POR or Swan/Dolphin? Help!

[CRCrazy]

My DH and I are planning a second trip this year for Dec to see the Christmas lights , etc.

Although we LOVE the Contemporary, two trips in one year is just too hard on the bank account, also, with SOG relocated to the North Wing - there aren't any DC discounts available for our dates this year.

We have a family of 5, so are looking at 2 rooms AS (118/nt plus tax), POR-AB (appx. 130/nt plus tax), or Swan/Dolphin(129plus tax, govt rate). I believe the Swan/Dolphin will also charge an addl $25/night for a rollaway bed.

We have never stayed off monorail, but we will have a car available if we need it.

Are the rooms in POR big enough to hold all 5 of us? DH, DM, DD(13), DD(11), and DD(6). The six year old is small, but the older two are already full grown - My 11 year old wears a size 11 women's shoe!

Also, from the website, it appears that the Swan rooms have two queen beds, but the Dolphin rooms have two doubles? Anyone stayed at these resorts with an opinion?

I want to go back to the CR! Oh well, maybe next year! My husband does love EPCOT, so maybe the Swan/Dolphin is the way to go, but he also loves his on-site charging! How is the transportation from POR?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[ozzel]

The rooms at POR would only fit 5 if one sleeps on the floor. It would be cramped. I would suggest at room at the Swan (2 queens + cot) - you'd probably have more room, plus have that great access to Epcot and Studios.

As for Transportation - I was just at POR and it was fine - never waited more than 15 minutes for a bus.

Tough call, but I'd go for comfort.

-Kim

 

[Blondie]

My vote gets the Dolphin!

Not only is it in a spectacular location, you can easily fit your family of 5 in the room.

If you get a Starwood Preferred Guest card, it could increase your chances of a balcony room, and have a view like we had;

We watched the fireworks from Illuminations every night from our balcony!

We were right in the middle of this 'wing';

If Epcot is one of your faves, then I think the Dolphin is an excellent choice. Don't forget, you are so close that you can walk there! And the Boardwalk is at your back door!

 

[Humphrey1227]

Both resorts are great but you will definately be cramped at the por. The dolphin/swan is a deluxe property and is on the same transportation as yc/bc & bw really feel that price cannot be beat, for this amazing resort. We also love the cr, and dolphin reminds us of that resort. Noisey, big city feel, large, lots of people etc... so I would really vote on s/d! por is quietier remote location now that fq is closed bus/ & boat to down town disney. laid back and more relaxing feel to it.

 

[NancyIL]

I vote for the Swan/Dolphin, though I haven't stayed at POR. Since you will need a rollaway, you will automatically be put at the Dolphin rather than the Swan. The Dolphin is in a GREAT location with a GREAT pool!

 

[schwaa]

I vote for POR for two reasons.

1. on-site charging
2. food court

The food court at POR is really, really good and not expensive. It can save a lot of money eating a couple of meals there.

Plus it's a beautiful resort. I had no problems with the transportation when I was there.


Plus, you have a trundle bed in the AB section. The little one doesn't have to sleep on the floor.

 

[Vderon]

I have never stayed at the POR, but I was disappointed in the Swan. Maybe it was because my expectations were raised by all the positive comments on the board, or maybe it was because my expectations were raised by staying at the Hard Rock.

Specifically, I thought the room was rather small, my view was of a roof, with the TOT in the distance ( and I am a Starwood member, and had put in an early request for a nice view). The staff was borderline surly. The reservations clerk, the lady at the store, and the girl who sold me a bagel in the morning NEVER smiled. The pool guys did not care that we couldn't find a chair, and even suggested that we pull someone else's towels off of their chairs. At the pool bar, I ordered chicken strips. I waited forever, and then the girl realized that my box of chicken strips had been placed to the side, so she had to order more. More waiting, no apology. On checkout day we waited over half an hour for a bell guy, and ending up lugging our bags ourselves. No apology.

I was booked into the Swan for 4 days at Christmas, and I have switched us to the Hard Rock.

 

[Vderon]

I have never stayed at the POR, but I was disappointed in the Swan. Maybe it was because my expectations were raised by all the positive comments on the board, or maybe it was because my expectations were raised by staying at the Hard Rock.

Specifically, I thought the room was rather small, my view was of a roof, with the TOT in the distance ( and I am a Starwood member, and had put in an early request for a nice view). The staff was borderline surly. The reservations clerk, the lady at the store, and the girl who sold me a bagel in the morning NEVER smiled. The pool guys did not care that we couldn't find a chair, and even suggested that we pull someone else's towels off of their chairs. At the pool bar, I ordered chicken strips. I waited forever, and then the girl realized that my box of chicken strips had been placed to the side, so she had to order more. More waiting, no apology. On checkout day we waited over half an hour for a bell guy, and ending up lugging our bags ourselves. No apology.

