Hi, this is probably on the thread somewhere so apologies if so! But we're considering swapping our stay from POR to the Dolphin as the rate is not much more for our stay. I just want to check I haven't missed any cons of not staying in an official Disney resort:
- MK bus goes to TTC (but you could go to Boardwalk etc to get a Disney bus?)
- Are the AK and Disney Springs buses convenient?
- No resort mug (a con because of how much coffee and coke my husband drinks!)
- Resort fees (though would be booking direct as I get discount doing this and seems to be best rate, so I think the fee is included?)
- None of the 'Disney magic' (presumably including no characters wondering around, if you're lucky to spot them), but very close to hotels that would have it. This is my biggest con right now, given the theming of Riverside has appealed for a long time - but not sure it can compete with location and being so close to the Boardwalk. Obviously that's a very personal thing. (The kids will just be excited about the pools and won't know what they've missed out on with theming!)
While there's a number of things that appeal to us about the resort, we're mostly considering changing for the location as we like being able to get about on foot, and with two young kids it'll be a lot more relaxing to have a bit more freedom, and not have to pack up buggies if they're asleep. Even if my son really loves buses...
The biggest drawback is the bus to MK.. Going to TTC means you enter with the masses of people offsite on the monorail or the boat and it adds a lot of time to the trip.
The bus for AK is again with the outside buses, but not a big deal at all - may even be closer than some of the buses at the main Disney Bus stop.
Obviously Epcot and Studios are not an issue at all - its the same boat.
I dislike the resort fee - its just a money grab IMO and worthless - but I doubt you can find a Disney Deluxe for the same price
You can buy a lot of coffee and drink with the money you save from the room rate over Disney - also make sure you look at package deals and AAA rates if you have that - there are deal with a 50 room credit per day for example.
As for the Disney Magic...what Disney Magic?
I've heard this argument about Swan and Dolphin forever.
I've stayed at most the Disney hotels and they are glorified Holiday Inns IMO.
Theming is nice but service is lacking to say the least, let alone magic.
It's very convenient to stay on the monorail and be in that area, but its not worth the extra cost.
I've been going since 83 and the hotels are the worst part of Disney IMO.
For me the cost\value does not work out and has not for a long while.
I know many will disagree, but I don't get all the love for the Disney hotels.
I disliked Yacht club concierge level so much I checked out after the first night and went to the Dolphin.
I was reading a comment about the Evermore Resort\Conrad Hotel and people was saying its fake luxury and overpriced - really but GF isn't???
