WDW Swan & Dolphin

[Disnatic]

Has anybody stayed at the Swan or Dolphin before?

I was just there and and that^ is where I stayed. This is a word of advice. If you want a Disney Themed Hotel, don't stay here. These hotels are very plane jane. It's like staying in an ordinary hotel. Because its pretty much a Sheriton and a Westin because it is owned by Starwood Properties.

Summer '95 Carribean Beach
Spring Break'99 All Star Music
Spring Break '01 " " "
Summer '01 All Star Sports
Summer '01 Coranado Springs
Around Christmas '01 Wilderness Lodge
Spring Break '02 WDW Swan

See ya'

:bounce:

[NancyIL]

I've stayed at the Dolphin 4 times and will be at the Swan in a few weeks. I disagree with your assessment of the theming. They are NOT like any other Sheraton or Westin! I think the beach theme in the hallways (carpet, walls, and doors) and the "whimsical" decor in the rooms is very nice. But - to each his own.

[Ityldu]

I have to agree with NancyIL - We never wanted to stay at S/D b/c we heard how "undisney" they were. We ended up at Dolphin by accident b/c all Disney resorts were booked. We fell in love with the place and the themeing and now make the Dolphin part of every trip to Disney.

The lobby is stunning and I love the shooting stars. The cabanna style rooms are very beachy and the pool couldn't be better themed. It's our fav. in Disney.

The more opinions I hear about Disney, the more I appreciate all the effort that has gone into making every resort and park so different. It just wouldn't be Disney if we all felt the exact same way about every resort.

[Tluvs2talk]

Plain Jane would be the least way I would describe Swan/Dolphin. In fact I thought it was very loud and tropical. Going down the hallways painted like waves on the ocean, doors painted like cabanas, even the carpet was like sand with beach towels . I actually joked that I was getting seasick walking down the hall. Our room was also very tropical. Pink, tourquoise and beiges. I would call it anything but ordinary. I have some picture's of the room at www.picturetrail.com Where it say's visit album/member's name put Tluvs2talk.

[disneydoc]

We felt that the all stars were better themed than the S&D. Our kids did not enjoy the hotel as compared to others we have stayed. It was too spread out with long walks between pools and dining sites. The rooms were "whimsical" but in my opinion the colors were faded. Compared to Hard Rock, Portofino, and even the CR we were not impressed.

[Kitty 34]

We really enjoyed our stay at the Dolphin last June. We will be staying there again this June.

My boys thought the themeing was great! We had stayed at the All Stars the year before and my DH and sons are hooked on the Dolphin!!!:)

[Blondie]

We are also BIG fans of the Swan and Dolphin Resorts!

I agree, it's anything but plain Jane! Tropical, fun and festive is more like it!

We've stayed in quite a few Sheratons in our days (DH used to work for them many years ago) and I can tell you, they didn't look anything like the Swan/Dolphin at WDW!!!

[chatty]

I got so Spoiled at the Dolphin, That I can't bring myself to go back to WDW resorts anymore! I know, it might sound crazy, But the S/D just Blew us Away.. I told DH that if I have to, I will get a job there, just so I can be there 7 days a week...... I'm sick, I'm sick, I'm sick....
Truthfully I have stayed a the moderates some deluxes and I still will stay at the S/D anyday!!!

And no! I don't know any-one there personally or non personally this is just ..I.O.H.O.

Chatty

[Figaro]

We stayed at the Swan last November and found the resort to be elegant, classy and very European in its outlook and design. Now, it was just the two of us, and we were looking for a more romantic "adult" type get-away. The Swan was all of that and more for us.

I love the Michael Graves architecture and designs. Wish we could have taken a tour, but they weren't doing them while we were there.

And I'll add in that both of us have stayed at the All Stars numerous times (as well as all of the Disney Moderates) and that we enjoyed all of our stays, albeit in different ways(smile).

[jwfla422]

Wow, to tell people not to stay there because it's PLANE JANE, I just have to laugh, that's a new one.

Without elaborating much I just have to "ditto" Blondie's post:)

(the only hotels I got to stay at when I was 13 or 14 was Days Inn or Holiday Inn's-I would have been honored to stay at a hotel as nice as the S/D when I was that age:)

[Jen80370]

I'd be careful folks. Seems to me we have a copycat thread. Someone seems to be picking an argument...and is pulling all of us in. Look to the other similiar thread on the Resorts board and see how many posts were removed to see that this is WAY too similiar. And how convenient it is started by a BRAND new user name.