I was booked into the Swan for 4 days at Christmas, and I have switched us to the Hard Rock.

 

[Grumpy92]

I vote for POR. The resort is our favorite moderate, especially the food court and quiet pools. You can fit 5 in the alligator bayou rooms. Sounds like your youngest would be perfect for the trundle bed. The POFQ and DD boats are coming back for the summer and are just other pluses to PO. The Swan & Dolphin are nice resorts, close to Epcot but personnally I think they lack the theming of the Disney resorts, not to mention the coventioneers.
Either way I dont think you will go wrong and dont forget to post a report when you return, so we know how it went.

 

[dreamflight99]

But...The Dolphin gets my vote! We have stayed at BOTH resorts, too many times to count. We love them BOTH for different reasons. The POR is quiet and Southern-like, with large swaying trees and a sprawling resort atmosphere. The food court IS one of the best on property. We never stayed in the Bayous, as the Mansions (Oak Manor) always beckoned us! The biggest set-back is the transportation (mostly bus), noise and proximity. You must walk quite a way to get to certain areas, as the resort is very large with separate buildings. Yet, even with these minor problems--it's a wonderful resort. We prefer the WDW Dolphin, for the superior transportation (AC water-taxi's to Epcot & MGM), the location, location, location, and peacefulness! We enjoy the "interior" portion of the property (especially during a hailstorm, T-storm, etc.--when you wish for something to eat/do w/o getting soaked/injured in the elements!). The Dolphin offers ROOM service, and more restaurants than you can shake a stick at! Also, the Dolphin/Swan are part of the STARWOOD corporation. Become a member, and you become eligible for all sorts of perks, just for staying! Either way, hope you enjoy your stay!


Vderon...Sorry for your troubles.

 

[turls401]

I have not stayed at either choice, I will be visiting WDW in may for the first time in 14 years. I was eligible for the $129 discount, but chose POR once I found out that an additional $9-10 resort fee (which is also taxed) was added to the $129 for the Swan/Dolphin. For me, I chose POR with the $847 total cost for 7 nights, where it would have cost me $1072 for the Swan/Dolphin. With only two people in a room, space considerations might be more important to you, but I figured the $225 I'm saving can be used towards more sit-down meals than we had planned.

 

[Shelly]

Just wanted to point out the resort fee at swan/dolphin can be waived. Just tell them you don not need the coffee or newspaper.
I will be staying at the dolphin for the first time in June, we are also a family of five. My kids enjoy sleeping in sleeping bags so we will not waste money on a rollaway. Previously stayed at YC and love the location as dolphin is next to YC we knew we couldn't go wrong.
We hate taking the buses anywhere, so we will avoid much of that with the dolphin.
I never have understood the big deal about charging to your room, we have a credit card with us anyway, even when you charge to your room you have to pull out a card to pay. I would like to know how charging to your room is more convenient.

 

[dreamflight99]

You are absolutely CORRECT about the Swan Resort fee being waived upon request. Also, the SB's are a great alternative to the Rollaway, especially with all the room in the Dolphin accomodations. The YC is a fab. resort, but the prices at the Dolphin/Swan just can't be beat! I agree with you 100+% in terms of "modes of transportation"...when it comes to "Bus vs. Water Taxi" (or even walking to the parks)~it's a no-brainer for us! The Dolphin/Swan Resorts permit charging privs. for any onsite resort facility. Off-property, it's all the same anyhoo! Either you charge w/a CC or a resort card. I'm w/Shelly on this too. I have used both, (as she has), and just do not see any added convenience with the Disney Resort method. It still ends up on a CC, either method/way! Now...if there was an added incentive, perks, ammenities, % off your total bill...(LOL)

 

[Vderon]

Thanks for your comment, Dreamflight. Honestly, it was no one big thing that made me dislike the Swan, just a lot of little things that did not give me that "Disney" feel.

And to be fair, the Swan is not about the "Disney" feel. But it is supposed to be a 4 star resort, right? So I guess I was at least looking for good service. That was the glaring difference. After 3 days at the Hard Rock where the staff was friendly and helpful, to have the staff treat us with either indifference or disdain was kind of hard to take. Maybe we just caught the place on a couple of bad days.

I think I might be getting a little snooty or somewhat spoiled with hotels. We love Vegas, and you get such great service at the Mirage, the Luxor, the MGM, etc. And then to stay at the Hard Rock in Orlando, enjoy the FOTL deal, and have everyone on staff talk to you like a long lost friend, the Swan probably didn't stand a chance with me.