Difference between Swan/Dolphin and Moderates?

[Cinderella]

Hi,

Has anyone stayed at the Swan or Dolphin and the Disney moderate resorts? How did they compare? I am looking at one or the other for 2 or three nights in August. Are the rooms more luxurious in the Swan and Dolphin. Are the moderates more preferable because of their Disney atmosphere. Could someone please tell me the pros and cons. Think I am probably looking at Dolphin, CBR or Port Orleans Riverside. Thanks.

 

[ArcticWildMan]

My wife and I were just talking about this the other night. We've stayed at the Swan and Dixie Landings (sorry, it'll always be Dixie to me).

We both agreed that the atmosphere at Dixie was much more "Disney" in it's feel. We also liked the fact that you didn't have to walk through a lobby area filled with people to get to your room. Having the ability to charge stuff to your room was a big benefit in our eyes as well when we stayed at Dixie. The Swan's location is really hard to beat, but we'll sacrifice location for that Disney feel any day.

 

[pixiechick]

Cinderella,

I posted the same dilemma a few months back. Most people voted for the Dolphin , especially because of location. Those who chose Port Orleans mentioned theming as ArcticWildMan did. We went with the Dolphin because of the teacher rate (hard to beat!) and location. We really like Epcot so it was a good choice for us. We'll be there next week and I can tell you more then!

 

[Blondie]

I know some people remark that they didn't think the Swan and Dolphin resorts aren't Disney enough for them.

Well, in my opinion, it's Disney, and then some!

How can you not be immersed in Disney with a view like this that we had from our balcony at the Dolphin?

Not only did we have a beautiful view of the Epcot ball during the day, but at night, when the lights came on, WOW! We watched the fireworks from Illuminations every night, and we were close enough to hear the music from the Tapestry of Dreams parade! Doesn't get any more "Disney" than that!

You'll find the same detail, expert landscaping, and impeccable housekeeping--I even thought they went a notch above the WDW resort's housekeeping.

We've stayed at Dixie Landings (Riverside) and Coronado Springs. They are both very nice resorts, but once we got a taste of the deluxes, and the Swan and Dolphin...there's no going back for us!

 

[cboudre1]

We have stayed at all 4 moderates and the Dolphin. All 5 were great but you can't beat the Dolphin's location. Everynight we were able to walk to the boardwalk. You can see the fireworks at Epcot center from the bridge. Walking to Epcot and taking the boat to MGM was so nice. We plan to stay at the Dolphin or the Boardwalk on our next trip. I loved that area.

 

[opal]

We have stayed at CBR, CS and PO. Our most recent trip we stayed at BWI because we got a great rate. I can't say enough good things about the location. Especially since we tend to go in off season when Epcot is only park open after 7 pm. We have already booked for Jan 2003 at the Swan with the govt. employee rate. I always said I didn't want to stay at the Swan or Dolphin because they "aren't really Disney" but we are so hooked on the location, we will give it a shot. We enjoy walking and being able to walk to Epcot and MGM is great.

 

[Lcm2108]

Hi==

My family stayed at PO and the Dolphin (great govt. rate). Both were very nice but DH prefers PO. Despite the GREAT location, the hotel was huge and there was no food court and refillable mugs (my family loves the food court). Couldn't use the Disney room key/charge either.

I liked the Dolphin better. We were given a complimentary upgrade to a jr. suite and faced the Swan. We saw the MGM fantasmic fireworks every night. We had the mini-kitchen, bar thing in our room and I liked that also. The location was wonderful.

Next trip, we are staying at PO-FQ even though we qualify for the govt or nurses rate. The Dolphin is huge but it's still Disney! Have fun whatever you decide.

Lisa

 

[Edina]

I've stayed at Port Orleans and the Swan. If for some reason you do not get your fill of Disney by being in the parks all day, riding Disney transportation, looking out on MGM, Epcot or Boardwalk, eating at Disney resturants and seeing the Disney characters in the Swan and Dolphin lobby, and feel your stay will not be complete without showering with Disney soap, then stay in a moderate.

