for the S&D. A lot of people forget and that's about $20 a night.

 

[robinb]

I have stayed at all three hotels and they are all very nice. If I were to choose between them, I would go with the Swan or Dolphin because of location and the Swan just because it's a little smaller. You do need to pay a resort fee at the Swolphin, but I believe that also includes WDW parking so you're only paying a bit more there v/s the Hilton and driving into the parks.

FWIW, we stayed at the Hilton in December 2010 and it was a bit chilly but warm enough for my fish of a daughter to swim.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

At the hilton a car is almost a must so factor that in. If you will do a lot of Disney stay at the swan or dolphin otherwise the hilton is good too. You do have to pay 13 to park daily at the Hilton.

 

[MamaToDavis]

Thanks again for the input! I'm still deciding I wish I could make a decision!

 

[newmouse2008]

This is a tough choice.. I have stayed at both and love both.Swan Dolphin has the great location. their pool is nice. Hilton has an amazing pool. Both have great food. Both have bus transportation. It would come down to the rate For me.

 

[chicagoshannon]

We have not stayed at HBC but will be in Sept. We stayed at the Dolphin in June. It was nice. We had an issue with the transport though. There is no bus to HS and the boat does not run before 8am. This was a problem for SWW. I had to walk which wasn't exactly fun in 90 degree weather. The room was a decent size, plenty big enough for 2 parents and 2 children. We also had a crib in the room and there was still room to walk around. It was also a bit difficult to find a counter service type restaurant to eat in. We walked around for a long time before finally finding something.

I'd definitely stay there again but DH says he wouldn't.

The rate we're getting for HBC for Sept was about $60 cheaper per night then the nurse rate was at the Dolphin.

 

[deej696]

I've stayed at both several times each, and I would do Hilton for sure. Much newer and in my opinion nicer hotel than either the S&D. The pool at the Hilton is great, and the available restaurants between Hilton/Waldorf beats Swan/Dolphin. Hilton will have $13 self parking, vs resort fee at S&D, so not much difference there. If price is the same, Hilton is the better value. Unless you're spending a lot of time in Epcot/DHS, in which case, walking from S&D is a benefit that can't be beat...

 

[MamaToDavis]

Thanks again for the insight. One more question: how would I go about getting the best rate to either of these hotels? Do I just keeping the hotel website for specials, or should I check a travelocity/expedia type of website?

I'm leaning towards HBC but may choose S/D if the rate is better. We're traveling either the first or second week of January 2012. The S/D is completely booked the first week, so that's out if we go then. Here's the weird thing, when I plug in our dates on the HBC website (w/ AAA discount) I am getting a rate of $314/night for king suite. The same room is $449/night the week of Jan. 7-14. I can't figure out the rate jump.

 

[robinb]

Thanks again for the insight. One more question: how would I go about getting the best rate to either of these hotels? Do I just keeping the hotel website for specials, or should I check a travelocity/expedia type of website?

I'm leaning towards HBC but may choose S/D if the rate is better. We're traveling either the first or second week of January 2012. The S/D is completely booked the first week, so that's out if we go then. Here's the weird thing, when I plug in our dates on the HBC website (w/ AAA discount) I am getting a rate of $314/night for king suite. The same room is $449/night the week of Jan. 7-14. I can't figure out the rate jump.

The "Dream Res" link at the top of this page is a good start. For instance, it brings up the Hilton for your first week for $188 per night. BUT ... don't think I would pay that much for it as you can get a Disney moderate resort room for less. In addition, you can get Free Dining on your second week starting on the 8th.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I've stayed at the Dolphin and at Hilton Bonnet Creek. The Dolphin has the better location. If the rates were the same, I'd choose the Dolphin. But I really liked the pool at Hilton Bonnet Creek and the rooms are so nice. The rooms were not as nice at the Dolphin (but still just fine). I liked the quick service food better at the Hilton too. But Dolphin has a Disney store, Disney transportation, EMH, walking distance to Epcot, walking/boat distance to HS, and the whole Boardwalk area. So given the Dolphin's location and all those Disney extras, I would choose the Dolphin.

