SSR vs Swan/Dolphin

[Billyg]

HI all, we have an upcoming trip and have the option to stay at either Saratoga Springs or the Swan/Dolphin. Besides the obvious facts of location between the 2, what are the pros and cons for each? It would be a studio for SSR we know that. Thanks in advance

 

[BrownHP800]

I can't comment on SSR but we just stayed at the Dolphin for the first time this past week. It is a very nice resort.

Pros: Easy walk to Epcot, EMH available, Boardwalk area is very nice, some rooms recently renovated, can use SPG reward points for stay.

Cons: $25 resort fee per night, $20 to park if you have a car, Magical Express not an option, Food is VERY expensive (Even compared to Disney resorts)

We enjoyed our stay. We used points so we only had to pay resort fee. If we had to pay out of pocket I think we would pick a Disney owned resort for about the same cost over the Dolphin.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

SSR you do get a kitchenette.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I've never stayed at SSR, so I can't really comment on it. I have stayed at the Swan (most recently in May) and it was really fantastic. The rooms have all been refurbished, location (obviously) is fantastic, the staff was great and we got Starbuck's coffee in our room ( a perk for me, anyway). The recreation and swim facilities are top notch and there are a ton of great restaurants at the resort. Staff was great. SSR seems very big and quite remote to me.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you stay at SSR in a studio, you only get one queen bed and one double sleeper sofa. At Swan, you get two queen sized beds that are fabulous for sleeping. But you also pay the resort fee and pay to park, every time you leave and return (no reentry). Plus they add tax to the resort fee and parking fee.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I love how quiet Saratoga Springs is and my family enjoyed that they have two major pools with water slides. It seemed like, because there were the two, neither pool was really all that crowded. S&D will have the benefit of being able to walk or boat to DHS and Epcot while Saratoga Springs has a bus to all parks and multiple stops at the resort. If you are flying in, S&D does not take part in Magical Express, which is something that makes a big different to our family.

 

[Babsy]

We love the location of the Swan/Dolphin. Walking distance to two theme parks. Plus the beds are so comfortable! Everything under one roof and interior hallways. The Swan has recently finished a refurb and the rooms are gorgeous! The Dolphin is currently undergoing a refurb so some rooms are done and others are not. Plus the Dolphin has two full beds whereas the Swan has two queens.

However,
If you want an Epcot fireworks view with a balcony, then that is a bookable category at the Dolphin!

SSR is OK, but it isn't our favourite place to stay. Plus we aren't fond of the studios in any resort. We like to have two real beds.

Our vote would be for the Swan!

 

[stinkpickle]

If you have a Costco membership, they sometimes waive the resort fee and offer "resort view" room upgrades at Swan/Dolphin if you book a vacation package through them.

 

[msb578]

If you stay at SSR in a studio, you only get one queen bed and one double sleeper sofa. At Swan, you get two queen sized beds that are fabulous for sleeping. But you also pay the resort fee and pay to park, every time you leave and return (no reentry). Plus they add tax to the resort fee and parking fee.

If you're a registered guest at S/D, you're able to pay once per night, with re-entry privileges throughout the day.

Additionally, theme park parking is complimentary when you show your room key.

 

[aidtrismommy]

I have stayed at both, SSR multiple times. I would choose Swan. (I would only choose SSR if I was staying in a 1-bedroom or larger). The swan has two queen sized beds which are notoriously comfortable. The location just can't be beat and the amenities are similar. Picaboo is a counter service restaurant located on the bottom floor of the Dolphin (if I remember correctly). It is similar to the food courts at the DVC resorts. We ate here for breakfast and a couple of dinners if we weren't at the parks. The pricing was very similar as well. Certainly factor in parking and other fees when booking.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

Stayed at SSR a few years ago with very low expectations. We loved it! We had a 1BR with washer/dryer/microwave/fridge. Besides that, you could walk or take a boat to Disney Springs. We all enjoyed the food court area. I'd say the atmosphere was very peaceful. The Swan/Dolphin area is more bustling. Bus service at SSR was great.