Help need info on Swan and Dolphin. Should we book it??

[katter24]

We just recently stayed there in March 2005...we emptied the fridged ourselves and put the stuff on the shelves next to the fridge....they did not charge us for it.....had enough room for a few water bottles and juice....it was great.....can't wait to go back.....

 

[daisylove]

What is the "disney magic" that is missing. It is right next to the parks. I see they have characyer dining. Can anyone put there finger on it?

 

[swilphil]

The buses let you off at the MK entrance.

The lack of Disney magic is a bunch of malarkey, in my opinion. The S/D doesn't have Mickey soaps or a Mickey wake-up call. The quality of the oatmeal soap is much, much higher than the cheap Disney stuff, and I could care less about the wake-up calls. The location and high quality service more than makes up for those little Disney gimmicks.

 

[swilphil]

Pillows too fluffy? Really? When we stayed there recently, the pillows were one of the best things about our stay. They are extremely high quality down -- to buy them retail, they'd probably be $150 per pillow. They were such a pleasant change from the awful foam (or if you make a special request, the awful feather) pillows at the Disney resorts (even the deluxes).

FYI: You can request flatter pillows at the S/D if you don't like the pillows in your room.

 

[thelobstershanty]

We stayed at the Swan this past July. We found the rooms to be clean and spacious. The beds are the most comfortable beds we have ever slept on. The resort personnel were fine, not great but acceptable. The restaurants are very good and the location is great. What we did not like were the lobby areas. They are very dark. We also missed that Disney feel of the resort. We felt like we were so close, yet so far, far away.
We would stay there again for a few nights if the price was right, but we prefer the Disney deluxe resorts much more than S/D.

 

[daisylove]

What about Club level. I wanted a room with Balcony but it may be cost effective to giive up the balcony for breakfasts at club level.
Any input?

Also has anyone tried to do laudry there?

 

[anty30]

The Dolphin and Swan are actually owned by Starwood. My DH and I went there for a convention. We were at the Dolphin. We did not have the kids with us. We would never stay with the kids only because it is soooooo big. It is literally a 10-15 min. walk to the pool. The pools are also very crowded at all times. I really think the hotels are nice and they are close to Epcot, and walking distance to Boardwalk, BC, YC, but just too darn big. I firmly belive they are more of a "business" hotel. If you are traveling with kids, I would stay elsewhere.

 

[imlazar]

What is the "disney magic" that is missing. It is right next to the parks. I see they have characyer dining. Can anyone put there finger on it?

I would argue the focus of the hotel is on the business guests that are there for trade shows and conventions, not on the families there for a Disney vacation.

 

[diskids2]

Pillows too fluffy? Really? When we stayed there recently, the pillows were one of the best things about our stay. They are extremely high quality down -- to buy them retail, they'd probably be $150 per pillow. They were such a pleasant change from the awful foam (or if you make a special request, the awful feather) pillows at the Disney resorts (even the deluxes).

For our family - the pillows were extremely uncomfortable. Lie down on them and go right down to the bed with two big puffs on either side of your ears and I really don't care how much they may cost. Again our families assessment.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Couldn't wait until I got home to post. We love the Dolphin! Plenty of Magic for us - our room is looking out on the Grotto pool and Tower of Terror! Beds are terrific, especially the pillows, LOL! Love the fact that Tubbi's and the pools are open 24hrs, that's a real plus. We got back from MNSSHP last night at 1am so it was nice to be able to run into Tubbi's. Bus service was awesome leaving MK, just a few of us on the bus. We've decided this is definitely among our favorite resorts.

 

[heatherfeather24]

What is the "disney magic" that is missing. It is right next to the parks. I see they have characyer dining. Can anyone put there finger on it?

I stayed there this past September and agree that it is a lovely hotel with nice amenities, but at the end of the day it just felt like a "lovely hotel." After reflecting on it awhile, I think what I missed the most was the absence of a "backstory." I love how the Disney-owned properties are all themed to an area of the world or a particular period of time. I really missed that in the Dolphin.

I think, though, that part of my opinion stems from the fact that I am one of the very few who does not mind the Disney bus system. While it was nice to be able to walk to EPCOT, I don't really mind taking the bus and would certainly trade the location for more of a themed environment.

 

[NMAmy]

We LOVE the Dolphin. The beds are fantastic--it's the only hotel in which I get a decent night's sleep. I've never noticed any lack of service for families--in fact, they all seemed so pleased that we were staying there for the entire length of our vacation--2 weeks last time. I went to Tubbi's every morning to pick up breakfast and refill our mugs and by the third day, the staff were greeting me by name. They also caught on to how much dd adored their grilled cheese sandwich--on our last day, a manager overheard dd saying how sad she was that it was still breakfast time and she couldn't get one. The manager told me that of course dd could have one and had it made right up for her.

I've also stayed at the same time conventioneers were there and I have to say that we LOVED that. They were busy with their meetings, etc. and neither the buses, nor the pool, nor the restaurants were crowded. The bar was overflowing with people but we weren't going there anyway.

I've used the laundry rooms on all visits--quite a few machines and a nice, clean room. Seems like it cost quite a bit (I can't remember exactly what it was) but I kind of expect that on vacation.

What I also like a lot is that with a Starwood Preferred Guest card, I get points for each visit and a free upgrade (if available--which we even got at Christmas.) I really feel that the Dolphin values our business more than Disney does.

We watched the Epcot fireworks while lying in bed. That's pretty Disney to me. And you can't beat the location.

I just recommend that you try it for yourself. For my family, we have no desire to stay anywhere else.

 

[JUST4JENNA]

The Dolphin is my FAVORITE resort, and I have stayed in value, moderate and Deluxe resorts throughout Disneyworld! Let me start by saying that the Swan & Dolphin gives you a choice of about 20 different restaurants to choose from. The Boardwalk is a hop, skip and a jump away, where u have unlimited dining and entertainment options too.
The beds at the Swan & Dolphin truly are "heavenly", it will be the best sleep u ever have! When u walk into the lobby of the Dolphin, it is absolutely beautiful, especially during the holidays. In my opinion, u cant find a better pool then at the Dolphin. waterfalls and a slide are just a couple of things that make this pool so special.
As far as the hotel not feeling "Disney", We've had a perfect view of the fireworks in Epcot right from our balcony. How much more Disney can u get?? There are also various character dining options. o.k., so they dont give u the Mickey shampoo and soaps, if u cant live without that, then dont stay here. As far as it being a convention hotel, yes there are conventions here, but there are plenty of families vacationing here too. besides, seeing people in business suits throughout the resort makes me feel happier that I am on vacation!!
Transportation to Epcot or Mgm is a short boatride away. It is so much easier then getting on a bus. It is also very enjoyable after a long day at the parks!
I dont think you can go wrong with the Swan or the Dolphin, especially if u are getting a good discount. These resorts truly are 5 star resorts and I dont think u will be dissapointed.