if You had a choice.....

[hsmamato2]

...to bring a WDW newbie on a one night visit (tagged onto something else) just to enjoy some time at the property,try some restaurants and soak up the ambiance.... which would you choose, The POR or Dolphin/Swan? and why? I've stayed at POFQ in the past,and loved it- but usually stay S/D,and really love the whole boardwalk area for relaxing..... we want to hang out a D Springs,etc also. Wracking my brain with this choice...... I like all kinds of places onsite, but for the others in my group..... torn between easy and good breakfast options in the morning too...at POR we could get beignets right nearby, at Dolphin there's Fresh..... views at night? probably better at S/D,right?

 

[jpeterson]

If you intend to spend time at Disney Springs POR has a water taxi right to it. That might work in its favor.

 

[Babsy]

So much goes into a resort choice. It depends upon so many factors........but based on the info you've shared:

I would go with the Swan or Dolphin. The resorts are great, newly refurbished rooms, and a wonderful location steps from the Boardwalk. You have really good dining options there as well. The beignets at POFQ are good, but not nearly as good as Fresh, IMO. If you aren't going to the theme parks, there are activities around the Epcot loop and you can show them what the Disney resorts are like in that area. The grotto pool is really pleasant as well.

Yes, you can watch the high fireworks from Illuminations at night - you can even book a room at the Dolphin with a balcony and an Illuminations view!

DS is still an option, although via bus not boat. I really would prefer the Swan / Dolphin.

Good luck choosing!!!

 

[houstonmama]

I would do Swan...the BW area is really, really nice. I am new to WDW (first trip at 40, six years ago) and never would have guessed WDW would have a nice area like that. While I do like POR the BW has more of a Wow! factor.

 

[Shanti]

...to bring a WDW newbie on a one night visit (tagged onto something else) just to enjoy some time at the property,try some restaurants and soak up the ambiance.... which would you choose, The POR or Dolphin/Swan? and why? I've stayed at POFQ in the past,and loved it- but usually stay S/D,and really love the whole boardwalk area for relaxing..... we want to hang out a D Springs,etc also. Wracking my brain with this choice...... I like all kinds of places onsite, but for the others in my group..... torn between easy and good breakfast options in the morning too...at POR we could get beignets right nearby, at Dolphin there's Fresh..... views at night? probably better at S/D,right?

I'd choose the Swan or Dolphin, because there are many nice restaurants in the area, you can walk to Fantasia mini-golf from there, you can walk to Crescent Lake & rent a little boat to drive around, you can do one of those tandem bicycles on the Boardwalk or take in a magic show. You can also see fireworks at night. It also has a very nice pool.

 

[ZebraDomeCrazy]

I think I would go with POR. The resort is lovely, but it also has the wonderful boat ride to Disney Springs! There are so many new restaurants and shops, you could make a whole evening of it!

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Port orleans is so massively overpriced now...if you're gonna pay that much, I would say try to go to a deluxe...I know that's easier said than done though.

 

[karly05]

I love love love the Epcot resorts area and think that would be a great introduction to WDW for a newbie. The only advantage I'd see to POR is the boat to DS (buses there always seem to be a pain).

 

[D0naldDuck!]

I've never stayed or visited Swan/Dolphin but I'm sure they're lovely. I have only stayed at POR so that is my vote based on the resort options listed.
If I could pick any, I'd pick Poly. With all the travel options, you can get anywhere in Disney World. The trip to Epcot is just a monorail ride away.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I've never stayed or visited Swan/Dolphin but I'm sure they're lovely. I have only stayed at POR so that is my vote based on the resort options listed.
If I could pick any, I'd pick Poly. With all the travel options, you can get anywhere in Disney World. The trip to Epcot is just a monorail ride away.

1. Beach club/yacht club
2. Wilderness
3. AKl
4. Boardwalk
5. Poly
6. Contemporary
7. Pass on the others.

 

[hsmamato2]

thanks for the opinions! I know each has their own..... but it helps to make the choice..... based on beignets for breakfast,it's POR (I know,walking to POFQ) is that enough to base a night on?

 

[Accidental Magpie]

For such a quick visit, I'd go with the S/D as you will be out and about and close to the areas you want to visit. Also, your enthusiasm for the place will be contagious.

Since the S/D are not searchable with the resorts when pricing, I have never really thought of them as true Disney resorts. Add that they look to me more like hotels, I have never really thought of staying there.

 

[Angharad]

I would personally go with POR. I love the theming and the walk by the river between the 2 resorts plus it has a water taxi to Disney Springs. However it sounds like you're really leaning towards the S/D which has a wonderful location and is probably a lot more value for money in terms of hotel class/amenities.

 

[loves to dive]

Another one for Swan/Dolphin. I think for a first timer with just one night the proximity to two parks within walking distance is a huge plus. I don't think if you only have one day/night DS would be in the plan, just not enough time to waste there (I'm not a fan and don't go there even when I have plenty of time). As far as the beignets being worth a night there, nope. They aren't all that great, yes I've had them and yes I've been to NO and had them there. They are basically just a powdered donut, if you just had to have them, you could drive or Uber over there for breakfast but I think Fresh Market blows a food court out of the water any day for breakfast.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Def Swan or Dolphin. It's truly a deluxe resort with indoor corridors and fabulous common areas.

You might even pay the same or more for a room at POR, which is a lovely resort, but not anywhere near as luxurious as the Swan or the Dolphin.