Please give me your thoughts......

[MickeyPower]

I'v been to WDW many times. We have stayed at GF the last two times. But this year its seems to be much higher in price than in summer of 2006. I was looking at the Swan/Dolphin since I'm a teacher and can get teacher rate.

Will I like the Swan/Dolphin?
Do you still feel like you are at Disney or just at a hotel any where?
Do all the rooms have Heavenly Beds?

I guess I just need some thoughts and see the pros-cons of people who have stayed at both.

Thanks,
Patty

 

[f7prez]

We stayed at the Dolphin and loved it. It doesn't feel like just an ordinary hotel because you are surrounded by Disney. From our corner room (two balconies) we could see EPCOT, Tower of Terror, Boardwalk and YC/BC. Plus the whimsical design of the Dolphin feels more like Disney than GF, IMO.

 

[LovintheLodge]

I can't comment on the GF since I haven't stayed there, but I did stay at the Dolphin. It was a really nice hotel...and yes, the beds are great. The Dolphin has double beds and the Swan has queen beds. The location is fantastic!! And if you can get the teacher rate, then I would definitely recommend it. The Grotto pool is very nice too.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

I LOVE the Swan, and while the hotel staff themselves are not Disney, you still get a lot of Disney feel with it being right there with parks either side and surrounded by Disney Hotels. It shares many but not all of the DIsney perks, it has EMH Disney transportation etc., not ME.
You do have to pay for parking at the hotel if you have a car.
and they do have the Heavenly beds.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Swan is a little more upscale than the Dolphin becasue it is a Westin, so sicne youa re used to the GF, the Swan might be a better choice, if the teachers rate is available there. We love GF but the Swan would be a good alternative...although certainly not themed like GF or other Disney resorts, but the service is Westin and very,very nice.

We had the Swan booked with the teachers rate, but decided to go with MouseFan travel's Mousefest special - blocked rooms at a great price for Mousefest. Booked the Polynesian GV for $295.88 a ngt inc tx.

If you are not an spg member be sure to sign up, and add the number to your reservation - it is rare not to get an upgrade as an spg member...you can also have a preferred plus membership through AAA or AARP - though do not think this makes any bug difference. www.spg.com

The time of year of your visit make make a difference too.

Have you checked out the photos of www.allearsnet.com?

Enjoy the planning - I know it is hard to take the plunge!