BWV vs. Dolphin

[SwanVT2]

I have reserved 6 nights at Dolphin for the end of Feb, early March 2018. I used points to cover the first 5 nights and purchased points for the 6th. I know this is a great deal, but I am going to miss staying at BWV. We rented points here this past February and I fell in love with the resort. We used to stay at Swan yearly until 2009, after which we took a break from Disney after having our DD. DD will be 5 next trip. Reassure me that Dolphin will be great!

 

[Hopefully]

I can't. The theme doesn't appeal to me at all. And I love BWV
All that said, you still have the great location within walking/boat distance to 2 parks, you have access to all the great restaurants in the area. It will be a nice vacation

 

[stinkpickle]

I would guess that if you liked Swan, you should like Dolphin, too.....however, I've stayed at neither, so I'm not much help.

 

[anita46]

Stayed at all 5 EPCOT resorts...now I prefer the Swan....but with kids we preferred Beach Club especially if we were staying 5+ nights...just easier with kids...everything is kid focused there, not that there aren't kid events at Swolphin but its interspersed with adult/conventioneers festivities too.
It actually has a more adult-resort feel but you're only steps away from the Disney magic. It works for us.

If you're planning to make an annual pilgrimage to WDW I wouldn't change this year (the price is too good to pass on) and book accordingly next/2 years, but if this is once in an 8 year deal you may want to reconsider...?

Man it flys by...

 

[DebbieB]

I have reserved 6 nights at Dolphin for the end of Feb, early March 2018. I used points to cover the first 5 nights and purchased points for the 6th. I know this is a great deal, but I am going to miss staying at BWV. We rented points here this past February and I fell in love with the resort. We used to stay at Swan yearly until 2009, after which we took a break from Disney after having our DD. DD will be 5 next trip. Reassure me that Dolphin will be great!

If you bring a car, you will have to pay for parking at the resort. Also, I think you have to pay the nightly resort fee. I stayed the Swan for 1 night before a DVC stay, it had the most comfortable bed I ever slept on.

 

[PSUGuy]

We stayed at Swan and Dolphin twice each before 8 stays at BW. Other than the parking fee thing and no DME I wouldn't hesitate to go back to S/D. You're right there near the 'boards and location is the key thing. Relax!

Bill From PA

 

[Dano1182]

We have not stayed at Swan or dolphin but have gone there for dinner and drinks several times. The restaurants are great.
The hotels have a special on camp dolphin. If you eat a select restaurants on premise you get two hours of complimentary camp dolphin services. When they were young our kids loved it there. Very reasonable and professional . They even feed them for a small fee.

 

[SwanVT2]

Stayed at all 5 EPCOT resorts...now I prefer the Swan....but with kids we preferred Beach Club especially if we were staying 5+ nights...just easier with kids...everything is kid focused there, not that there aren't kid events at Swolphin but its interspersed with adult/conventioneers festivities too.
It actually has a more adult-resort feel but you're only steps away from the Disney magic. It works for us.

If you're planning to make an annual pilgrimage to WDW I wouldn't change this year (the price is too good to pass on) and book accordingly next/2 years, but if this is once in an 8 year deal you may want to reconsider...?

Man it flys by...

It does fly by! I think our pilgrimage is annual, so we will stick with Dolphin for now (my DH loves the Swan and the Cabana bar and is excited to return to the Dolphin), we can have the resources to go again next year and hopefully return to BWV!

 

[mousegear]

We've stayed at all 5 Epcot resorts and love Swan/Dolphin for using SPG points. Swan is little smaller than Dolphin but both are equally good and they share the amenities. I'm doing a slit stay this coming trip with Dolphin/AKL. Both Swan/Dolphin didn't have all the dates I wanted and would not hesitate stay there all my WDW vacation.

 

[patty57]

The Swan & Dolphin are my go to resorts after many years of BC and BW. Love the restaurant options and (usually) the price.

 

[PrincessTess]

We adore the Swan and Dolphin. Some say the theming isn't there, but some also say the theming isn't there at the Contemporary. For us, being in Disney with a prime location (and price) is just as good. I think you are making the right choice, especially since it is such a good deal. The rooms are newly renovated and wonderful. Personally, i don't understand how people think it doesnt feel like Disney, but that is because we've created our own Disney-esque nostalgia there

 

[SwanVT2]

We adore the Swan and Dolphin. Some say the theming isn't there, but some also say the theming isn't there at the Contemporary. For us, being in Disney with a prime location (and price) is just as good. I think you are making the right choice, especially since it is such a good deal. The rooms are newly renovated and wonderful. Personally, i don't understand how people think it doesnt feel like Disney, but that is because we've created our own Disney-esque nostalgia there

Yes, for my DH and I it was the same every year at the Swan, and we loved it. Then we had DD and wanted the space and the BC and BWV studios were fabulous with their kitchenettes. It was exciting to get a photo of me and my DD at the Swan fountain this past year when we stopped by Kimonos for dinner. The last one I have is my DH and I at the Swan fountain during our anniversary stay. The Swan (hence my screen name) will always have a special place in my heart I am happy the Dolphin has a fridge. I am excited to stay in a renovated room, and we did get the upgrade to a balcony resort view, so fingers crossed we will get to see nightly fireworks (especially since DD is too young for late nights at the park)!

 

[SwanVT2]

We have not stayed at Swan or dolphin but have gone there for dinner and drinks several times. The restaurants are great.
The hotels have a special on camp dolphin. If you eat a select restaurants on premise you get two hours of complimentary camp dolphin services. When they were young our kids loved it there. Very reasonable and professional . They even feed them for a small fee.

Thanks for this tip! I will look into this!