Resort only trip to Dolphin?

[Disney102015]

We have the chance to take a very (very!) last minute 4 day trip to Orlando. We’d be using Marriott gift cards so we are looking at the Dolphin. We might do 1 park day (MK) but mostly this would be a resort only trip. We watched some YouTube videos and DH isn’t sold on Swan/Dolphin - lack of theme in the rooms, worried about not feeling in the Disney bubble, etc. I also don’t know much about the Crescent Lake area so I don’t know what else is around to check out, places to eat, etc. without going to the parks. Traveling with a 1 and 4 year old (and I’m 20 weeks pregnant) so won’t be taking advantage of fine dining.

I don’t have time to do my usual hours and hours of research so looking for opinions! Do you think we’ll enjoy a mostly resort only stay at the Dolphin, checking out the Boardwalk area, etc.? All opinions welcome!! Thanks!

 

[Marthasor]

I like the Swan/Dolphin for its proximity to EP/DHS and the Boardwalk area at a lower price point than the WDW deluxe resorts in the area, however, if you are looking for a "Disney bubble" stay, the Dolphin doesn't provide that, IMHO. You would have access to the Boardwalk, so can certainly go for strolls, watch the Boardwalk evening entertainment and even take a ride on the Skyliner. Will you have a car? Or will you rely on a bus to go to MK? Personally, I would probably save the gift cards and use them when you are doing a more park-heavy trip or use them at a nicer Marriott. The Dolphin is more about access to the parks than it is about a great resort stay.

 

[Turksmom]

Check Gaylord Palms (also Marriott) instead. You could definitely do a resort only stay there and their Disney shuttle is very easy to use.

 

[hedberg1661]

I love the Swalphin. It is my favorite property at WDW. I think if your kids would like some pool time you found one of the best pool complexes on property. Stormalong Bay gets the most love but the Swalphin has an incredible pool.

 

[onelove8187]

Fantastic resort with perfect location for resort only stay... Great pools, mini golf in walking distance, skyliner in walking distance, easy access to many many dining locations, boardwalk activities, best arcade on property at POP century, Dolphin has fun kiddo activities including free babysitting when you go to a swan/dolphin restaurant or the spa... I would not hesitate. I stay disney resorts.. . value, moderate, deluxe... and regularly stay at dolphin on points and it is arguable the best value available on property. If you do 1 day at MK.... you will have access to the extra hours for deluxe resort guests, I would check and see if MK lines up for a day you are planning... then you will have 2 hours to knock out plenty of the popular attractions with little wait.

 

[Best Aunt]

DH isn’t sold on Swan/Dolphin - lack of theme in the rooms, worried about not feeling in the Disney bubble, etc.

Those are two "buzz word" phrases that you hear. But if you really think about it, they are not valid, in my personal opinion.

When Disney does a refurb of each of its deluxe resorts, it takes away the Disney theming in the rooms. So having a Disney-themed room is no longer a characteristic of all Disney-owned hotels.

And just what is that Disney bubble that people talk about? If you stay at Swan/Dolphin, you are on Disney-owned real estate. You can walk to Disney-owned hotels and theme parks. How much more of a Disney bubble does he want? Does he want to make hotel employees show their work ID card to prove who their employer is?

You didn't say where you usually stay. If you usually stay at Art of Animation, for example, then you might feel the lack of theming. If you usually stay at Yacht Club, you won't.

The Swan/Dolphin have their own app, which has restaurant information. You might find that helpful.

It's an easy walk to Yacht Club, Beach Club and BoardWalk, so you can look at their menus on Disney's website or app, or an www.AllEars.net

Will the 4-year-old understand that you are going to MK on some days but not all days? If that would be confusing/upsetting, then you might want to make this a true resort-only stay, and stay off-site.

 

[Disney102015]

Thanks all!! These are great things to think about, really appreciate the opinions!