POFQ or SwanDophin

[Tiggeroo]

which would be better for a couple taking their first trip without kids. Also how much of a price difference might we have in late march. I can get the educators discount if available at SD but it may not be due to spring break. DH loved POFQ but that trip was with kids. He's not big on loud crowds and too many people. Loves to sit in a hot tub at night with an adult beverage.

 

[RickinNYC]

We were huge fans of POFQ and still are I guess. But on our last long-weekend-trip, we got a great rate at the SwanDolphin so we stayed there. I was completely overwhelmed by their incredibly high level of service, the absolute cleanliness of their rooms, the decor, the restaurant choices, and more. And the location to Epcot and MGM just can't be beat for the price.

It's much more in the line of a traditional Florida resort hotel. Not as hardcore Disney-fied, so I felt it was a little more adult oriented.

If you stay there, you have to go to Blue Zoo for dinner! Absolutely fantastic! And pretty darn good martinis too!

 

[CEDmom]

I love the Swan!! You can't beat the location and the rooms are really nice (especially when they're free with Starwood points ). You'll have so many more options for night time activities and the pool area is wonderful.

 

[zalansky]

I love both resorts, but the Swan / Dolphin wins hands down for me for a trip without kids. For starters there is the heavenly bed. And it is heavenly. Like the PP said, it is a little less Disney intense so it leans more towards the couple vacation. You should try a massage at Mandara spa if you stay there. Also, I don't know when you plan to travel, but if you join their preferred guest program there are some nice perks : www.spg.com

 

[NMAmy]

Swan/Dolphin, definitely. It's our favorite resort--great price, fantastic location, wonderful beds, helpful and friendly staff, and we earn points toward future stays. I don't think we'll stay in a different area again--I love being able to just stroll over to WS for dinner.

 

[robinb]

I prefer the Swolphin, but I think that POFQ is more laid back and quiet. However, no where will be quiet at WDW if you are going the week before or after Easter.

 

[Buckalew11]

I've also stayed at both and prefer the S/D.

The location can't be beat.
The cleanliness of the rooms is the best on WDW property IMHO.
Those Heavenly beds are so wonderful!
The beauty of those buildings is still something that makes my jaw drop when I am there.

 

[Tiggeroo]

Swan/Dolphin is sounding awfully good. If I can get a reasonable price I think that's what we'll go with. Now of the two which one??

 

[disney100666]

Dolphin! it was awesome! I just stayed there about a month ago! and I have no idea about prices sorry!

 

[KristaTX]

He's not big on loud crowds and too many people. Loves to sit in a hot tub at night with an adult beverage.

I love both resorts, but since you've never stayed at the Swan/Dolphin, try it. Being able to walk to Epcot and MGM can't be beat. And since your hubby doesn't like crowds, stay at the Swan if you can get it. It has a more intimate feel because it doesn't have as many convention/business people congregating in the lobby.

 

[pogo791]

I'd also recommend the Dolphin or the Swan over POFQ, and for many of the same reasons given by others. POFG has the edge in being more laid-back, and with a more restful setting, but the rooms at the Swan and Dolphin are much better, and there is a huge step upwards in the services available as well as the variety of watering holes - there's more than enough places for your husband to get his adult beverage.

POFQ also has the edge in being slightly cheaper. It is a Disney hotel, which the Dolphin and the Swan are not, but you still can get most of the Disney-hotel benefits at the Dolphin and the Swan, including (for example) early entry, or the use of the WDW transportation.

The location of the Dolphin and the Swan is much, much better, since you can simply walk over to Disney Studios or Epcot. From POFQ, you have to use a car or the buses.

It is rather a matter of taste which of the two is better, the Dolphin or the Swan. My personal preference is the Dolphin. Then again, they are located right next to each other, and so if you prefer one bar over here and one restaurant over there, all it takes is a few more steps.

Also, I thought that the educator's discount is available at the Swan and the Dolphin, even during the spring break? If so, POFQ wouldn't really be that much cheaper.

My only caveat about the two is that you said that your husband is not big on loud crowds and too many people. As Robinb said, the Easter season is a bad time anywhere. Even at low density times, the Dolphin and the Swan might be hosting a convention or two, which could easily pack at least some of the bars.

 

[Anne34]

Swan/Dolphin is sounding awfully good. If I can get a reasonable price I think that's what we'll go with. Now of the two which one??

We were looking at the week after Easter and there are no teacher/AAA or discount rates available at this time. Good luck trying to find rooms at a good price. POFQ is your best bet right now

 

[helenabear]

No question about it, I'd go with the Swan/Dolphin! Not even something I'd blink an eye at when deciding. The locatin is phenominal and the beds are sooo comfortable! I prefer the Swan to the Dolphin myself. Just smaller and over all better feel.
I will also say that if your spring break falls with Easter (this is a rare exception for us that ours is) that you may have a hard time booking first choices.

 

[Buckalew11]

I really hope you get the chance to stay at the S/D, Tiggeroo. I like both. I would not turn around for the difference. The Dolphin has the 'food court' and more resturants but the Swan is just a walk from them so it isn't a big deal. The view from the 17th floor of the Dolphin facing the Swan is is breathing taking--esp. in the morning as the sun comes up and there are all those beautiful pinky-purple colors over those 2 swans. Oh, and the ice cream at the Dolphin Splash is really, really good ice cream.

 

[xo juicy splash]

I LOVE POFQ!
Although I was never at Swam/Dolphin so I can't help you out -- Sorry!

 

[Buckalew11]

No question about it, I'd go with the Swan/Dolphin! Not even something I'd blink an eye at when deciding. The locatin is phenominal and the beds are sooo comfortable! I prefer the Swan to the Dolphin myself. Just smaller and over all better feel.
I will also say that if your spring break falls with Easter (this is a rare exception for us that ours is) that you may have a hard time booking first choices.

You know, our break is over easter too this year. So is my sister's in SC. Usually the Spring breaks are very spread out between March and April. I bet there spring break crowds are going to be very bad this year. I think I'll pass this year! Last year was my first spring break to WDW since I was in 8th grade. I was pleasantly surpirsed but this coming year it sounds like it might be wild!