Resort Advice

[NickP33]

I need some help deciding which resort to stay at.

I am planning a trip to WDW Dec. 15-19 with my wife and my 12 month old son. I have been to Disney nearly 30 times and I've stayed at serveral of the resorts, (usually value though.) I have already made reservations for POP Century for these dates($80/night w/preffered view), but I've been able to free up some additional money for my trip.

Should I pay a little extra to stay at the Dolphin ($169/night) or should I spring for the Wilderness Lodge ($275/night)?

I LOVE the Epcot Resort Area. There is so much to do and there are so many restaurants! However, I have never stayed in there.

I also LOVE the WL. I stayed there for 7 nights in 2002. I love the atmosphere and the "Disney Magic" that comes from staying at a Walt Disney Resort, which the Dolphin is technically not.

I would love to hear from people that have stayed at both, or even one or the other. Is the WL worth the extra coin? I look forward to hearing from you all!!

 

[ducklite]

How about renting points from a DVC member? You'd get a one bedroom unit with a seperate bedroom and livingroom/kitchen area. The kitchen is fully equipped, and there is a washer and dryer in each unit--that in itself would be a lifesaver with a 12 month old along.

The other advantage is you could put baby to bed in the pack-n-play in the bedroom, and then you and your spouse could watch tv in the living room without disturbing the baby. It makes nap time easy as well.

 

[NickP33]

I have looked into renting points from a DVC Member, but for this short notice and the exact dates we are going, I wasn't having any luck. Plus, the only Resorts I would want to stay at would be BWV, BCV or WLV. This greatly limited the people that could rent me points.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I've stayed at many Disney resorts and as you can see once I stayed at the Swan it's where I always go back. I just LOVE the Epcot resorts because everything is there and Epcot and MGM are in walking distance. Epcot is my favorite park so every night DH and I are there. You also have the YC, BC and BW to enjoy.

I've never felt more like I was in Disney until my stay at the Swan. I get an east wing room with a balcony so I can watch Illuminations every night from the balcony and you can even see Wishes. Nothing like opening my curtain every morning to see Spaceship Earth

The rates can't be beat either for a deluxe resort because they offer so many discounts and if your an SPG member you earn points for future stays.

The beds are truly "heavenly" and very comfortable. DH and DS are at the BC right now as DH is on a convention and he said he's having a hard time sleeping in the bed and realizes now how comfortable the beds are at the Swan.

As far as size of the hotel I prefer the Swan as it is smaller and more intimate and not as loud.

Good luck in your decision and ask away if you have more questions.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I would switch to The Dolphin. The location is great, you'll have the boat transportation to Epcot and MGM, you'll have tons of dining options and nightlife, and since you've never stayed there before that will be exciting!

I love the WL but I wouldn't pay $275. I think that is too high.

Good luck making your decision!

 

[NickP33]

Thanks for the advice. Does the Dolphin decorate during Christmas?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The Dolphin has great Christmas decorations!

Couple of photos here, but also check the Swan and Dolphin facts thread - I have loads saved..and they decorate between the two resorts - it's very pretty and festive! Scroll down almost to the end of holiday photos (included the Swan as I think it shows some outside between the resorts).
http://allearsnet.com/acc/g_dol.htm
http://allearsnet.com/acc/g_swan.htm
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1567343

Have a great trip!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Yep... and if you go over to allearsnet.com there are some pictures of the lobby at Christmas with the big tree and the train going around it.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

More photos of Swan/Dolphin decorations:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/SwanDolphin/xmas.htm#1

 

[NickP33]

Thanks for all of the pictures. My heart has been telling me to stay at the WL, but my wallet was saying, "stay at the Dolphin." After looking at these pictures, I'm excited about the Dolphin!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

TOTALLY UNDERSTAND!! But it is more than a hundred dollar a night savings, and so near the holidays, think I'd give Dolphin a try...or go with a moderate like POR, if available.

Good luck deciding!

 

[DisneyFans4]

NickP33-

You won't regret the Swan or Dolphin, they are first class all the way and with the special discounts and pricing it definitely can't be beat.

If you decide to stay at either one make sure you sign up to be a Starwood member so you can earn points for your stay


http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/index.html