Opinions of Swan/Dolphin compared to other Disney resorts

[TheMaxRebo]

Hello,

I am new to the board, but my DW and I are planning on heading down this fall for the Food and Wine festival. Given this, we are planning on staying at one of the resorts where you can walk to EPCOT.

I had never really considered staying at either the Swan or Dolphin, but they seem to be a bit cheaper than say the the BC or YC or BWI. I always viewed them as not really providing the whole "Disney" experience, but if anyone has any opinions on this that would be greatly appreciated.

We are also open to other places as long as they are convenient for getting to EPCOT. Just as some background, we are both in our late 20's and do not have children (we both work, so I guess that makes us DINKs ).

Thanks for any opnions/information you can provide.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Until last year I never considered them either, thinking I would miss out on the Disney magic. After reading about them here, and the great teacher rate I could get, I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. Boy, am I glad I did. We absolutely loved the Swan, so much we are returning this year for my 40th birthday trip to try the Dolphin! The only drawbacks that I can see are the lack of ability to get the Disney dining plan, but from what I have heard it really isn't the great deal it used to be due to changes they have made this year. Also no Magical Express from the airport, but we drive so a non issue for us as well. I think for the money you can save, especially if you qualify for the teacher/nurse/government employee rates,you can't beat the Swan/Dolphin! Check out the Swan and Dolphin Resort FAQ thread(link below) for a lot more info!
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1567343

 

[Connears]

We have stayed the the Swan for xmas-NY's 2003-4 and loved it. We had a great room with view of fireworks at MGM on NYE. Great transportation with the boats to epcot/mgm and walk to boardwalk and its restaurants and activities. We loved the ice cream/fountain place at Dolphin with good burgers and shakes. The staff was friendly and housekeeping good and room service at Swan is great! We also ate at Fresh for brunch and enjoyed it. We usually stay at DVC as we are members, but that year we used our starwood points and had a great experience. I like the Swan because it is smaller than Dolphin. We stayed at Dolphin for one night before checking into OKW and it was fine, but really huge. I would definitely stay there again. We did not feel "undisney" at all.

 

[MickeyNicki]

DH and I loved the Swan and Dolphin, we stayed there twice and are going back again for a split stay (OKW and Dolphin) in April The location is perfect for the F&W! If the YC/BC and BW are too expensive even with the discounts then we go to the Swan/Dolphin. You will have a fantasic time and the beds there are out of this world comfortable.

 

[Tiffany]

Hello,

I am new to the board, but my DW and I are planning on heading down this fall for the Food and Wine festival. Given this, we are planning on staying at one of the resorts where you can walk to EPCOT.

I had never really considered staying at either the Swan or Dolphin, but they seem to be a bit cheaper than say the the BC or YC or BWI. I always viewed them as not really providing the whole "Disney" experience, but if anyone has any opinions on this that would be greatly appreciated.

We are also open to other places as long as they are convenient for getting to EPCOT. Just as some background, we are both in our late 20's and do not have children (we both work, so I guess that makes us DINKs ).

Thanks for any opnions/information you can provide.

Hi,
My husband and I love the S/D area. The prices of the YC/BC and BWI have gotten out of control in our opinion so if we can get a room at the Swan for around $200 before taxes we will take it as it is a great deal compared to what Disney charges for the others.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

"My husband and I love the S/D area. The prices of the YC/BC and BWI have gotten out of control in our opinion so if we can get a room at the Swan for around $200 before taxes we will take it as it is a great deal compared to what Disney charges for the others."

Thanks for your opinion Tiffany (and everyone else). We could probably afford either option, but wondering if we could save a little by staying at Swan/Dolphin but still feel "Disneyfied".

We stayed at the BWI two years ago and loved the location so we are hoping to get the same experience, but possibly save a litte $

 

[lake queen]

This year was our first stay at the Dolphin. DH was there for a conference, so of course we all HAD to join him!! I did notice, that there wasn't quite the atmosphere at that hotel. And our room really needed to be rehabed--except the beds--they really are heavenly!!

However the transportation to Epcot and MGM were great!!! It only took a few minutes to get to both, plus if you like the boardwalk area, the boat always stops there. The boats were not as crowded as the busses to the other resorts!!

Be sure and get ice cream from the Fountain if you stay there, It is awesome!!!

 

[catsrule]

We love the Swan/Dolphin. Have stayed at both many times. The location is great. It is wonderful to be able to walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The prices are way better than the other Boardwalk area resorts.

