Swan/Dolphin vs. POFQ- any difference in the level of "magic"?

[2019TripIdeas]

Curious if anyone feels a significant level of difference in terms of Disney experience between Swan/Dolphin and staying onsite at a moderate (particularly, POFQ)? If you have little ones particularly, did you notice a difference or did Swan/Dolphin feel just about as "Disney"?

Background: We had a trip booked for last January that we'd gone back and forth on hotels (POFQ, Wilderness, Beach Club and Boardwalk being the big contenders) but settled on Boardwalk (standard room). We had it booked, planned, etc and had to cancel last minute because of upcoming international travel. This year, we've got the opportunity for a "re-do" of that trip (down to almost every last bit- we're even going the same week of the year). Our kids are at great ages for it (5, 3, 2) and I'm THRILLED, but I don't think we'd be able to swing a deluxe this time so we're debating between going the moderate route (most likely one of the Port Orleans) OR saving even more $ and doing Swan/Dolphin off points/rewards etc.

Would appreciate any thoughts!

 

[gatour]

Curious if anyone feels a significant level of difference in terms of Disney experience between Swan/Dolphin and staying onsite at a moderate (particularly, POFQ)? If you have little ones particularly, did you notice a difference or did Swan/Dolphin feel just about as "Disney"?

Background: We had a trip booked for last January that we'd gone back and forth on hotels (POFQ, Wilderness, Beach Club and Boardwalk being the big contenders) but settled on Boardwalk (standard room). We had it booked, planned, etc and had to cancel last minute because of upcoming international travel. This year, we've got the opportunity for a "re-do" of that trip (down to almost every last bit- we're even going the same week of the year). Our kids are at great ages for it (5, 3, 2) and I'm THRILLED, but I don't think we'd be able to swing a deluxe this time so we're debating between going the moderate route (most likely one of the Port Orleans) OR saving even more $ and doing Swan/Dolphin off points/rewards etc.

Would appreciate any thoughts!

Without further information, I would consider this a wash.

Advantages for Dolphin/Swan would be its closeness to EPCOT Center and the price point.

Advantages for POFQ, its compactness compared to other moderates.

On a side note, I think only the five year old will remember this trip in the future.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Swan/Dolphin are incredibly convenient to EP and DHS (plus strolling around the Boardwalk) and could make your trip quite a bit easier with three young children in tow. That being said, Swan/Dolphin definitely do not "scream" Disney, though, you are right in the thick of it as soon as you exit the resort and get on a Friendship boat, a Disney bus or walk on the Boardwalk. I have taken my DS to WDW about 40+ times since he turned one and, at that age, he could not have cared less what the theme of the resort was. He was so happy, really, to be anywhere! If you think being close to EP and DHS would be advantageous to you, I would pick Swan/Dolphin. We like them both, but prefer the Swan for the queen beds.

 

[Brett Wyman]

If you dont need MDE or a meal plan I would vote swan/dolphin. Not as themed for sure but, better location, much better rooms, better pools, and more restaurnt choices.

 

[SarahC97]

The Swolphin is nice, but in my opinion it could a hotel anywhere. It's not themed like Disney resorts and we felt like it wasn't as magical. Personally, while the location is nice, I'd rather stay at a Disney owned resort.

 

[Laura's Dad]

We’ve stayed at the PO resorts many time and the Swan once. While the location is great at the Swan, the magic is definitely better at the PO resorts. Their cast members are incredible.

 

[FredPinsocket]

The Swan/Dolphin don’t really feel “Disney” in terms of theming. But they are in a far better location on property. I’ve been lucky enough to stay at the Swan/Dolphin and I loved every second of it. If you’re planning on spending the majority of your time in the parks, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out on the magic. If you think you’ll be spending a lot of time at the resort and you want your kids to be surrounded by Disney, the Swan/Dolphin might not be the right fit.

 

[MrsDuck]

This comes down to priorities. S/D is unbeatable in terms of proximity to the parks but POFQ is unbeatable in terms of theme. It just depends on what matters more to your family!

 

[2019TripIdeas]

Thanks for all advice. I'm still kind of torn. With the trip we'd booked for Jan 2019, our biggest decider on Boardwalk was location as we figured we'd want to parkhop and walk into Epcot at night for dinner (kids are adventurous eaters so the hotel food court scene wasn't our ideal scenario). I imagine we'll do some full-ish day "park days" and other days where we do a park in the morning and a park in the afternoon so DHS and Epcot really appealed- which would make sense on Swan/Dolphin.

That said, our 2 & 3 year olds love transportation in general so the boat to Disney Springs and ha! Disney buses from POFQ was a big factor in considering it (seriously, the ride on the bus will be a highlight for them). I also loved the idea of being on property for the theme (we've done two Disneyland trips with the kids but have not been able to afford on-property there) and I know they'd enjoy Magic Bands but I guess thats a small perk vs cost type deal.

We'd also really love to make some of the night shows and fireworks and that for sure seems like it would be "easier" at Swan/Dolphin because you could walk home (we'll have a double stroller & 5 year old on foot) vs. the transportation timeline of getting back to POFQ or other moderates, but maybe that's more equal than I'm thinking?

On a side note, I think only the five year old will remember this trip in the future.

Agree. We travel a lot because we enjoy traveling with our kiddos, but I know all families are different. We're okay with them not fully remembering it and having the pictures and videos to look back on. We're also motivated to get in one more trip in while there is still the "magic" of characters (the older two went NUTS for them last year at Disneyland). We plan to save up again and hope to do WDW again in 5 or so years when everyone is roller coaster height.

