The One Resort You Wouldn't Stay At.

[real mad hatter]

Hi Folks,Having recently returned from 14 magic days at WDW staying at PORS. We always visit other resorts on our trip to have a wee nosey,usually deluxe,one day I'll save that extra dollar,anyway,this year we checked out Swan & Dolphin and also Contemporary.The Swan & Dolphin we did like with those waterfalls outside and the situation of it,however the Contemporary resort left us cold.It reminded us of a hotel built around a shopping complex,and didn't feel I was in Disneyworld.Now that's just my opinion so please don't jump on my back if your a Contemporary fan.So is there one resort that you've visited that you wouldn't like to stay at?

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

I think they offer either single queens or single kings, but everything I found on the rooms that can accomodate 4 said the beds were doubles. That would be awesome though if that's not the case. I will definitely keep this in mind for future trips since the prices are usually pretty nice, even w/resort and parking fees. Thanks!

Oh...you might be correct there. I don't think I've stayed there with 4 ppl. Usually just my BF and I.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

Tig - you are right that every resort, generally, has it's own set of both fans and detractors.

I will say that the overgrown, dark feeling we had from PORS was from the Alligator Bayou section of the resort. Maybe we would have had a different result had we stayed in the Magnolia bend section.

And I do want to give French Quarter a try at some point .....

I kind of like the "secluded" feeling of the whole resort which is why I think some people don't like it as much. A lot of people don't like the overgrown feel and the walking which don't bother me at all.

Might as well give them all a try! You never know which place can feel like your new Disney home

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Oh...you might be correct there. I don't think I've stayed there with 4 ppl. Usually just my BF and I.

For the heck of it, I decided to check out rates and see if it would give me bed options. My options were 1 King or 2 Doubles at the Dolphin but the Swan is giving me the option of 2 Queens. I swear- when I checked months ago, both were giving me only doubles as options. Still strikes me as odd that a large Sheraton resort like the Dolphin would only offer doubles. Oh well, at least I now know that the Swan could be an option.

 

[meyeet]

For the heck of it, I decided to check out rates and see if it would give me bed options. My options were King or 2 Doubles at the Dolphin but the Swan is giving me the option of 2 Queens. I swear- when I checked months ago, both were giving me only doubles as options. Still strikes me as odd that a large Sheraton resort like the Dolphin would only offer doubles. Oh well, at least I now know that the Swan could be an option.

I think I remember something a few months back about the Swan switching to Queens. Since other resorts are as well I would assume the Dolphin will switch too.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I think I remember something a few months back about the Swan switching to Queens. Since other resorts are as well I would assume the Dolphin will switch too.

It makes sense for them to make the switch. Two queens has been the standard for quite some time now. I mean, if I can get two queens at the Super 8 Maingate...it seems only logical for the Swan and Dolphin to offer two queens vs. two doubles. Now if Disney could find a way to squeeze 2 queens into a value room- we might consider that as well.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

For the heck of it, I decided to check out rates and see if it would give me bed options. My options were 1 King or 2 Doubles at the Dolphin but the Swan is giving me the option of 2 Queens. I swear- when I checked months ago, both were giving me only doubles as options. Still strikes me as odd that a large Sheraton resort like the Dolphin would only offer doubles. Oh well, at least I now know that the Swan could be an option.

Well that's a start. They often have good rates especially compared to the Disney resorts in the same location. You may have to give up some "Disney" perks but sometimes the better rate can help balance that out

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

Well that's a start. They often have good rates especially compared to the Disney resorts in the same location. You may have to give up some "Disney" perks but sometimes the better rate can help balance that out

I think the only Disney perk they don't have is DME. they still get transportation to and from the parks and EMh correct?

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I think the only Disney perk they don't have is DME. they still get transportation to and from the parks and EMh correct?

I think you also miss out on 180+10 and obviously purchases can't be delivered to your room. I'm not 100% on this, but I think you may also have to pay to park if you bring your own vehicle and would like to drive to the parks.

 

[steviej]

Saratoga Springs, I visited it once and was not impressed. Seemed spread out and so far out there. I also wouldn't want to stay at Old Key WEst either, however if the price was right or it was free I would stay there.

Why not?

