View Full Version : Grand Floridian or Dolphin Hotel
Hi, We are looking at finishing our holiday this year with a few nights at either the Grand Floridian of the Dolphin hotel. All the reviews look good and I wish we could have a week in each but cant afford that . New to the forums so looking for a few comments that may sway my mind to one or the other . Our party size includes a 7 and 14 year old which may make a difference.
Hello and welcome to the Dibb! :wavey:
I haven't been to either before but have booked the Dolphin for 2 weeks next July. Mazzy has been to the Dolphin a number of times and was really helpful in helping me decide. I liked it's location.
Someone will be along soon to help.
Hi, We are looking at finishing our holiday this year with a few nights at either the Grand Floridian of the Dolphin hotel. All the reviews look good and I wish we could have a week in each but cant afford that . New to the forums so looking for a few comments that may sway my mind to one or the other . Our party size includes a 7 and 14 year old which may make a difference.
Never stayed at the Dolphin, but have at 2 of the other Epcot resort hotels (Yacht Club and Boardwalk) - the location really is superb, walking distance to Epcot and HS (or take the boat), lots of dining options at the other Epcot resort hotels, or Epcot itself, and the Boardwalk entertainment is right there too.
I've stayed at the GF and it really is a beautiful hotel - the rooms are gorgeous, in fact the whole resort is gorgeous :) You're just a short monorail ride from the MK and you can change at the TTC for the monorail to Epcot. Although it's no great hassle getting 2 monorails to Epcot I personally did miss being able to stroll into Epcot, but then that is my favourite park lol.
If you're after something 'special', then the GF is the way to go, if you're after a 'nice' hotel right in the heart of things then the Dolphin would be great.
The other thing to remember is the GF is an official Disney hotel whilst the Dolphin isn't. The only difference between the two is that with the Dolphin you don't get charging privileges in the parks/Disney resorts and no package delivery back to your resort (I'm not sure if there's any other differences but I'm sure someone else can confirm).
queenofthenile
29 Aug 08, 09:05 AM
It would have to be the Grand Floridian for me, as this is disneys best hotel and it is truly beautiful, you should see it at christmas time with the tree and the gingerbread house.
travelmam
29 Aug 08, 09:09 AM
:wavey: Hi Paul and welcome to Dibb!!
It would have to be GF for me too as it is disney best hotel and as claire said its lovely.:smile:
Sarah A
29 Aug 08, 09:24 AM
Hi I am going to the Dolphin hotel in Oct for the first time. We were recommended to the Swan and Dolphin by my husbands work colleague as he stayed at the Animal Kingdom Hotel and Swan Hotel, for location he said the Swan and Dolphin were great.
Also Mazzy has been to the Dolphin hotel and will be able to answer any questions you may have (We Did which helped)
Good Luck choosing :spin:
Nicole
29 Aug 08, 09:57 AM
I agree it would have to be GF for me.
floridianfairy
29 Aug 08, 10:03 AM
I have stayed with my family in the GF in 06,it was the most fab place,we loved every second of our stay there,if you want to be near MK this is the hotel for you!We were in Conch Key building our room looked over the lagoon to the castle it was like living in a dream for 2 weeks,I would love to stay there again!I don't know anything about the Dolphin so can't help there.:wavey:
:wavey:
My choice would be The Grand Floridian have been there for breakfast and found the hotel beautiful and would love to stay there.:wave:
dkra2007
29 Aug 08, 10:17 AM
GF gets my vote too. Have stayed there on two holidays and it was wonderful
mkingdon
29 Aug 08, 12:31 PM
Whichever you choose will be spectacular.
For me, the location of the Dolphin wins. We had a look round a few weeks ago and were blown away. Very impressive, and you just can't beat staying so close to the Boardwalk, Epcot and MGM.
Have a great time.
Hi,thank you all for a great response to my first question, probably the first of many. We are swaying towards GF now but i have noticed there are several room view options ie garden lagoon park. They all sound good any ideas on this one i have heard about a show on the lake but would like to watch the fireworks at MK from the room if possible .
Hi,thank you all for a great response to my first question, probably the first of many. We are swaying towards GF now but i have noticed there are several room view options ie garden lagoon park. They all sound good any ideas on this one i have heard about a show on the lake but would like to watch the fireworks at MK from the room if possible .
The GF do a theme park view, you'll be able to see the castle and fireworks from your room :)
Theme park view rooms are in the outer lodges - the main building itself is all concierge and although there are some theme park view rooms these cannot be pre-booked, it's luck of the draw.
If you go for a dedicated theme park view room then that is what you'll get :)
Alternatively, there's a great view of Wishes from the boat dock next to Narcoossees.
Many thanks everybody . Time to start booking now. Roll on August . Cant wait.
eeyore65
2 Sep 08, 10:41 PM
Personally I'd give the Dolphin a miss and stay at the Yacht Club instead. The Dolphin just doesn't have that Disney feel to it & its not up to the standard of equivalent Disney hotels.
pinkypominnie
3 Sep 08, 05:44 PM
100% the Grand Floridian - the most luxurious Disney property and the best location being on the monorail route for MK and Epcot :)
skelfbsfb
3 Sep 08, 07:05 PM
What a good choice of hotels but in all honesty I would go for the GF given the choice between the 2.
FAIRY DUST
3 Sep 08, 07:13 PM
no doubts for me....GF all the way
BarryandCaron
3 Sep 08, 07:26 PM
We have not stayed at the Swan or Dolphin but have just returned from staying our last 3 nights at Grand Floridian and what can I say? It was a really beautiful hotel with fantastic service and we have never stayed at a place like it; turn down service including replacement of used towels at night and fresh bed linen every day to name but a few extras we had.
Caron
We have always stayed at the GF since our honeymoon 10 years ago, and couldn't consider staying anywhere else when in WDW. From the grand flower adorned lobby entrance, the beautiful landscaped gardens, the immaculate pools, huge variety of restaurants with unique views, the quality of the rooms and service and of course the location, all make it a perfect hotel! Has to be GF!!
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