Which would you choose-AKL or Dolphin at Christmas if same price?

[DeeCeeSW]

Got a great rate with a code for std. view AKL for the week before Christmas, but now I see that the Dolphin can be gotten for the same rate for my dates. I have stayed at the Dolphin once (love the location), but never AKL. Which would you choose and why? Thanks in advance!

 

[tnkrbell]

I love the location of the Epcot resorts but Im not a big Swan or Dolphin fan. And at that time of year I would say that AKL would be so beautiful!!

 

[FINFAN]

I love the Dolphin, but AKL is very cool. I guess I would be swayed by the location of the Dolphin...(we are staying there this Christmas) mostly due to the crowd factor and the returnign back to your resort late at night crowd factor! I like that we can walk from MGM/Epcot if we choose. How long are you staying? We are doing a split stay WL/Dolphin...getting the best of both worlds!

 

[robinb]

I've stayed at both and I much prefer AKL. The Dolphin's beds are "heavenly" and it has a great location ... but nothing can beat the animals at AKL!

Did the Dolphin come down in price? It was really high for Christmas week when I checked before AP rates came out.

 

[FINFAN]

robin, I just got the Dolphin to match Expedias $129 rate...12/18-28...and the Swan is $140 on Expedia.

 

[robinb]

Wow! That's an awsome rate! Have a great time . If I didn't already have AKL booked for $151 I would consider it. I gave up AKL last year in favor of the Dolphin. We had that great TravelZoo rate of $99 for most of our stay, $149 for the remainder and we earned a free night in Kauai by using the AMEX card. We couldn't resist .

 

[budwmn]

We were at AKL last year when their Christmas decorations were up. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! The tree was huge and the lobby looked so festive. I've never been to the Dolphin, so I can't compare the two, but I would think it would be tough to beat AKL.

 

[epcotfan]

I would stick with the Dolphin for the excellent location and ammenities.

 

[swilphil]

The closer you get to Christmas, the more crowds will become an issue. And since Christmas is on a Saturday this year I think the week before will be more of a madhouse than usual. Because of that, I would say the Dolphin. You will be able to go easily to the MGM and Epcot and bus service is very good to MK.

If at all possible, you might consider splitting your stay between AKL and the Dolphin. I would do AKL first so you will have the convenience of the Dolphin location during the more crowded time. I know Dolphin will move your luggage to AKL, and I've read here that other Disney resorts will transfer luggage to the Dolphin.

 

[miko]

If you can't or don't want to split the stay between the 2, I would choose the Dolphin/Swan. Highlight for me at AKL is staying in savannah view room, standard does nothing for me. At the Dolphin, view doesn't matter as much, location is the key. Anywhere on Boardwalk area has so much to offer for dining and entertainment. Stop by the AKL to see the tree and walk around outside.

 

[Kapp]

at the AKL and the Dolphin.....I would probably to do the Dolphin. I LOVE the AKL but a big part of that is having a savannah view room. The themeing is great but the Dolphin is decorated for Christmas, is close to Epcot/MGM and the renovated rooms are great!

Either way, ENJOY!

Kapp

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Thanks for all your input. My DH does not want to split our stay and seems to have his mind set on AKL. He thinks it will be much nicer for a pre-Christmas/Christmas vacation. I really like the location of the Dolphin and want to go back for many reasons, the main reason being location. We are driving down, so transportation to and from the parks is not an issue. I am hoping for a possible upgrade at AKL, but I know that may not be possible/realistic during those dates. I'm going to check on the Dolphin anyway. Maybe it will show up on Priceline or Hotwire and then the decision will be easier (I know, wishful thinking there too)!

 

[robinb]

My DH loves AKL . We were upgraded to Savanah View from Standard View on our last stay. I smiled nicely and asked for an upgrade when I checked in. You may be suprised ... I was since I was checking in on July 4th! You may also want to have "Best View Available" as a request on your reservation.