POFQ or Swan/Dolphin?

[Sinderelli]

We are heading to WDW again in Feb. 2008. Being the compulsive planner that I am, I am trying to decide on a resort. We decided to stay in a moderate this time (POFQ). However, I am a teacher and am looking into the teacher discount at the Swan or Dolphin. Which one would you choose and why? Also, in regards to the Swan and Dolphin: which one is closest to the action; i.e. food courts, pool, gift shop, etc.

 

[robinb]

I have stayed at all 3 resorts and I would choose the Swolphin over POFQ on location alone. Other advantages include Heavenly Beds in the Swan and Sweet Sleepers in the Dolphin, the Grotto Pool is much nice and the Dophin has Queen sized beds instead of Doubles (Swan/POFQ). Both locations have food courts plus the Swolphin has many great table service restaurants.

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

I have stayed at POFQ and Dolphin and I would definately pick the Swan/Dolphin over POFQ - We loved the location and the heavenly beds!!! POFQ is a mod but Swan/Dolphin is more like a deluxe.

You get most all of the perks of staying onsite at the Swan/Dolphin except Magical Express and the Dining plan - if you plan to use either of those you will need to choose the POFQ.

Good Luck with your decision.

 

[ADisneygirl]

Stayed at POFQ and the Swan, and I'd choose the Swan even though we enjoyed POFQ.

The Epcot area is my favorite spot to stay. Love walking into Epcot's World Showcase entrance -- no bus ride needed! Love the Boardwalk area and the little entertainments out on it at night. Love the surrey bikes to rent and the Friendship boats to take me to Epcot or MGM if I don't want to walk. Plenty of food choices. And the Swan has those heavenly beds!

 

[nbodyhome]

Swan/Dolphin, no contest!

 

[tinawv]

If free dining is not an option, than I would choose the Swan/Dolphin.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The Swan.
There are reasons to choose POFQ though. If you think the theming really appeals to you, or you plan to spend a fair amount of time at DTD (as opposed to Epcot/MGM). At the Swan/Dolphin, you'll need to pay for transportation from the airport if that's how you're coming - so you have to factor that into the cost. If you stay at POFQ, then you can use ME if you don't mind not having a car. Also, POFQ has a fridge, the S/D have mini-bars. So you'll maybe have a car and can get some groceries, but not perishables. Also, POFQ is Disney - S/D is technically not - so S/D soaps in the room instead of Mickey ones. Not a big deal to me, but other DISers have said they miss them.

Both have great pools. POFQ is also a more compact resort. The bus service from each is probably comperable. The S/D often only goes to these two resorts, but sometimes also goes to BC/YC and/or BWK. POFQ's buses go to POR.
The S/D's location is great. I really love the walk to Epcot past the BWK.

 

[DLo]

We were deciding between those resorts for our upcoming trip in Nov. We ended up chosing the Swan because of location. At first ,we were leaning toward POFQ so that we could get the dining plan. With the AAA discount, we figured the amount we saved would cover the cost of food and we would eat less . I haven't stayed at the POFQ but it looks nice and gets good reviews. A lot depends on your needs - are you driving or flying? - do you want the ddp? - what parks do you spend the most ime in? ,etc.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Nothing wrong with POFQ, but there is no contest...Swalphin all the way!

 

[McKiggan]

We have stayed at Dolphin and POFQ and I agree with the posters above recommending the Dolphin.

With CAA/AAA or the teachers discount etc. the Dolphin costs the same as POFQ and there are far more in the way of amenities.

Also CAA/AAA members receive a 20% discount on most of the restaurants in the Swolphin hotels so that helps off set the inability to purchase the meal plan.

A return limo is only about $100 and you go direct to your hotel and you don't have to wait hours for your luggage to be delivered to your room (which can be a pain if you arrive late at night as I did when we stayed at POFQ).

IMHO the extra benefits of staying at a deluxe outweigh the loss of ME and meal plan.

Cheers.

 

[McKiggan]

P.S.
As between Dolphin/Swan:

Dolphin closer to the pools but only by 200 yards or so.

Swan closer to the Fantasia mini golf (by about 50 yards)

I think the Dolphin has more restaurants.

Swan is closer to the Boardwalk.

The Ferry to Epcot/MGM is equidistant from entrances to both hotels.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Swan hands down, the location is the best and the rooms are huge

 

[NMAmy]

Swan/Dolphin definitely. Great beds and the location is the best. Plus, I love earning points toward future stays.

I don't think I could ever stay in a non-Epcot area hotel again. I love being able to walk to the WS for a meal, a drink, and Illuminations.