Anyone ever stayed at Swan or Dolphin??

[wendy darling]

I was thinking about staying at ones of these can anyone give details about the resorts- did you like it, rooms- size, what's the pool like, etc..

Thanks

 

[Bojo]

We have stayed for two nights a couple of times and enjoyed each trip. Don't really have any info about the pool, but those Heavenly beds are AWSOME . Our first trip we were upgraded to a very large corner room that was a "mini" suite with a king bed. Our last time we stayed in a regular room and it was nice also. I think the proximity to Epcot and Disney Studios is also something to make it worthwile.

Didn't care for the $9.00/night "resort fee" they tacked on.

Hope you enjoy your stay.

 

[happymommy]

PM me for more details, but I've stayed 3 times and for the most part, love these! I prefer the Swan as it's quieter, and I thought our room was cleaner (just seemed fresher) but really both are nice.

No resort fee anymore.

The beds are comfy. I like the room service, the option of movies on demand (that Disney doesn't have, don't know why), the pool, the many food choices, sushi bar, the proximity to our favorite (Epcot) and we like MGM a lot also.

You'll pay a LOT less to stay here than the Boardwalk, the Yacht Club or the Beach Club.

There is a minibar, but we don't bother with it. I get a fridge as my DS needs soy milk cold. Then they don't charge me, as it's quasi-medically necessary. They are very nice about that. You can pay a fee for emptying out the minibar.

We joined starwood preferred guest, and got their amex. It's a good deal - all 3 of my stays were free. Okay, we spend a lot, just moved into a new home, so furniture and all - it adds up!

I used to say I'd never stay there - until I did!

 

[daisyduck123]

We spent 3 nights there last summer before switching over to BCV for another 6 nights.

Unlike most posters here on the DIS, we did not really care for the Dolphin.
We'd rather stay in a Disney-owned resort. This summer, we're just doing 10 days at BCV.

 

[Ronald Duck]

I was thinking about staying at ones of these can anyone give details about the resorts- did you like it, rooms- size, what's the pool like, etc..

Thanks

There's a great Swan/Dolphin FAQ thread you should look at:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1567343

DW and I loved the Swan (incredible location, comfiest beds on Disney property, and lots of bang for the buck with our Teachers Discount), and will be staying at the Dolphin this summer.

 

[runreb02]

We stayed at the dolphin last Thanksgiving and loved it. If you are looking for all of the Disney theming you will not find it here. Just a resort that happens to be 10 minute walking distance to Epcot. Also quick boat to both Epcot and MGM. Being right next to the Boardwalk is also a big plus for nightime activities. I would no doubt stay again.

 

[Mom2PrincessK]

We stayed at the Dolphin on our last trip. We thought the room was nice, and the beds were awesome. It was relatively convenient to the parks. The prices can really vary - when we stayed in was less than $150 a night which I thought was worth it. I've seen it priced over $400 a night, and I don't think it is worth that.

 

[pooh2001]

Dolphin - great for families ! It has the laundry, game room. Picabu - open 24 hours snack & food eatery, fitness center and closer to the Grotto Pool.
One sink - but great counter space in the bathroom.
Two double beds - but feel like queens. You can easily fit a cot in the room.
Drresser - has at least 4 drawers, one for each member of the family. Nice sized closet, but bring extra plastic hangers.

Swan - great for couples - 2 queen beds, double sinks in the bathroom
(I think).

For both - boat to EPCOT & DHS. Walk to EPCOT & Fantasia mini-Golf.
20 minute bus ride to MK & AK

Taxi's wait out front for ride to anywhere

Grotto Pool - just wonderful - water fall, slide, quiet area, volleyball court in the pool - nice and large. Thwew is also a hot tub, kiddie pool, lap pool and a large rectangular pool next to the Swan. White sandy beach to lay on - play in the sand (NO swimming in the lake).

