Opinions Please on the Dolphin & Swan?

[DreaminofDisney06]

I would like some opinions please on the Dolphin & Swan resorts. We are continuing are pre-planning of our Summer 2006 vacation to Disney and I've asked about the Poly and The Wilderness Lodge and a couple moderate resorts. We are still deciding and I thank all of you for your replies and help on all my many questions. This board ROCKS I would like to know what your opinions are on staying at the Dolphin or the Swan? I was researching on them and they also appeal to me. I remember when I was there back in 1993 when hubby and I lived in Orlando when we were just newlyweds and we went to Disney for my 1st time, I went by the Dolphin and Swan and thought they were just magical and thought to myself, "someday, I would love to stay there when we have children and visit Disney for a family vacation" I've read where they have redone alot with the rooms, etc so I'm just trying to find some feedback on those that have stayed at either of these 2 places and what your opinion is. How is the transportation to and from the parks? How close is it to the parks? What type of transportation is used from this resort to get in and around at the parks? TIA




On cloud 9 planning our Summer 2006 Disney Family Vacation

 

[caseih]

We enjoyed our stay at the Swan during T'giving week a few years ago. The location is great, walking distance to Int'l Gateway for Epcot and short boat ride to MGM. Mini golf across the street from hotel. Also adjacent to the Boardwalk. Disney bus service serves Swan/Dolphin as well. The rooms were nice nothing extraordinary and the hotel is not themed to the extent of the Disney Resorts. It just depends on what you preferences are. Our personal favorites are the Wilderness Lodge, Poly, and the Animal Kgdm Lodge.

At the Poly, you can get on the resort monorail to MK, GF, and CR or catch the boat to MK You can also take a short walk to the TTC and catch the resort monorail to Epcot. WL is just a short boat ride away from MK, CR, and FW. Animal Kgdm lodge is a special place as well. They all have their advantages.

 

[Tikiman]

I can give you my opinion and you can put it in the negative experience column. I did not enjoy my stay there but I don’t think it is a horrible resort and I can see why many love it. I just did not. I also will not rule out staying there again but understand I stay there for free using my Starwood points so I don’t have anything to lose other than enjoyment of another resort.

Here was my experience at the Dolphin.

The themeing of the resort was great and I was excited about trying it because I loved the location from when we stayed at the Yacht Club. The staff was very friendly and the guy who took us to the room was great to talk to and gave us good information. The hallway carpet leading to the room seemed extremely dirty and had huge stains every couple of feet. In some areas the carpet was so loose it left a role sticking up about 1-2 inches. It was so big I almost took a photo because I figured no one would believe me. So far not a great impression. I believe that this has been renovated since we were there in 2004.

The room was nice but small and the beds were great. The bathroom had a sink outside the bathroom but it was a little cramped and the plug did not work over near the sink. The room hairdryer was mounted across from there over the food area where the coffee pot and refrigerator was. I thought that was an odd place to put it. There was paint all over the toilet area dripped on the tile and the top of the toilet that had never been wiped up and the bathroom could have used a better cleaning.

We did not get free parking when I drove to the parks in the car (like we do when staying at a Disney resort). Also we were unable to charge back to the resort from the parks or have our purchases taken form the parks to the room. That made us feel like we were staying off property. Parking for us was a huge issue. After I found the self parking it was all coned off with signs that it was full even if I could see spots. So I had to valet at $14 a night and this was the case most nights we were there. The place was full because of a convention and because of the convention they had small bars set up all over the lobby, or I am assuming they don’t do this on a regular basis. The place felt like a huge lounge with everyone drinking. You could hardly walk through the lobby and not get bumped into or a drink spilled on you. I would not have wanted to be there with young kids. I got very tired of waiting for the boat to Epcot and once we were on it had to stop twice before getting to the International Gateway. It is a longer walk that it was from the Yacht Club (when we stayed there) and when it is very hot or raining the walk is no fun at all but the boat takes forever to go a short distance with all the stops. The boat to MGM was not too bad and we avoided the busses since we had such a bad experience with them when we stayed at the YC (that shares a bus with the Swan and Dolphin.

The Dolphin pool was nice and there were all sorts of games going on for the kids which was great. There was plenty of room in the pool and it was very nice. We asked where we could get a drink and we were directed in two directions, both of which were far enough that we had to put back on shoes and go on a walk.

I may not love the Dolphin but the staff was good and the resort has a lot of things to offer. I don’t believe it was lacking anything but it was just not in as good of condition as I would have expected and it was much too big. I would like to try the Swan someday and the Dolphin beats staying outside the property. For the price it is a good deal and much better than the Disney Moderates.

