Dolphin or Swan?

[ktbugsmom]

Hi - I am new to this board and am looking for some opinions. I am able to get the "teacher" rate and am planning a trip to the World for this December (11th-16th). I will be traveling with my DH, my DD (will be almost 3 years old) and my mother (65+). I am booking 2 rooms (hopefully adjoining - is that possible?) - but what are your "expert" opinions on which resort - the Dolphin or Swan? Which one is better? Are they basically the same? Any one have a preference for one or the other? The pool will be wonderful for my daughter. The walkability to Boardwalk will be great for mom - since she may not always go to the parks with us... Just looking for insights since I have never stayed at this resort.

Thanks in advance for all of your wonderful help! BTW - this board great. The info is amazing and the "posters" are pleasant and helpful.

 

[NHAnn]

The Dolphin is much larger, about 2X as many rooms I think. Consequently it's lobby and amenities areas are larger and more varied. Some feel the atmosphere at the Swan is more intimate as a result. The Swan has queen beds while the Dolphins are "oversized doubles". I've never stayed at the Swan , but found the convenience of having Tubbi's right in the Dolphin was nice, they share the Grotto Pool area and are joined by a short walkway, where you catch the Friendship boats to MGM and Epcot.
I guess I would have to go with Dolphin if I HAD to state a preference because it's what I'm used to (2 stays), and when we walked around the lobby area in the Swan while exploring, I never got the "WOW" feeling I did when I walked into the Dolphin lobby for the first time. I really don't think you can go wrong with either though, they're both wonderful, especially at the teacher rate!!!!!!!
Hope some others will come along and give you some more insight!

 

[ktbugsmom]

Thanks so much for the speedy reply. I think the rate is amazing too! Especially since i can get 2 rooms for less than what I was considering paying at the Poly... This way mom can join us - and not feel like a "burden".

Any other thoughts out there?

 

[Blondie]

Having stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin, my favorite is the Dolphin!

If you do a search on this board, you'll find tons of opinions on which one is better than the other. I favor the Dolphin because to me it seems more festive and alive! The lobby is spectacular with a cute whimsical fountain, and lots of places to sit.

The Swan is smaller, and more quaint. Still very nice, but as someone once posted, it's somwhere you'd go in dress clothes with your girlfriends for the weekend, while the Dolphin is more fun and family-like.

The Dolphin has more of the conviences I'm looking for like Tubbi's for a quick snack, the Dolphin Fountain, the arcade (for the boys!) and the laundry if you need to wash something. These amenities are also available to you if you stay at the Swan, but you'll have to walk outside and cross the courtyard. It's so easy to just hop the elevator and ride the escalator down instead!

The Dolphin also seemed a little closer to the Grotto Pool too, but not by any great lengths!

The only thing I like better at the Swan is the way the bathroom is set up, but I'm not willing to give up the Dolphin just for that!

Have a great time planning!

 

[Dana]

Hi ktbugsmom!!!!

Having stayed at the Dolphin and the Swan, I would have to say that the Dolphin wins my vote. While both are BEAUTIFUL resorts, I just prefered the Dolphin. We stayed at the Dolphin this past December and I can not say enough about their Christmas decorations! Just amazing!!!! Rooms were spacious at both resorts but the room we had at the Dolphin was bigger. I appreciated having Tubbie's in out hotel when I wanted a midnight snack or soda. A couple of nights while staying at the Swan I fell ill and there was no where that sold soda. That being said, the staff at the Swan upon hearing of my illness BENT OVER BACKWARDS, they went and got me a can of pop and delivered it to my room with no charge! Unbelievable!! I just enjoyed having Tubbie's so close. I also enjoyed the Coral Cafe for breakfast if I didn't feel like Tubbie's. Wonderful selection at reasonable prices. I used the Health Club a couple of times and staying in the Dolphin made it easier for me (same building).
That being said, the Swan is smaller and easier to get around. Personally, we didn't have a problem and enjoyed the hallways!! Fun beach scenes are depicted on the walls!!
You will not be disapointed with either resort. Both are WONDERFUL!!!!
I LOVE S&D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dana

 

[ktbugsmom]

Thanks to all who responded. Your info is great. Given some of the "advantages" of the dolphin - I booked 2 rooms there. My mom is recovering from chemo - and she does not sleep well (hopefully she will feel better by then) - so the thought that she can get up and go downstairs and grab a snack at her convenience will be great. Also - the less formal atmosphere will work best for us since we will have a toddler in tow.

Any other hints for our stay at the Dolphin? How is the transportation to MK? In 1998, we stayed at the DxL - and found the buses to be more than adequate - would you say the same for the Dolphin? My 2-year-old won't know the difference - so I am sure we will be fine with the "commute". She is the adventurous type - so I think she will just be intrigued by riding a bus. thanks again!

 

[Blondie]

The buses at the S/D are about the same as any other WDW resort, but as you exit the Magic Kingdom, the S/D bus stop is the first one on your left!

To get to Epcot, it's a leisurely boat ride, stopping at the Yacht/Beach Clubs and the Boardwalk resorts along the way. For MGM, it's a straight shot over--with no stopping. Don't forget, you can also walk to Epcot and MGM too!

I think you'll find the transportation options more than adequate!

