we have stayed at the Dolphin twice, and loved it both times. we didn, however, do a split stay both times (only stayred there for a few days, then stayed at a disney resort.)
the first time we got a free upgrade to a blacony room!. I do not like that you have to pay to park, though.. to me, that is ridiculous for apaying guest at the hotel.. I cold see for dinner guests, etc.
loved the heavenly beds!!
two things that both swolphin and Universal resorts have in common:
1) no fridge, while at disney moderates you get a fridge.
2) on site eating is expensive. at the disney moderates, you have food courts (well CSR is pricey). even at disney deluxes, some of ther counter service places are very reasonalbe (mara, at AKL, gasparilla grill at GF)... but picabu, the fountain, even the pool side counter service at swolphin is pricey (IMO). we did not eat there once.
but you can walk to the boardwalk. there was a cart with bratwurst. there is espn club, other cheaper options, than at the resort.
hurricane hannahs (at stormalong bay. beach club) has the same burgers as at beaches and cream, but slightly cheaper. and it is outside the boundary... anyone can order food there, not just beach club guests. not many palces to eat it though, walk over to a bench...
but beaches and cream itself is good.
I would try swan or dolphin once, just to see. the location is great!