Again this is just my opinion and I am sure many will disagree but than you will hopefully get enough reponses to see different opinions.

Aloha

Steve

 

[DreaminofDisney06]

You've got me swaying to the Poly I think now that I've researched the resorts enough, it is down to the Poly and the Wilderness Lodge, still leaning HIGHLY towards the Poly. I'm seeing what hubby says and the children of course too! We went to Panama City Beach and stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort there which the whole hotel was set in a Polynesian theme and we LOVED LOVED LOVED it! The tiki torch lighting at night with the lei's were nice and it was the whole tropical ambience that charmed us so that is why the Poly at Disney appeals to us. I've never been to Hawaii. Hubby has and I want to someday and that will be a later vacation for us but our dream vacation this year is Disney so I thought we can have a taste/touch of Hawaii and Disney all rolled up into one package with the Poly I've always loved the Log Cabin theme too that Wilderness Lodge has to offer from what I have researched so now it is time to make a decision soon between the Poly and the WL DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS, LOL But, happy decision making cuz we are going to Disney in 2006!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DisneyFans4]

have our purchases taken form the parks to the room.

Hi Steve

You didn't mention this before, however, during my stays at the Swan I ALWAYS had my purchases that I bought in the parks have sent to the Swan. They don't deliver your purchases directly to your room but they are delivered to the gift shop.

I've always enjoyed my stays at the Swan and am eagerly awaiting going again this summer.

I know I've mentioned before in prior posts but as far as catching the boat to go to MGM or Epcot it's just a matter of timing because I've never waited long. Weather considering, the walk is very enjoyable and from the Swan it's not far.

 

[Tikiman]

DreaminofDisney06,

I think you asking questions and for opinions is great but make sure you look at all the good and bad about all the resorts and don’t let me or any one person persuade you into the place they love because it is not a guarantee you will love it also. If there is one place you had your heart set on than I say do it because even if you go and hate it than you know. If you don’t do it than you might spend your time there wondering if you should have tried it. Also once you are there make sure to go check out some of the other resorts. When you are at Epcot walk around the Boardwalk and check out the resorts or when you are at the MK monorail over to the other resorts. That way you will have more info for the next trip.

DisneyFans4,

I did not know you could do that. Thanks for the information. I also agree that when not tired and the weather is nice the walk is very enjoyable but I hear people complain about walking 4 minutes from the monorail to their room at the Polynesian is too far so I can’t imagine how they would feel walking to a room at a much larger resort.

I do want to try the Swan next time.

Aloha

Steve

 

[DisneyFans4]

Hi Steve


I'm surprised you didn't think to ask at the counter about having your purchases sent over. Believe it or not, that's how I found out was during my first stay at the Swan and I bought something in the park and just asked. And then when I got the paper to fill out for delivery the Swan and Dolphin are listed right on there. I know it's nice when staying at the Poly to open your door and see the packages there but I guess with all the rooms at the Swan they can't do that but I don't mind going to the gift shop to pick them up becaUse it still beats carrying them around in the park!
You should try the Swan at least once because it is alot more quieter and intimate there and I think you would enjoy it.

 

[Tikiman]

The information I got from people who had stayed there before our trip told us it was not an option so I did not even think to ask. I would have not had a problem with picking it up at the gift shop. I just don’t want to carry the stuff around the park.

We did try to book the Swan but nothing was available.

Next time.

 

[JayCT]

We were at the Dolphin in April and it is a very nice hotel. We loved the location near the Epcot resorts and MGM and found the boat ride to Epcot not too bad. We did not however care for the pool. It was set far from the hotel building and it seemed that there were always private functions going on around it. I would not have minded if they let us eat with them, but we were not invited (LOL). We also did not care for the bus ride to MK. The rooms were fine and in good condition when we were there, but again it is a convention type hotel first and there can be problems with too many people filling the lobby and restaurants. Anyway, we agreed that if you can get a decent discount and that no discounts were being offered at the Disney resorts, it was a pretty good alternative. But if we are not getting any type of discount, we prefer staying at the Poly. JMHO Jay

 

[Tikiman]

We were at the Dolphin in April and it is a very nice hotel. We loved the location near the Epcot resorts and MGM and found the boat ride to Epcot not too bad. We did not however care for the pool. It was set far from the hotel building and it seemed that there were always private functions going on around it. I would not have minded if they let us eat with them, but we were not invited (LOL). We also did not care for the bus ride to MK. The rooms were fine and in good condition when we were there, but again it is a convention type hotel first and there can be problems with too many people filling the lobby and restaurants. Anyway, we agreed that if you can get a decent discount and that no discounts were being offered at the Disney resorts, it was a pretty good alternative. But if we are not getting any type of discount, we prefer staying at the Poly. JMHO Jay

Hey Jay, How was the Dolphin Concierge?

