WL or Dolphin for $300 difference?

[luvallprincesses]

We have an 8-night trip reserved at both WL and Dolphin for myself, DH, DD11, and DS6 for the end of Nov. Booked WL with free dining but really hoped for a good room only discount as we would prefer to pay OOP for our meals (just our eating style) planning to do only a few TS meals. The only 20% discount available at WL makes FD the obvious choice there. So now I am comparing FD at WL Woods View that will cost us around $3800 to teacher rate at Dolphin that will cost around $3500 (when we add in airport transfers and figure on $800 in food).

Some additional info: We will spend 2 days each at MK, HS, and Epcot (1 AK) and 1 resort day. No park hoppers. Christmas decoration time. May or may not be good for pool weather. Have never stayed deluxe. Original plan was WL. Will possibly end up using some TS credits for CS credits since kids don't enjoy 90 vacation minutes at a table each day.

What would you do and why?

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Wilderness Lodge.

Why?

Need you ask?

And Wilderness Lodge at Christmas?

There is NOTHING like it in all the WORLD.



P.S. you really don't need the DDP, take the 20% discount.

 

[nolanboys]

Wilderness Lodge.

Why?

Need you ask?

And Wilderness Lodge at Christmas?

There is NOTHING like it in all the WORLD.



P.S. you really don't need the DDP, take the 20% discount.

No contest for only $300. Stay at the Lodge!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Dolphin

1. Heavenly beds
2. Join their frequent sleeper program and you can earn free nights.
3. Hotel run by a chain that knows how to do hotels

 

[princessallegra]

wilderness lodge.

Why?

Need you ask?

And wilderness lodge at christmas?

There is nothing like it in all the world.



P.s. You really don't need the ddp, take the 20% discount.

this!!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

We have an 8-night trip reserved at both WL and Dolphin for myself, DH, DD11, and DS6 for the end of Nov. Booked WL with free dining but really hoped for a good room only discount as we would prefer to pay OOP for our meals (just our eating style) planning to do only a few TS meals. The only 20% discount available at WL makes FD the obvious choice there. So now I am comparing FD at WL Woods View that will cost us around $3800 to teacher rate at Dolphin that will cost around $3500 (when we add in airport transfers and figure on $800 in food).

Some additional info: We will spend 2 days each at MK, HS, and Epcot (1 AK) and 1 resort day. No park hoppers. Christmas decoration time. May or may not be good for pool weather. Have never stayed deluxe. Original plan was WL. Will possibly end up using some TS credits for CS credits since kids don't enjoy 90 vacation minutes at a table each day.

What would you do and why?

WL every day of the week. It's a beautiful, and relaxing resort. It will be even more beautiful for Christmas. Take the 20%, it doesn't even sound like you're going to get the full use out of the DDP with your using TS credits for CS. You'd probably do better out of pocket.

I honestly can't ever see a situation where we would chose one of the Swolphins over a Disney resort (even values)...so to me, this decision is easy!!! WL all the way!!!

 

[luvallprincesses]

Wilderness Lodge.

Why?

Need you ask?

And Wilderness Lodge at Christmas?

There is NOTHING like it in all the WORLD.



P.S. you really don't need the DDP, take the 20% discount.

I should have given more details in the difference in the two WL packages. I currently have a woods view room with 2 queens FD that is the $3800, but if I switch to 20% off instead, only bunk room available and the comparable total is $3500 plus having to buy food (another $300 difference...i should go play thise numbers) so it would be silly to go that route...we definitely eat over $300. Hmmm...

 

[cannonboys]

We've always stayed on property and this past visit in June we needed an extra night so we stayed at Dolphin. BIG MISTAKE!! I would have stayed at the Values over it. My family and I just love staying on property and you can get the Dolphin "chain type" hotel anywhere. To have WL and the surrounding amenities that go along with it, there is no question what we would do! You won't regret spending the $. In fact, with Dolphin's extra fees, you may break even.

 

[mickeynut1]

We've never stayed at the Dolphin so I can't comment on that hotel, but we LOVE the WL . Our choice would be the WL without hesitation. The lodge is beautiful any time of year, but especially during the holidays . Plus, you are very convenient to a variety of dining options (both CS and TS) being so close to the monorail resorts . Good luck.

 

[x5x5x5x5x5]

I know I am in the minority here, but I would rather stay at the Dolphin than the Wilderness Lodge. Reason? Location location location. At WL you must take a boat to MK and buses to other parks (unless you boat to MK and take the monorail to Epcot). From the Dolphin, you can walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. You do have to bus to the MK (or take monorail from Epcot) but I love being in the thick of things - and having easy access to the Boardwalk area. You can also walk to the following resorts to check out decorations: Beach Club / Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Dolphin and Swan. If you choose to stay at the Dolphin, I would absolutely recommend going to the WL to check out decorations - it's gorgeous for sure. Just a bit too inconvenient (for me) transportation wise. Truth be told - you can't go wrong with either! Have a great trip!!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

For only $300 difference, I would DEFINITELEY go with an actual Disney resort, and if at the WL, all the better! Another potential savings option for some at WL is the Standard View room. I know some people prefer to pay the extra to be guarranteed a specific view, but for us the savings is worth the gamble. All the rooms have balconies, and while most of the standard view ones overlook a service area there is a good chance for an upgrade. It is an individual decision based on how much time you spend enjoying the view.

