The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ April 2012 ~ Please read post #1

[cgattis]

Like you said, as long as the weather is nice, it's an enjoyable walk. We rarely ever choose the boat--it just takes too long. Although, we have to ride it at least once per trip somewhere--I'm a sucker for a boat ride

 

[bltman]

Reading another thread about poor bus service from the epcot resorts. Just how bad is the bus from Swan to MK? We will be doing MK for 2 of our 5 days. Another thread on bus service indicates the bus starts at the swan and then stops at every Epcot resort before finally getting to MK 45+ mins later. Is it that bad?

 

[LexiC123]

Reading another thread about poor bus service from the epcot resorts. Just how bad is the bus from Swan to MK? We will be doing MK for 2 of our 5 days. Another thread on bus service indicates the bus starts at the swan and then stops at every Epcot resort before finally getting to MK 45+ mins later. Is it that bad?

That's not always the case. It's been my experience for my stays at the Swan during the months of Sept and Oct that the buses for MK and AK only picked up at the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin. It was about 20 minutes door-to-door from the Swan to the MK.

That said, there are times that the bus route will include the Yacht and Beach Club, as well, but I think that's more the exception than the rule.

What time of year are you going?

 

[mikegood2]

Reading another thread about poor bus service from the epcot resorts. Just how bad is the bus from Swan to MK? We will be doing MK for 2 of our 5 days. Another thread on bus service indicates the bus starts at the swan and then stops at every Epcot resort before finally getting to MK 45+ mins later. Is it that bad?

We went in June 2011 and were happy with the speed of the bus to the MK. Honestly I can't remember what stops happened after pickup which is a good thing I guess.

Now the bus back from DTD is a different story! It took close to 45 minutes for it to arrive, it was over packed and it felt like we stopped at every Disney resort on the way back. It was so bad that I'm thinking about skipping DTD altogether or getting a cab.

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[Music City Mama]

I saw these posts the other day and checked my dates and the rate was still the same. I decided to check again today and they're now lower by $23/night!

So, on top of the C&P deal I got and now the lower rate with my AAA rate nights, it's quite a bargain. So happy!

Unbelievable. I had my rate lowered a couple of weeks ago when the rate dropped by $23/night. I just happened to look again and now it's yet another $8/night lower! I feel kind of silly calling about applying the lower rate for only $8 less per night . . . maybe I'll wait it out and see if it drops again.

Anyhow, y'all check your nights/rates again!

 

[SRUAlmn]

We went in June 2011 and were happy with the speed of the bus to the MK. Honestly I can't remember what stops happened after pickup which is a good thing I guess.

Now the bus back from DTD is a different story! It took close to 45 minutes for it to arrive, it was over packed and it felt like we stopped at every Disney resort on the way back. It was so bad that I'm thinking about skipping DTD altogether or getting a cab.

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We stayed at the Dolphin in June 2012, and our issue wasn't all the stops after they picked us up, it was the fact that we were the last stop going to MK, so by the time the bus got to us it was always full. Each time we tried to go to MK we waited for multiple busses before we could get on. Disney says busses should come every 20 minutes, and they did, but there wasn't any room on them when they came! There was a dance competition going on that week, too, so there were often multiple large groups trying to all get on together, and let's just say they weren't very patient

 

[Flews]

We stayed at the Dolphin in June 2012, and our issue wasn't all the stops after they picked us up, it was the fact that we were the last stop going to MK, so by the time the bus got to us it was always full. Each time we tried to go to MK we waited for multiple busses before we could get on. Disney says busses should come every 20 minutes, and they did, but there wasn't any room on them when they came! There was a dance competition going on that week, too, so there were often multiple large groups trying to all get on together, and let's just say they weren't very patient

Probably depends on time of year. We go in April and Oct/Nov each year. We've never had a problem coming or going on the buses. Even if there's a few extra stops, we just enjoy seeing the sights. We had far worse issues when we stayed at AK. Of course walking to two of four parks is priceless.

Cheers,

 

[patty57]

We stayed at the Dolphin in June 2012, and our issue wasn't all the stops after they picked us up, it was the fact that we were the last stop going to MK, so by the time the bus got to us it was always full. Each time we tried to go to MK we waited for multiple busses before we could get on. Disney says busses should come every 20 minutes, and they did, but there wasn't any room on them when they came! There was a dance competition going on that week, too, so there were often multiple large groups trying to all get on together, and let's just say they weren't very patient

I would have walked to the Boardwalk bus stop to get on there. It's usually the first stop. Kind of a pain, but at least you wouldn't have to wait around for so many buses.