 

[murphysmom]

you're in disney..you're supposed to feel like a 3 yr old

I don't mind feeling like a kid at the parks, and even at the resort. But when it is time to unwind and rest up for the next day of fun, I need a bit of calm and quiet. Not loud colors or decorations. If you can sleep and enjoy it, have at it! I'm just leaving more room for all of you!!

 

[Mukta]

I think you also miss out on 180+10 and obviously purchases can't be delivered to your room. I'm not 100% on this, but I think you may also have to pay to park if you bring your own vehicle and would like to drive to the parks.

I read somewhere that purchases can be delivered to your room if you stay at the Swolphin. Found it, allearsnet

Since the Dolphin isn't a Disney Resort, do I still get the Disney resort amenities?
Guests at the Dolphin enjoy many of the same amenities as Disney-operated resort guests. A stay at the Dolphin includes WDW transportation to all Disney attractions, theme park free parking, guaranteed park admission, package delivery to your hotel from the parks, preferred tee times, access to theme park Extra Magic Hours, and access to guest services. If you're staying at the Dolphin you can also purchase your Disney tickets right there at their guest services desk.
However, unlike other Disney resorts, charging privileges don't extend beyond the Swan and Dolphin. All purchases and dining expenses at both the Swan and the Dolphin, can be charged to your pre-arranged account.
Starwood Preferred Guests can earn miles, inquire at check-in.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I read somewhere that purchases can be delivered to your room if you stay at the Swolphin. Found it, allearsnet

Since the Dolphin isn't a Disney Resort, do I still get the Disney resort amenities?
Guests at the Dolphin enjoy many of the same amenities as Disney-operated resort guests. A stay at the Dolphin includes WDW transportationto all Disney attractions, theme park free parking, guaranteed park admission, package delivery to your hotel from the parks, preferred tee times, access to theme park Extra Magic Hours, and access to guest services. If you're staying at the Dolphin you can also purchase your Disney tickets right there at their guest services desk.
However, unlike other Disney resorts, charging privileges don't extend beyond the Swan and Dolphin. All purchases and dining expenses at both the Swan and the Dolphin, can be charged to your pre-arranged account.
Starwood Preferred Guests can earn miles, inquire at check-in.

Very cool! More incentives to consider it!

 

[eddiemcgarrigle]

I also avoid the value resorts as they are a little garish for my taste. I would also add the Grand Floridian. My missus had always fancied it but having had a look around a few years back, we found it to be too staid and stuffy.

 

[ceverette]

We have stayed at most of the resorts. We really don't like any of the All-Stars resorts. Too many people and we just don't feel the disney magic there. We are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in three weeks and was wondering what others thought of the resort. Pros and Cons?

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

I probably wouldn't stay at the Yacht or Beach club...reminds me too much of home (close to Cape Cod). The resorts are both so beautiful though that if I had to stay there I probably wouldn't mind, I just don't feel the same Disney magic as other resorts because it just reminds me too much of MA

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Why not?

Saratoga was too much like a country club, it seemed really spread out, far away from the parks, and we waited over 40 minutes for a bus. And Old Key West seemed really spread out and although I liked Olivias it just didn't strike my style. I'd rather stay at the WL or Beach Club if I'm going to stay deluxe.

 

[tare]

All star sports--yuck!!

 

[crispy]

All star sports--yuck!!

I have to say, this quote plus your avatar picture made me chuckle!

 

[BrittanyRose428]

I would stay at any resort if it was between that and not going at all, however the value resorts do nothing for me. I've never been to one, so I'm only going off of pictures and reviews, but they just don't seem appealing. I love the Contemporary, I can see why others don't like the theme, but its somewhere I've stayed numerous times when I was younger, so I kind of associate it with going to WDW.

 

[Tusportsfan]

We have stayed at most of the resorts. We really don't like any of the All-Stars resorts. Too many people and we just don't feel the disney magic there. We are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in three weeks and was wondering what others thought of the resort. Pros and Cons?

We've stayed three seperate times at AKL - once in the standard hotel room, and studios at both Jambo House and Kidani - all with savanah views. Other than taking a little getting used to the darker than average rooms, we loved them and would not hesitate to stay there again.

You cannot put a price on the feeling ov your daughter pouncing on you in a sound sleep @ 6:00 yelling at you WAKE UP WAKE UP, because there was a giraffe right outside our window.