 

[swilphil]

It's my first choice. The rooms are great, service awesome, nice pool. I prefer the Swan over the Dolphin because of the bathroom layout and it's easier to get in and out since it's smaller. But I'd stay at the Dolphin before the BWI or BC. The Swan doesn't have as nice as a lobby as the Boardwalk Inn, but the grounds are very nice and it's easy to run over to the Dolphin for a meal or cup of Starbucks coffee! We are staying at the Swan in March. I can't wait!

 

[G's mommy]

We have stayed at the Dolphin and enjoyed our stay very much. The room was spacious, the beds are the best on property, and the pools are great. This May, we are renting points at the BCV for 5 nights and then possibly moving to the S/D for the weekend. Check out the DVC rent/trade board. You could possibly rent points for your stay at either BCV or BWV and save a bundle.

 

[CarolA]

I travel a lot and really think Disney "deluxe" resorts are over rated and over priced. IMHO the Swan/Dolphin are a MUCH better deal.


1. Room quality/bed quality. Swan/Dolphin win by a LONG shot. The Heavenly bed far exceeds the poly bedspread and poly sheets used by Disney

2. Service. Probably a tie. Neither the Disney hotels or Swan/Dolphin give true "deluxe" service.

3. Value. Swan/Dolphin win again. Much more reasonable with better discounts.

4. Location. For two adults it's probably a tie. Swan/Dolphin's location is great. MAYBE for little kids the Contempoary is better.

5. Theme. This is the area Disney wins in. However, is it worth an extra $200 a night? IMHO for a lesser quality bed I can pass up the "theme"

IMHO I would stay at the Swan/Dolphin over Disney "Deluxe"

 

[dgtdisney]

Hoping someone can give me some tips on what to request at the swan next may. (2 adults and 2 children) husband has spg gold- hoping for an upgrade - what/where should we request? thanks

 

[Connears]

First time we stayed at Swan we were on Club level which was floor 11, but they discontinued the CL option. Too bad, because food choices were wonderful in the lounge and staff were very friendly and helpful. Only upgrade I can see would be view or suite. Go to swandolphin.com and you can view the junior suites - they look really nice We stayed in 2 queen and it was very nice. Our view was of the canal to MGM and TOT. You must get room seervice...it is wonderful.

Connears

 

[Tiffany]

Hoping someone can give me some tips on what to request at the swan next may. (2 adults and 2 children) husband has spg gold- hoping for an upgrade - what/where should we request? thanks

I am an SPG Gold member and we are usually upgraged to a balcony room without even asking. If they have an upgrade avaiable they are usually very good at giving you the upgrade. You can check your reservation online at SPG.com a few days before you are scheduled to arrive adn you should be able to see if the upgrade has been given or not. Our room description usually changes from limited view to resort view balcony.

 

[CamColt]

I have stayed at both Swan and Dolphin a few times now, and think they are just great. I never find any Disney magic missing!

 

[BadgerBruce]

They are great resorts in a fantastic location, especially if you are most interested in Epcot. The location is the magic, you are within walking distance of 2 great theme parks. It's great to be able to walk around and enjoy the evenings on the Boardwalk, too!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Thanks everyone!

It seems like it might be worth saving a bit versus the other options. I am correct that they would be the cheapest that is withing walking distance of EPCOT correct?

Also, I understand that the Swolphin doesn't participate in the magical express is this correct?

Thanks again for all of the helpful information

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Thanks everyone!

It seems like it might be worth saving a bit versus the other options. I am correct that they would be the cheapest that is withing walking distance of EPCOT correct?

Also, I understand that the Swolphin doesn't participate in the magical express is this correct?

Thanks again for all of the helpful information

Yes, they are definitely the cheapest option within walking distance of Epcot. Especially if you qualify for one of the discounts.

They do not participate in ME. You will also not be able to charge to your room key, except at the Swan/Dolphin.

We have stayed there several times and always enjoyed it. I like the Swan best because it is smaller and a very quick, pleasant walk to the Boardwalk for strolling/dining. We also like to walk leisurely to Epcot a couple of times a trip to get a change from the boats. Don't get me wrong, they are nice, but after a while they seem a little loud and slow.

We have never walked to the Studios but it seems pretty easy.

 

[mwood1]

I just booked a balcony room at the dolphin for christmas, This is the family first christmas at Disney we are so excited, does anyone have some advice as to which room I should try to get for the best view.:

 

[roxwithears]

Could someone please tell me the size of the rooms at S/D as compared to the other Disney rooms? Are they the same size as the other Deluxes?

Also, does the S/D pool have a slide? I couldn't see one in the photos.

Thanks