Please tell me that I'll like the Swan!!!!

[amandaC]

We usually stay at DVC on points. I love Disney theming of resorts. But, I'm attending a conference at the Swan/Dolphin. My job pays for lodging so I figured might as well give it a try. Got a good APH rate. Chose the Swan over Dolphin because we can't stand double beds. But I'm afraid there won't be any "magic".

Additional info: our party will be me, DH, DS7 and DS4. A great pool is key since DH is afraid to do the parks alone with the boys while I am attending the conference.

Thanks!
Amanda

 

[scanmom]

Me and hubby stayed at the Swan in Sep. 2003. We LOVED it! In fact, DH says that is where he will always want to stay. The grotto pool is very nice and has a slide. The beach has loungers and hammocks to relax in, and the whole place is very pretty. The only other time we stayed onsite was at the Ft Wilderness cabins, and they were nice, but the Swan is 10x better. We had a view of the water, and a balcony, and enjoyed that alot. It is so convienient to Epcot and MGM, plus you can cut through Epcot and take the monorail to MK. Be sure to go to Gullivers, it was great. You will love the Swan!!

 

[mbcary]

We stayed there last May on the club floor and we loved it. The beds are wonderful!! You will love being in the EPCOT resort area. The Boardwalk is beautiful at night. I really liked being by the lake and being able to take a stroll around the resorts. Everyone at the Swan was extremely helpful and courteous. I'm sure you will have a great time.

 

[racheltyler]

The Swan/Dolphin is our favorite of all Disney resorts. It has all the same Disney magic, IMO. And the beds are heavenly. I also believe the Swan rooms have double sinks as opposed to the Dolphin - we had issues with our sink area being so small at the Dolphin. Pool area is great with beach area. Views and location are amazing. Tubbi's is great for quick meals. Service was wonderful. Enjoy!

 

[katallo]

Swan is our favorite hotel. It's beautiful with great beds, pools, restaurants. We would be staying there this year but we had a better rate at the WL. You'll love it.

 

[swilphil]

We love the Swan, especially the location. Depending on your room, you may see Epcot's Spaceship Earth, the MGM Tower of Terror, or the Boardwalk. You can't get much more Disney than that. We also found that the CMs bent over backwards to make our stay a nice one.

 

[FLORIDAFUNFAMILY]

I don't think you'll find many people who have been to the swan that didn't love it . If you hear anything negative it's a minority speaking. We love the swan and the boat to epcot is so nice your husband may consider epcot or mgm with the kids because it's so easy. You'll have a great time.

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Minus the soap, it's ALL Disney'fied to me!

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

My first trip to WDW we stayed at the Swan! I still remember how awesome I thought the pool was, and that was 12 years ago.

 

[Leota]

I don't think you'll find many people who have been to the swan that didn't love it . If you hear anything negative it's a minority speaking. We love the swan and the boat to epcot is so nice your husband may consider epcot or mgm with the kids because it's so easy. You'll have a great time.

I couldn't agree more - We have had Very Magical Stays at both the Swan & the Dolphin. The best Theme Park Views I ever had were from our room at the Dolphin - SE, ToT, BW - You can't get much more Magical that that!

The Grotto Pool is spectacular. IMHO, it is the second best pool on property, second only to Storm-A-Long Bay.

 

[ValerieK]

We stayed at the Dolphin for a conference DH had in September. We loved it, especially DH. I loved the location and the Heavenly beds.

 

[PamNC]

We stayed at the Swan for the first time for a long weekend over Thanksgiving. We've always stayed at the Disney resorts, the Poly, YC/BC, CR, CSR, WL, CBR, GF. We got a great AP rate at the Swan and decided to give it a try. We were a bit nervous. Wow! Were we ever surprised. Loved it! Didn't miss any magic - it was all there. How could it not be with the location and the beautiful hotel. Loved the heavenly bed, the room was great...very "updated" compared to Disney resorts. More modern is what I'm trying to say. A bigger TV. Lots of great dining choices right there! Kimonos (sushi), Blue Zoo (our fave), Garden Grove for breakfast, Fresh for breakfast. Oh, and they serve Starbucks coffee at Tubbi's. We loved it and would stay there again. Not saying this is our new favorite (the Poly still holds 1st place), but we wouldn't hesitate to stay there again with a good rate.

PamNC

 

[c&m]

DH and I stayed at the Dolphin in 2001 for a conference. We LOVED it there. The grotto pool was so nice and the best part was the LOCATION. It is walking distance to our favourite park, Epcot, and on the boardwalk. When I stepped into the Swan for a seminar, I thought it was even nicer than the Dolphin. There's also a playground structure on the Swan side on the sand, tho I'm not sure if it's still there now.

You're so lucky to be staying there. This year in March, we're going to WDW with the DDs and since there's more of us going, we're on a budget and have to stay at a moderate (POR)...which is fine...but wish we were going back to the Dolphin or Swan!

 

[Disney Fool]

I like it because, well, ...it's a little smaller than the Dolphin; it has an additional sink in the vanity area outside the bathroom; Starbucks coffee. location, location, location, heavenly beds, big rooms, balconies, more channel choices on TV, room service is awesome, I'll be there in April, can't wait.

 

[chatty]

You won't like the Swan You'll LOVE the Swan!!!
If I had more money I would stay there on every visit.. I feel the same way about the Dolphin resort too..
Chatty

 

[finnie48]

Hi Amanda,

We must agree with all the other raves about the Swan - were there last August and had a great time!! Thought we might note that around the corner from check-in is a concierge desk which will take care of all your desires and is open to all guests, and right next to that is a Disney desk. The CMs at both were fantastic!

We also enjoyed the coffee at the Lobby Court Lounge in the AM - found it much better than what was in our room. Was told it was an Italian blend.

Have a most magical trip!!

 

[JESW]

I have wanted to try one of these resorts but what has held me back is the fact that they don't let you charge everything to your room - do they still not do that? I like at the Disney-owned resorts you can show them a credit card at check-in and they you get a room key that is like a credit card and can be used everywhere - so then you end up with one total bill at the end of your trip instead of lots of little ones. Petty thing, I know...

Jill

 

[GoofyinNY]

We stayed at the Swan and Dolphin and loved both hotels. Both have been renovated, and the Swan has those "heavenly beds"... it's like sleeping on a cloud! The employees at the Swan and Dolphin go out of their way to assist you, and the location cannot be beat.

You can see Epcot from some rooms and MGM from others. One of my best memories was standing transfixed in the parking lot of the Swan listening to the music from Fantasmic soar overhead.

 

[mikki]

Jill,
I have the same concern. A few days ago I posted the same question. The replies seem to indicate that it still works the same way. I will probably use my Disney Visa rewards card and redeem an AMX "Be Our Guest" dining card to help keep my trip from incurring all those random charges. I'm less concerned about the DH and myself than my kids forgetting what they bought! LOL

 

[amandaC]

Thanks everyone- I fell MUCH better!
Amanda