Please help me choose for a solo trip

Bowler Hat Girl

Bowler Hat Girl

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
So I found out that I may be going to Orlando at the end of March for my job. I'm going to tack on two WDW days, and I can't decide where to stay. I'm thinking of either POR or POFQ or Swan and Dolphin. I've done the two Port Orleans resorts and enjoy them both. Never done the Swalphin. If I do either PO resort, I'm going to have a day walking the Sassagoula River and enjoy exploring the resorts again, then do a day at Epcot. If I do either Swan or Dolphin, I'll walk along Crescent Lake and explore Yacht, Beach, Boardwalk, etc. Day 2will be at Epcot.

So my question is which of those choices sounds better for a solo adult? Also, which would be better in March?
 
Bowler Hat Girl

Bowler Hat Girl

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Thanks, everyone! I think it seems pretty clear which area to book--so is there any difference between the Swan and Dolphin? Is there any benefit to one over the other?
 
DizneyPryncess

DizneyPryncess

Well-Known Member
We stayed at the Dolphin in May for a few days before heading over to BWV, and we loved it! I couldn't tell a difference between the Swan and Dolphin as far as one being better than the other, but others may be able to answer that better. The location is great, and you will love exploring that area for the day. :)
 
luv

luv

Well-Known Member
I vote Dolphin. Great location, amazing pool area and Picabu is probably the best quickie food place in WDW. The Fountain is a nice place to eat, as well. Excellent tuna fish. :D

You do have to remember that they charge a resort fee and add that onto the room and tax charges. They charge for self-parking, too. But it's still way cheaper than the Disney deluxe hotels - runs about the same as the mods. More bang for your buck.

There are usually other Singletons eating in the various restaurants, so you will likely not be the only person eating alone.
 
JohnD

JohnD

Well-Known Member
My answer is based on budget. Can you afford Swan/Dolphin? Those are deluxe resorts but also operated separately from Disney. POFQ and POR are Disney operated moderate resorts and are cheaper by comparison. Nothing wrong with those resorts although POFQ has only one bus stop. But if budget isn't a factor, I guess Swan/ Dolphin would be better even if you're looking for something different.
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
luv said:
I vote Dolphin. Great location, amazing pool area and Picabu is probably the best quickie food place in WDW. The Fountain is a nice place to eat, as well. Excellent tuna fish. :D

You do have to remember that they charge a resort fee and add that onto the room and tax charges. They charge for self-parking, too. But it's still way cheaper than the Disney deluxe hotels - runs about the same as the mods. More bang for your buck.

There are usually other Singletons eating in the various restaurants, so you will likely not be the only person eating alone.
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We like Dolphin too, but like to eat at Kimonos at the Swan. The resort fee and parking fee can really add up quick, and both bother me to the point that it truly diminishes the value, or seemingly value compared to some other places. Gaylord Palms is another, and there are plenty more, that hit you with resort and/or parking fees. I hate resort fees. Just charge me the real price up front and I'll be more likely to come back. Rant over.
 
luv

luv

Well-Known Member
epcotisbest said:
We like Dolphin too, but like to eat at Kimonos at the Swan. The resort fee and parking fee can really add up quick, and both bother me to the point that it truly diminishes the value, or seemingly value compared to some other places. Gaylord Palms is another, and there are plenty more, that hit you with resort and/or parking fees. I hate resort fees. Just charge me the real price up front and I'll be more likely to come back. Rant over.
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ITA with you on resort fees. Honestly. But even when you add them on, the Dolphin is still cheaper (with bigger rooms and, imo, a better pool) than those at the nearby Beach Club.

For anyone wondering, the Gaylord Palms is a wonderful hotel that is like 90 seconds from WDW. Nice rooms, bigger than Disney's (of course), good service, nicer all the way around than anything at Disney...and much cheaper. Most of my family stays there when they visit me, whether they're going to WDW or not. I've yet to hear complaints. :)
 
Bowler Hat Girl

Bowler Hat Girl

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
You've got a point about the resort fees with Swan and Dolphin. The quoted price per night was technically lower than the PO rooms, but then they put the fee in and it's just over $300 a night. No parking fee for me this time, but that's good to know. I guess it comes down to whether that fee is worth it to me.

But honestly, my original thought was to look at one of the deluxes, till I realized it was spring break. When I saw the prices, I knew I had to rethink that plan. I've never gone during spring break, and I haven't been during the summer since the 90s. Seeing the $500-$700 base for one night at the deluxes was an eye opener. If Ihad been planning on a deluxe anyway, I think this is okay. I am definitely sticking to fall for personal trips though!

Thanks for all your help :)
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
luv said:
ITA with you on resort fees. Honestly. But even when you add them on, the Dolphin is still cheaper (with bigger rooms and, imo, a better pool) than those at the nearby Beach Club.

For anyone wondering, the Gaylord Palms is a wonderful hotel that is like 90 seconds from WDW. Nice rooms, bigger than Disney's (of course), good service, nicer all the way around than anything at Disney...and much cheaper. Most of my family stays there when they visit me, whether they're going to WDW or not. I've yet to hear complaints. :)
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Gaylord Palms, even with resort fees, is much better priced and nicer than any deluxe at Disney. It is one of the reasons it cracks me up when people proclaim they will never stay anywhere but Disney. Same with JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton at Grande Lakes...if they won't stay there it means more room for me. Don't get me wrong, we enjoy staying at WDW and just got back from a week at BLT a few weeks ago. But I know there are many better, more affordable options out there, including Dolphin.
 
Mr Ferret 75

Mr Ferret 75

Thank you sir. You were an inspiration.
Premium Member
epcotisbest said:
Gaylord Palms, even with resort fees, is much better priced and nicer than any deluxe at Disney. It is one of the reasons it cracks me up when people proclaim they will never stay anywhere but Disney. Same with JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton at Grande Lakes...if they won't stay there it means more room for me. Don't get me wrong, we enjoy staying at WDW and just got back from a week at BLT a few weeks ago. But I know there are many better, more affordable options out there, including Dolphin.
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CANT GO PAST THAT WITHOUT LAUGHING :oops::oops: :hilarious:
 
Glasgow

Glasgow

Well-Known Member
Love love love the location of S&D .. stayed there many times for work conferences. Being able to stroll out to the Boardwalk at night is great, not to mention walking distance to EP and DHS. You won't be disappointed.
 

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