Can't decide if Swan/Dolphin is the right choice!

[DisneyJen0504]

I know many have mulled over this topic before and I have searched those threads only to find myself more confused. Here is the deal...
DH and I are looking to head back to WDW in June 2008. Now that I am a teacher, we can get a teachers rate at the Swan or Dolphin. So we have been discussing the idea of not staying at a WDW moderate (most likely CSR), and staying there instead. So whats the concern you ask? Yup, I am concerned about the magic of the whole Disney experience DH and I are used to.
While the mickey soaps and wakeup calls are not an issue for us as we don't use them, it is the little things that Swan/Dolphin would be missing that make me wonder if S/D is a good choice over a moderate like CSR. Examples include Disney soundtracks playing everywhere you go at the resort, the WDW channels on the room TV, disney merchandise in the resort store, the room key/park pass, resort refillable mugs, and magical express.
So putting the teacher rate aside, comparing Swan/Dolphin to the Disney owned CSR, which would you do?
Thanks!!

 

[LindaR]

DD18 and I stayed at the Swan for the first time March 2007. We loved it! Usually we stay at a moderate (have stayed at deluxes too) while at WDW. I am a Starwood member and stay at Starwood properties alot.

I don't think anything was lacking! I'd choose Swan. Bigger, nicer.

 

[CamColt]

One of your concerns shouldnt be an issue. They do have Disney merchandise in the gift shops at S&D. Also, you get one of the Disney channels (the one with the top 10 or whatever attractions in WDW)

I have stayed between the 2 a total of 7 times now and love them. To me they are not lacking any Disney magic. The CMS are just as friendly if not more so, than at the Disney resorts. I have never met anyone as chipper as the man who checked me on on my most recent trip to the Dolphin. Having a view of TOT, Earful Tower, Spaceship Earth, or the Friendship Boats, just screams Disney to me. The beds are amazing and I just love the oatmeal soap and B&BW shampoo and conditioner. The location, being able to walk to 2 parks and 3 Disney resorts cannot be beat, and of course, that adds to the dining and entertainment options in easy access, reducing the wait for busses and time commuting.

I could go on....

 

[pickles]

Never stayed there, but we stayed at bw and had visited the one next door(I always get them mixed up which is which), used their business center.
I would not stay there simply because to me the outside looks like a apt complex from the city and the inside is no warm feeling. However, I also felt the same way when i visited Contemporary. I prefer the more beachy themed resorts..loved POR, OKW and BCV, BWV was pleasant as well.

Hope that gives you some info.
If it is big savings then it may be ok because of the boat system etc.. I HATED their bus waiting place..right sitting in the sun..just yuk

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Thank you for the info! I guess we wont know until we give it a try!

 

[Tinkified]

What exactly is the Teacher discount? Thanks! Michelle

 

[Joshua_me]

As luck would have it, we just returned this evening from a 4 night stay at The Dolphin. (full trip report on the way) And we absolutely loved it.

The staff was incredibly helpful, and yes, 'chipper' is an apt word to describe many of them as well. This was our third stay there in as many years, and we will return in Spring in time for the Epcot flower festival.

With our view of the TOT and the 'friendships', (transport boats) pools and 'the beach' it sure seemed 'Disney enough' to us.

If I had to nitpick, my only negative thought would be of the outdoor color schemes, (faded aqua and rust ???) but really, who cares ?

Great location, a nice selection of eateries, and even a view of the fireworks from Epcot and Fantasmic.

Don't hesitate. Enjoy.

 

[NMAmy]

Examples include Disney soundtracks playing everywhere you go at the resort, the WDW channels on the room TV, disney merchandise in the resort store, the room key/park pass, and magical express.

No Disney soundtracks but frankly, I barely noticed the music when we stayed at the WL. You can see the annoying Stacey's Top 10 channel and, I believe, the Disney channel as well. You can also pay for in room movies which was a godsend on a rainy day with teens. There is a Disney merchandise store in both the Swan and Dolphin with a large selection and no crowds. Your room key is not a park pass nor can you charge things in the park to your room. Not a big deal for us--we just use our credit card. We buy our passes in advance. No Magical Express--however, I look at all the money I save at the Dolphin and figure $100 for a Town Car is not a big deal--plus there is no waiting and we get a grocery stop.

So putting the teacher rate aside, comparing Swan/Dolphin to the Disney owned CSR, which would you do?
Thanks!!

Swan/Dolphin is a deluxe hotel. CSR is a mod. Here are the things that keep us returning to the Dolphin year after year--Heavenly beds, proximity to Epcot and MGM, fabulous and helpful staff, free upgrades with an SPG card and not having to get all coy with WDW cast members to get an upgrade and 24 hour cafeteria/convenience store at the Dolphin. Plus, being able to watch Illuminations from our room is pretty darn magical.

Different people like different hotels. I'd say the only way to know for sure is to give it a try.

We tried the WL last year and it was beautiful but we prefer the Dolphin--mainly due to the location and the variety at Picabu's. It took forever to get anywhere--even the MK--from the WL and we found that very frustrating.

I hope you have a great trip whichever resort you decide upon!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

I agree with Amy. We never missed those small Disney touches, because the large price difference, great amenities and excellent location easily make up for any of those other things Disney resorts offer. We will probably never go back to a Disney owned resort because we get a great Epcot area location with deluxe accomodations for less than half the price of the Disney owned deluxes.

