Linda

I can't decide between Disney's Wilderness Lodge or Walt Disney World Dolphin. Although I'm going at Christmas, I'm getting similar rates for both. Any suggestions/opinions between the two?

Beth2

I'd go for the Wilderness Lodge. The Dolphin is a beautiful hotel, but like many beautiful hotels. It's advantage is it's location near Epcot and the Boardwalk. The Wilderness Lodge is very "Disney," with its Canadian Rockies theme throughout. I like the high beamed ceilings in the lobby, and the geysers outside! You can take a boat directly over to the Magic Kingdom.
IMHO: If you want floral elegance, it's the Dolphin. If you want to be transported to a different time and place, it's the WL.

mb

I agree w/ the above. Definitely the Wilderness Lodge. Been there for the last 5 years. We have truly enjoyed the Wilderness Lodge. The Dolphin is attracts business conferences. You can get a corporate Hotel anywhere in the country. Wilderness Lodge is DISNEY!! It's a winner over the Dolphin anyday!!! Have a wonderful time. I you choose the Wilderness, you must get an autograph book. You should see lot's of characters roaming the lobby and restaurant.

Patrick

I'll third the recommendation for Wilderness Lodge over The Dolphin, even though I've stayed at the Dophin, but only walked through Wilderness Lodge.

lmsa

If it counts for you, the Dolphin has a much nicer pool area.

nina

May I ask what rate you got and where you got it from?

bennie

Another vote for the Wilderness. Particularly at Christmas. I hear they have wonderful holiday displays. And their pool is great looking. Its starts off as a stream in the lobby and flows down through rocks and into the pool.

JulieArmstrong

We've stayed at the Wilderness Lodge twice as well as several other WDW hotels in the deluxe category. To me, the WL exceeds all of them in carrying out its theme. That said, the rooms are not big and transportation to and from the parks is not as convenient as almost every other hotel. I haven't stayed at the Swan, but have stayed at Yacht and Beach Club which is very near the Swan and shares buses with it. Transportation from that location is very good.

JulieArmstrong

Brain freeze! I should have said Swan and Dolphin above. They are next to each other.

Alex

Hi
If your looking for a Yellowstone theme Wilderness is the best choice. If your looking for a Chicago type Hotel go Dolphin. Transportation is available and free anywhere you go in Disney. I live in Orlando. Disney is especially nice during Christmas. Enjoy

Sal

The rooms are bigger at the Dolphin. WL is very nice, but we felt cramped. IMO, their restaurants are also much too small to accommodate their guests. We waited an hour for their theme breakfast, but it was a lot of fun.

Dan

Rates are comparable at Dolphin & Wilderness Lodge. Last I inquired, rates were going at $174 at Dolphin off of Expedia & $154 at Wildnerness Lodge for standard view room. BUT this was a while ago(right after Sept 11) so not sure if rates have changed. Anyway, they are both good hotels so either one will be a good choice!

carrie

Stay at the dolphin if you will be spending more time at mgm, epcot and boardwalk. It is very convenient to all of these parks. The location far exceeds the wilderness lodge. Also more restaurants available to you. The only park that it is not close to the dolphin is the Magic Kingdom.

cheryl

We are going in Dec. and just booked a room at the new Animal Kingdom Lodge for uner $170 per night. Might want to try that. If you get a Savannah room you see animals.

ilisa

Cheryl, where on earth did you get that great rate for Animal Kingdom Lodge? Was it through Disney? And are you in a savannah view room?

Lisa

I have stayed in Disney 9 times and my favorite hotel, by far, is the Wilderness Lodge. The last time I went to Disney I stayed there and it was wonderful! We stayed over the Christmas holiday and the holiday decorations were beautiful. Although the Lodge is very large, its ambiance evokes a very cozy feeling. When I go to Disney, I usually spend a minimal amount of time at the the hotel -this time I made it a point to spend time in the hotel and eat there, too. And it is the first time I have ever used a Disney pool!
You can't go wrong with the Wilderness Lodge.