Okay, I'm ready to weigh in!
First, let me start off by saying that my family and I have been visiting Disney World for just under 40 years, yet despite that, I do not believe that my opinion is worth any more or any less than anyone else's. In addition, I have spent time at every hotel listed in the poll and have actually stayed at the Boardwalk, Beach Club, Polynesian, Contemporary and Dolphin, so I do have somewhat of a first-hand knowledge of each resort. That said, I really do not see how you could possibly go wrong staying at any one of the places mentioned. They are all phenomenal in their own respective rights.
Anyway, my favorite of them all is the Dolphin. Here's why. First off, the lobby. With the exception of Animal Kingdom Lodge, no other place can rival the Dolphin's lobby. It is huge, it is beautiful, it is exciting, it is relaxing. The second you walk into the lobby, you think "ahhhhhhh, I'm on vacation!" I simply love hanging out in the lobby with a cup of coffee in the morning before a fun day at the parks, or a cold beer at night after a fun day at the parks. It definitely has more of an adult feel than some of the other places, but that's just fine with me. I understand what Disney World is all about and it just wouldn't be the same without the countless kids running around with smiles on their faces, but a little peaceful time every now and then hits the spot just right.
Next, the location. Situated right on the beautiful lake, it's location is the equal of places such as YC/BC and the Boardwalk. It's so easy to walk to or take a peaceful boat ride to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios, and a bus gets you everywhere else. Some of the comments in this thread about the bus running less frequently at the Dolphin then some other resorts are absurd. The bus from the Dolphin comes and goes exactly as frequently as it does at the YC/BC and the Boardwalk. Indeed, it often times shares a bus with those very other resorts.
This brings me to the pool. Now, I readily concede that there is no pool anywhere that can come even close to rivaling Stormalong Bay. After that, however, I will take the pool at the Dolphin over any other place in a heartbeat. The Dolphin has three separate pools, one with a waterfall and slide, and plenty of beautiful, relaxing space around them. It also has a sandy beach area if you want more of a beach feel. In addition to that, there's a phenomenal cabana bar located right next to the pools, where you can get just about any drink or snack you want.
Moving on, let's talk about food. The dining options at the Dolphin (and Swan) blow all other resorts to smithereens. Want a steak? Try to beat Shula's. In the mood for Italian? Get a table at Il Mulino. Like sushi? Where ya gonna go besides Kimonos. And if you want some nice seafood? Say hello to Todd English's Blue Zoo. And if you want a step down from places like that, you can try other nice little places such as Fresh (phenomenal breakfast), Fountain (decent, but nothing great food - awesome ice cream sundaes though!), or Picabu (nothing at all to write home about, but at least it is open 24 hours so you can always grab a snack or drink no matter how late you get back - how many other resorts can you say that about?).
Now let's talk accommodations. The rooms at the Dolphin (and Swan) were severely outdated and in need of drastic renovations, but that has completely occurred or is in the process of occurring as we speak. The rooms now are simply as current and as nice as anywhere on the entire property. And forget about pricing. There's simply no comparison here. I literally routinely get a suite for a couple hundred dollars less PER NIGHT than a boring standard room at YC/BC or the Boardwalk costs. And the rooms at the Dolphin have views equal to anything you can get at any of the other Epcot properties. Why anyone would intentionally pay so much more for so much less room-wise is a head-scratcher I will never solve.
Finally, let's address the theme of the hotel. No doubt that several of the other hotels have unique and pretty darn cool themes. You know what the theme of the Dolphin is, though? Class. First class. Everywhere you go, it just feels classier than he other hotels (save for the Grand Floridian). Yeah, you're not looking at nautical themes everywhere or feeling like your camping, etc., but you just feel like you are in a grand place.
Okay, I'm done now, lol. I'm sure there are many other reasons why I prefer the Dolphin but the ones I listed are just the main ones.
By the way, This is a great poll and a fun topic, and everybody has awesome perspectives that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. Thanks for sharing, everyone, and may your next trip to Disney World be your best one ever - until the following trip, that is!
