Just back from the Swan, any questions?

[cforza]

We just returned late last night from WDW and Universal. Stayed 3 days at the Swan and 3 at the Hard Rock Hotel. We loved both hotels.

The Swan was in a perfect location. It is wonderful to be on the Boardwalk, within walking distance (or boating) of Epcot and MGM. There is enough to do there to actually hang around the pool, go to the mini-golf then visit Boardwalk at night and not even go into the parks one day.

We had a room with 2 queens on the Club level for me, my husband and 2 sons. The breakfast was very good with excellent fruit and pastries, loved the banana bread. Also cereals, O.J. water and fruit for the parks. Mama T was there and boy what a lovely lady! I've never seen anyone so pleasant so early in the a.m.! Evening smacks were veggies and dips, crackers and cheese.

The grotto pool was very nice, but not quite as nice as the Hard Rock's. We ate at the Cabana Grill for lunch, slow service and mediocre food.

I looked at the Dolphin lobby and public rooms to compare, and IMHO, the Swan is much nicer. The Dolphin lobby is larger, but not nearly as elegant or nicely furnished. I preferred the detail and atmosphere of the Swan.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Swan and will definitely stay there again when we come back to WDW.

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks for your review! I'll stay at the Swan for the first time next month, after 4 stays at the Dolphin.

 

[LisaF]

Thanks for the thumbs up review!!! Can't wait to see the Dolphin for ourselves in 14 days!!

 

[cottontail]

Hi: What type of room did you have at the hard rock, a garden view, or deluxe garden view, how did you like the hard rock hotel. Did you get a coffee maker, or refridgerater at the hrock.

How long was the ride wait with your room keys. We are going in april, and never been anywhere other than disney.

Deb.

 

[jwfla422]

GLad to hear you had a nice stay at the Swan. I agree with you in prefering the atmosphere of the Swan to the Dolphin, not quite as overwhelming, however since we've stayed at the Swan our last 4 visits and never stayed at the Dolphin we are finally trying the Dolphin for the first time Either way they are both excellent locations for sure!!

 

[glo]

Would you mind greatly if I linked your thread to the FAQ??? I would like to add people's opinions on it...Please let me know.

I am glad you liked the Swan, I too love it's understated elegance, and makes me feel more at home. The Dolphin is twice the size, and frankly I got lost once finding my room. Both hotels are awesome though, and I am so glad you enjoyed your stay.

 

[JGMOM]

Thanks for the post. We are going to Disney in 14 days, our first time at the Swan. So glad to hear you had a positive experience. We can't wait to get there.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Which view did you have, were you facing the dolphin? Could you see epcot, mgm, or the pool? Thanks again, MKY

 

[Kitty 34]

We're splitting our stay between the Dolphin and Hard Rock Hotel this trip. Since I have already stayed at the Dolphin and LOVE it totally.......can you tell me a little bit about HRH???

Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

 

[cottontail]

Hello again:

Do you have any idea if the swan dolphin hotel has replaced any of the beds yet in the guest rooms? Thanks,


Deb.

 

[cforza]

Sorry I took awhile to get back, but I'm catching up on post vacation laundry!

Glo, go right ahead and link this to any thread.

mkymouse, We didn't face the dolphin, we faced the boardwalk, and could see MGM, and the fireworks of Epcot if we craned our necks. We never asked for any type of view as it doesn't really matter to me. I was more concerned about having a club room for the convenience of breakfast.

cottontail - The beds were very comfortable so I assume they have been replaced, although I remember reading that those on the club floor were replaced first. I think the Swan and Dolphin are great hotels with very good service.

As for HRH info, I know it doesn't belong here, but let's try it. We LOVED it. The hotel, rooms and pool are gorgeous. We've stayed at many Ritz Carltons, Four Seasons and W's and my husband just loved the decor of the Hard Rock over those. We had a garden view, which was very nice as it offered a great view of the Portofino. I wouldn't pay extra for a pool view, but that's just me.

There is a large refridgerator (they call it a refreshment pantry). It has lots of goodies, so we put our key in the wall safe so as not to tempt our kids! There is a coffeemaker in the room as well, which we didn't use since we were on the club floor there as well.

There is NO WAIT with the room key. Well, alright, on Spiderman we did wait 5 minutes once, but really that's it. It's incredible! Some rides we did 3 times in a row 'cause the kids loved them and we could. I think you'll be thrilled with the HRH and FOTL. Breezing right by everyone in line is fantastic!

 

[dreamflight99]

Nice to see you back, and even nicer to read your informative post! I still prefer the Dolphin, but happy you enjoyed the Swan.
We too love the US property, and stay at the Portofino each summer *(since it opened 4 summers ago). The FOTL access id THE BEST! We rode Spiderman 3x in a row...w/zero wait. If only Disney would offer such an exclusive perk to resort guests, perhaps on certain days of the week as a trial run. Well, I can dream can't I? LOL! Now, savor the memories of your wonderful sojourn and relax in the glow of the dreams....

 

[cforza]

Thanks Dreamflight! I'm with you, it would be wonderful if Disney could come up with a great perk like FOTL! As it was we bumped into 4 other families from town who were no longer staying at Disney resorts as they had in previous years. 2 were staying at HRH and the other 2 at Portofino. They all thought FOTL was so great that they couldn't see going to Disney and waiting in lines.

I hope Disney realizes that they have some competition and that it would be in their best interest to come up with a perk for on-site guests, rather than eliminating the best perk (EE), that they used to have!