Upgrade from POFQ to Dolphin?

[j_rgonz]

Our TA told us we had the opportunity to upgrade (free) from POFQ to Dolphin. Having never been at either, I don't know what to do. Here are the facts: we are going with my parents (mother has limited walking ability and will need to spend most of the time being pushed in a wheelchair.), husband and two small children (7 and 2), sister and brother in law (neither who are too thrilled to even be there). From what it sounds like, it may be better for my sister and bil who would really enjoy the health club and "fancier" food choices. I see the negatives as:
1. Maybe not as kid friendly as POFQ
2. No free fridge
3. We are going as part of a land/sea package and have already booked and an extra night at the begining of our trip at POFQ. We would have to go there first night then move to second resort. Not sure then how we would get our tickets...
4. Not Disney owned and the kids may miss a bit on the "magic", however we are going on the cruise and that should make up for it. Plus the kids have never been there before so they wouldn't know what they were missing.

I guess I'm just looking for any advise from people who have been to either/both and help us make our decision. We need to tell Disney by Monday.
Thanks!
JEanne

 

[hightown]

I really like both resorts. POFQ when my budget dictates is great. Dolphin is also great. Price being the same, would go for Dolphin in a heartbeat! It is very kid friendly! The pool is great, the choices for meals--both budget and non are far better. POFQ ONLY has a food court. Beds are great!

The only thing that I've missed from being at a Disney resort is that when staying at the swan/dolphin, you can't charge on your room key at the parks. But that's not a big enough deal to make me not stay there.

I like the transportation better at the epcot resorts. You take a boat to Epcot and MGM. Bus to the other parks. POFQ, bus is the only option.

I say take the upgrade!

Sharon

 

[kjs1976]

POFQ is wonderful, we stayed there in June. You're right, a fridge is very nice, especially with kiddos (I imagine), but if you have no way to get to a gracery store, then the fridge isn't that big of a deal. If you have a chance to upgrade to the Dolphin for free, I would take it too. It would personally be our only chance to stay there since we can't affort the raqck rate price. The pool is wonderful - we tried it when visiting friends who were staying there same time we were staying elsewhere. You won't miss the magic because it will be all around you!

 

[swilphil]

Definitely the Dolphin. The location alone will be a big help. You can roll wheelchairs and strollers onto the boats to go to Epcot and MGM, and you won't spend too much time on transportation. Dolphin is truely a deluxe resort. I think the rooms are a little bigger than POFQ, and they look much nicer, IMO. There's lots of Disney magic at the Dolphin. You can see the Boardwalk, Tower of Terror, and/or the Epcot Ball.

 

[mommykds]

I'd go for the upgrade! Enjoy!

 

[swilphil]

About the fridge: You can get the hotel to empty the mini-bar fridge for $20. I've heard rumors that they are doing it for free since the Disney resorts stopped charging, but I'm not sure. You might even be able to get your TA to have the fee waived. Also Tubbi's at the Dolphin has lots of good food choices for kids, plus they have several nicer restaurants there, as well as at the Swan and next door to that on the Boardwalk. Your in-laws will have more food choices than they can possibly use. The Dolphin also serves Starbucks coffee, which is so much better than the nasty stuff the Disney resorts serve.