[dreamflight99]

It "feels" like a reverse sting operation! LOL! ILOVETHEDOLPHINANDAGREEWITHEVERYONESASSESSMENTREGA RDINGTHETHEMEANDDECOR.ITISAVERYDISNEYFUNPROPERTY,O NEWEALLLOOKFORWARDTORETURNINGTOEVERYYEAR.IFYOUCANR EADANDDECODETHISPOSTYOUWILLSEEI'MNOTBEINGDEFENSIVE ,ETC.IMONLYPOSTINGMYREFLECTIONSANDIDEALSOFTHEWDWDO LPHIN/SWAN.IHAVESOMUCHFUNWITHTHEDECOR,IACTUALLYHOPAROUND THEHALLWAYCARPETFROMTOWELTOTOWELANDTRYTOAVOIDTHEBU RNINGSANDINBETWEEN.ITSAGREATHALLWAYGAME,ANDDD&DHPLAYTOO.BEFOREWEKNOWITWEAREATOURROOM!THEWHIMSICA LTHEMEOFTHESERESORTSISANYTHINGBUTPLAINJANE.IMHAVIN GFUNHERE,HOPEYOUARETOO.DF99:D

[Jen80370]

:) :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc This is me bouncing off the walls. They're coming to take me away ha ha they're coming to take me away ho ho hee hee ha ha to the funny farm...

[chatty]

dreamflight99!

YOUCRACKMEUP!!!!!!

I LOVE TO DECODE YOUR POST!!

[The Pluto People]

We loved the Dolphin - hope I'm allowed to say that!:rolleyes:

[NancyIL]

This thread was started in early April - so I don't think it's intended as a copycat post. The poster is also a 13-year-old.

[dreamflight99]

CHATTYIMGLADYOUHADFUNDECODINGMYPOST.PERHAPSISHOULD ALWAYSWRITELIKETHISWHENPOSTING,SINCETHEREARENOGUID ELINESPREVENTINGMEFROMTYPINGINARAPIDLINEUSINGALLCA PSANDNOPUNCTUATIONORSENTENCESTRUCTUREORPARAGRAPHTR ANSITIONSETC.ILAUGHEDOUTLOUDWHENIREADNANCYSPOSTAND FOUNDOUTTHEAUTHORISATHIRTEENYEAROLDGIRL.ITHOUGHTYO UHADTOBEEIGHTEENTOGETINHERE?HEHEJUSTHAVINGSOMEFUN. JENIHEARTHEMENINWHITECOMINGTOGETYOU,QUICKHIDEORRUN GIRLANDDONTSLIPONALLTHESCATTEREDDOODADSYOUARESTTIN GASIDEFORYOURTRIPTOTHEGLORIOUSDOLPHIN.ENJOYTHISWIL DANDWACKYTUESDAYITCANTGETANYBETTERTHANITALREADYHAS-ORCANIT?UHOH...IHEARKNOCKINGTOO,MAYBEISHOULDRUNFOR THEPANICROOMANDSEALTHEDOORBEFORETHETHOUGHTPOLICEGE TIN...LOLENJOYALLANDREMEMBERTOLAUGHASLIFEISNOTTHIS SERIOUS.TTFNDF99:D :D :D

[chatty]

Dreamflight99",

You just made my Day! Life's way to short to take every little thing serious! You put some FUN up here for us to Laugh! and I Thank-You!!
Now back to Resort Stuff, before I get Booted off this site..

Have a Great One to ALL!

Chatty

[dcedwards]

Ah- ha! I decoded it too Dreamflight 99. Please...not all caps...all the time...my ole eyes will never survive!

And, yes, the Swan Dolphin debate again!!!!!!! Remember opinions of ALL types are what makes these boards so wonderful!

[dreamflight99]

thankschattyanddcedwardsfortheveryniceanduplifting resonanceofagreementwithmyfolly.youarebothlighthea rtedindividualswithallthequalitiesofwhatisrightwit htheworld.maygodblessyoubothandholdyouneartohishea rt.wemustallbeabletofindthehumorinthesesituationsa ndbeabletolaughtheloudestatourownhijinxs.ihaverevi sedmysecretcodetolowercaselettersforthesakeofdcedw ardseyesight.ihopethisisaneasierreadandyouarenotsq uintingandstrainingtoreadordecodethispost.happytue sdayagaintoallandtoallagoodnight-noimnotsantaijustplaysantaontelevisionlollollol... df99:D :jester:

[chatty]

SQUINTING! Who Me!!!

My eyes never squinted so much in my life.. Thank-You for the Sweet and Kind Words.. This site is Truly Blessed to have such caring and Beautiful people as yourself..

