What's So Great About Swan & Dolphin?

[stephmarty]

We are looking at staying a couple extra night following our 7 night cruise in May. I'm considering staying at a hotel on the beach in Cocoa Beach, or possibly splurging for the Swan or Dolphin at Disney. Keeping in mind that we won't be going to WDW (did that last year), would you recommend the Swan/Dolphin just for the experience of the hotel? If so, what do you love about these hotels?

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by stephmarty
If so, what do you love about these hotels?

I'll admit I've never stayed there, but I've enjoyed visiting the complex and dining there several times -- so allow me to start a list...

• Location on Crescent Lake, near Epcot, MGM, BW, Y&BC
• Very inventive, clever architecture and interior design
• Lots of dining choices within Swan & Dolphin and in waking distance
• Pool area looks promising
• Full service, deluxe resort hotel
• Starwood points

 

[twinscandc]

Hello Stephmarty!! My family (DH, twin DD's and I) will be staying at the Swan for a pre-cruise WDW stay in May. I booked our cruise through All Seasons Travel and after we booked our cruise they called to tell us of an offer I couldn't refuse. We are staying at the Swan for $99 a night!!

I've never stayed at the Swan, but everything I read is wonderful, especially the grotto pool!! Good luck!!

 

[Mjasp]

FINALLY!!!!! Twinscandc, You booked through All Sesons Travel? I've been asking about them for a long time and seems no one booked through them. Is that the one in JAcksonville, that has like 80 cabins booked on the May 25th Western? If so tell me what you think of them. I guess they are real and obviously from your post they gave u a good deal.

Too late for this cruise since didn't find this board till after I booked. But next time I will get prices from DU and All Seasons, but seems DU gives room credits and rebates.

 

[irishdoll7]

Stephmarty,

Ok - my response is two fold

1. I would stay at the beach if you are not planning on going to WDW, Seaworld, or Universal Studios. There really is not extra benefit to staying in Orlando if you do not plan on seeing the attractions - here you have just gotten off a wonderful relaxing cruise who wants to fight traffic to go back to Orlando and lay by a pool when you can stay at the beach and sit by the pool at the hotel???

2. I have stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin and my pick is the Swan. It seems to be more open and clean. Just remember to ask for a room with a view. I forgot once and ended up with a view of the parking lot.

BY MY VOTE would be to stay at the Swan or Dolphin and enjoy WDW! : ) I am just a complete Disney nut!

 

[Dodie]

Why NOT stay at the S/D and spend a "bonus" day at Epcot? It's "right there."

 

[din]

Actually if you are up to it, you can walk to Epcot and enter the back way. It is nice as you walk along the water. Less crowded easy to return in the evening if you do not feeling like waiting for the boat. A little further walk than Boardwalk.

Have FUN

 

[Tluvs2talk]

stephmarty,
We stayed at the Dolphin for 2 nights prior to our January 13th sailing. We got the special cruise rate of $99 per night. I think it is still available, but at $149. We really enjoyed the resort. They have a huge pool with 4 hot tubs. I also enjoyed the covienence of having the boat take us to MGM and Epcot. The resort is about to undergo a makeover and they are suppose to be getting heavenly beds in all of the rooms. I would not hesitate to stay here again.We have also stayed at the Hampton Inn in Cocoa Beach before and after our cruise. We really didn't find a whole lot to do.Given a choice I would stay at a Resort In Disney World and enjoy all the parks and restaurants there.

 

[zipadeedooda]

I stayed at the Swan in May 2001. They have a great pool area. It's huge. You are also close to the Boardwalk/lake area where there is a lot going on. You can see the fireworks from the Boardwalk area also. You can ride a boat from the Swan to MGM. However the rooms at the Swan were nothing special. Just like a regular hotel room. The outside architecture of the hotels, the grounds, the pool and surrounding boardwalk area is great. But I couldn't imagine anyone paying full price for that room. $99 would be a good price. I stayed there for free thank goodness because it was a work related conference I was attending. Good thing the rooms are getting a makeover. They need it!

 

[tkd lisa]

Stephmarty:

We are on the inaugural western too. I had my reservations all set to stay in Cocoa Beach for the day after the cruise, and take the kids to NASA. BUT THEN, my DH was watching the Disney Channel and asked "how hard would it be to go to the park the day we get back?" He saw the 100th birtday celebration and it got him hooked. Of course, the kids voted for the park, so....back to the internet searching for the best deal!

I ended up booking Old Country Inn & Suites at their Downtown Disney location. We got a $59 rate for a room with full breakfast in the morning, they have two pools, an exercise facility and are a hop across the parking lot from Disney transportation. We've stayed at this chain before (just not this site) and have been EXTREMELY impressed. They are SO nice, with really clean facilities, nice pools, and a great breakfast! Of course, it won't be as nice as the boat, but I think it's a substantial step up from the typical continental breakfast thing!

To get the rate, I called the hotel direct and just started asking what kind of good deals I could get. That price is $20 less than the best one that I found on line.

Good luck!

 

[Shercara]

For your answer head over to the DIS Resort Board -- there are a number of threads that will more than answer your questions - dreamflight99 and Blondie?? are just a few of the experts!
Lots of great info - good luck on your choice! We too lucked out with the $99.nite pre cruise rate - which as posted above is now at $149 -if it's still available -- the rooms rack rate is @ $323/nite I believe.

 

[lindalee27]

Why not try the HRH and go to IOA,

that's what we are doing before our 7 day, we just love it there.

$125 ent. rate and front of the line access.

 

[dianthus]

They are the best!!! I didn't realize the Swan/Dolphin was a Westin resort. I knew the were part of Starwood, that's great news! The location and amenities can't be beat! We have always stayed at Boardwalk/Beach Club. At those prices, The Swan/Dolphin looks like a great deal. Plus you can look out your window and laugh at everyone riding up the hill (struggling) in those surrey bikes!

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by dianthus

I didn't realize the Swan/Dolphin was a Westin resort.

The Swan is a Westin resort.

The Dolphin is a Sheraton resort.

 

[stephmarty]

Thanks for all of the GREAT advice. Lindalee27--great idea on the HRH. We spent several days at Disney's MK and Epcot last year, and I'm just not up for the crowds right after the cruise. Still a tough decision, but you've all given me some great points to consider.

 

[twinscandc]

Mjasp!!!!

Hello!! Yes, All Seasons Travel is located in Jacksonville, FL. They have been wonderful and do have about 80 staterooms booked for the 5/25/02 Western Cruise. It is a "escorted" cruise with the owner of All Seasons. I have spoken to him personnally on the phone...very nice and helpful. They are doing a cocktail party, a room gift and a special excursion for all those that have booked through them. My husband found them through their website and they followed up with us the very same day. Once we booked with them, they called us regularly called telling us of the newest offers such as the Spring Time magic and the $99/nt. Swan/Dolphin.

Enough about that....I would have looked at other agencies, but we found them first and then I found this wonderful discussion board!!

Can't wait to go....Only 82 days left!!