As far as Epcot access is concerned, the Epcot area resorts do have a definite advantage. Since you are planning a pretty diverse trip though I think WL will suit your needs. I do recommend the boat to monorail option for accessing Epcot, but it is also nice to have the bus option available too.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We're big fans of the Lodge... Have no inkling to stay at Swan or Dolphin at any rate.... Just not Disney...

That said and with over 15 trips to WL, I was looking for another trip this October... AP discounted rate for 7 nights was 2144.00..... Did some checking on the WLV's thru Dave's point rental.... Studio cost us 1391.00 for same time period.... Never done this with a point rental but hard to balk at the price..

We have done the villas once in a studio, 1 queen bed, 1 sleeper sofa.... Small kitchenette etc. it fulfilled our needs and the villa is very quiet....I got to say, 1391. Over 2144. is quite a savings so we're hashing this out.... That's a deluxe at a moderate price... You could do the same... Check it out!

 

[heidijanesmith]

WL for sure! We just got back from a YC trip and saw lots of the outside of the Dolphin/Swan area. The hotels are lovely, huge pools, huge lobby and nice location by EPCOT/DS, but they are not Disney to me. They have a vibe of a very nice hotel in the middle of Disney, but with no Disney touches.

I toured WL and ate at WC recently. It's a lovely resort with lots of the Disney feel. I feel like I come to Disney and want to immerse my self in all things Disney, so the DTD hotels and Swan/Dolphin just don't interest me.

 

[jnfr2424]

I am a huge fan of both of your choices but since this your first time doing a deluxe hotel - stay at WL leave the Dolphin for another time. Everyone needs to experience Disney Deluxe once in their lifetime and especially at Christmas you definately need to be at WL. Leave the Dolphin for another time or another option would be a split stay, that way you get the best of both areas.

 

[marymac123]

Your kids will LOVE WL! It is worth the extra $ especially during holiday time

 

[luvallprincesses]

We're big fans of the Lodge... Have no inkling to stay at Swan or Dolphin at any rate.... Just not Disney...

That said and with over 15 trips to WL, I was looking for another trip this October... AP discounted rate for 7 nights was 2144.00..... Did some checking on the WLV's thru Dave's point rental.... Studio cost us 1391.00 for same time period.... Never done this with a point rental but hard to balk at the price..

We have done the villas once in a studio, 1 queen bed, 1 sleeper sofa.... Small kitchenette etc. it fulfilled our needs and the villa is very quiet....I got to say, 1391. Over 2144. is quite a savings so we're hashing this out.... That's a deluxe at a moderate price... You could do the same... Check it out!

Actually I did look into renting points but had no luck for our dates which are the extremely low point season so they were all scarfed up, at least at that time. Maybe I should check again. Are there any DOWNfalls to renting points at a studio at WL? Are the rooms in good shape? I think a queen and sleeper would be okay for us. And we don't want the dining plan anyway!

 

[NancyIL]

I know I am in the minority here, but I would rather stay at the Dolphin than the Wilderness Lodge. Reason? Location location location. At WL you must take a boat to MK and buses to other parks (unless you boat to MK and take the monorail to Epcot). From the Dolphin, you can walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. You do have to bus to the MK (or take monorail from Epcot) but I love being in the thick of things - and having easy access to the Boardwalk area. You can also walk to the following resorts to check out decorations: Beach Club / Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Dolphin and Swan. If you choose to stay at the Dolphin, I would absolutely recommend going to the WL to check out decorations - it's gorgeous for sure. Just a bit too inconvenient (for me) transportation wise. Truth be told - you can't go wrong with either! Have a great trip!!

I almost always stay at the Swan or Dolphin, and will return there in September and December this year. However, in December 2009 I did a split stay between AKL and WL. WL was especially lovely at holiday time, and I can now say I've stayed there. However, I REALLY missed the Swan when it was time to leave Epcot in the evening, and I had to walk to the front of the park to take a BUS back to WL! I LOVE the Swan/Dolphin's location and their heavenly beds.

 

[luvallprincesses]

We're big fans of the Lodge... Have no inkling to stay at Swan or Dolphin at any rate.... Just not Disney...

That said and with over 15 trips to WL, I was looking for another trip this October... AP discounted rate for 7 nights was 2144.00..... Did some checking on the WLV's thru Dave's point rental.... Studio cost us 1391.00 for same time period.... Never done this with a point rental but hard to balk at the price..

We have done the villas once in a studio, 1 queen bed, 1 sleeper sofa.... Small kitchenette etc. it fulfilled our needs and the villa is very quiet....I got to say, 1391. Over 2144. is quite a savings so we're hashing this out.... That's a deluxe at a moderate price... You could do the same... Check it out!

Just had a DVC member with points for sale on that forum check for my dates and nothing. It wouldn't be any different through Dave's service; no availability is no availability, right?

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

I should have given more details in the difference in the two WL packages. I currently have a woods view room with 2 queens FD that is the $3800, but if I switch to 20% off instead, only bunk room available and the comparable total is $3500 plus having to buy food (another $300 difference...i should go play thise numbers) so it would be silly to go that route...we definitely eat over $300. Hmmm...

Originally Posted by CuteAsMinnie
Wilderness Lodge.

Why?

Need you ask?

And Wilderness Lodge at Christmas?

There is NOTHING like it in all the WORLD.



P.S. you really don't need the DDP, take the 20% discount.

:

 

[FantasiaMagic]

WL!!! for the same reasons everyone else is saying! It just has that WDW feel to it...esp. at Christmas time!