Hugs to all !!!

Chatty

[dcedwards]

Ah -- my poor ole eyes -- but admit that I was squinting -- never -- I say never!!!

Many thanks dreamflight 99! These type of posts are what keeps smiles on our faces here at DIS.

[Jen80370]

First of all...my bad. Sorry! Thanks for the correction Nancy...I do believe my day yesterday had me a tad paranoid...but is it really paranoia when they ARE out to get you? :)

DF99, only you can make me spit Slimfast at the monitor....so the TA will have a panic room then? :D

I guess it is true what they say...you have to experience the downs in life to appreciate the ups. Today I feel is going to be an up day.

dcedwards...if you squint just right, stand on one foot, and turn your head 90 degrees to the right...I think you can see a sailboat in DF99's post.

Happy Wednesday.

Hey to keep this about the Dolphin...anyone known anything about Heavenly Bed progress?

[happytrails2u]

dreamflight, you guys are as silly as we are. We also had a bit of a walk to the east wing at the Dolphin and sure enough, we played the game too - - only with a bit of a variation. You see, if you stepped on anyone's towel (on the hallway) you got penalized..you had to stay on the sand - Lol. Miss was an expert by the end of the week and claimed victory due to her extensive hopscotching skills of yesteryear! You're right though, before we knew it, we were at the room AND we only got caught playing our little game once or twice by the maids and they got quite a chuckle out of it! :D

[happytrails2u]

Yes, Jen...Snoopy confirms that it is indeed a Heavenly Bed!

[Jen80370]

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Thanks HappyTrails....I'll have to try the game in June!

[dreamflight99]

lolimtryingtobreakoutofthisrunoncursehelphelpithin kivegotitohwaitasecondimnearlythereughouchgruntscr apebaddabingbaddaboom...I'm OUT! :D HeHe...LOL....

Jen~YES TA will have a Panic room! And BTW, it's a SHIP with a huge MAST...not a sailboat! You were close, but close only counts in Horseshoes, Hand Granades and H Bombs! P.S. If only you could download my post and play it backwards...think of the message you may hear! LOL...Three Cheers for the DOLPHIN Heavenly Beds!

Happytrails...silliness abounds between youthful minds! I still try never to step on the sidewalk cracks, and always walk across the speedbumps to prevent a fall in the mythical lava! Hey, it keeps life fun and interesting. Yep...never a dull moment around here, and especially never at WDW Dolphin! (even w/imminent dangerous threat of the Maids spotting us=our secret towel-crossing cover is blown):D P.S. Added sentimental gift idea for Miss: a sliver of chalk for emergency situations (airport layovers, long lines at Splash Mountain, etc.) where she may feel the urge to draw the boxes, fill in the numbers and pick up a quick game of hopscotch!;)

[happytrails2u]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
lolimtryingtobreakoutofthisrunoncursehelphelpithin kivegotitohwaitasecondimnearlythereughouchgruntscr apebaddabingbaddaboom...I'm OUT!...LOL....
Lol, the chalk is a keeper dreamflight - - great idea. However, I must have fallen into a trance by trying to decode your secret message, because I think Im starting to...uh oh...oh NOOOOOO

ifanyonecanunderstandthispleasehelpmereturntothedi sdreamflighthasinadvertentlyonpurposelolcastaspell overanyonewhohappenstoreadhersecretmessageifyouhav ethepowertorescuemeiwillawardyouwithabazillionstar woodpoints.:D :D :D

Jenyouaremorethanwelcometoplaythegameinjuneandihop eyouandyourfamilyhavemanyasillylaughwhiledoingsoju stdontrevealyoursourcesofthisgameandifyoudogetcaug htbyoneofthemaidsjusttellthemyouarecastingaspellov erthescarystuffedreptilestheyfindintheroomslol :eek: :eek: :eek: :D

[dcedwards]

Never a dull moment at DIS...can you imagine how confused an alien would be if they were "listening in?" You guys always bring a smile my way!!!!

Happytrails2u I think the spell is only broken by kiss from the handsome prince or beautiful princess...what do we do now?

[Jen80370]

Pucker up happytrails.... :D

As for the stuffed reptiles...LOL...great obscure reference!

LOL DF99...great idea with the chalk. My problem is that I have a wisenheimer teenage boy! He's find sleeping wayward travelers and draw chalk outlines around them. He'd really give those aliens something to look at!

