POR or Dolphin

R

Rock'n Robin

New Member
I have revised our choices to these two because of the big price differential. Both are a little cramped for the 5 of us, but we are fine with it. We plan on bringing a small air mattress and sleeping bag with us since we are driving so we wouldn't have to use the trundle if it is too small, or rent a rollaway at Dolphin for $25 a night.
The price is almost identical since I would have a AAA discount at POR or a teacher discount at the Dolphin.
If we stay POR we can use the quick service dining plan if we choose. We can also charge things to the room. It also looks nice in terms of quick food choices and proximity to DD. I would ask for a second floor room in AB, water view, close to bus stop/main area.
If we stay at Dolphin we have Epcot and DHS right there and we would get a balcony room. But everything would be out of pocket and the dining would not be an option.
Both resorts have nice pools.
We have been to the Dolphin before; not POR.
Also, are there resort review on this site, and if so, where? I'm newer to using wdwmagic.
Robin M.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
tonynull

tonynull

Member
Our family loves Port Orleans Riverside! We have stayed there the past 4 years. The grounds are BEAUTIFUL. The main pool is a lot of fun and the quiet pools are usually not crowded. You get the benefit of the dining plan and being able to use Port Orleans French Quarter food court and pools as well. We have not stayed at the Dolphin, but I know you will like POR.
 
Upvote 0
DisneyPrincess5

DisneyPrincess5

Well-Known Member
While the Dolphin is a beautiful resort, it sounds like POR would be more appropriate for your needs.
You can have the dining plan, take a boat to Downtown Disney, charge to your room key, use the Magical Express if you chose to and the prices are close so that's a plus.
IMO, sounds like POR is the better choice for you!
 
Upvote 0
jeffk410

jeffk410

Well-Known Member
To add to that. Unless your favorite parks are Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. They are both in walking distance and really close. I have stayed at both. I must say I really never want to stay anywhere ,but the swan and dolphin now. The service is nothing like a moderate. They go above and beyond with everything. The grounds are well kept. The amentities are 20x better than a moderate. The proximity to both parks is huge. I can't say enough about the bus system and the food choices at the swan and dolphin. A 24 hour restaurant is nice after the parks. Honestly it comes down to what suits you best, but I do not think any moderate ( I have stayed at all) compares to the swan or dolphin.

I will add that the biggest downfall is no ME. A MEARS cab runs about 55 dollars to the dolphin then tax. Thats for your whole party. Ask for an individual cab vs the shuttle. If you are looking for dinning plan though you can not have that at the dolphin. Goodluck keep us posted!
P.S. - I just came back from the Swan with a balcony. You can see all of Wishes if you ask for the right area. It was amazing.
Also- I do believe you will be happy with PORS, It does have the Disney feel a little more than the dolphin.
 
Upvote 0
corey154

corey154

Active Member
I've stayed at the dolphin and port orleans (but french quarter) here's my opinion; first, i always like trying new resorts so if it was me, I'd try POR. As much as I loved the dolphin and the rooms there, it is really nice to stay on disney property so you can charge everything to your room key. I've never used the dining plan so i can't comment on any of that. I only stayed at the dolphin for the weekend and it was to go to epcot for the food and wine festival and i would do it again, but for a longer trip and visiting other parks i think i'd go with POR, you have a short boat ride to DTD for other dining options as well. The rooms are nice at POR, but I have to say the beds are much better at the dolphin. Overall I think it depends what kind of trip you're planning. Dolphin is more deluxe than POR, but POR offers alot being Disney owned.
 
Upvote 0
Master Yoda

Master Yoda

Pro Star Wars geek.
Premium Member
S&D are nicer resorts with better beds and more of a luxury feel but you will have to give up a few of the Disney resort perks to stay there. If you can deal without room charging, the dining plan and being charged to park at your resort then I would stay at the S&D.
 
Upvote 0
slappy magoo

slappy magoo

Well-Known Member
Also, with the proximity to Epcot and the Studios, there's also a proximity to the other Disney resorts, so you'd be close to the Boardwalk area, Yacht & Beach Club's restaurants...one of the mini golf courses is I think within walking distance.

As much as I dig the Disney Magic - and have enjoyed Riverside immensely - twixt those choices, I'd probably go Dolphin. Especially if we didn't drive. That's another minor inconvenience staying at the Swan or Dolphin. Even hotel guests have to pay for parking.
 
