I can't decide please help me!

[cindy2939]

I am so overwhelmed. We have never stayed at Dolphin resort or POR riverside before. They would both cost us almost exactly the same because of my teacher's discount at Dolphin. We were all set with dolphin until I read the reviews on eopinion. Now I don't know what to do.

Can anyone tell me pro's and con's of both. Things important to us are quick transportation to parks, the pools (we are going in June), affordable food.

There will be 5 of us in one room. 2 adults and 3 children (8, 14 and 16 years old).

I want this to be a great trip but I can't even decide where to stay this time.

Please help - anyone have suggestions or opinions?

 

[disney queen]

i would choose POR simply because it is disney owned.

 

[DisneyBill]

Cindy,
Swan and Dolphin are indeed operated by Westin. They are also very nice resorts. There is somewhat of a lessor "Disney" sense to their attitude, but very professional and accommodating none the less. Food at S&D will be a touch on the higher side, plus there is a distinct business & convention presence at S&D. Transportation will be about the same, except you could walk from Epcot and Disney Studios [also Fantasia Gardens] to S/D. One other thing, if you stay at S/D you won't be able to use your KTTW cards to charge meals and purchases throughout WDW to your master room bill. You can charge S&D meals and purchases to your room of course. Your kids are perfect ages for the Boardwalk if that is in the budget. CBR is a moderate resort that has a "happening" type of flavor that your kids would enjoy, also CBR has slightly larger rooms than similar resorts. (although I couldn't tell it) Bottom line is your family will enjoy regardless of which on site resort you choose.

 

[Poohlovr]

Let's see--larger rooms, fabulous 3 acre pool area, renovated rooms, 24 hr restaurant, more activities in the immediate area for the older kids if they want to get out for a bit, walking distance to two parks, walking distance to Fantasia Gardens,watching fireworks from your room, looking at Spaceship Earth from your bed as you drift off to sleep, watching the Friendship boats float past your room on their way to the parks,shooting stars on the ceiling, deluxe hotel vrs a moderate, for the same price?

Hands down--SD.

 

[Hallo from Sweden]

Hi !

I have exactly the same problem, choosing between POR and in my case the Swan. POR sounds so nice, but longer walks, not as nice rooms. Sometimes when I´ve stayed at a luxury hotel I have felt dissapointed because most of the luxury stuff is in the lobby, and lot´s of available service which I will never use anyway (like 24 hour roomservice). We´ll be spending 6 nights but arriving late and leaving early so that will be 5 days at the parks. Maybe we´ll have dinner one night at the hotel, so lot´s of restaurants isn´t really worth paying for. What I really like is a very nice, very clean room. I´m also very attracted by the location of the Swan, walking and going by a boat sounds great. My kids (10,12) loves to swim and I think they really would enjoy a great poolarea, but on the other hand, how much time will we be spending there.
Do you think foodprices are generally higher at the Swan, for example breakfast ?
The difference in price is 30 dollars/day and it it´s worth I gladly pay it, it´s not that we have to skip anything else for that.
For me there is also the safetyquestion since I´m on my own with the children (I´ve discussed that under "Safe for single mom").
Still confused, will probably think about it so long that there won´t be any choise left... We´re going week before christmas.
Best regards
Annika

 

[bubblefactory]

Hi

I can't comment on POR because we haven't stayed there but did stay at CB a while back.

We have just returned from 14 days at the Swan we have two DW's ( 7 & 2 ) and I'm happy to answer any questions .

We loved the place and it was so good being able to stroll ( 15 mins ) to the boardwalk and EPCOT. Boats run every 20 mins also to EPCOT and MGM with Disney buses everywhere else.

The pool area is superb.

There were a couple of conferences whilst we were there but it made no difference to us.

It was so good I immediately booked another 16 nights next year.

Alec

 

[sarahsmom73]

I too was faced with the same dilemma for our trip over spring break in April. I ended up getting the Dolphin at a cheaper rate than POR with AAA discount. We will have our 32 month old dd with us and decided on the Dolphin due to the location! I think we made the right decision! I CAN'T WAIT!

 

[dznycrazy]

You don't say excatly when you are going (beginning or end of June makes a big difference). I too was havinig a dilema between POR, Dolphin/Swan & CBR. We are going 12/3-7. When I called to book MVMCP tickets (back in Sept.) the clerk asked me where we were staying. I told her I hadn't decided yet, so she offered to check availability. I'm glad she did. The ONLY place available for our dates was CBR, so that made our decision for us. Depending on how soon you are going, you may want to call and check availability of your choices. That may make up your mind for you...

Sandy

 

[leighe]

I would definitely choose the Dolphin. My parents always used to stay at the Poly, but wanted to be nearer the Epcot area so they chose the Dolphin b/c of my mothers teacher discount. The beds are completely wonderful and and you are within walking distance of so many different things. Plus - it's a deluxe hotel at the same price as a moderate.

 

[Bimmy56]

Both the Dolphin and Swan are great!! - although I do love the beautiful grounds at POR - my favorite moderate. I would highly recommend the S & D - I've stayed in both and POR. Yes, the food in the Swan is more expensive, no counter service, only sit down restaurants, but a short, covered walk to the Dolphin takes you to Tubbi's buffeteria or the Dolphin (soda) Fountain. Both great for kids!

 

[Jen D]

Haven't stayed at either, but personally I would choose the Dolphin in a second, just for the deluxe amenities, and especially for the location. Disney's moderates are very nice, but if the price is the same... no contest for me.

I sometimes hear vague comments about "magic" missing at the Swan/Dolphin, but I think if I was over Crescent Lake, walking distance from both MGM and Epcot, had access to the fun of the Boardwalk, plus the fabulous pool, I think I'd be covered on the "magic" front.

 

[3PRINCESSMOM]

We were definitely leaning toward the Dolphin for upcoming trip, (DH is govt employee), until I called for reservations. It was then that I found out that the rollaway, even for a child, was an additional $25 a night. They won't charge for the extra child if you don't want/need the rollaway, though. My kids are even younger than yours, but we would have needed the rollaway. Perhaps you'll use an aero-bed, I don't know. For us, by the time you added the $25, and the $10 resort fee, if worked out to be even more than the Poly with a post card rate (same as AP). Given that we have 3 young princesses the monorail location won out.

Thought you should know about the charge.

 

[minijeanie]

GO DOLPHIN ALL THE WAY!

Room so much bigger, and if your lucky you will get view of Epcot and see fireworks.

Beautiful being on the water and you can walk to Epcot, boat to MGM. Staying at POR means you have to bus everywhere and depending on what building you are located in could also mean a hefty walk to the bus stop.

Even though Dolphin does have tendency to give a business air, the convenience,room size is well worth it.

You can get all your magic when you are in the parks.

We stayed at BWV....did Epcot during the day and evening, then boated over to MGM to end the day watching Fantasmic,

Back in room at end of show within 20 minutes. You can also walk back to your hotel.

Food in my opinion is not that much more expensive than at POR and you have various choices as well. You can swing over to the Boardwalk and eat at ESPN, or go to Beaches and Crean in Beach Club.

Well, whatever you decide, I am sure you will make the right choice and it will be a great trip.

 

[cindy2939]

Thank you so much for all the help. I have decided on the Dolphin. I called and they still had teacher's rate so we will be staying 5 days in June there.

So I will go read carefully that really long post about the Swan and Dolphin, but if anyone has any great tips or such about staying at the Dolphin please let me know.

I am so excited but it does seem far away.

Thanks again for everyones help.