 

[SDGal]

Hi everyone! I just registered here and am posting for the first time. This coming November, my boyfriend and I will be vacationing at WDW for a week. First time for both of us after a successful trip to Disneyland last year. We have our hotel choice narrowed down to The Dolphin vs. The French Quarter. I'm trying to convince him that the Dolphin would be a more pleasant and relaxing vacation, but he thinks if we are staying at the park, it should be at a Disney resort. I'd really like some suggestions from old pros like all of you

 

[RachelTori]

Hi everyone! I just registered here and am posting for the first time. This coming November, my boyfriend and I will be vacationing at WDW for a week. First time for both of us after a successful trip to Disneyland last year. We have our hotel choice narrowed down to The Dolphin vs. The French Quarter. I'm trying to convince him that the Dolphin would be a more pleasant and relaxing vacation, but he thinks if we are staying at the park, it should be at a Disney resort. I'd really like some suggestions from old pros like all of you

Welcome to the Dis! Here's my take on it: Location, Location, Location!! Although Dolphin is not a Disney-owned resort, it is ON Disney property and you will be totally immersed in Disney magic!! You really can't beat the "Epcot Resorts" which does include the Swan & Dolphin!

I know many other regulars on this thread will have some great thoughts and suggestions too!

Happy Planning!

 

[patty57]

Welcome to the Dis! Here's my take on it: Location, Location, Location!! Although Dolphin is not a Disney-owned resort, it is ON Disney property and you will be totally immersed in Disney magic!! You really can't beat the "Epcot Resorts" which does include the Swan & Dolphin!

Totally agree with this. The Epcot resorts area is my absolute favorite. You will be able to walk or take a boat to Epcot and DHS. We are in and out of Epcot all the time for food and drink. Port Orleans looks very nice, but for me...it's Epcot all the way. I have only had one stay at the Swan after staying at BC & BW a lot. I liked it so much that I'm staying at the Dolphin in May. It's so much less expensive than Beach Club/Yacht Club and Boardwalk with the same amazing location. The Swan/Dolphin have a great pool, and awesome pool bars (if you like pool bars, which I guess I do).
Welcome and happy planning.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I have stayed at the FQ twice and I did like it. However once I discovered the S/D, there was no turning back. FQ is a moderate resort and the S/D are deluxe resorts with a moderate resort rate. I have stayed at other Disney deluxe resorts such as CR and BWI but the affordability of the S/D beat Disney deluxes. Plus, the square footage in your room and bathroom is much larger than the moderates. I do like the interior hallways/rooms rather than the outside that you find at moderates.

RachelTori is so right: Location, Location, Location. Besides walking to 2 parks should you choose, there are so many dining options and entertainment options close by at the other Epcot resorts as well as on the Boardwalk.

 

[SingingMom]

I have stayed at the FQ twice and I did like it. However once I discovered the S/D, there was no turning back. FQ is a moderate resort and the S/D are deluxe resorts with a moderate resort rate. I have stayed at other Disney deluxe resorts such as CR and BWI but the affordability of the S/D beat Disney deluxes. Plus, the square footage in your room and bathroom is much larger than the moderates. I do like the interior hallways/rooms rather than the outside that you find at moderates.

RachelTori is so right: Location, Location, Location. Besides walking to 2 parks should you choose, there are so many dining options and entertainment options close by at the other Epcot resorts as well as on the Boardwalk.

I also have stayed at FQ - no comparison! ;-). The swan/Dolphin is deluxe. Location is tremendous ! Love the dining options. The pool is gorgeous. You will LOVE it!

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[SDGal]

Thanks for the quick responses! We are both researching a lot to make this trip amazing and while POFQ seems nice, the Dolphin seems to be on a whole 'mother level, quality-wise.

 

[RachelTori]

Thanks for the quick responses! We are both researching a lot to make this trip amazing and while POFQ seems nice, the Dolphin seems to be on a whole 'mother level, quality-wise.

When in November are you planning your trip?

 

[SDGal]

When in November are you planning your trip?

The eleventh through the seventeenth, but it may be the week after. We are trying to hit the Christmas decorations at the parks, but I can't find any concrete dates for when they're usually up :S

 

[RachelTori]

The eleventh through the seventeenth, but it may be the week after. We are trying to hit the Christmas decorations at the parks, but I can't find any concrete dates for when they're usually up :S

I think the 11th through 17th will be a bit on the early side to enjoy all of the Holiday festivities. Osborne Lights will be running by then and IIRC the Christmas Party at MK (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party) starts in mid-November.

Candlelight Processional and Holidays Around the World at Epcot don't start up until closer to Thanksgiving (which is late in 2013 - Nov 28).

The resorts also don't usually get decorated until right before Thanksgiving.

 

[RachelTori]

I just found the Candlelight Processional dates on Disney's website:

November 29 - December 30, 2013

(Scheduled to start the day after Thanksgiving.)


https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/candlelight-processional/


Edit to add: In 2012, Osborne Lights started November 9th.

 

[SDGal]

Thanks for the info Unfortunately, December isn't an option for me because of work. We were at Disneyland last year when the Halloween decorations were up and were trying to aim later with WDW to see the basic Christmas lights and such. We may just have to just go with it and hope for the best.

 

[RachelTori]

Thanks for the info Unfortunately, December isn't an option for me because of work. We were at Disneyland last year when the Halloween decorations were up and were trying to aim later with WDW to see the basic Christmas lights and such. We may just have to just go with it and hope for the best.

Going in mid-November, you will still get a taste of the beauty of the Holidays at WDW!

We are happy to answer any questions you have -- ask away!

Please let us know where you end up booking!

Happy planning!