We're planning a trip to Disney World - I've stayed there several times, but this time I'm considering staying either at the Beach Club or the Dolphin/Swan. I can get a great rate for the Swan (nurse's rate 129.00) - is it worth staying at the Beach Club (hoping to get a great rate next summer - Mousesavers.com had rates 189.00 this year) or is the Swan just as good? Anybody know anything about the food there? Thanks in advance for the help!

I have stayed at the dolphin about 5 times and everytime I loved it. It has several resturaunt all good but all overpriced (no different then all disney property, This is a Starwood property though). Never stayed at the Swan but walked accross the bridge several times for a meal there. Swan is also right next to the Boardwalk which has several places to eat. Also about a 10 minute walk to epcot.
Some rooms face Epcot and you can see the fireworks and lightshow from your room. 129 is a great price!

Thanks Jeff - so do you recommend the Swan area over the Dolphin area? One of the main purposes for my choosing these resorts is the ability to walk into Epcot, as well as proximity to the water parks and Pleasure Island. I've always liked the Beach Club, they have a great buffet (Cape May), and I here they have a great pool area. Any more advice from fellow Disney travelers much appreciated.

I think the Swan and Dolphin are very comparable hotels. I have only stayed at the dolphin for couple reasons. First, I always hope to get upgraded to a resort view room. The dolphin is a taller hotel and has a good angle at Epcot to see the fireworks. The other reason is that I like to read the newspaper in the main entrance in the morning. They have a huge fountain in the middle that give such great relaxing sound of water (you need this from the parks). Pool is great and never crowded when I have stayed there. Very big and has a water fall cove. They have several resturaunts but none stand out as "I really want to go back" type places. I enjoy eating in the parks. Epcot, has too many choices and most I have been pleased with. The Flying fish on the boardwalk is nice but again overpriced. The web site should talk about the resteraunts there. Almost forgot. There is a 50 style diner one the lower floor makes really good shakes. The only other resort I have considered is the polinesian or contemporary (not the main building). This is because of the beach and water activities.

HI Jill - I stayed June 00 at the Beach Club and thought it was great. The convenience can't be beat and the pool really is something. The pool is something of a mini waterpark complete with sand beach, whirlpool, hot spas, water slide for kiddies and big kids. I'll never forget watching the Epcot fireworks every night from the small kids pool thats at the base of the stairs to the big slide (somewhat hidden).

Advantages of the BC are its a full service Disney hotel, you get the advantage of early entry (not sure this is extended to Swan/Dolphin guests), the great pool. Its the same transportation system for the Swan and Dolphin as it is for the Beach and Yacht Clubs and Boardwalk. You have a slightly shorter ride on the boats to MGM amd a slightly longer walk to Epcot. You really can't go wrong with any of the resorts near Epcot. The Boardwalk is great too.

Beaches and Cream is the name of the hamburger/shake place.

When I had to make the same decision and had to chose between the identical rates that you've got, I chose the BC and did not regret one second of it. You'll just have to figure if its worth the extra $60 per day.

Whatever you chose stick with it and don't second guess yourself or you'll drive yourself crazy.

Thanks to both of you for some great info on the hotels. Bennie, did you feel the pool was geared to younger kids? My boys will be 16 and 14 when we go, and since we're looking at August, I'm sure the pool will be a big draw for them, in addition to the water parks! Otherwise, I guess I'll just see how the rates pan out.

Jill - the pool actually is designed for everyone. There are sections that are great for little ones and there are sections that are more appropriate for older kids/adults. The pool is so large that everyone is accommodated. Your kids will love the slide - its long, fast and even has a tunnel. They will like the whirlpool area too. . These areas are separate from the kiddie area so the big kids can make as much ruckus as they want without little kids getting in the way. We saw lots of teens enjoying the pool.

One of the problems with a Disney vacation is making this decision about the hotel. I agonized over this but in reality all the hotels have a lot to offer and you really can't go wrong. I know this now that I've stayed at 3 different hotels (BC, Contemporary and Boardwalk Villas). Its all good!!

Also - if you want more input on this topic check out wdwinfo.com. The posters on that site can go on and on about the hotels, the parks, the restaurants etc. Another good one is wdwig.com.

Have a great trip.