Upvote 0
Eeyore

Eeyore

Mrs. WDWMAGIC [Assistant Administrator]
Premium Member
Rock'n Robin said:
I have revised our choices to these two because of the big price differential. Both are a little cramped for the 5 of us, but we are fine with it. We plan on bringing a small air mattress and sleeping bag with us since we are driving so we wouldn't have to use the trundle if it is too small, or rent a rollaway at Dolphin for $25 a night.
The price is almost identical since I would have a AAA discount at POR or a teacher discount at the Dolphin.
If we stay POR we can use the quick service dining plan if we choose. We can also charge things to the room. It also looks nice in terms of quick food choices and proximity to DD. I would ask for a second floor room in AB, water view, close to bus stop/main area.
If we stay at Dolphin we have Epcot and DHS right there and we would get a balcony room. But everything would be out of pocket and the dining would not be an option.
Both resorts have nice pools.
We have been to the Dolphin before; not POR.
Also, are there resort review on this site, and if so, where? I'm newer to using wdwmagic.
Robin M.
Click to expand...

Yup we have reviews:

Here is Port Orleans Riverside

Here is the Dolphin

I would have a tough time deciding between the two (though its been years since I've stayed at Dixie Landings). In my experience its by far the best moderate resort and the Dolphin is one of my favorites as well. Good luck with your decision! :wave:
 
Upvote 0
brent2124

brent2124

Well-Known Member
Rock'n Robin said:
I have revised our choices to these two because of the big price differential. Both are a little cramped for the 5 of us, but we are fine with it. We plan on bringing a small air mattress and sleeping bag with us since we are driving so we wouldn't have to use the trundle if it is too small, or rent a rollaway at Dolphin for $25 a night.
The price is almost identical since I would have a AAA discount at POR or a teacher discount at the Dolphin.
If we stay POR we can use the quick service dining plan if we choose. We can also charge things to the room. It also looks nice in terms of quick food choices and proximity to DD. I would ask for a second floor room in AB, water view, close to bus stop/main area.
If we stay at Dolphin we have Epcot and DHS right there and we would get a balcony room. But everything would be out of pocket and the dining would not be an option.
Both resorts have nice pools.
We have been to the Dolphin before; not POR.
Also, are there resort review on this site, and if so, where? I'm newer to using wdwmagic.
Robin M.
Click to expand...
You joined 8 years ago:shrug:
 
Upvote 0
captainkidd

captainkidd

Well-Known Member
DisneyPrincess5 said:
Wow really? I find that surprising.
I personally have had great experiences there, but to each their own I guess.
Click to expand...

I made a mistake. This makes NO sense.

100% of people who stayed at the Dolphin said they would stay there again. Tied with Wilderness Lodge Villas, Beach Club Villas, Fort Wilderness Cabins, and Boardwalk Inn. Lowest was Saratoga Springs with 77%.

Dolphin came in last when people who stayed there were asked if they would recommend it to a friend. Only 50% said Yes.
 
Upvote 0
DisneyPrincess5

DisneyPrincess5

Well-Known Member
captainkidd said:
I made a mistake. This makes NO sense.

100% of people who stayed at the Dolphin said they would stay there again. Tied with Wilderness Lodge Villas, Beach Club Villas, Fort Wilderness Cabins, and Boardwalk Inn. Lowest was Saratoga Springs with 77%.

Dolphin came in last when people who stayed there were asked if they would recommend it to a friend. Only 50% said Yes.
Click to expand...
Oooh ok...hmm. Well I know I'd recommend it :lol:
 
Upvote 0
R

Rock'n Robin

New Member
Original Poster
Thanks for all the responses. I'm working on the reviews and hoping to decide in the next couple of days. It seems to hinge on whether or not we go with the Quick service plan--if we do, it's POR, obviously. If not, we'll go with the Dolphin.
I have been registered here for a long time and I often lurk during my work lunch hour on the main page with the news headlines (unable to post or access boards at work--all discussion sites are blocked). I used to ask trip related questions on a big board that I was recently banned from for being on other boards. I didn't even think we'd be taking a trip this year, let alone in 90 days! It was recommended to me that I come here and so far, so good!
Robin M.
 
Upvote 0
disneychic71

disneychic71

Member
Good luck! For what it's worth, we've stayed at both POFQ and POR and they were wonderful, especially the pools! On the other hand, my sister stayed at the Dolphin years ago and thought the walls were paper thin. That's all my information! I'm sure you'll have a great time, no matter what.
 
Upvote 0

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom