How are the Swan/Dophin different from other Disney resorts?

[Mickeyhugger]

I know that the Swan and Dolphin are not actually owned by Disney, but what 'perks' would we not receive if we stayed there? We've been to POFQ, POR, GF, POLY and this year we're going to stay at the Boardwalk.

We like the monorail resorts for ease of arriving at MK and Epcot. We've heard we can take a water taxi this year from the Boardwalk to MGM and Epcot. One reason we quit staying at POR is the numerous bus-stops to and from the parks. How is it at Swan and Dolphin? Are there Character meals?

Oh, also..are Swan and Dolphin ever included in any 'off-season' value rates?

Thanks!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

OOPS! I guess I posted too soon. I just now noticed the New Swan and Dolphin FAQ.

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

While most people will say it doesn't "feel" Disney, to me it is just as much Disney as any other hotel. Other then not being able to charge stuff outside of the Swan/Dolphin to your hotel room, everything is basically the same as other Disney resorts. Early Entry, E-Ticket Nights, etc... are available! The theming is magical and the newly refurbished rooms are AMAZING! If you can get a great rate there (most people can), STAY THERE! It's definetly one of the biggest SECRETS in WDW!

 

[Blondie]

I agree that it's one of the best kept secrets in WDW!

The location is great, and some of the views from the Swan and Dolphin are spectacular! The main pool area, called The Grotto Pool, is like a tropical dream! You really can't help but feel relaxed and refreshed after spending some time there!

We also prefer the water taxi (also called Friendship Boats) over buses any old time! Even though they are on the slow side, it's a nice and relaxing ride to and from Epcot or MGM.

You should give it a try some time!

 

[Blondie]

I also want to mention that the toiletries provided by the Swan and Dolphin are a step above what the WDW resorts provide. The oatmeal bath soap is wonderfully scented as is the glycerine facial soap!

 

[madelyn]

We stayed at the Dolphin in June and noticed that there is no parking attendant checking if you are resort guest or not, like all the Disney owned resorts have. We didn't feel that this was a negative thing and it actually sped up things since you didn't have to check in when arriving at your resort and just drove right in. We used the self-park lot and not valet parking. I believe there are character meals at the Swan...but maybe not every day? Rates at the Dolphin/Swan can be very reasonable. We stayed for $70 through Priceline and also $147.50 (half price AAA rate). They also have Annual passholder discounts and Entertainment book discounts and special discounts for nurses/teachers/govt workers. And I happened to be on Hotelkingdom.com looking for the Dec 17-25, 2004 dates and $128 came up! That seems like a great rate since I was looking at rates through Dreams Unlimited for those dates and was coming up with rates around $180 and then close to $300 for the night of Dec 24! Definitely check out the long Dolphin/Swan posts on the resort board. The frequent posters there can answer any question you have.

 

[webray]

Swan and Dolphin..definately one of the best kept secrets in WDW. They have the comfy beds and the wonderful bedding. Tons of restaurant options..24/7, so you don't have to order room service if you don't want to.

The pools are wonderful. Short walk to EPCOT/MGM..or you can take the boat.

The ammenities are excellent..love the soaps.

Best part is..the rates, depending on what discounts you qualify for are usually much, much, much lower than a disney deluxe resort..and you are getting so much more. The resorts are beautiful!

 

[NMAmy]

Another vote in favor of the Swan/Dolphin. We loved the Dolphin and are planning on spending our next vacation there, as well.

One perk that you don't get is charging to your room key in the parks. No big deal for us--we just take our credit card. No Mickey wake up call. No Mickey soap--but the soaps are WAY better at the Swan/Dolphin anyway.

The location is just incredible, the service is great, and we had a balcony with a view of the Boardwalk, Epcot, and the fireworks every night. Pretty magical in my opinion!

 

[Kapp]

to be just as friendly, if not more so, than a "true" Diseny resort. The rooms were great, staff was very helpful and the whole experience was incredible. We try to never stay at the same resort twice but would stay at the Dolphin again without a second thought.

Enjoy!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I've not stayed at the Dolphin in several yrs, but we did stay there 5 times. We found the staff even more helpful and friendly than a lot of CM's (they have been changing over the yrs and not like it used to be in the '80's). We loved our rooms and twice when I got a room location I did not like they changed us immediately.

One time we took the train to Orlando from Boston and the train was running 8 hours late - I called the Dolphin from a pay phone in Jacksonville, explaining our situation and told her i feared we would get a terrible room becasue we would be there so late. She told me not to worry...we had a fabulous room!! A vewi if EPCOT, therefore Illuminations!

We've always had a balcony, though they are very small and due to the cut outs cannot see over or thru them too well...maybe the rooms without a balcony would have a better view - I just like to know I can get some fresh air.

I'd love to stay there again, but have not been able to find any really good rates. When we stayed the TA rate was $42.50 a night , then went up to $50 a night, even with a balcony!! Not so any more!

Yep, it's a wonderful resort and you will feel right in the middle of everything!

 

[dreamflight99]

WDW Dolphin/Swan ARE the best~kept secrets on Disney Property!

If you are able to secure a reasonable rate, I would take advantage of it asap...and enjoy all the luxuries and perks of this wonderful DELUXE Resort!

DF99

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Where to find a great Dolphin rate???? I'd love to stay there again!!

 

[swilphil]

Originally posted by Mickeyhugger
I know that the Swan and Dolphin are not actually owned by Disney, but what 'perks' would we not receive if we stayed there? We've been to POFQ, POR, GF, POLY and this year we're going to stay at the Boardwalk.

....One reason we quit staying at POR is the numerous bus-stops to and from the parks. How is it at Swan and Dolphin? Are there Character meals?

Oh, also..are Swan and Dolphin ever included in any 'off-season' value rates?

1. The only perk I can think of that the disney resorts have that Swan/Dolphin doesn't is charging to your room key. I don't find it a hassle at all to take my credit card with me, and I like to use cash for small purchases anyway since it's quicker. There are a few little things like no mickey soaps and wake up calls, but the Swan/Dolpin has great oatmeal bar soap and very nice shampoos and lotions.

2. The bus service to MK from S/D is great. This summer the bus went directly to the park after picking up at the Dolphin, and a bus comes every 10 minutes. You can walk or boat to Epcot and MGM. The walk to Epcot is only about 10 minutes from the Swan, probably a little longer from the Dolphin, depending on where your room is. There is a character dinner at the Swan. I'm not sure about breakfast, but I know Cape May at the Beach Club next door to the Dolphin has a good character breakfast. Since you are so close to Epcot, we do character meals there.

3. The best part about Swan/Dolphin is the great rates!!! There are almost always discount rates of around $150 with Entertainment Card and AAA. During off-season (which includes August) there's even cheaper rates. In Dec. 2003, they had a $99 rate.

I look at it this way. I get a deluxe resort and room (heavenly beds!) at a moderate rate. The grotto pool is wonderful, as well as restaurants and service. Their concierage desk in the lobby got us several last minute PS's and we weren't even staying on the club level.

 

[wld]

The staff at the Swan was the best we have ever had staying at Disney. And the beds!!! And we still felt like we were in the middle of the magic.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Gosh, I've called there and looked on line but never have found a real discounted rate..although today I called to ask about an aarp rate and they had a standard room for $147.50 - but I'd be afraid to get a standard room there. No view, or balcony...yet, they do say that, if available, aarp spg's get an automatic upgrade. They are just about sold out for my dates(Swan is sold out, only Dolphin available), but I did hold a deluxe room at $202.50...it's there or the Poly! And I am so confused at this point I don't know where to stay! The Poly is $209 (both before tx) so the Dolphin would actually be $10 a nght more due to the service charge.

All input welcome!!