Opinions on these resorts?

[DreamingoftheCastle]

Hi, looking for advice...looking at the Dolphin or the Wyndham Grand at Bonnet Creek. It would be for two nights after a stay at CBR (free dining, but couldn't get for last two nights of our trip, so looking to do something different) I can see pros and cons to both, but I've never stayed at either one. Opinions on which is better? I have three kids (16, 11, 10) and will have a car if that makes a difference.

 

[Upatnoon]

Hi, looking for advice...looking at the Dolphin or the Wyndham Grand at Bonnet Creek. It would be for two nights after a stay at CBR (free dining, but couldn't get for last two nights of our trip, so looking to do something different) I can see pros and cons to both, but I've never stayed at either one. Opinions on which is better? I have three kids (16, 11, 10) and will have a car if that makes a difference.

Dolphin would give you free transportation, but you will have to pay to park. Location is great, of course. Will you have 5 in or room or just 4?

The Grand is newer and has more more pools and people around, since it shares all the Wyndham Bonnet Creek facilities. They do have parking and resort fees, of course. It has some larger bunk-bed rooms that would sleep 5 in more comfort than the Dolphin. You would likely have to drive to the parks and pay to park, although there is a shuttle it would probably cost more than driving.
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Unless you will be at the parks all day, your kids would likely prefer the amenities of the Wyndham. For example, free mini golf and a lazy river.

 

[DreamingoftheCastle]

There'd be five of us. Are the Dolphin rooms that sleep 5 similar in size to CBR?

 

[BigredNole]

Both hotels will have a very high fees. You'd be much better off renting a DVC from an owner for the 2 nights.

 

[imBryan]

One of the major advantages to the Dolphin is that you don't even need a car. Hollywood Studios and Epcot are just a 10-15 minute walk away, or you could ride the ferry. When you enter Epcot from that side, you get a special entrance that takes you right into the World Showcase. The Disney buses can also transport you to the other parks from there, but even if they didn't, you can take the monorail from Epcot to get to the Magic Kingdom (if you have a park hopper). The Dolphin is also next to the Boardwalk and Beach Club resorts, and a mini golf area so you can experience those areas more easily. It's a beautiful hotel and area to be in. Since you DO have a car, the perks I mentioned might not be that important to you, though.

I can't comment on the Wyndham Grand. Never been there.

 

[katie111]

I've been to both and would definitely pick the Dolphin. It really puts you right in the middle of the action. Wyndham Grand is very nice (we just spent a week at Wyndham Bonnet creek and loved it) but for a Disney trip I would pick the Dolphin. It will be cramped with the ages of your kids, but any hotel room would be. I just don't think the Wyndham Grand has any Disney magic. I love walking out of the Swan and seeing the lake and the Epcot ball.

 

[DreamingoftheCastle]

Thanks, everyone! We decided on the Dolphin. Mostly due to the location. Super excited for the trip!