If on the other hand you you want a MUCH better and convenient location, more luxurious accomodations, a full service resort with many more guest services, a gym, a very nice lobby, option of club level, queen size vs. double beds, and an all over nicer hotel at about the same price as a Disney moderate, then stay at the Swan or Dolphin.

Strangely enough my husband or children had no idea they weren't staying in a "Disney" resort. They couldn't tell the difference, only that the Swan was much nicer than Port Orleans.

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Hey!

Here's my opinion. Last summer we stayed at the Grand Floridian for a few nights and then the DOLPHIN for a few nights. All I can say is all the people in my family felt MORE GRAND at the Dolphin then at Disney's flagship resort! Dolphin shouldn't even be compared to a moderate! It's quality is far better, location is better, amenities better, and cast members are INCREDIBLE!

Dolphin (and Swan) are definetly a much better choice over the moderate resorts!

The theming at the Dolphin felt just as nice and enjoyable then at a Disney "run" hotel. The employees were a lot nicer and helpful at the Dolphin then the Grand Floridian and any other Disney resort we've stayed at.


Please pick the Dolphin, you'll love it, believe me!


Mike

- who's returning for 6 nights at the Dolphin, then stopping over at the Beach Club Villas for a few!

 

[dreamflight99]

And tell you "Why" I prefer the WDW Dolphin Resort over any Disney moderates. We have stayed at EVERY DISNEY-OWNED PROPERTY (w/exception to AKL) over the past 12 years. We love the theming at Dixie Landings, and stayed there for more than three weeks at a time during some of our numerous visits! It is beautfiul, but the "Disney Feel" is not so overwhelmingly evident and apparent.
Charging to the room is no different than using a charge card. You still have to process the charge at the register and "sign" the receipt! I place all my charges/expenses on my Plat. Amex anyway, so it's no big deal. I just carry this card as I would a room-charge card. After all, American Express is the preferred card of Walt Disney World..don't leave home without it! While at the Dolphin, I have the freedom to charge any purchases in the two resorts to my room (which is really my Amex acct.!lol).

The Dolphin/Swan are superior (As Blondie stated) IMOHO...due to Location, Location, Location! You are TOTALLY inside of the DISNEY MAGIC, and we all know the DISNEY MAGIC should already be inside of you! So--it's a "WIN-WIN" situation! During rainstorms and hot sticky heat-breaks from the parks in the summer, you have the pleasure of accessing a number of locations...without ever leaving the comfy & cool/dry interior for the "OUTSIDE"! No mosquitoes chasing you when you stop for a second, no lightening threats, no downpours, etc. PURE HEAVEN! The lobby may be "Bypassed" at all times to get to your room...so if you prefer, you may enter the Dolphin w/o entering the lobby (we do every visit)! But the Lobby is a treat unto itself...with shooting stars and a grand rotunda w/immense fountain and piano player. It's a treat to circle the area and pinch yourself as a reminder of your fortune and blessings! ROOM SERVICE...ahhhh! Yes, room service around the clock. This is a biggie for moi, & just the availability is reassuring. Peace & Quiet...no loud screaming Tourist Groups in the hallways and in the pools. Very subdued and relaxing atmosphere. Inside Laundry, Arcade, Game room, Restaurants, Disney Gift Shops (Run by Disney CM's!), health club (another PLUS for moi)...and a Concierge/CLUB LEVEL LOUNGE available for your convenience. Disney Character Charavans...Disney Character Breakfasts--what more could you wish for?! One of the nicest Views in all of Disney World...spaceship earth & world showcase, with one of the nicest Pools (Grotto) too! Fantasia Golf right across the road on a little path! Walking to Epcot/MGM...Excellent superior transportation to the parks provided by A/C water taxi's! Boardwalk fun everyday and night if desired. OF course...the grandeur of the resort is "FUN" also! It is truly a fabulous resort...offering discounts on DELUXE accomodations no other Disney-owned moderate resort can compete with! Of course...my all time Favorite is the STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST PROGRAM, which offers points and FREE STAYS for VACATIONING at the Dolphin/Swan! Imagine, while you are enjoying the elite service and superior accomodations of the Dolphin/Swan, you are ALSO accumulating precious SPG points! You can use these for everything from free upgrades (Club Level, preferred views, other ammenities) to Free Dinner certificates, Free car rentals and even Free Airline travel!!YES... the key word is "FREE!" Starwood has an American Express card to assist you in accumulating more points...thus more FREE STAYS at WDW Dolphin/Swan! Check-out the thread I started on the Dolphin/Swan...and you'll see more reasons to LOVE these two resorts...the BEST KEPT SECRET on WDW PROPERTY!

