?s about the Swan/Dolphin

[rileyroosmom]

Since becoming a substitute teacher, I realize I can now get the teacher rate for these hotels. However, I wondering if they are really worth it.
Negatives I've found:
no charging everything to the room
since I drive there, $6/night to park (or is it $8)
no fridge in the room, just the mini bar?

For a few dollars less a night I can stay at a moderate where I will
be able to charge
won't pay a parking fee
have a fridge

Not sure what size the beds are the Swan/Dolphin, but I've heard how comfortable they are.

So, what is the benefit at staying at one of these hotels instead of a mod?

Thanks!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I dont know what your price comparisions are, saying that the deluxes are a few dollars less, on our recent trip we chose the Swan over the Polynesian and saved $500 on the room.
We solve the charging back to the room by just bringing our credit card with us when we wish to make a purchase. What are you planning to keep in the refrigerator? We only do a soda stop and just use the ice bucket to chill our sodas in the room. Yes, if you drive you have to pay the parking fee. I guess you will have to write down all your expenses versus your savings and see if the Swan/Dolphin is right for you. I do that and always find that since its getting harder and harder to get an ap rate at the Polynesian for the times we want we gladly go to the Swan and get a great govt. rate. I also think Disney Deluxe rack rates are just getting too overpriced comparing it to the customer service you get there versus the westin/starwood hotels. (Swan/Dolphin). Also you will be rewarded with starwood points for future stays if you sign up for their frequent guest program. Disney on the other hand does nothing for their frequent guests, maybe some people, but we have never gotten a postcard, e mail discount, complimentary upgrade etc. It appears to be just luck on that issue. Best of luck in your decision.

 

[rileyroosmom]

Ooops, I meant to say at a MOD, not a deluxe!

In the fridge I keep milk and juice, water and soda.

Are the beds double or Queens. I do agree with you that you don't get the best service at the deluxe for the price.

 

[Robert P]

Location!! Right in the middle of the EPCOT area. Walk or boat access to MGM and EPCOT. Having those choices, rather than waiting to play bus roulette, are worth alot. Also, walking distance to MANY restaurants, bars, and other activities (mini-golf, marina).
And, I agree with you both about the value received, when compared to the value received versus the price paid for WDW deluxes.

Room charging is a perk, but overrated (IMHO). Just carry your c/c with you.

Yes, the $9 or $10 parking does stink, especially as a paying resort guest (i.e. not just a mooch looking for a free place to park). You should consider that parking fee as an added cost on the price of the room, for your decision making.

We found that we didn't miss the fridge that much, but we usually only have sodas or water. May be different for those with milk or o.j. The value of the fridge is an individual determination.

At the teacher rate for the S/D, I don't think we would choose to stay at a moderate instead.

 

[always_learning]

I also could use the Teacher Discount but am unsure if we will stay there. We have 5 plus an infant in our family and will be flying in. So the parking fees won't matter but I am unsure about the cost to get from the airport and back and forth to the parks. Am I missing a place where I can find out the discount for the Peak season?

 

[rileyroosmom]

Can you remove the things in the fridge to store your own stuff?

What size are the beds?

There is transportation, but not the Disney bus, correct? How reliable are the busses?

 

[Liltx]

$20 to empty the fridge.
They are Disney busses and boats.
The dolphin has full size beds, the swan queen size.

There is absolutely no comparison between the mods and the S/D. They are just too wonderful. Much better than many deluxes.

Just used the teacher rate. I will never go back to Disney Deluxe or Mod prices.

Monica

 

[ReneeDisney]

Hi!
In my opinion the Swan/Dolphin would be my choice over a moderate.
Here are my reasons:

1. Location: You can't beat the location of the Swan/Dolphin. You can walk to the BWI, YC and BC and have quick access to all their dining places and stores at the EPCOT resorts.

2. Transportation: You can take a leisurly boat ride to MGM, EPCOT or any of the other EPCOT resorts. You only take a bus to the Magic Kingdom, AK or Downtown Disney. Also, you can access the Magic Kingdom monorail at the front entrance of EPCOT if you so choose not to take a bus.

3. The buses are DISNEY owned and operated transportation buses, not an outside company. The last time we were at the Swan, we shared a bus with the YC/BC.

