Walt Disney World SWAN, DOLPHIN & SWAN RESERVE RESORTS Information & Questions

[SwanVT2]

This resort is absolutely amazing. My family and I have been coming to this resort for as long as I can remember. It is not as popular as the on property resorts owned by Disney, but this also means that this resort is less crowded as the other resorts. Don't get me wrong, this resort can get pretty crowded during the holidays and throughout summer, but this resort has so much to offer.

First off, the hotels are huge! The dolphin is the bigger hotel of the two due to the convention center and having more restaurants than the swan. Personally, I prefer the swan. It is a lot quieter than the dolphin, and that is what I want after a long day in the parks (I don't want to be waiting 10-15 minutes for an elevator when I feel like my feet are going to fall off). But the prices for the rooms are A LOT cheaper than the other deluxe resort hotels on property.

Also, the resort is RIGHT NEXT TO the Boardwalk! There is an entrance through the back of Epcot (International Gateway I believe, coming in through the back/side of France). It is a good way to spend a day if you don't want to be walking around the parks. I especially love the boardwalk at night because you can see Illuminations and there are carnival games, entertainment, shops, restaurants, an arcade, and even more!

Another thing I love about this resort is the pools. Each hotel (Swan and Dolphin) has their own quiet pool closer to their hotel. Kids are welcome though! In between the two hotels, but closer to the dolphin, is a bigger pool with a waterslide. This pool is awesome! It is a great way to cool off on those hot summer days

Overall, this hotel is amazing and anyone would be lucky to stay here!

How does this hotel stack up to Waldorf Astoria..have you stayed here? We have stayed at the Swan always in the past before DD 3 and for her first trip have booked POR Royal Rooms, but I keep thinking back to Swan and the luxury of a more deluxe resort. Waldorf has some good deals for our time period but gosh the resort fee at either resort is hard to swallow.

 

[SwanVT2]

This resort is absolutely amazing. My family and I have been coming to this resort for as long as I can remember. It is not as popular as the on property resorts owned by Disney, but this also means that this resort is less crowded as the other resorts. Don't get me wrong, this resort can get pretty crowded during the holidays and throughout summer, but this resort has so much to offer.

First off, the hotels are huge! The dolphin is the bigger hotel of the two due to the convention center and having more restaurants than the swan. Personally, I prefer the swan. It is a lot quieter than the dolphin, and that is what I want after a long day in the parks (I don't want to be waiting 10-15 minutes for an elevator when I feel like my feet are going to fall off). But the prices for the rooms are A LOT cheaper than the other deluxe resort hotels on property.

Also, the resort is RIGHT NEXT TO the Boardwalk! There is an entrance through the back of Epcot (International Gateway I believe, coming in through the back/side of France). It is a good way to spend a day if you don't want to be walking around the parks. I especially love the boardwalk at night because you can see Illuminations and there are carnival games, entertainment, shops, restaurants, an arcade, and even more!

Another thing I love about this resort is the pools. Each hotel (Swan and Dolphin) has their own quiet pool closer to their hotel. Kids are welcome though! In between the two hotels, but closer to the dolphin, is a bigger pool with a waterslide. This pool is awesome! It is a great way to cool off on those hot summer days

Overall, this hotel is amazing and anyone would be lucky to stay here!

how does the Swan stack up to Waldorf? We used to always stay at Swan but now with DD3 have booked POR Royal Room for her first trip. I am wondering if we will miss the luxury..and should go somewhere like Waldorf for a change or stick with Swan.

 

[ckelly14]

The Waldorf is a great hotel. My brother in law is in sales and travels a lot so he has a ton of Hilton points. I visited him at the Waldorf and the rooms, service and restaurants were slightly better than the Dolphin, IMHO. However, we love the Dolphin and it is one of the best located resorts, period.

 

[ckelly14]

Anyone know if the Swan and Dolphin has a club level? Was recently in Alaska and the Sheraton Anchorage had the best happy hour and club food I have seen at a Sheraton...

 

[Dan Murphy]

Both resorts did away with club level maybe 8 years ago.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Current email from S/D...........

Book by July 31, 2015 and it's only
$159 per night at the Dolphin and
$179 per night at the Swan!

On any of the following dates:

December 4, 5 and 6
December 12 and 13
December 17, 18, 19 and 20

Call 1-888-828-8850
and mention promo code:
"SANTA"

Only 22 days left to book at this incredible rate!​

 

[luvallprincesses]

Current email from S/D...........

Book by July 31, 2015 and it's only
$159 per night at the Dolphin and
$179 per night at the Swan!