NOTE TO LCM2108...tell DH there are now refillable mugs at the Dolphin/Swan!

 

[dcedwards]

Well - I guess I will post a different opinion. We've stayed at the Dolphin, PO-Riverside and PO-FQ. We prefer the PO-FQ.

When we were at the Dolphin we stayed in their concierge (can't remember what they call it) and while it was nice, we felt it was overpriced. Just okay -- nothing spectacular. The rooms were identical in size to the regular rooms -- we later switched. The food was okay but we didn't find anyone who went out of their way to help us.

Housekeeping was pretty lousy. We had to keep asking for everything...not just once but many times. That got to be "old." Could never get our room cleaned early -- finally gave up and it was usually done by late afternoon. Hated seeing all the room service trays in the halls -- sometimes for many days. The front desk people were rather snobbish and acted irratated when we asked questions.

The thing that really got to me was the fact that there were a lot of conventioneers there. The pool was closed from time to time for convention events. You never really knew when and when you asked they got irratated that you were even inquiring. The restaurants were always packed. It took us over 2 hours to eat one time at Tubbys and the place was filthy. It was right after the lunch rush and no one cleaned up between people. Floors had food on them and stuff. Not very appealing.

What we loved about it was the location. That was definitely nice. The boat to MGM and Epcot were nice but could take awhile if you made the full loop. The bus transporation to the other parks was slow and often very crowded. You share with the YC/BC I think.

Our experience at the PO has always been very different. The CMs are upbeat and very helpful. It is a less formal atmosphere and a bit more festive. (The lobby at the Dolphin is huge and very nice but just not quite what we like. ) Transportation has typcially been great. We usually would only wait 5-10 minutes, at the most, for a bus. We love the food court concept. Something for everyone, and quick, for the most part. There is a good variety for all ages and tastes. Even when it is crowded they seem to move people through quite quickly. I know for some this is important, but we like the Disney soaps and shampoos. It is just a little extra thing but we enjoy it. We also enjoy the boat to downtown disney. A nice feature that will be up and running in August again.

I don't think you will be disappointed in either choice. The rooms at the Dolphin are a bit bigger. You do have a "formal closet" at the Dolphin which you don't have at the PO. There you have a place for clothes to hand but there isn't a door that you can close. At PO you can request a coffee maker, iron, ironing board, and hair dryer to have during your stay. I'm not sure you get much more at the Dolphin but perhaps my memory is fading. Oh yes, you can get room service at the Dolphin but when we ordered it they told us it would take 60-90 minutes to get anything and that it may take longer. We declined. We spend very little time in the room so as long as it is clean with a good bed and TV we are just fine.

Thought I would share another opinion. I'm sure wherever you decide to stay you will enjoy yourself. After all it is Disney World...

 

[Ityldu]

We've stayed at CBR (hated it) and DxL (absolutely loved it and couldn't wait to go back). We swore we'd never stay at S/D, but all Disney resorts were booked, so we tried Dolphin and fell in love with it. We went back again for our anniversary and split b/w Dolphin and GF. We enjoyed the Dolphin much better then GF. With such a great rate and great location, that alone is reason enough for us to stay there. Add to that the Grotto is our fav. pool in Disney, service is fantastic and views are amazing and we now include Dolphin in at least 1/2 of every visit to Disney.

We find the themeing just as "Disney" as all other resort's - Polynesian being the exception. Polynesian is an original, many childhood memories, view of the castle, monorail, amazing themeing. You just can't compete with all that. After Polynesian, Dolphin is very comparable to all the Deluxes. The moderates are fantastic, but they are still moderates and don't offer the conveniences/luxuries of the deluxes.