4. Access to EPCOT via International Gateway. You can walk into and out of EPCOT and that is wonderful, especially right after Illuminations when the crowds of people head for the buses, you can walk back to your hotel within 10 minutes and maybe stop off at the Boardwalk for some ice cream.

5. The rooms at the Swan/Dolphin are bigger than the moderates. The rooms we've stayed in have two queen beds or one king bed and a very large bathroom. Since the Swan/Dolphin are Westin resorts all the rooms have Heavanly Beds- so comfortable!!!

6. Pools: The pool area at the Swan/Dolphin is great- waterfalls, olympic pool, waitress service and pool bar with snacks!

Again, these are my views of the Swan/Dolphin and hope that this info helps!

 

[DisneyFans4]

We love the Swan and as you can see from my signature once I went it's the only place I will stay. The service is impeccable!!!

They have the Disney busses, EMH and package delivery which are actually more important to me than the other options that they don't have. I like to keep my store purchases separate from my hotel purchases so that doesn't bother me. Anything your purchase between the Swan and Dolphin can be charged to the room.

Location, location, location!!!!! That's what makes it worth every single penny!!! Epcot is just a walk or boat ride away as well as MGM and you've got the YC, BC and BW there to enjoy. Bus transportation is great since the Swan is the first stop and then Dolphin. On occasion it may stop at the BW first and then Swan, then Dolphin.

The beds...well, the only ones I've ever been able to sleep in and comfortably!! I can't sleep in the Disney beds since they are so hard and the comforters are just plain icky!!! Those things came right off when I entered the room. The Swan has queen beds and they are very clean.

The Swan is truly a deluxe resort and you can see that. Since you can get the teacher's rate I would definitely give it a try.

 

[nbodyhome]

I would still stay at the S/D.

The rooms are much more luxurious (the beds are great!) than a moderate resort. The location is the best. Normally the hotels on the Boardwalk start at $300 or so and go up from there in value season.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Since becoming a substitute teacher, I realize I can now get the teacher rate for these hotels. However, I wondering if they are really worth it.
Negatives I've found:
no charging everything to the room
since I drive there, $6/night to park (or is it $8)
no fridge in the room, just the mini bar?

For a few dollars less a night I can stay at a moderate where I will
be able to charge
won't pay a parking fee
have a fridge

Not sure what size the beds are the Swan/Dolphin, but I've heard how comfortable they are.

So, what is the benefit at staying at one of these hotels instead of a mod?

Thanks!

I use my CC/debit card, never a problem. I drive rental car also, wish they did not have the parking charge, but I look at the overall picture.

I always take enough out of the mini bar to put in some waters, sodas. I call housekeeping to let them know I am doing that, also put a note by the mini bar to tell them that there has been no items used, they are just on the counter near the bar. Never a charge.

Beds are, well, Heavenly.

Here is a GREAT ongoing thread that will answer many of your questions.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=680909

 

[dreamflight99]

Hi!
In my opinion the Swan/Dolphin would be my choice over a moderate.
Here are my reasons:

1. Location: You can't beat the location of the Swan/Dolphin. You can walk to the BWI, YC and BC and have quick access to all their dining places and stores at the EPCOT resorts.

2. Transportation: You can take a leisurely boat ride to MGM, EPCOT or any of the other EPCOT resorts. You only take a bus to the Magic Kingdom, AK or Downtown Disney. Also, you can access the Magic Kingdom monorail at the front entrance of EPCOT if you so choose not to take a bus.

3. The buses are DISNEY owned and operated transportation buses, not an outside company. The last time we were at the Swan, we shared a bus with the YC/BC.

4. Access to EPCOT via International Gateway. You can walk into and out of EPCOT and that is wonderful, especially right after Illuminations when the crowds of people head for the buses, you can walk back to your hotel within 10 minutes and maybe stop off at the Boardwalk for some ice cream.

5. The rooms at the Swan/Dolphin are bigger than the moderates. The rooms we've stayed in have two queen beds or one king bed and a very large bathroom. Since the Swan/Dolphin are Westin resorts all the rooms have Heavenly Beds- so comfortable!!!

6. Pools: The pool area at the Swan/Dolphin is great- waterfalls, Olympic pool, waitress service and pool bar with snacks!

