Drury Disney Springs vs Dolphin?

[JenniferFolsomCa]

I can't decide. Headed to Disneyworld with my 22 year old daughter in December! Planning on 2 park days, and 3 rest days (1 for shopping, 1 for resort hopping to see holiday decor and 1 flex day to do whatever, mini golf, water park? swim?) No car, relying on uber or shuttles. I definitely want to stay at a place that gets us into the park 30 minutes earlier and have 2 very full park days. I've narrowed it down:

Choice #1 Drury Disney Springs
Pros: new/clean so less allergy issues?, free breakfast, won't use the kick back benefit, decent pool/jacuzzi but nothing special, walking distance to Disney Springs which we plan to visit 1 day.
Cons: even though we can get in 30 minute early not sure if the shuttles will get us there that early? Not close to any parks to pop in and grab a jacket, etc.

Choice #2 Dolphin
Pros: location, could walk to Hollywood Studios or Epcot, close to skyliner, take a boat to the park, super nice pool.

Cons: About $70-$80 more a night, not going to use the extended evening benefit for our dates, rooms were old on our last visit, not sure if they have updated. food might be harder to get/more expensive in the Boardwalk area. Bad reviews.

Am I missing anything? Any thoughts on either of these?

Jenn

 

[gottalovepluto]

I’ve had great food at Swolphin and felt the rooms at Dolphin were in fine shape. Trip Advisor reviews are waaaaay too negative for this property. Are you even visiting EP/DHS though? If not Dolphin is a harder sell.

If you are I think Dolphin is an easier sell, the access by boat is such a time saver on a short trip, the pool area awesome and the food choices at Swolphin are very broad.

 

[JenniferFolsomCa]

Thanks! 4 nights/5 days
My current plan is
+ Day 1 Visit Disney Springs, see the the Christmas trees
+Day 2 Hollywood Studios and then hop to MK
+ Day 3 Use Disney transport and hop around resorts, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary, have a drink or 2 at the bars, eat, see the decorations, maybe do a scenic walk by the lake like Grand Floridian to MK but not go in?
+Day 4 MK/EP
+ Day 5 floater day, sleep in, Christmas mini golf? Disney Springs again? more resorts?

 

[Skippyboo]

It would be easier to resort hop if you were onsite rather than out in Disney Springs.

 

[NothingClever]

Unless I was planning on spending a lot of time in Disney Springs, I would choose Dolphin 10 out of 10 times. In full disclosure, I've stayed at Swan/Dolphin many times and never at the Drury. The amenities/restaurants at Dolphin are very nice and the location is about as good as it gets IMO. Good times ahead no matter which one you choose!