First stay at the Dolphin! Random questions...

[nkereina]

WDW vet but have never stayed at Swan/Dolphin, and have the following questions.

1. Do the buses to and from Disney Springs, MK, and AK operate the same way as other WDW resorts? I know some non-WDW hotels have scheduled shuttle times, so just wanted to confirm. Same pick up locations at the parks as other WDW resorts?

2. I booked a Dolphin room with two double beds that says "no view", which is fine, but just curious what to expect. Roof views?

3. Is the pool anything to write home about? We're only staying for two nights so I may have to decide between pool time and Disney Springs.

4. Can I or do I even need to link my reservation to MDE?

5. Is online check-in completed via Marriott/Sheraton web site?

Appreciate any other tips/suggestions - really not too familiar with the property. Thanks!

 

[eric1985]

1. The buses run just like it's a regular Disney resort. You also have a boat launch for Hollywood studios and Epcot that makes stops at the Boardwalk and Beach & Yacht Clubs on the way. It's about a mile walk to Hollywood Studios and maybe 1/4 mile to the Inernational gateway at Epcot.

2. I've never requested a view and have gotten a view of the roof, but I was high enough up to see the Tower of Terror and the fireworks in the distance. I could also vaguely see the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary and Expedition Everest. I could also see the air conditioner units o the roof...

3. I would call the pool above average but not as good as stormalong bay.

4. No MDE unfortunately

5. I've always checked in at the counter because I like talking to a person. My room has always been ready ahead of schedule.

 

[ginny65]

1 buses run the same
2 not sure but you are probably right; ask for nice view if you can at check in
3 Pool is Awesome!
4 you can easily link to MDE with reservation number and last name
5 I don’t know

 

[hedberg1661]

A comment on the pool. Depending on what you enjoy in a pool I would say the pool area is one of the best on property. The lap pool is great for adults just relaxing and having a drink in the pool. The main pool has a cool waterfall feature etc. Pretty expansive area as well so IMO I would certainly invest some time in the pool over DS. Have DS as your rainy day backup plan instead.

 

[Best Aunt]

The Swan and Dolphin share a Grotto pool, which is pretty nice. From the Disney website:

Splash around in the 3-acre grotto pool, 2 lap pools, a spring pool, 4 whirlpools and a kiddie pool.
Immerse yourself in the grotto pool, a stunning 3-acre tropical oasis featuring lush greenery, waterfalls, rock caves, and a twisting waterslide. Enjoy a quiet conversation among family and friends in the nearby spring pool, a haven for casual swimmers. Or indulge in a more competitive workout in one of the 2 lap pools.
A total of 4 whirlpool spas promise a relaxing respite for adults looking to unwind. Topping it off, a white-sand beach completes the illusion of an island getaway.
For Guests looking for a cool beverage or a delicious snack, 2 poolside restaurants are located in the expansive pool complex. Nearby at the Cabana Beach Hut, pool essentials—including tube and rafts—are available for rent.

 

[Lynne M]

The Swan and Dolphin don’t have their own shuttle service, they’re a stop on the Disney Transportation system. So you’ll be riding the same buses and boats as guests at the neighboring Disney resorts.

 

[Usty]

4. Can I or do I even need to link my reservation to MDE?

If you want to book fastpasses at 60 days out, yes, you should definitely link your reservation.

You do not get Magical Express from MCO or Magic Bands/room charging with the Dolphin, but you get all of the rest of the Disney perks.

 

[nkereina]

Thanks all! Appreciate the thorough replies!

 

[hedberg1661]

Thanks all! Appreciate the thorough replies!

There is also a Swan Dolphin Resort Info Page that lives within this resorts board that has hundreds of helpful tips and a group of people who monitor that really know their stuff.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

WDW vet but have never stayed at Swan/Dolphin, and have the following questions.

1. Do the buses to and from Disney Springs, MK, and AK operate the same way as other WDW resorts? I know some non-WDW hotels have scheduled shuttle times, so just wanted to confirm. Same pick up locations at the parks as other WDW resorts?

2. I booked a Dolphin room with two double beds that says "no view", which is fine, but just curious what to expect. Roof views?

3. Is the pool anything to write home about? We're only staying for two nights so I may have to decide between pool time and Disney Springs.

4. Can I or do I even need to link my reservation to MDE?

5. Is online check-in completed via Marriott/Sheraton web site?

Appreciate any other tips/suggestions - really not too familiar with the property. Thanks!

As others have said, the buses are the same that are used for the WDW resort bus system. They even, now, have screens at the Dolphin bus stop that tell you the wait time for each park, water park and DS bus and you can also check the MDE app before you even leave your hotel room to check bus wait times.

The pool, IMHO, is lovely. Lots of quiet pools, plus a main Grotto pool with a fun slide and a great pool bar. They even have cabanas if you feel like renting one.

Definitely link your reservation to MDE. You will then be able to make 60 day FP+ reservations and also check the bus wait times on the app as I mentioned above.

I would highly suggest downloading the Marriott Bonvoy app and even consider becoming a Marriott Bonvoy member (it's free). You'll accumulate loyalty points and may even get a room upgrade!

 

[BLLB]

A comment about the pool, I think the S/D pool is the best pool on property!

 

[kaytieeldr]

The lap pool is great for adults just relaxing and having a drink in the pool.

Isn't the lap pool for, um...laps?

 

[hedberg1661]

Isn't the lap pool for, um...laps?

If you mean to and from the pool bar then absolutely. Many moons ago they even put the lanes in and got rated the best lap pool in Orlando or something silly like that. More recently I find it to be a relaxing more adult pool.

Also...Post hoc, ergo propter hoc....that gave me a good chuckle.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Also...Post hoc, ergo propter hoc....that gave me a good chuckle.

 

[Thecouch]

We had no view at dolphin but the view was actually not to bad . We looked out the back but as we were pretty high could see for long way . We could see Everest at AK and magic kingdom of un the distance and we watch fire works on first night . The view rooms look out on the water area and see the closer epcot or hollywood .pic of magic kingdom of in the distance

 

[BattyKoda]

If you mean to and from the pool bar then absolutely.

I like how you think!

 

[EEEEE]

The Swan/Dolphin pool is amazing! I would say the best pool at a Disney resort that I've seen. When we stayed at Swan we rearranged plans several times just to make sure we had time for the pool. It's huge so it's pretty much never crowded and it has an awesome slide.

 

[hedberg1661]

The Swan/Dolphin pool is amazing! I would say the best pool at a Disney resort that I've seen. When we stayed at Swan we rearranged plans several times just to make sure we had time for the pool. It's huge so it's pretty much never crowded and it has an awesome slide.

I agree. Outside of Stormalong Bay at the Yacht/Beach Club the Swalphin has the best pool. In some regards I find their pool even better than SAB.

 

[BLLB]

I agree. Outside of Stormalong Bay at the Yacht/Beach Club the Swalphin has the best pool. In some regards I find their pool even better than SAB.

Agree!