 

[MamaToDavis]

What is the balcony situation at S/D & HBC? Do all Dolphin rooms have balconies? What about HBC?

Thanks!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Thanks again for the insight. One more question: how would I go about getting the best rate to either of these hotels? Do I just keeping the hotel website for specials, or should I check a travelocity/expedia type of website?

I'm leaning towards HBC but may choose S/D if the rate is better. We're traveling either the first or second week of January 2012. The S/D is completely booked the first week, so that's out if we go then. Here's the weird thing, when I plug in our dates on the HBC website (w/ AAA discount) I am getting a rate of $314/night for king suite. The same room is $449/night the week of Jan. 7-14. I can't figure out the rate jump.

I've used lastminutetravel to book Hilton Bonnet Creek - think I paid $87/night or something close to that - might have been a bit cheaper. It is listed as Orlando - 41/2* best value and you can recognize it by the photos.

 

[snappy]

What is the balcony situation at S/D & HBC? Do all Dolphin rooms have balconies? What about HBC?

Thanks!

No balconies at the HBC. I have not stayed at the S/D but I could see there are some rooms with balconies. I think the ones with balconies at the S/D cost more.

Some of the rooms at the Waldorf have balconies, again not all. You have to book one with the balcony.

I have had balconies at the Waldorf both times I had stayed there, but the view was of Downtown Disney I think.

 

[mikat]

We don't utilize EMH, but we could park at the resorts free if staying at the Dolphin, correct?

There *IS* a parking fee at the S/D. As their site http://www.swandolphin.com/feedback/transportation.html says:

5. Is there a fee for parking at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin?
Yes. The daily fees for parking are listed below and subject to change.

Self Parking Fees Valet Parking Fees
Non-Registered Guest* $12.00 for each exit $15.00 for each exit
Registered Guest ** $11.00 + tax per day $18.00 + tax per day

That being said, I still say the location and EMH privileges at S/D outweigh the HBC. We had a fantastic AAA rate for a stay greater of 5 nights of greater - make sure you go to the Starwood site and include your AAA info. The transportation to the parks is Disney transportation, which I would still use for MK, even if you have a car. and the $10.00 resort fee includes bottled water and internet access. We stayed at the Dolphin for Star Wars Weekends and it was an ideal location for DHS, eating at the Boardwalk, and going to Epcot.

 

[MamaToDavis]

There *IS* a parking fee at the S/D. As their site http://www.swandolphin.com/feedback/transportation.html says:

5. Is there a fee for parking at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin?
Yes. The daily fees for parking are listed below and subject to change.

Self Parking Fees Valet Parking Fees
Non-Registered Guest* $12.00 for each exit $15.00 for each exit
Registered Guest ** $11.00 + tax per day $18.00 + tax per day

That being said, I still say the location and EMH privileges at S/D outweigh the HBC. We had a fantastic AAA rate for a stay greater of 5 nights of greater - make sure you go to the Starwood site and include your AAA info. The transportation to the parks is Disney transportation, which I would still use for MK, even if you have a car. and the $10.00 resort fee includes bottled water and internet access. We stayed at the Dolphin for Star Wars Weekends and it was an ideal location for DHS, eating at the Boardwalk, and going to Epcot.

Thanks! I've gotten myself all confused w/ all of these different resorts and their fees. So basically, any rate at the S/D should tack on another $20 for parking and resort fee. I think that's the direction we're leaning.

 

[goofyfordisney]

Thanks! I've gotten myself all confused w/ all of these different resorts and their fees. So basically, any rate at the S/D should tack on another $20 for parking and resort fee. I think that's the direction we're leaning.

You might try calling the Swan/Dolphin reservations 800 # for better rates for the dates you are looking at - I have found that trying to book thru their online reservations is kind of difficult. When you talk to someone live, they may be able to assist you with what the best available rates are.

As far as picking between the Hilton BC and Swan/Dolphin - I think the location of Swan/Dolphin wins for convenience because you could walk to DHS and Epcot or take the boats. Its kind of nice to have the option of walking vs. driving or taking a bus.

Have a great trip!