Dolphin Resort?

[Traacy]

I know that the Dolphin and Swan resort is not owned by Disney but has anyone stayed at these resorts? What was your experience? Would you do it again? The pros and cons is what I'm looking for..Thank you

 

[maxiesmom]

I stayed at the Swan last year, and am looking at staying at the Dolphin this fall. For me, the best thing is the location. It is wonderful to be able to walk/boat to both Epcot and the Disney Studios. And the cost is around what you would pay for a Disney moderate, much less than the Disney deluxe resorts that surround the boardwalk.

The minus for me are the lack of a typical Disney food court, and not being able to use Magical Express.

My experience was mixed. Again, loved the location and the ease of getting to Epcot. My room had a bit of a musty smell, and it worried me a bit as I have asthma. But I cranked the air up and sprayed some febreeze, and it took care of it. I had also asked for a down free room (due to allergies) and they couldn't confirm that it was down free, only that it was supposed to be down free. But my bedding was no different from that in my sister's room, so that made me a bit uncomfortable.

 

[cutigerlady]

We’ve stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin many times! Pros for us: Starbucks coffee, super comfy beds, deluxe for the price of a moderate, location, new quick service at the Dolphin was awesome, and nice pool.

The cons: no magic bands (we’re AP, so wasn’t a big deal) and you have to carry the room key for extra magic hours. We had maintenance issues in several rooms before the recent renovations.

The lack of magical express wasn’t a big deal, well now my husband insists in a town car because it’s fast and convenient. I’m not a fan of resort fees, but we easily drank the water every day and was still much cheaper than other Epcot resorts. I just booked two rooms at the Dolphin for $250 more than 1 room at the Boardwalk (including the extra fees)! Keep checking because the rates change frequently and I keep shaving $ off our rate.

 

[chris benton]

Traacy -
Look for the Swan/Dolphin thread. It's a very active one. Wealth of info. I'm a big fan of Swan/Dolphin. Check Costco travel, for prices, too.

 

[MMR76]

We’ve stayed at the Swan 3 times. It’s a wonderful hotel in a great location. You get deluxe equivalent hotel at 1/2 the price.

 

[pkpope]

I know that the Dolphin and Swan resort is not owned by Disney but has anyone stayed at these resorts? What was your experience? Would you do it again? The pros and cons is what I'm looking for..Thank you

I grew up staying there. Over the 21 years of my life, i’ve stayed there approx. 100-150 times and my family absolutely loves it. The pool is amazing and expansive, the location is unbeatable, and the resort is really a deluxe at the price of a moderate. Just because it isn’t “owned by disney” definitely does not mean there’s any less magic!

 

[JerseyJanice]

After three stays there, it’s our go-to favorite now. Our fourth stay is planned for May.

We plan well and always get a great deal, paying rates equivalent to Disney moderate prices for what is a very deluxe resort.

I like everything about it—location (huge if you’re Epcot fans), the service, dining options, transportation, the pool, jacuzzi’s. Every aspect of a resort is top notch.

 

[PrincessTess]

Beautiful resorts. The location, the service, the cleanliness, the restaurants... the prices... everything about these resorts make a stay worthwhile. Only con used to be paying for parking, but now Disney will be making guests pay so thats off of the list!