Resort Debate

[buzznina]

I stand corrected! When did they add Swolphin to their site? It was not there last year when I was checking for November.
I have to disagree with Dashzap about the wdwgoodneighborrhotels. That is just a link to those hotel web sites and the booking is not done through Disney. Just like our company's web page where we have links to businesses that pay us a fee to have a link.

 

[Deb & Bill]

But you can't get Starwood or Marriott discounted rooms on the Disney site. Only on the S/D website. You can't get the deals on rooms that won't be refunded if canceled.

Even the DL booking site gives you all the Good Neighbor hotels. But it doesn't make them Disney hotels.

 

[GeorgeG]

Over the past 30 years we have enjoyed many of the Disney-run resorts and both the Swan & Dolphin. For us, the Swan & Dolphin offer a deluxe resort atmosphere often at a Disney moderate resort rate. What we like is that you can actually earn Starwood points. After spending many thousands of dollars on Disney resorts over the years, Disney does not offer loyalty incentives for returning guests. Like most things, you have to compare prices each time because rates do vary.

I think the Disney-run resorts can be better for families with children because of the theming.

The Swan & Dolphin do offer some really great dining. They do not accept the dining plans, which many of us will argue accounts for the better quality, but they do accept Tables in Wonderland. A lot comes down to what perks matter to individual expectations.

 

[maxiesmom]

Of course they are Disney resorts (though not owned/operated by Disney). Disney itself lists them in its deluxe category and it doesn't do this for the other non-Disney owned resorts on its property.

If they were true Disney resorts you would get all of the same perks as the true Disney resorts. And S & D don't get all the perks.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Over the past 30 years we have enjoyed many of the Disney-run resorts and both the Swan & Dolphin. For us, the Swan & Dolphin offer a deluxe resort atmosphere often at a Disney moderate resort rate. What we like is that you can actually earn Starwood points. After spending many thousands of dollars on Disney resorts over the years, Disney does not offer loyalty incentives for returning guests. Like most things, you have to compare prices each time because rates do vary.

I think the Disney-run resorts can be better for families with children because of the theming.

The Swan & Dolphin do offer some really great dining. They do not accept the dining plans, which many of us will argue accounts for the better quality, but they do accept Tables in Wonderland. A lot comes down to what perks matter to individual expectations.

But S/D also charges to park, both self parking (with no in and out privileges) and valet. And they also charge a resort fee. So just checking in with your own vehicle, your price goes up $45 plus tax on that $45. But even with the self parking fee plus the resort fee, it can be less expensive to stay at the S/D than BW/YC/BC or the villas.

 

[Dashzap]

I have to disagree with Dashzap about the wdwgoodneighborrhotels. That is just a link to those hotel web sites and the booking is not done through Disney.

You may be right about the website, but I know for sure you can call the Disney reservation line and make reservations through Disney for all the Disney Springs area hotels, and Good Neighbor hotels at Maingate and I-Drive.

 

[JanBlessed]

Well, I learned a thing or two about the Swan & Dolphin! I guess it really depends on how you look at it....

It's interesting to read these comments, though. Turned out to be a learning experience AND sparked some interest in the resorts!

I'm going to look into them for spring break

 

[JanBlessed]

.....since its usually a short 2 or 3 night trip! I don't really like the parking fees that I'm reading about, though

 

[JanBlessed]

But I had NO IDEA that they were considered Deluxe Resorts at a Moderate Price !!!

 

[Dashzap]

.....since its usually a short 2 or 3 night trip! I don't really like the parking fees that I'm reading about, though

Yeah, when we stayed at the Dolphin the resort fees really added up.

 

[JanBlessed]

I also like knowing that I can book SO MANY different type of resorts through Disney!

 

[JanBlessed]

Yeah, when we stayed at the Dolphin the resort fees really added up.

I've got to REALLY do the math and see if it's still worth it! Did you feel like it was a Deluxe resort?

 

[nfouey]

Here is a way to look at it to help explain to your friend. The employees working at Swan and dolphin are employees of Marriott(Starwood) and not Disney employees.

 

[JanBlessed]

.....just checking in with your own vehicle, your price goes up $45 plus tax on that $45. But even with the self parking fee plus the resort fee, it can be less expensive to stay at the S/D than BW/YC/BC or the villas.

.

 

[JanBlessed]

Over the past 30 years we have enjoyed many of the Disney-run resorts and both the Swan & Dolphin. For us, the Swan & Dolphin offer a deluxe resort atmosphere often at a Disney moderate resort rate. What we like is that you can actually

. deluxe for the price of a moderate

 

[JanBlessed]

And no, I do not believe they are the best resorts at Disney. Not by far. (We stayed in both a week ago) But they are very good and a valid option if you can get a good rate on a room. Must watch

This is up-to-date reporting! I'm curious to hear more.....especially that you stayed in BOTH. Is there much of a difference?

 

[JanBlessed]

....The Swolphin is not owned or run by Disney, but it is on Disney property. You could say the same for the resorts on Hotel Plaza Blvd.

The Swolphin also has some of the benefits of the Disney resorts, but only those which they have negotiated with Disney such as EMH and bus service.

. I guess that it IS just like the Disney Springs (hotel plaza blvd) resorts! Minus EMH, I think! Probably also like Bonnet creek - except they have the luxury busses.

 

[Dashzap]

I've got to REALLY do the math and see if it's still worth it! Did you feel like it was a Deluxe resort?

Yes. The convenience of being in the Epcot resort area can't be beat with the easy boat ride to Epcot and DHS. The pool is lovely. We had a fabulous view of the fireworks at DHS. The restaurants were very good. The building is gorgeous. I was disappointed in the decor inside the Dolphin...the lobby used to be painted magnificently with stripes (to look like a bigtop.) Now it is boring beige.

Be sure to do the math to see whether it is cost effective for you...$25/day resort fee, $18/day for self parking, no DME means paying for a taxi or a rental car, and buying magic bands (if you want them)

 

[JanBlessed]

NOT DISNEY HOTELS ! I stayed at the Swan last year and I noticed a very obvious difference in the service and attitude of the staff between the Swan and the all of the Disney resorts I have stayed at. Not sure if its down to staff training but the staff at the Swan were sadly lacking. Not rude in any way, but just not the same level of friendliness and politeness as at Disney.

On the plus side, the food at Kimonos and Shulas was superb.

Well... That's a HUGE MINUS followed by a Big Plus . But I guess that one can go there and eat anyway, right?

 

[AngiTN]

This is up-to-date reporting! I'm curious to hear more.....especially that you stayed in BOTH. Is there much of a difference?

We got a renovated room at Dolphin so appearances wise they wore the same. One big difference is they have double beds at Dolphin.b didn't bother us, we are fine sleeping in our own beds

Otherwise we liked our stays in both a lot. No reason we wouldn't return. If the price was right