any opinions on swan/dolphin pools?

[francie]

hi, can anyone describe the kiddie pool at the swan? any opinions on the grotto pool and lap pools? are the pools easier to get to from the swan or dolphin? thanks in advance

 

[princess pooh]

The grotto pool is one of the reasons I like to stay at the Dolphin. It's a huge pool with a waterfall, slide, and several hottubs. What I like best is that there's never a problem getting a lounge chair. I don't remember much about the kiddie pool but I do remember a play area with sand an a fountain. Sometimes there are activities at the grotto pool - like hula hoop contests and stuff.

The lap pools are pretty plain and quiet. The one at the Swan has hammocks and they both have a bar nearby.

The grotto pool is closer to the Dolphin but it doesn't take long to walk from the swan.

 

[francie]

thank you, princess pooh. also, did you use the slide in the grotto pool? how was it?

 

[Disneytrip]

The slide is great! Closer to the Swan is a big circular sandbox with a seal sculpture in the middle. You press a button and it squirts water out of its nose. Kids seem to love it.

At the other end of the grotto pool, closer to the Dolphin, is the kiddie pool. I was impressed by its size and saw lots of families bringing their little ones to it.

THere is also a section of the grotto pool, closer to the Dolphin, that is blocked off by a walkway from the rest of the pool that is only 3ft. deep.
Both lap pools are gorgeous and all pools have more than enough lounge chairs.
Enjoy!

 

[jwfla422]

There are nice large lap pools located just outside both the Swan and Dolphin. While we like the grotto pool we love the lap pool because they are so close and they're never real crowded. DD is not a real big swimmer so she likes to hang out in the shallow end or near the steps so this is just perfect. I love just lounging on the side of the pool looking up at the beautiful palm trees, the landscape with the S/D resorts & the blue sky in the background...kinda feels like you're in paradise...oh, it is!!

 

[francie]

thanks for all the info and pics everyone!

 

[Leota]

I think the Grotto is second only to Stormalong Bay. Maybe even topping SAB because it never seems as crowded. I could spend hours at the Grotto....and the Lap Pool at the Dolphin is wonderful. We like to eat poolside at the Cabana Bar & Grill there.

I like the access to the Grotto from the Dolphin better, but it's not bad from the Swan either....

3 more weeks & I'm parking myself at the Grotto to soak up some Paradise.

 

[jwfla422]

DITTO, DITTO, DITTO I totally agree with Leota, that the Grotto pool is probably the best pool in WDW because of it's theming and size and you have the option to go to the 2 quiet/lap pools if it gets too crowded.

We're just lazy sometimes and hang out at the quiet pool (depending on which resort we're staying at since the quiet/lap pool is just outside of each hotel. Another nice thing is the lunch places have seating right by the pools there. (Splash grille at the Swan & Cabana Grille at the Dolphin).

Feels like a little bit of paradise, sipping some frozen drinks, sitting by the pool, having some lunch, ahhhhh, I can just feel it now, the end of next month...I will live it Have a great time Leota!!

 

[Leota]

jwfla422 - I'm not sure which I'm more excited about - Poolside Frozen Drink Sippin' or Hitting the Parks? lol
Just thinking about the Grotto makes all my stress melt away & brings a big old relaxed smile to my face.... It's my "Happy Place"

 

[LisaRay]

I was wondering if these pools are heated? We are thinking of a Nov. or Dec. stay so we would probably need a heated pool.

 

[ezma]

We are going in Dec. ,at Christmas time, I would like to know if the pools are heated?

 

[Samsma]

I believe that they are heated, but not as much as the Disney pools.

 

[magical memories]

Can you tell me how big the slide is in the grotto pool? Does it compare to the SAB slide? That is our FAVORITE pool on disney property. We are staying at the Dolphin for the first time in April. We are very excited. The hotel looks really nice.

 

[magical memories]

We are also looking forward to our first stay at the Dolphin in April. Anything you would like to share about the hotel? Is the East wing the best for Epcot views?

 

[Kitty 34]

The SwanDolphin pools are the best I've swam in and I've been in a lot of pools!!

 

[paras4ri]

Can you tell me how big the slide is in the grotto pool? Does it compare to the SAB slide? That is our FAVORITE pool on disney property. We are staying at the Dolphin for the first time in April. We are very excited. The hotel looks really nice.

SAB slide is longer than the Grotto pool slide but my kids have enjoyed both. I agree with all that's been said about the Grotto and would like to include one of my favorite things. Under the waterfall there's a place to sit in the shade and that's a real plus for me. As much as I love Florida my skin need a break from the sun.

 

[mell]

Just subscribing to thread as we are planning a swan stay in August and am enjoying all the threads and great info. on Swan/Dolphin. Thanks to all.

 

[Threehearts]

We just returned from the Dolphin and it was a very nice stay. Two things to be aware of: 1)We were in the West wing in a balcony room and floors 1-4 had ropes and painting equipment all over the outside. Our locking latch was removed from the sliding door for what looked to be a temporary solution for painters to get in and out of the rooms(presumably when they are not occupied). Try to avoid this area. There were also notices on Sunday morning saying that there would be noise and some disruption. The paint smell was far worse than the noise. 2)There was a sign on Sunday pm saying that ALL pools would be closed for a convention function except for a Swan lap pool, for the entire evening starting at 5pm. I would have been upset if we were staying on as it was 85 degrees this past weekend. All in all, I loved our stay and would definitely return. Just a little info to help you make decisions. Threehearts