Swan paddle boats to rent.
Other water craft rental at Y/BC

Walk to Boardwalk for pizza, ice cream, bike riding, or night life - just a walk across the bridge.

Join Starwood hotels - earn points by staying at the Swan or Dolphin.
Join AAA and get 20% off all restaurants owned by the Swan & Dolphin.

If you are a teacher, nurse or maybe other professions - ask for a discount.

We love the Dolphin. But in 2010, it may not be in our budget and we have to go to a moderate. DH still wants to go to the Dolphin.

We also decorate with our own Disney theming. Disney toothpaste, Pooh Easter Flag in our window, Disney Florist flowers, and we bring soem Disney window clings.

The soaps we got were oatmeal - but they might upgrade them to another brand. We love the oatmeal soaps - nice and relaxing after a long day in the parks.

Anything specific - please PM me. I will be glad to help.

 

[poohgirl6]

We spent one night at the Dolphin before checking into BCVs for a week. We just needed one night and got a great last minute rate $149. We were pleasantly surprised. The beds were fabulous and the grotto pool is second only to SAB IMHO. Now, the rooms weren't all "Disneyfied" but outside at all the rec areas and walking around the resorts there was no lack of magic. I definitely think that with the great discounts the Swan/Dolphin offer, easy acess to MGM,Epcot and Baordwalk, they are a great alternative to the onsite hotels.

 

[catsrule]

e love the Swan/Dolphin. Haven't used the pools much, but the location is excellent. It is wonder to walk to Epcot and walk back from Hollywood Studios after Fantasmic.

 

[attackwithnorth]

I stayed at the Dolphin once for a night in between a transfer to Poly. The resort didn't feel "Disney" enough for me, but I liked its location in relation to the Disney Boardwalk. And the pool is huge.

 

[rie'smom]

We love both the Swan and Dolphin. They are truly deluxe hotels. Many post about not feeling "Disney" but each time, I've had a view of either MGM or Epcot fireworks, or the Boardwalk. The food at the restaurants is superb-the best I've had anywhere at WDW. My daughter and her friends love the grotto pool and the beach. You'll love it.

 

[PrincessDadx2]

Have stayed at the Dolphin 3x on points - last time was Christmas. I think it is a great hotel. As stated, we saw the fireworks from our room and could take the water taxi - so very Disney. Not like a value resort, but as Disney themed as a deluxe resort.

Actually preferred the pool to SAB at BC. It is just as big, but much easier to keep track of children. The only thing missing was the lazy river which my kids can't use anyway. You also do not have sand in the pool itsself, but I prefer that. Slide was much better for my kids 7 & 5.

 

[swilphil]

I've stayed at both. It's my first choice if I want to stay "onsite," even though it isn't Disney owned. The service is better and they have some great discounts that you can't find at the Disney resorts. I like the Swan slightly better, but I'd take the Dolphin if the Swan was full. Everything is in the timing though. They don't always offer a discount. If you can be flexible with your dates, it helps.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We have stayed at both several times with a govt. discount. The location and transportation is great. As the other posters said there are so many pluses to being there. Most important to us is a lot less sticker shock on the bill upon check out compared to the Polynesian. We do prefer the Swan for its compactness, less walking back to the room after a long day in the parks and they are the lst bus stop so you would most likely sit instead of having to stand at crowded times. We can do without the magical express, room charging etc. Its a good deal if you can get a decent price. Their customer service is great too if you have a problem. They are very prompt at resolving things. You dont get the run around like you do at some disney resorts etc.

 

[henrylovespooh]

I've stayed at both - the Dolphin most recently. The positives are the proximity to Epcot and MGM. The rooms are nice - spacious too. There's a kids club there if you want to go have dinner without kids. The pool at the Dolphin is nice - big and lots of area to wander.

My only downside is that it doesn't feel like you're at Disneyworld when you're there - not as much as when we've stayed at All Star Movies or The Wilderness Lodge.