On any of the following dates:

December 4, 5 and 6
December 12 and 13
December 17, 18, 19 and 20

Call 1-888-828-8850
and mention promo code:
"SANTA"

Only 22 days left to book at this incredible rate!​

Oh golly I'm checking out on Dec 3. Apparently most people are

 

[goofy4tink]

I've stayed at the Dolphin many times, but always seem to get room locations that are quite removed from the main areas. Is there anything special I can ask for, other than close to the elevators, in order to have a room that isn't so far out in the boonies? When I'm traveling solo, I get a bit nudgy late at night, walking down those long, deserted hallways!
Heading down in a bit over two weeks....can't wait to get back to the Dolphin for some 'me' time and relaxation!!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

HI Diane.

I would ask for it. You can use the concierge form ahead of time to put it in writing..

http://www.swandolphinconcierge.com/public/login.cfm

I would also call now (only two weeks now) and ask them to mark your request in your reservation, and again at checkin, if the above two do not get you the desired result.

Have a great time.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks Dan.....should be a fun trip. Traveling solo, but hanging with friends off and on during the trip!

 

[airhead]

I'd love to see those rates mid November...

 

[blackmamba10000]

I've stayed at the Dolphin many times, but always seem to get room locations that are quite removed from the main areas. Is there anything special I can ask for, other than close to the elevators, in order to have a room that isn't so far out in the boonies? When I'm traveling solo, I get a bit nudgy late at night, walking down those long, deserted hallways!
Heading down in a bit over two weeks....can't wait to get back to the Dolphin for some 'me' time and relaxation!!!!

I asked to be near an elevator, and they were able to find me a room! I'll be staying at the Dolphin in 16 days!

 

[goofy4tink]

I asked to be near an elevator, and they were able to find me a room! I'll be staying at the Dolphin in 16 days!

Thanks!!! Arrive the 26th....can't wait to get back. If I can't be at BWV, the Dolphin is a great alternative!!!!

 

[SA mom]

Although neither Swan nor Dolphin have club level, Sheraton Park,walking distance to Disneyland, does. And it is an amazing club lounge. If you ever decide to try out Disneyland, be sure to stay there. The fireworks views are amazing.

 

[SA mom]

Anyone know if the Swan and Dolphin has a club level? Was recently in Alaska and the Sheraton Anchorage had the best happy hour and club food I have seen at a Sheraton...

Although neither Swan nor Dolphin has a club level, The Sheraton Park, walking distance to Disneyland, does. It was an amazing club lounge and awesome fireworks views.

 

[TinkOhio]

Can the S/D experts lend some advice? I booked a 1 bedroom at OKW for 6 nights over Christmas break at $6158. It was the free dining special and included 5 day basic tickets for 5 people. Well I just got off the phone with the nice people at the S/D, and I can book an executive suite at the Swan (with balcony--which is very important to us,) buy the same park tickets, and budget $200 for food daily for slightly less. Can anyone who has stayed in either or both resorts weigh in on pros and cons? What would you do?

Thanks for your input.

 

[goofy4tink]

$200 a day for 6 people isn't very much. Of course, I have no idea as to ages.
The other thing you need to keep in mind is transportation. If you have no car, you will have to pay for transportation to and from the airport to the Swan. With 6 people that could get a bit pricey. If you plan to have a car, keep in mind there is a daily parking charge.
I love the S/D....just wish I could get cheaper transport for m family.
At OKW, you'll have a nice amount of room, a washer/dryer, full kitchen, and a balcony...maybe two.

Which is better? Hugely subjective. All depends what you need.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Current email from S/D...........

Book by July 31, 2015 and it's only
$159 per night at the Dolphin and
$179 per night at the Swan!

On any of the following dates:

December 4, 5 and 6
December 12 and 13
December 17, 18, 19 and 20

Call 1-888-828-8850
and mention promo code:
"SANTA"

Only 22 days left to book at this incredible rate!​

Well hey there Mr. Dan Murphy! I didn't know you were over here on the resort board! Just happened to see your name pop up on the news feed and it instantly made me smile. Hope you are well.

 

[lolobug]

I'm in the process of booking a trip for April 2016 for my family, DH, DD7 and DD4. I am a teacher and the rates I was quoted for our trip our great, we could stay in an EP room at the dolphin for the cost of a standard swan room! My husband works in hospitality and is VERY picky about accommodations. Last trip we stayed at WL and he was very happy with it (he is looking for deluxe accommodations). I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about the swan and dolphin, any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[blackmamba10000]

Thanks!!! Arrive the 26th....can't wait to get back. If I can't be at BWV, the Dolphin is a great alternative!!!!

Maybe we will see you there! We will be there the 25th through the 28th. Just a short trip!