Again, these are my views of the Swan/Dolphin and hope that this info helps!

Ditto on everything in this post!! This pretty much sums up the entire list of benefits, which is why we stay more than a month at a time when we visit (longest was five weeks @ the Dolphin in a suite). They are amazing, and an astoundingly great deal when compared with any of the Disney Mods (which close their pools by 10pm, etc). There are too many perks associated with these properties, not associated with the Disney props. Here's just a few more notes to add:

*While you may not be permitted to charge park items back to your folio/room, you may have them delivered from any park!

*Walking back to your hotel after watching illuminations is indeed MAGICAL! Grabbing an ice-cream along the way? Priceless! ^_^

*The beds are phenomenal...heavenly, to be exact!

*Kids straight "A" club (and if they only have one or two A's? It's STILL ALL GOOD!)...where your kids may bring their report card to the desk, receive another card--which entitles them to a FREE ice cream at the fountain!!

*Interior corridors (vs. moderates with exterior hallways), in nice air-conditioned comfortable surroundings. Less mosquitoes, less chance of lightning striking you (seriously here), and less chance of sweating through your fresh new attire before you even arrive at your destination.

*Some of the BEST restaurants on all of the property are in these resorts! The BEST steakhouse, (by far), along with other incredible chef-inspired eateries make it a fabulous place to be centered.

*The GROTTO Pool remains our #1 of any on property, including the Beach club! It is truly an oasis.

*The boats...the bus...the leisure paths, all lead to the magical world of DISNEY. You may rent a swan paddleboat, and just enjoy a lap or two around the lake.

The SPA is top-rated, and my favorite above the GF! It's the same one over at the PBH, and I've loved it for years now. You can not go wrong on ANY treatment in this place. Give it a try, and you may even use SPG points for discounts or complete treatments! ^_^

Which leads me to the last point...the Starwood Preferred Guest Program. Consistently leading the pack in customer service and satisfaction for ANY hotel frequent guest program. The points accumulated can be used for upgrades, free nights, treatments, dining certificates, etc. The Disney program (using their visa) does not even come close (IMHO), and I have oodles of points/dollars from their cards as well.

*I just prefer the SPG program. This program is currently offering a special bonus of up to 12,000 points for summer stays through August 31, 2007 (2,000 for two stays, 6000 for four stays, and 12000 for 6 stays!). Visit SPG.com/promo by July 15 to register for this promotion. That's a heck of a great bonus for staying at properties we already Love and/or planned to visit! After each subsequent visit to the Dolphin, we almost felt as if WE should be the ones giving them some kind of bonus ("them" = the powers that BE in corporate positions), for operating/maintaining such a stellar property! After all, memorable stays are not something which merely happen by chance/luck.

So, to us...the Dolphin & Swan make perfect sense when planning a WDW trip. We do in fact LOVE many of the other deluxe Disney props, and still manage to split our stays to include them on each trip. But, for some reason, we all prefer the Dolphin over all the rest.

In the end, it's all a matter of personal preference. If you choose to stay at the Dolphin, I surely hope it's everything you dream of...and much, much more~! Enjoy your summer and plans!

 

[DisneyFans4]

Hey Dreamflight! I was waiting for you to provide your wonderful list as you always do, great job once again!!!

Yes, I signed up for that promotion for our upcoming trip in August and I can't wait!!!!

 

[rileyroosmom]

Thanks for all of the great replies, you make it sound so wonderful!
I will seriously consider the Swan ( just for the queen beds) for our next trip.

Thanks everyone

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Ditto on everything in this post!! This pretty much sums up the entire list of benefits, which is why we stay more than a month at a time when we visit (longest was five weeks @ the Dolphin in a suite). They are amazing, and an astoundingly great deal when compared with any of the Disney Mods (which close their pools by 10pm, etc). There are too many perks associated with these properties, not associated with the Disney props. Here's just a few more notes to add:

*While you may not be permitted to charge park items back to your folio/room, you may have them delivered from any park!

*Walking back to your hotel after watching illuminations is indeed MAGICAL! Grabbing an ice-cream along the way? Priceless! ^_^

*The beds are phenomenal...heavenly, to be exact!