 

[martikus]

If you don’t need a food court I’d do swan/dolphin for location. You can walk or boat to two parks and bus to the other two. While I love POFQ it’s more for their size, food court and quiet. Not for its Disney theming. Rooms at swan/dolphin should be bigger too.

 

[Babsy]

I would stay at the Swan or Dolphin. The young children will likely be happy wherever you are and the convenience of the location can't be beat. Also, the rooms are much nicer at the Swan than POFQ, IMO. DME is a bus. You will get lots of chances while staying at WDW to ride those. Meanwhile there is a boat to DHS and Epcot from the Swan/ Dolphin so riding on a boat will happen at either location. Magic bands are available for purchase for $15 - $30 all over WDW. Link them to your MDE and use them for park admission, if you like them.

Another option is to book a split stay. Sort the trip at POFQ then move top the Swan/dolphin. You will have DME when you arrive, and will get the free magic bands that can be used throughout your trip for park entrance.

The 'magic' is in staying on Disney property, IMO. So we get lots of Disney magic at the Swan/Dolphin. Not everyone agrees with me, however. I would take a look online at pictures of the two resorts to get a feel for how much the POFQ theming would mean to you. the pool area may be great for your little ones. While I enjoy Disney theming, I find that a comfortable room with comfortable beds in a convenient location is the most important thing in a Disney vacation for us. So, for example, we are staying at BLT in Dec with our extended family and young grandsons (ages 4 and 6) so that we can walk to the MK. We will be surrounded by Disney theming, IMO, but many consider the CR as un-themed.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP WHEREVER YOU CHOOSE TO STAY!

 

[snappy]

I find the swan dolphin beds to be much more comfortable than any at Disney resorts. And yes you are on property at Swan Dolphin. I think the restaurants and pools at Swan Dolphin are some of the best on property. You can walk or boat over to the boardwalk in the evening for the entertainment and excellent ice cream.

 

[SteveH]

So you want to know a few things, S/D are not exactly the same. Swan rooms have two Queens while Dolphin has 2 Doubles, Swan bathroom has two sinks, Dolphin has 1. I think the beds at either are top notch when it comes to comfort and the Heavenly Showers are a wonderful way to start the day. Do be aware of the parking fees (if you drive) and that S/D has a daily resort fee in addition to your room rate.

We've had several stays over the years at S/D and really enjoy it. Yes it may not be as "themed" as Disney ones, but its still a very nice clean design. IMHO you are getting a Deluxe room at a more moderate price.

That said, our next stay in Feb 2020 is at POFQ. We've never stayed there and wanted to try something different. At the time of our booking S/D rates were higher then POFQ by enough that I didn't fee like spending the extra.

It is worth checking the pricing from Costco for the S/D to see if they have openings and how the rate compares.

 

[2019TripIdeas]

That said, our next stay in Feb 2020 is at POFQ. We've never stayed there and wanted to try something different. At the time of our booking S/D rates were higher then POFQ by enough that I didn't fee like spending the extra.

Shoot, didn't even think of that. We'd likely do S/D with points etc but I assumed it'd be less or cheaper than a "Disney" resort. Thanks for heads up. We're last few days of Jan to first few days of Feb 2020, so totally likely this is the case.

Also- thanks for info on room differences between S/D. Am I correct in assuming you can still take magical express (hoping not to have to deal with carseats and rental car).

 

[marcyleecorgan]

Also- thanks for info on room differences between S/D. Am I correct in assuming you can still take magical express (hoping not to have to deal with carseats and rental car).

Not with Swolphin - it's not a Disney resort, so no MDE. You'd be renting a car or an Uber or a Lyft or a taxi...

 

[SteveH]

@2019TripIdeas as mentioned, no Magical Express and you won't get free magic bands. If you have them or buy them you can use them, but you can't charge back to your room with them all they will do is let you in the parks and for FastPasses. You will get the ability to made advance dining reservations but you're already within the 180 window so some choices will be hard no matter where you stay. You do get FastPass booking too.

We’re going in Feb 2020 so I do keep looking at rates as we like the location of S/D so I did a quick look for you. For the Swan at the end of Jan the 27th, 29th and 30 have no points availability as well as Feb 3rd and 5th. For those nights that are available its 50,000 points/night, except the 4th is 60,000. Dolphin has no points night on the 28th, other nights are available at 50k/night, and 60k for 3rd, 4th & 5th.

There is an outstanding resource for S/D on this forum, check out this thread: Walt Disney World SWAN & DOLPHIN RESORTS Information & Questions

 

[2019TripIdeas]

@SteveH, thank you so much for looking into those nights. I was just settling in to start looking and coming back the same. I'm going to scan through the S/D thread to see if there's a compelling reason to stick with it (the idea of lugging 3 carseats might be what does us in, and we knew we didn't want a rental car onsite anyway).

Since we love the location, we may be back to seeing if we can tweak our budget to make Boardwalk work, or just giving in on location and doing POFQ (where I'm sure we'd be happy too).

 

[SteveH]

@2019TripIdeas Happy to help, I keep looking to see if we might stay Friday night before our POFQ reservations starts, but by the time I add taxes, parking for 1 night and the resort fee I'd be better off staying at POFQ. Our kids are in their 20s now so I can understand your challenge. A couple options I've seen on there are consider using a Town Car service which I think can bring car seats for you, or people have mentioned some inflatable bumper seats, I wish I could recall the name.