 

[halfway there]

Well, I guess I'm a little late here...but we chose the Swan solely because of the queen beds. Since you're getting two rooms anyway it shouldn't be a problem for you. We spent all of our spare time over at the Dolphin due to the pool. We only ate in Swan restaurants but did see Tubbi's as very convenient and inexpensive.
The transportation for the Epcot area resorts is unmatched! There are three ways to travel: by boat to MGM, walk or boat to Epcot and bus to MK and AK (There's a stop in front of each lobby). There's so much to do in this area (with four resorts to choose from) between restaurants and shopping your mother will have plenty to fill her time!
Since the Dolphin is so much larger, I would only recommend getting a room closer to the middle or near the west(?) end by the pool for convenience. Someone who knows the layout better could tell you more if you're interested. Other than that have a great time!

 

[LBYC-19]

I wrote a rather lengthy thread "Home from the Dolphin-A perfect 10" you might be interested in.

We got two adjoining rooms (wish we could have kept them for the entire stay). I can only echo the sentiment of everyone above, though have never stayed at the Swan (only visited for dining which was excellent). I hope you enjoy your stay.

 

[disnurse]

having stayed at both resorts we have finally decided we prefer the dolphin, its just more convient to tubbies and the pool. also more chance for upgrade with so many more rooms. The transportation is excellent, stayed at all stars once and waited constantly for buses. The buses run frequently, we never had more than a 10 min wait and always got on the first bus that came along.

 

[ktbugsmom]

Thanks again to everyone. I have gotten the most wonderful hints from all of you. I am going for adjoining rooms in the Dophin - not sure about location yet - but I think I will request the ground floor, poolside and see what happens.

Now I just need to decide on dinner reservations etc (should I try for the coveted Cinderella PS???) My family thinks I am crazy spending so much time planning - but that is half the fun - right?

Thanks again - I LOVE THIS BOARD!

 

[Jen80370]

ktbugs mom...one piece of advice. Do you want adjoinging rooms (next door to each other) or connecting rooms (door between the two)? There is a difference, so be sure to specify when calling.

Have a great stay!

 

[dreamflight99]

Having stayed at Both resorts...we are partial to the Dolphin. It is more "whimsical" (one of my FAV words in the human vocabulary!) in theming, as Blondie stated...and has a Grand feel to it! Every time we are there, we are always in awe of the architecture...and the restaurants...layout...pools...boat transportation...rooms..., etc. Well--you get the picture!

 

[mattkatie7]

ktsbugmom- I just returned from the Dolphin and loved it! My friend stayed at the Swan and plans on staying at the Dolphin next time because of the location of Tubbi's. Your mother will be able to go down to Tubbi's anytime she likes since it is open 24 hours a day. The boat ride to and from MGM and Epcot are very relaxing. Enjoy and I hope your mother feels better soon. Best of luck!

 

[ktbugsmom]

To everyone - a big thanks!

To MattKatie7 - mom is doing great. she is a trooper - this is her second go around with chemo - and she handles it amazingly well. Good to know that Tubbis is open 24 hours. That will make her happy. She tends to get up early (4-5am) - so with this hotel, she can walk around the resort and she can have a snack too! When I lived in SF - I lived in a neighborhood that had a coffee shop that opened by 5am. Her favorite part of her vacations was that she could get up early - and go have coffee 2 blocks away - and actually meet people that early in the morning! And it was GOOD coffee!

 

[disnurse]

Don't forget to purchase the refillable mugs at Tubbies. They are actually tall coffee mugs and they offer columbian supreme, french roast or hazelnut coffee every morning (all day actually)

 

[halfway there]

ktbugsmom - Keep in mind that there aren't any ground floor rooms at the Dolphin. Tubbi's, the beauty salon, health club etc are on the first floor on the way to the pool. The lobby is on the third floor so I'm not sure what floor the rooms start on. Try to get in the wing closest to the pool then you will probably only have to take an elevator ride down and exit outside to the pool area.

Planning is more fun than the actual vacation for me sometimes! So don't let anyone knock the planning stage!!

Have a wonderful time!

 

[Eloise@the Plaza]

How exciting for you and your mom! You may want to ask for "connecting" rooms (with a door between your room and your mom's room) so it will allow more space for your family during the day and simply close the door at night!

Also, the Dolphin guest room floors are HUGE and many of the rooms with EPCOT views, MGM views, rooms with balconies, require LONG walks. I can barely walk the distance, so I am thinking of your mom--and it may be taxing on her.

You might be well, with calling back to the Swan/Dolphin reservation department during EC hours of 9a-8p to get the inhouse reservations agents and ask for rooms in the central wing of the hotel on the higher floors 15 - 18 and request a lakeside view.

These rooms are in the "pyramid" of the Dolphin and are much shorter hallways and easier access for you after a long day at the parks and for Mom grabbing her cup of coffee in the AM!

Hope this helps!

 

[ktbugsmom]

Thanks again to everyone. The good news is that I booked our flights last friday. NWA was having a sale - and I got tickets from Green Bay to Orlando for $227/each (includes all tax and fees) - which I thought was a good deal. The other really good news is that I get to stay an extra day! The flights were $55 less to fly back on a Tuesday...so we just "HAD" to do that! Now my mini-vacation has become 5 full days at Disney (plus 2 travel days)!

So - since I have to call the hotel and get another night - I will be sure to request "connecting rooms". I am still not certain "where" in the building to stay (not sure if we want a view - or closer to pool) - but I will mention "mobility" issues - and see what they offer. I also enrolled in the Starwood Preferred Guest program - so I need to give them that number...

thanks again for all of your help. We are truly excited about this "mini" - now full sized vacation! (especially since it has been raining here in Wisconsin for 3 days straight!)