 

[Kapp]

and LOVED it! We never once felt we were missing out on any Disney Magic. In fact, the staff was friendlier and more helpful than most Disney resorts we have stayed at. The have stayed at the AKL and POFQ and although we loved them both, the S & D really spoiled you with their service and deluxe touches. The rooms are large and the beds are incredible! The location of the resort could not be better (take a boat to Epcot and MGM), the use the regular Disney bus system and if you can get a room with a view of Epcot (and maybe even a balcony), the view of Illuminations at night is fantastic! Become a Startwood Preferred Guest at spg.com and you can increase you chances of upgrades. We used this to earn points and used them to get Club Level access. That was a nice way to get breakfast and bottles of water for the day!

We would stay at the Dolphin again, in a heartbeat!!!!!

 

[DisneyFans4]

The information I got from people who had stayed there before our trip told us it was not an option so I did not even think to ask. I would have not had a problem with picking it up at the gift shop. I just don’t want to carry the stuff around the park..

I'm really surprised that people out there don't think you can have your park purchases delivered to the Swan because during my past stays that service has always been available. As I indicated earlier, the Swan and Dolphin are both listed on the paper you need to fill out to have hotel delivery.

Steve, I think you will like the Swan better.

 

[JayCT]

Steve - We found the Dolphin Concierge to be pretty good. Not as good as the best at a Disney Resort (the Poly and YC), but then again it is not as expensive. You do get what you pay for. I think what we did not like was that there were no balconies on the Concierge floor. Seems a shame that you are on top of this tall building with beautiful views and you can't really enjoy it fully. Again, if you can get a good discount at either the Swan or Dolphin, then it is a great resort. If you have to pay rack rates (which can be comparable to those at a Disney Deluxe Resort), then it is not worth it. JMHO, Jay

PS - Steve, We will be at the Poly in two weeks We can't wait. I will let you know how it goes. Jay

 

[chanty]

Hi all,

We recently stayed at POR... our first experience was at the Dolphin in 2003.... WE MISSED IT SO MUCH. We went to the Boardwalk by boat from Epcot this year, and once we got at the boardwalk...we realized how much we missed it.

When we go back... Swan or Dolphin - here we come!

Chantal

 

[CarolA]

I have stayed at both the Swan/Dolphin several times

Pros.. Prices, you can get a good deal there. Beds, very comfortable. Location, LOVE IT

Cons.. I don't feel Disney magic. (I had a bellman tell me how horrid Disney is once kind of turned me off) Conventions. (Of course sometimes I am at one so then it's a pro.. A free trip to Disney LOL!)

The "concerige" level I have gotten as a free upgrade a few times. If I ever had paid for it I would have been at the front desk DEMANDING a refund. Not worth it at all. Limited hours, limited selection, very crowded.

 

[ADisneygirl]

We have stayed at the Swan. I thought the location was great, the room was pretty, and the beds were awesome! What a night's sleep we all got on those Heavenly beds with the fluffy white down comforters and 10 pillows. Very posh.

I thought I'd miss the mickey soaps and stuff, but really I didn't. The little bathroom soaps/lotions, etc. are a much higher quality at the Swan. I actually liked using them!

All in all, we love the BWI best. But with all the deals available throughout the year on the Swan I think we'd easily go back there.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I thought I'd miss the mickey soaps and stuff, but really I didn't. The little bathroom soaps/lotions, etc. are a much higher quality at the Swan. I actually liked using them!

Another good point! They do give you everything you could need as far as toiletries and they are of a much better quality in my opinion as well. But those beds!!!! Of all Disney resorts I have stayed in those heavenly beds are the only ones that I got a good night's sleep in.

 

[Magic2000]

We stayed at the Swan a few years ago, and LOVED it!!! (got a great government employee discount!) The location was great!!! We didn't know it at the time we booked, but Swan was the first hotel picked up and dropped off - we also shared with Dolphin, YC, BC, & Boardwalk (altho we often did not go to all the hotels, sometimes the bus got full and we went straight to the park). The pool right by the Swan was nice - most days, we had the pool to ourselves!! DD liked getting an ice cream at the little shop by the pool. The grotto pool was great!!! And the beds...so comfy!!!

We would definitely stay here again!!

 

[DisneyFans4]

Swan was the first hotel picked up and dropped off - we also shared with Dolphin, YC, BC, & Boardwalk (altho we often did not go to all the hotels, sometimes the bus got full and we went straight to the park).

Another good point that I forgot to bring up! At least you know you always got a seat because Swan guests are picked up first.