[jkfreeman33]

We will be staying at the Dolphin on 10/25 & 10/26 and then on to the BCV until 11/1. We couldn't get the BCV for the first 2 nights so I went hunting for a hotel. For the same price, I could get the Dolphin or any of the moderate priced hotels. I have stayed at the CB and liked it, but thought the Dolphin would/should be nicer. We are DVC owners at the BW and see the S/D out our window, but have never been there. We are still close enough to the Boardwalk and can still walk to Epcot & MGM. Am I crazy to think for the same price, the Dolphin would be better than a moderate price WDW hotel?

[Bimmy56]

When my daughter was little, she always wanted to have her picture taken sitting on the towels or under the umbrellas in the hallway.

[Blondie]

Originally posted by jkfreeman33
Am I crazy to think for the same price, the Dolphin would be better than a moderate price WDW hotel?

No, you're not crazy! The Dolphin has it all over the WDW moderates! Indoor corridors, wonderful views, more restaurant choices, a festive lobby....you'll see for yourself!

[happytrails2u]

Hi dcedwards, well...our beloved, four-legged princess, aka Molly Mcgiggles woke us with a sneak attack of face licks this morning (aghhhh) GET UP YOU TWO!!! Lol. So that must have broken the spell, as I seem to be back and writing much better today... :p

I hope that obscure reference (lol) doesn't get me a free ticket on that "funny farm" bus Jen! :crazy: :crazy: :crazy: Hmmm, I wonder if it's a Starwood Farm??? :D

[Jen80370]

I don't know if it is a Starwood Farm, but I hear they have Heavenly Beds, so it must be...maybe they should come take me away!

[dreamflight99]

How funny you are...Happytrails! :D And of course, every other poster on this wacky..excuse me, I have to SneezzeeEEawchoohelpnowimtrappedintherunonsentence curseagainandineedhelpgettingoutmaybeineedtotravel tothedolphinasapandenjoysomer&rbeforeourrealr&rthisjulywhateverthetroubleitisreallygettingmeanno yednandapparentlyothersaswell(Ipmedyou)sorryforall theafflictionsthiscursehascausedyoumaybeifyouholda pieceofchalkinyourlefthandandadolphinkeyinyourrigh tspinfourtimescounterclockwiseandsingthehowdydoody songthecursewillbebrokenatthispointilltryanythinge venamorningkissfrommollymcgiggles(toocute)andanoth erdolphinfactshallbeinsertedheredidyouknowthebeaut ifulpaintingsinthedolphinelevatorsofhtevividlybrig htgoldfisharereplicasoftheoriginalspaintedbythemod ernistmasterhimselfhenrimatisse?thedolphinisanythi ngbutplaneitiseducationalalso....;)

[chatty]

Jen, Dreamflight, Blondie, Happytrails, Dcedwards, Bimmy, JKFreeman, and to everyone ELSE!!!
Have to tell a short true story!!

We were at a fancy Party and they were playing some finish the line type of games. I'm NOT a game player, However I got the best question::

" There's No Place Like-------------- of course I was wrong..I couldn't help myself..Husband was totally embarassed like normal..Plus I don't think anyone knew what I was talking about. They most likely thought I am crazy! Oh well...

My answer was..

"There's No Place Like "THE SWAN and DOLPHIN"!!!!

I know the answer was HOME!! It was too easy anyways..

Chatty

[Jen80370]

Great story...and I agree!

[dcedwards]

JKFreeman33
Often you can get the dolphin for close to the same price as the moderate. There is nothing wrong with the hotel. As you know, the location can't be beat. We just didn't have a wonderful experience there but others have really enjoyed it.

And, it depends on what you are looking for...the inside corridors are not that important to us and sit down restaurants aren't what we do when at Disney World -- or at least not at the hotel -- so the moderates truly do meet our needs. And, our son loves the theme at the PO-FQ with the alligators, etc. and pool slide.

I'm sure your experience at the Dolphin will be great. The one thing I didn't like was that we were a LONG ways from the elevator and I often wished we had been closer (but, of course, not right next to it...just a bit closer). You might want to request that when you check in depending on what room you are assigned.

Have fun! Disney is always a magical experience.

Happytrails2u -- I'm so glad you are back with us again. That kiss must have done it. Aren't hose four legged princesses wonderrful!

[jwfla422]

We had a great experience at the Dolphin when we stayed there earlier this month. IMHO (remember this is just my opinion) I don't think there is any comparison to a WDW moderate. Location, amenities, etc.

CM's were great when we were there. I have stayed at a moderate in the past and felt very spoiled because we had so many stays at the deluxes, so I think you're absolutely UNCRAZY for staying there your first two nights rather than staying at a moderate.