*Kids straight "A" club (and if they only have one or two A's? It's STILL ALL GOOD!)...where your kids may bring their report card to the desk, receive another card--which entitles them to a FREE ice cream at the fountain!!

*Interior corridors (vs. moderates with exterior hallways), in nice air-conditioned comfortable surroundings. Less mosquitoes, less chance of lightning striking you (seriously here), and less chance of sweating through your fresh new attire before you even arrive at your destination.

*Some of the BEST restaurants on all of the property are in these resorts! The BEST steakhouse, (by far), along with other incredible chef-inspired eateries make it a fabulous place to be centered.

*The GROTTO Pool remains our #1 of any on property, including the Beach club! It is truly an oasis.

*The boats...the bus...the leisure paths, all lead to the magical world of DISNEY. You may rent a swan paddleboat, and just enjoy a lap or two around the lake.

The SPA is top-rated, and my favorite above the GF! It's the same one over at the PBH, and I've loved it for years now. You can not go wrong on ANY treatment in this place. Give it a try, and you may even use SPG points for discounts or complete treatments! ^_^

Which leads me to the last point...the Starwood Preferred Guest Program. Consistently leading the pack in customer service and satisfaction for ANY hotel frequent guest program. The points accumulated can be used for upgrades, free nights, treatments, dining certificates, etc. The Disney program (using their visa) does not even come close (IMHO), and I have oodles of points/dollars from their cards as well.

*I just prefer the SPG program. This program is currently offering a special bonus of up to 12,000 points for summer stays through August 31, 2007 (2,000 for two stays, 6000 for four stays, and 12000 for 6 stays!). Visit SPG.com/promo by July 15 to register for this promotion. That's a heck of a great bonus for staying at properties we already Love and/or planned to visit! After each subsequent visit to the Dolphin, we almost felt as if WE should be the ones giving them some kind of bonus ("them" = the powers that BE in corporate positions), for operating/maintaining such a stellar property! After all, memorable stays are not something which merely happen by chance/luck.

So, to us...the Dolphin & Swan make perfect sense when planning a WDW trip. We do in fact LOVE many of the other deluxe Disney props, and still manage to split our stays to include them on each trip. But, for some reason, we all prefer the Dolphin over all the rest.

In the end, it's all a matter of personal preference. If you choose to stay at the Dolphin, I surely hope it's everything you dream of...and much, much more~! Enjoy your summer and plans!

Stayed once, going back again! We love the Swan and agree with everything Dreamflight has said. A quiet room with a great view, the most comfortable beds on WDW property AND a great location just a quick walk, boat or bus ride away from anything you need. It just feels like home. We really love this place! I wish rooms booked there counted for a WDW wedding, though. We'd love to stay there when we do our WDW FTW!

 

[marvel]

Are the Swan and Dolphin really that good? They don't seem to get much positive publicity on DIS. I was considering POR and WL for a split stay next year but now I am thinking maybe SWAN and WL may be the go.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Are the Swan and Dolphin really that good? They don't seem to get much positive publicity on DIS. I was considering POR and WL for a split stay next year but now I am thinking maybe SWAN and WL may be the go.

All I can suggest is give them a try at least once. Look at my signature, that's what I did and now it's the only place I will stay at. I'm surprised it took me this long to try them out.

The S/D are great hotels with impeccable service and great customer service.

And those beds, truly heavenly

 

[mikeesuee]

I was wondering if I stay at swan/dolphin can i still use disney magical express and purchase the dining plan?

 

[DisneyFans4]

I was wondering if I stay at swan/dolphin can i still use disney magical express and purchase the dining plan?

The S/D do not participate in ME and the DDP. You do get the Disney transportation, EMH and package delivery.

 

[ADisneygirl]

The teacher rate at these hotels make them a great deal. Even as a Florida resident, the discounts this year are not as good as in past years. Moderates are almost the same price as the Swan/Dolphin teacher rate with the parking fee added in. I do think it would make for better PR to stop separating the parking fee and just raise the rates $8. Then people wouldn't think they are getting scammed out of the parking fee. If I worked there in marketing that's what I would suggest.

As others here have already said so well, the Swan/Dolphin are beautiful resorts and have many positives going for them. Best to us vs. a mod is the interior corridors, the bigger rooms, Q size beds at Swan, room service, and the fabulous Epcot location.