Another possible resort question (Swan/ Dolphin)

[EsmeraldaX]

Hey all,

Thanks for the info on WL/AKL. I've also been recently looking at the Swan/Dolphin (in case WL/AKL don't end up with AP rates).

I have a few questions. I read that you can walk to MGM/Epcot from these two hotels? Is one better than the other for walking to places. We're both young adults and I'm sure a longish walk wouldn't bother us since we won't be going in the heat of summer.

When do AAA rates come out for these? Do AP rates for these come out at the same time as AP rates for Disney owned hotels.

Sorry for the questions. I'm just trying to come up with a list of possibilities in case AKL/ WL don't work out.

Thanks!

Sheri

 

[jwfla422]

Yes you can walk to both MGM and EPCOT from both resorts. They are located across from each other. The Swan is a little closer to MGM. You need to walk over a bridge to the BW resort and then down the walkway there to MGM or over the bridge toward the YC/BC and to EPCOT there (or you can even go past BW as well). The Dolphin is a bit further (not much) from MGM, maybe a little closer to EPCOT depending on where your room is located.

While we do like to walk we take the boat a lot because we spend so much time walking in the parks, however when it's cooler out and the boats get busy it is nice to walk from MGM. Many times we walk either to or from EPCOT.

AAA rates depend on room availability or the time of the year. They are usually available unless the resorts are booked. They tend to book up more because of conventions than peak season times at WDW. I'm not really sure when AP rates are published. You might want to call them to see if they can give you any information on that.

BUT, I do highly recommend these resorts, WE LOVE THEM!! So tough to stay anywhere else especially since they renovated to the heavenly beds!

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX
Hey all,

Thanks for the info on WL/AKL. I've also been recently looking at the Swan/Dolphin (in case WL/AKL don't end up with AP rates).

I have a few questions. I read that you can walk to MGM/Epcot from these two hotels? Is one better than the other for walking to places. We're both young adults and I'm sure a longish walk wouldn't bother us since we won't be going in the heat of summer.

When do AAA rates come out for these? Do AP rates for these come out at the same time as AP rates for Disney owned hotels.

Sorry for the questions. I'm just trying to come up with a list of possibilities in case AKL/ WL don't work out.

Thanks!

Sheri

Hi,

My husband and I returned on Sept 19th from a 9 day stay at the Dolphin. This was our third stay at the Dolphin since Aug of 2002.

As of right now there are no discount codes for 2005 out for the Dolphin.

You can walk and or take a boat from the S/D to either EC or MGM. The walk to MGM is a good walk and not one we like to do after a day in the parks but in the morning with a cup of coffee at a slow pace it is a good walk. We walk to EC all of the time.

We truely do love the Dolphin as we feel is is the best deal for the money compared to the YC/BC and BW.

We also love the AKL Concierge. So how we have solved this problem is we stay AKL Concierge for our winter value season trips and we stay at the Dolphin for our late summer value season trips.

 

[swilphil]

We felt it was easier to walk to Epcot and MGM from the Swan--you just go out and over to the Boardwalk--turn right to go to MGM and turn left to go to Epcot. The walk to Epcot is much shorter and more relaxing since you go through the Boardwalk itself. There's not a whole lot to look at if you walk to MGM.

We have stayed at both the Dolphin and Swan, but our room at the Dolphin was on the East Wing and we didn't like walking to Epcot via the Beach Club. It seemed to take longer. It also took us longer to actually get outside the hotel when we were at the Dolphin vs. the Swan. Other than that the Dolphin is great--very impressive lobby, has the grotto pool, Dolphin Fountain, and Tubbi's. The Swan and Dolphin are across from each other. You really can't go wrong with either one.

In the past it seemed like AP rates for S/D came out sooner than they did for the Disney resorts, but the discount rates for 2005 seem very late so who knows.

 

[princess pooh]

I think it's faster to get to epcot, the boardwalk, and mgm when you stay at the swan. However, the dolphin has Tubbi's, the health club, and the laundry, and is closer to the grotto pool.

IMO you can't go wrong with any of the epcot resorts. I've stayed at all of them and I had good experiences at all of them. Now I just stay wherever is cheapest

 

[opal]

We have stayed at the Swan twice. The walk to Epcot it not too far. MGM is further, but still not a bad walk. I prefer it to standing in line for a bus or a boat.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Thanks for all the great info!