 

[judi]

We just got back from a double stay at the Dolphin, 12/15-12/17 and 12/23-12/25. Had a wonderful time as always and at a great rate of $159 night. We have stayed here 4 or 5 times before and we don't feel like we are missing out on anything. We do have AP's so we don't have to worry about tickets and we rent a car so transportation isn't an issue either. We love the beds and the large rooms, the pool area is great and the location is the best. We were able to watch Holiday wishes from our room the 2nd set of nights and then walked to Epcot to watch Illuminations. The bus stop is covered, we didn't have to wait in the sun. It's an easy bus ride to all the parks. Everyone was super nice, no complaints at all.

 

[airhead]

We loved it so much we're going back this summer with our extended family;
SIL,BIL and 4 kids. Its an awesome resort! To me,the location of the Swan/Dolphin and being able to see and walk to Epcot and Disney Studios,screams WDW!!
We also use the great teacher's discount. I don't think there's a better bargain at WDW!
Wherever you decide,have a blast!

 

[barney4liz]

So putting the teacher rate aside, comparing Swan/Dolphin to the Disney owned CSR, which would you do?
Thanks!!

I just did a short stay at CSR in November and a short stay at the Dolphin this past weekend. Enjoyed both very much. We had the $159 special rate at the Dolphin; the CSR was a ridiculously cheap convention rate.

If I had to pick one to go back to -- right now I would probably pick the Dolphin. I can't say that either resort screams "Disney", but that's OK with me. I never felt like I was NOT at WDW. I liked the dining choices at the Dolphin more, and it was easier to get around than CSR. Loved being able to walk to the boats to/from Epcot.

The best feature of our Dolphin stay -- the BEDS! There were 5 of us staying in 3 rooms, and everyone wanted to take a bed home.

You'll have a great time either way, but I would suggest giving the Dolphin a try. I also like that I can get a discounted rate without having to stalk the Disney codes.

 

[Joshua_me]

You can see the annoying Stacey's Top 10 channel !

Good Lord, that woman must be stopped !

You can change the channel in your room, but there's no escaping her, um, 'mind-numbing enthusiasm' at the bus stop. I was having evil thoughts involving a blow gun and a tranquilizer dart.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Thanks-DH and I made a pros and cons list and are really thinking of just going for it and trying out the Swan/Dolphin.
Thanks for all the help!

 

[CEDmom]

To me if the choice was between Swan/Dolphin and a WDW moderate there's no contest. The location of the Swan/Dolphin alone is reason enough to stay there. But the amenities really are what keep us going back. The pool/beach area is wonderful and being able to walk over to the boardwalk area in the evening for dinner and entertainment is wonderful.

 

[slenderella]

My DH and I will be doing a parents only trip in February. We are staying at CBR and at the Dolphin, as my DH has a meeting there for three days. We have stayed on property several times and stayed off property once. We did not like staying off property at all. I think we will enjoy the Dolphin!!! I am confused about the parking though. I think I read somewhere that the S/D charge for parking even if it is not valet. Is this right? If it is, eewwwww.

 

[happymommy]

I have never parked at the S/D - only turned in rental cars from National. Now THAT is convenient - you can rent from MCO, do your grocery stops or whatever, then turn it into the bellman at the Dolphin. I didn't even add gas. I do think they charge for parking.

Definitely the Swan and Dolphin are deluxe compared to Disney - we love them. The room service is good - they have decent choices for kids (you have to ask sometimes for a kids menu) and you can get MOVIES ON DEMAND! Disney doesn't offer this at all, and it bugs me. We are wiped out some nights, so we'll get room service or I'll do a run to Kimono's for sushi or something, and we can watch a movie at the Swan or Dolphin. They have the kind you can rewind, pause, etc... so in the morning the kids watch again while eating breakfast and I'm getting us ready for the day. I always get a room with a balcony for the fresh air - I understand the moderates don't have this. I like the inside corridors, plus the above mentioned amenities. Also, the pool at the Swan and Dolphin is nice - my kids love it.

 

[LSchrow]

..........24 hour cafeteria/convenience store at the Dolphin.

is there really?!
if i may ask, where are they?
sometimes we would like a late-night snack (norm stay at BWV's) ~ that's great to know!

never stayed at the swan nor dolphin, & curious: do only some rooms have balconies, or are they "on the other side" or in some sort of configuration i'm not getting ?

ty

 

[Joshua_me]

is there really?!
if i may ask, where are they?
balconies, or are they "on the other side" or in some sort of configuration i'm not getting ?

ty

Meh...

In the Dolphin there's a place called 'Picabu' that's open 24/7....

It's on the ground floor, (not to be confused with the 'Lobby floor') which is actually the 2nd floor.....

UM, yeah, it's a bit confusing....

Anyhoo... Picabu has packaged salads and juices and things like meatloaf and gravy.... Not terribly exciting, but it'll do if you are hungry...

I will take this time to recommend 'Fountain'.... Some of the best burgers
( a half pound pattie, at least) on all of the property....

 

[NMAmy]

is there really?!
if i may ask, where are they?
sometimes we would like a late-night snack (norm stay at BWV's) ~ that's great to know!

never stayed at the swan nor dolphin, & curious: do only some rooms have balconies, or are they "on the other side" or in some sort of configuration i'm not getting ?

ty

Picabu's is on the first floor of the Dolphin. If you are walking toward the Dolphin on the boat launch walkway, Picabu's is to the left toward the laundry room.

The convenience store has chips, cookies, first aid items, etc. If you get microwave popcorn, they will even pop it for you. The staff there is very helpful--the last time I was there, they were greeting me by name each morning. They have ready to eat items, or cafeteria style items, or a grill. You place your order for grill items and they'll bring the order out to your table. DD thinks they have the best grilled cheese anywhere in WDW.

Picabu's has a much wider choice than the WDW resorts we've stayed at--I was disappointed in Roaring Forks because they had the same limited menu every day.