opinions please-- moderate or dolphin???

[rieckhoff66]

We are going to WDW OCt. 29-Nov.4 I checked rate and rooms were available at CSR, Caribean Beach and PO riverside @144.00.
Then I got a quote for the Dolphin with the teacher discount @129.00. (which i figured is really 139.00 because of the 10.00 charge they add per night). So my question is what would be better since the $$$ is about the same. We stayed 10 days at Coronado and liked it and would be content going there again but thought maybe we'd try another resort. Something maybe not so spread out since we are there for only 4 days. From what I've read about PO regarding cleanliness of the rooms I'm thinking that choice is out of the picture. Any opinions and insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[swilphil]

I'd say go with the Dolphin. The location is excellent near MGM/Epcot/Boardwalk and it is a DELUXE resort. The grotto pool is fun, and it has a Tubbi's Buffeteria and the Dolphin Fountain. Did I mention the location?? The bus service to MK/AK is great also.

 

[rieckhoff66]

Thanks for you insight. My gut instinct is telling me to go with the Dolphin too.

 

[sue1013]

If the Dolphin is deluxe there's no question. I would like to speak up for POR, I've stayed at that resort 12 times most recently Easter week '03. I've never had the problems mentioned with cleanliness. Not that I'm saying it couldn't happen, but if it did I know the resort would take care of it. I've had little things occasionally happen to my room at deluxe resorts, as well as moderates but once I've told staff its always been taken care of. We all go to Disney and stay onsite because of the service. I've stayed at moderates and deluxes and received the same level of service at both. My decision where to stay is always based on rate if I don't get a good rate at deluxe I stay at moderate and have just a good a time.

 

[Blondie]

Dolphin all the way! You can't beat the location! The Boardwalk is at your backdoor and some of the views from this resort are spectacular!

We just returned from another great stay at the Dolphin 2 weeks ago! We had a renovated room with those wonderful comfortable beds!

My BIL and his family were there at the same time and they stayed at PO-Riverside. They had stayed there a few years ago, and said it is in dire need of a rehab.

 

[jdads2]

I'd say Dophin as well. We were going to stay there but couldn't get the gov't employee rate for our entire stay and got a $90 rate at POR. I guess that my DW and I will have to try the Dolphin/Swan without the kids in the future.

 

[KIS]

I got the same advice you are getting about a moderate POR versus the Dolphin with the teacher's rate. I opted for the Dolphin because folks on the boards spoke about the value of the deal and the location of the Dolphin. For MGM and Epcot, you can walk.

I've yet to go to WDW for the first time, but now, as my initial plans are made (I started this process in late June and am traveling in April --- call me crazy!), I see more and more to indicate that this decision will work well for us.

KIS

 

[GoofyinNY]

I would definitely recommend the Dolphin. The Boardwalk is just across a short bridge. You can walk to Epcot or MGM. The grotto pool is wonderful, and the staff at the Dolphin and Swan go out of their way to try to make your stay wonderful.

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

I would absolutely stay at the Dolphin!!!!!!!!!!
DH and I stayed there last Dec. and couldn't have asked for a better time. We even liked it better than the Grand Floridian.
Our room had just been refurbished and we had a great view of Epcot and could see fireworks from our balcony. Oh, and the beds were so comfortable. I work for the government, so the 129.00 rate can't be beat. I say go for the Dolphin.

 

[rieckhoff66]

Thanks everyone for your opinions. We made reservations today for Dolphin and am getting really excited now that we are set with our hotel.