Just back from the Swan

[Kaycee]

I just got back last night from a week at the Swan. I really missed that heavenly bed last night! This was my first stay at the Swan and I loved it. We stayed at the Dolphin in 2001, and I was afraid I wouldn't like the Swan as much, but I actually liked it better. The Swan's small size gives it a cozy feel.

If anyone has any questions about the Swan, I'd be happy to answer them.

 

[Tikiman]

What would you say was better about the Swan than the Dolphin? We tried the Dolphin last August and did not like it at all. I tried to get into the Swan but it was booked. We would like to try the Swan next time if we go and use our Starwood Points.

How was parking? We could never get self parking with all the people there for the convension so we had to valet every time we returned to the hotel.

How was the size of the room? Could you get out onto the balcony?

Aloha

Steve

 

[Kaycee]

While we had a good visit at the Dolphin, it was so big that it felt a bit cold and imposing. The Swan didn't feel that way at all. It's much smaller, and that gives it a warm, welcoming feel. The staff at the Dolphin was fine, but I thought that the Swan staff was much friendlier. Again, I think that's probably because of the smaller size.

We didn't hear a sound out of any of our neighbors the whole visit either. We had some problems with noise at Coronado Springs and at Wilderness Lodge, so it was nice to have a quiet room.

The Dolphin hadn't been renovated when we stayed there, so this was my first experience with the heavenly beds and the lighter decor, which I loved.

I didn't drive, so I can't help with the parking question, but I know I've heard others say the parking situation at the Swan is much better than the Dolphin.

We had a very nice balcony that overlooked the Christmas tree in the courtyard between the Swan and Dolphin. There was a little table and two chairs on the balcony, and I sat out there a couple of mornings to have my coffee.

After staying at the Swan, I will definitely try to stay there instead of the Dolphin for future visits. If you decide to stay there, I hope your experience is as good as mine was.

 

[lorik]

Do the rooms now have refrigerators like the Disney deluxes and moderates do, or is it still just the mini-bar?

 

[Kaycee]

It was just the mini-bar, no refrigerator. We didn't need a refrigerator, so I don't know what the current policy is as far as getting the mini-bar emptied or getting a separate refrigerator in the room.

 

[mbcary]

Do the rooms now have refrigerators like the Disney deluxes and moderates do, or is it still just the mini-bar?

We stayed there in May of this year on the concierge floor and they had refrigerators that were full, but I was told we could empty it for a one time fee of, I think, $25. Don't quote me on that though.

I loved my stay at the Swan. It was also my first time there. I loved the convience to the International Gateway.

 

[jwfla422]

I know you said you didn't use the parking lot, but was just wondering if you noticed "cones" around the parking lot area, just wondering if the paving is done there? It was a little crazy when we were there with parts of the lot closed a week or so ago, but still not bad. Parking at the Swan is much better than the Dolphin. The lot is smaller and closer. It can still be a bit of a walk but not bad.

We like the Dolphin but favor the Swan just a bit more because of the reasons mentioned by Kaycee...that more "intimate" feeling. Hard to explain but if you've stayed at both resorts you'd understand. We know several of the bellhops and some of the housekeeping staff from our many stays which make it even more "warm & fuzzy".

You can rent a frig, otherwise you need to use the mini bar frig which I've removed a few items from it and placed them right next to it to put our items in. Worked out nicely. The little freezer even keeps our cold pack frozen so we can take our little cooler pack to the park with us.

Kaycee what room were you in?? We were in 492 about a week and a half ago and had that similar view with the Xmas tree looking out toward Epcot, it was wonderful!!

 

[Kaycee]

Kaycee what room were you in?? We were in 492 about a week and a half ago and had that similar view with the Xmas tree looking out toward Epcot, it was wonderful!!

We were in room 421, facing the Christmas tree from the other direction - we looked toward the Swan & Dolphin beach beyond the Christmas tree. It was a great room, I loved sitting out on the balcony and looking over the courtyard. I'll bet it was even better to be able to see Epcot as well.