Dolphin/ Pop... Anyone?

[Iteachwood]

We currently have a reservation at the AKL in August ( first time there) But because of some financial things that have come ive looked at different options to save a few bucks. Not a MAJOR thing but enough so that it makes up for deficit. Anyway I can save that money staying at Pop same amount days...BUT withmy teacher discount we can get into Dolphin for bout same amount as Pop. NEVER have stayed there...know its not Disney owned...For anyone that has stayed there ...WHAT DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD DO? Pop ( Disney experience) or Dolphin??

 

[DisneyJoe]

Something to consider - you don't get Magical Express when staying at the Dolphin - so you would need to pay for a ride to/from the airport - unless you are driving anyway....

 

[Master Yoda]

The prevailing opinion on Swan and Dolphin is great price, room and location but no DME, DDP, you have to pay to park at the resort and it does not have a Disney feel at all.

If the total price was identical and you will not need DME or the DDP then I would go with the Swan and Dolphin. However, I have never seen the Swan and Dolphin beat a value resort when it comes to total price.(parking, taxes, resort fee, transportation from the airport, etc) I am sure it might be possible but I would make sure you have all the data.

 

[DisneyJoe]

oh, and Pop has a single bus stop; Swan/Dolphin are part of the Epcot resort bus loop - you stop at Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin and Yacht and Beach Club...so the rides to/from the park can take awhile.

 

[tikiman]

I have stayed at both and while I think Pop Century is a fun resort and the best of the Value Resorts I think you will enjoy the Dolphin more. It has more to offer at the resort including better selection of food and walking access to other resorts, parks and the Boardwalk area. You will also have more room in the Dolphin room.

It is unfortunate that Magical Express does not go there. We are running into the same problem with our October trip. We go to the Swan first before switching over to the Polynesian but we can’t use DME because of our stop at the Swan first.

I did find the buses for the Epcot resorts to be a headache but being able to walk to many things helped. It would be a long walk to go anywhere from Pop.

 

[Iteachwood]

Well when I say at same price.... dolphin with $12 fees/day plus van service back to airport, only ( bout $80 with tip)..dolphin comes about $100 more....but a really nice hotel.

 

[MickeyMad]

We haven't stayed in a Disney Resort so I can't comment on that Disney feel but we have stayed at the Dolphin twice and it was wonderful...spacious, luxurious, great food & service, fab location and for us it was magical, you can make it as magical as you want it to be.:animwink:

 

[Poofiesdream]

I would stay at Pop and leave some breathing room with money.

 

[Tiggerish]

Another way to look at it: You've booked AKL, a deluxe resort. Pop, while still a Disney resort, is two categories down from your original choice. Dolphin will be closer to your original category for pretty much the same price as the value resort.

I love the Epcot Resort Area (and I always rent a car) so for me the choice would definitely be Dolphin. I've never stayed there, but have stayed at the Swan. I've also stayed at ASM, and had a great time, so it's not like I'm down on the value resorts, but for $100 difference, I'd certainly take the upgrade.

Whatever you decide--you're still "goin' to Disneyworld!!" :wave:

 

[Bri1121]

We have stayed at the Dolphin twice because of the great price. On top of that a great location. You can get a boat to both epcot and HS. My kids love the boat! The hotel is not all Disney but it is definitely deluxe, it is in that category for a reason. Yes there is no magical express and no dinning plan. But we never do the dinning plan anyway.

I stayed at the Pop once in HS with my cheer team and would pick the Dolphin.

They have a nice breakfast buffet and a great place to grab a coffee and bagel on your way out the back door to the boat. Also a great pool.

 

[cinderellafan6]

As I have stayed at both hotels it all depends. We stayed at the Dolphin the week we got engaged. It was perfect and romantic. Plus you can walk to EPCOT and take the monorial to magic kingdom which we loved. Just didnt like the extra resort fees and parking fees. We have also stayed at POP and are staying there again this October. Its great cause of the price. Plus we are not in the room really that much so it doesnt matter to us. Plus we are a short 2 1/2 hour drive and dont have to worry about planes and things. No matter which one u choose it will be great.

 

[wdwfan22]

My vote is for the Dolphin. It's a deluxe and while not Disney owned it's still a great resort. Pop Century is not worth the price in my opinion. I stayed there once for a short weekend trip and wouldn't choose to stay there again. The Dolphin has wonderful dining options and participates in the Extra Magic Hour as well.