I prefer the Dolphin over the Beach Club

[Kallison]

Just returned from our Dolphin trip -- stayed at the Beach Club in August with the kids. I preferred the Dolphin:

Dolphin $139 AP rate v.s. the BC $179 rate
Dolphin rate was much easier to get, just called and voila. BC we had to sweat it out until the very end and only got it due to the persistence of Cathy Miller at Dreams Unlimited. I never would have gotten the rate on my own.

Lobby at Dolphin was more impressive to me.

Didn't have to walk miles to the elevator. Also our rooms were by the service elevators at both, but noise bothered me much less at the Dolphin, better insulated?

Dolphin view of TOT and Illuminations, no extra charge. BC view of roof and parking lot.

Dolphin has Tubbis' open 24 hours, ice cream shoppe without a mile long line, lots more restaurants to choose from.

OK this was a BIG one -- PS ressies so easy to make, just push concierge button on phone available to everyone and get connected immediately. BC dial WDW dine and get put on hold for 20 minutes every time.

Employees at Dolphin seemed ready to bend over backwards to make us happy. BC CM's were pleasant but I didn't get that "We'll go the extra mile for you" feeling.

Easier to get to boat, first off on busses from parks.

Cons of Dolphin -

I didn't get to check out the pool, so I"m assuming that SAB is nicer from what I've seen of pictures, also looked like a longer hike to get to the pool.

One sink in the bathroom.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I am a Swan/Dolphin fan for all of the reasons you stated and much more! BTW, the Swan has 2 sinks.

 

[GRAYWIFE]

This was a great post to read. We just stayed in Sept at the BC and LOVED IT! We are staying at the Dolphin in January because we got a great rate for 2 rooms Club level with the Govt. discount. My husband loves the Epcot resort area and the only way we could afford to have to rooms there was to stay at the Dolphin. I was very unsure that I would like it but am happy to hear your rave reviews!!! Now I am really getting excited!!!

 

[jimmiej]

Thanks for the good info. We have ressies for the Dolphin next June. We stayed at the Swan last year & were very satisfied. BTW, the Grotto pool is awesome!

 

[Kallison]

I just thought of one more -- better toiletries. No Mickey soap but I loved that oatmeal bar, glycerin facial bar, little nail file, cotton balls, q-tips, shoe mitt (great for cleaning my glasses), and aloe vera lotion, pastel pink/green bic pens. Plus the maid gave us plenty.

Maid service was better, our room was always made up. At BC many afternoons we came back to a room not yet done and one day the maid even told me that - maybe she wouldn't get to it today!!

I don't think you will be disappointed. The employees were super, seemed like they couldn't do enough. The cashier at Tubbi's even offered to save me a Krispy Kreme doughnut because I asked how early do I have to get up to get them. Oh ya -- KRISPY KREME!

 

[sarahsmom73]

Thanks for the great info! We are headed to the Dolphin in April and I CAN'T WAIT!!!! Now I reall can't wait!

 

[musicmom3]

It was great to read all those things about the Dolphin--thanks! We are headed there on the teacher discount for a week in July. We stayed at BC last July, and was just a little concerned that we might be disappointed in the Dolphin. Now I am looking forward to our trip even more than before! And Krispey Kreme!!!! Wow!!!!!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Also the Swan/Dolphin boat dock is covered. So no waiting in the sun. They have a toll free number and if you join Starwood Preferred Guest (free) you can earn points for a free stay. Last year we got 4 free weekend nights!

 

[3for Me]

O. K. - I've never stayed at the Beach Club, but did go through it a couple of times, and ate dinner there.

Just came back from the Dolphin and CAN NOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE PLACE!!!!!

I thought the staff was tremendous - really went out of their way to help - every last one of them!!!

Helped us find a lost package, answered all of our questions upon arrival, helped get PS's REALLY quickly and effectively too I might add!!!

Pool service was great!!!

Food was good - transportation was terrific. We will definately be back.

 

[aesalsa]

How is the Swan? I've walked through Dolphin (never stayed) and thought that the decor in the hallways downnstairs near restaurants was just plain ugly! I've walked throught the Swan and liked the way it looked much better. I liked the appearance of YC/BC better than the Swan/Dolphin, but I haven't stayed at either of them.

DH and I are going to WDW in Dec. 2005 with my little bro and sis (12 &14 now); it will be a surprise. They've always wanted to go, and now that I am older and can afford to do it, I was wondering which EPCOT resort to stay in (we really want to stay in that area for convenience)?
It seems that the YC/BC are a bit pricey for us (we are not DVC or AP), although we'd like to stay in a WDW resort (never stayed in one).

How much cheaper is the Swan then YC/BC? Can the rooms comfortably sleep 4 people?

Sorry for rambling, but any info you all can give would be greatly appreciated!