And for the record, I think a lot times when people have different experiences it is dependent upon WHEN you stay there. When we were just there it was very quiet, no major conventions but the Swan was sold out and it seemed very busy when we went in there.

The BC was even more crazy with a big computer convention. We walked by one night and there was a massive party on the beach for this convention. My dd was a little upset because she couldn't go to it when it was right there out in the open and Minnie and Goofy were dancing with everyone.

So, experiences are all relative. We just try to not have very high expectations so we don't end up being disappointed

[happytrails2u]

Yes df, those Dolphin elevators are great. I had almostforgottenthe (whoa, I almost slipped there- lol) Mattisse print. That's the fun thing about the Dolphin - - every corner you turn, there's another surprise or new area, shop, lounge, retail store or restaurant that you had no idea was there the day before.

Funny story Chatty. Don't worry about the crazy part though...you're in good company. :D

...they are indeed dcedwards. The aforementioned MM is a little kissing bandit to include: postman, UPS, landscaper, pizza delivery, in-laws, neighbors, freinds & family. Nobody escapes. I fret that she may be getting a bit of a reputation. Lol.

Bimmy56: These are the moments!

JKFreeman, the choice is yours of course, but I will echo Blondie's and jwfla's sentiments and think you and your family will be pleasantly surprised should you opt for the Swan/Dolphin. Of course, it won't hurt to rack up a few points while you're there also. :)

Hey Jen, The Yanks are at Fenway tonight for the start of a four game stretch. My brother has field box seats and is taking his wife instead of me! Can you believe that? No more travel tips for him - LOL!

Nite folks.

[dreamflight99]

So right! I love the Matisse, and enjoy the elevator THAT much more due to it's presence:D . I also love the Shooting stars in the Rotunda Lobby "sky"! Oh...and the carpet/walls too. So many aspects make me feel cozy, and I LIKE that feeling. *NOTE: Slipperyareasbecautiouswhentypinghere!

We have a Licky-doggie too! He licks/loves everyone including the "Gardener, postal worker, UPS, neighbors, etc." Rambunctious and Lovey-dovey! They do make the best four-legged friends (W/exception of Jens felines!);)

Love the anecdote Chatty, these boards feed my spirit and nurture my desire to be "Dolphin-bound"! :)

bimmy...very endearing. ;) I hope you took the photo, and hold one in your heart for safe-keeping. :earsgirl:

Have to agree w/happytrails about the POINTS perk JKfreeman! I also love all the other resorts on Disney Property...but none of them offer any FREEBIES/POINTS like I get when at the WDW Dolphin! :D

P.S. Happytrails...."Are you talkin' 'bout MY YANKEES?!?" :D :earseek: :tongue: So much for brotherly loyalty...TTFN:)

[Jen80370]

Happytrails...and they got to see PEDRO pitch? I'd have to give him a wedgie for that if he were my brother? They did quite well for my roto team last night...gotta love Hillenbrand and Damon...but I digress...

Cleo sends purrs galore to Df99 and appreciates her acknowledgement :)

I have noticed something...the complaints about Swan and Dolphin about the quality of the rooms are the same we heard last year about the CBR before it was renovated. I wonder if these same people will be singing the praises when the renos are done...just a thought...but what stinks is once they are done...the great rates will probably go the ways of the worn carpets...right to the dumpster. Then people will complain that it is beautiful but too expensive. JMHO...

[happytrails2u]

DF: Traitor! :p ;)

Can you imagine that, Jen? Pedro too! Wedgie, LOL. I think a pink belly and multiple noogies are also in order! :D

Happy Friday "youz guys."

[dreamflight99]

Indian burn and a Pimp Slap! Ouch...I remember these wars w/my little brother...fun, until "somebody gets hurt!" LOL....:D
*Yea...I'm a real rebel..a Benedict Arnold! BTW..."Are you lookin' at me?!...'cause if you're lookin' at me"....:p

Cleo...Cleo (Did I, or did I not write Chloe somewhere?! Sorry....) Please send her some warm pats from me!;)

Ohh....Jen...please, be careful what you wish for! We can not AFFORD to tempt fate with the higher prices $$$ for all the renovations. I've been wondering the same thing, as they are expending nearly a cool mill for the expansion and reno's--so the cost is USUALLY passed along to the consumer/patrons. Ugh...time to search the gutters for more pennies! LOL....:cool:

[NancyIL]

Never fear, DF99...with all the Starwood points we will be earning - who needs money to stay at the Swan/Dolphin! :D

[dreamflight99]

Yes indeed...the secret password is (in a hushed whisper) "Points"...LOL!:smooth: