Still really torn about Christmas...

[zagafi]

I have a 3 1/2 year old son (he'll be 4 by Christmas) who adores all things Disney...especially movies. So, for now we have ASMO booked for Christmas week. We're staying at WL this June, but only because of the great code discounts; normally we'd pay no more than "moderate" prices for just a place to sleep and shower. BUT, here's where I'm torn. I can get the Dolphin for $129/night during the same dates.

On the one hand, I know ds will be in heaven at ASMO, and mom and dad will be happy with a place to sleep and shower (we're not at all resort snobs), but the location of the Dolphin is far better. BUT, the theming of the Dolphin does nada for me. It's like a big city hotel plunked down in the middle of WDW. BUT, the price is right. Can you see where this is headed?

Room size means zilch. It's just us and a 4 year old... how much room do we need to sleep? What other pros/cons can you give me? (We'll have our car since we're driving down, if that matters)

 

[travelin' tigger]

One possibility is to split the vacation between the 2 resorts!!

 

[Magic2000]

Since you are staying at a nice hotel this summer, I would suggest trying the Movies for your Christmas trip. We've stayed at the Movies twice now (for quick Christmas trips) and we love it, and most of all, my 5 yr old LOVED this hotel. This past Nov/Dec, our room was in the Dalmation section and every time we were headed in or out of the room, she had to go on "TV" and talk to the little dalmation right outside the TV set. Its really a cute little area for the kids to pretend they're on TV.
We stayed at the Swan this past summer and we really loved it - especially the location. The hotel is very nice.
What is the price you have on the room at the Movies? (We had $49.00 this past Dec, $80.00 for Dec 2000.) We let our little one pick for the quick trips and she has really enjoyed staying at the Movies - it is so child friendly!!!!
By the way, I find that the Movies provided some of the best transportation on site!!! We never waited more than 2-3 minutes for a bus! (The Swan and Dolphin share a bus with Beach Club, Yacht Club, and the Boardwalk, but Swan gets picked up and dropped off first, then Dolphin - They're transportation is also pretty good - we only used it for AK & MK, for Epcot and MGM, we walked or rode the boat)

 

[princess angel]

to me there is no comparison! it is a value and a deluxe! I wouldnt hesitate to pick the Dolphin! convenience being enough of a reason alone!!! especially during the busiest week of the year! it would be very nice to be within walking distance of MGM, and Epcot! not to mention the grotto pool!! plus the BW right there!
definately the Dolphin!

Laura

 

[Nuts4Disney]

Decisions! Decisions!

1 way that works for me:

If this was your last trip, where would you stay?

That's where I'd stay!

Hope this helps you.

 

[NancyIL]

The Dolphin lobby is pretty spectacular at Christmas time! I've never seen a big city hotel with carpet and hallways painted to look like a beach scene!! Here's a link to Swan/Dolphin photos:

http://www.wdwig.com/g_dol.htm

 

[glo]

There is an FAQ located on this site with lots of information. Click on the 2002 link below for the updated version and the other link to see the old one with many posts that may help you with your decision. Hope it helps.

 

[Mazzy]

I would stay at the Dolphin because:

They have a childrens club
They have Santa and his elves there (the elves tuck kids into bed if you want)
They have a Xmas tree in the lobby with a train going round underneath it
Boats to Epcot and MGM
They now have refillable mugs at Tubbis
A beach with a playground
A pool with a slide and waterfall
Magnificent views

Need I go on???

Hope this helps!

 

[hellokitty]

If you think you child would like asmo better, than stay there.
It has a great food court and is very disney themed the dolphin although nice as it is, feels more like a fancy hotel and may not appeal to a little one. We stayed at ASMO and it made our trip because of all the disney icons we never felt we had left disney. I have stayed in nearly every resort and can say many our fancier than all stars, but none bring out disney like they do.

just my two cents

 

[fireplug]

This may sound negative but it really isn't

Try and stay at the deluxe when you can afford it. The chance may never return. and to be very blunt how much ambiance does a four y/o really need. You will be at WDW and he will be in sensory overload anyway.The worst thing you could do is second guess yourself and say what if............

Go and have fun wherever you decide to stay
Steve

 

[my3boys]

I'm part of the minority here, but we took our sons to All-Star Movies when they were 2 and 4. They loved it and still talk about returning there. The movie theming is Fantasia 2000, Toy Story, Love Bug, 101 Dalmations, and Mighty Ducks. The cost at Christmas (12-25 through 12-31) is also the most expensive if that makes a differences. Whatever you decide, however, you will have so much fun since you'll be at WDW.

 

[Patabel]

Don't know if it matters to you, but my understanding is that the beds at the All Stars are double, not queen. So, even with it being just a place to "sleep and shower", if you are not used to sleeping in a double bed, it could be a problem.

I agree with the other posters, if you have the opportunity to stay inexpensively at a deluxe, I would go for it. Your 4-year-old won't know the difference.

 

[zagafi]

Well, the beds at the Dolphin are doubles, too, so that's a wash.

I'm still not entirely sure what I want to do.

 

[MJames41]

Just my 2 cents, but I would choose the All Stars. I agree that the Dolphin is a nicer hotel, and $129 is a great rate, and the location is much better, and ... there are many more ands. And only one but. "I have a 3 1/2 year old son (he'll be 4 by Christmas) who adores all things Disney...especially movies". Yes, he will know the difference, and so will you. Especially when you see the huge 3 story icons through his eyes. Just my opinion.

 

[kbeverina]

My children were 6 and 3 when we stayed at the Swan and they loved it so much it's their first choice for our Thanksgiving trip. Because Christmas week is so busy, you'll want to stay somewhere with plenty other things to do besides the parks. The Boardwalk is a ton of fun at night, there's Fantasia mini golf, the Swan and Dolphin pool is one of the best, the transportation can't be beat. I think it'll be very convenient to be able to walk or boat back from Epcot and MGM when it's so busy.

 

[CamColt]

If the trip is for you, go for the Dolphin. If its all about DS, ASMO cant be beat. We stayed at ASMO with an 8 month old and a 4.5 yo. They couldnt have been more thrilled. Judging from the descriptionof yourselves & DS, I would say we are a lot alike...and we fell in love with ASMO when we stayed there. IMO, going to the Dolphin just because its a deluxe for a good price isnt worth it if most of the amenities(like room size) dont matter to you.
Of course splitting the stay is always a good option too.
Good luck!

 

[HookedonMagic]

I LOVE the location of the Dolphin...especially at Christmas. It makes for an EASY hop over to MGM and the Osborne Family Lights, as well as Epcot and the Candlelight processional. I could take-in both those attractions again and again! Plus, if I remember correctly, there are Krispy Kreme donuts available at Tubbi's! With so many resorts virtually out your door, there are plenty of eating and recreation options, as well!

Either way, you're spending Christmas at WDW. How can you go wrong?

Lisa
O'Fallon, IL

 

[zagafi]

Lisa, we're neighbors! I'm in Edwardsville.

I'm starting to sway toward the Dolphin side, I admit. And since you had to mention the Krispy Kremes...