Swan and Dolphin - Am I the only one that cringes when they see them?

[NancyIL]

I have always thought the Swan and Dolphin were beautiful, even before I stayed there. I remember my first visit to the resort in late November 1997. We were going to have dinner at Gulliver's, so we drove there from our offsite hotel in Kissimmee, and parked at the Swan. It was decorated for Christmas and it was beautiful....very elegant. We were early, so we decided to explore. We walked out the front of the Swan and across the walkway to the Dolphin. Riding the 2-story escalator up to the lobby on the 3rd floor was a WOW experience! And THEN we saw the HUGE Christmas tree in the middle of the lobby!!!! The tree was just breathtaking, and I loved the "circus-tent" look of the rotunda.

Here's a view of the Swan as the Friendship boat returns from MGM at dusk. Lovely, isn't it?

 

[klofan]

I've never stayed there, but eveytime I go to Disney I look forward to seeing the two sister hotels. I think they are very nice. And even if you pay full price for a standard room, it's still cheaper than a tower room at the Contemporary or at B/YC. I really want to stay at each of them at least once. But what I don't understand, is why Disney just doesn't take over. I mean it's right there. I actually didn't know it wasn't owned by Disney until a few months ago.

But whoever thinks the tacky, plastic-like, and cheapness of the value resorts, the ageing of the Poly or the wings at the Contemporary are nicer than this, I really don't know what to say.

 

[LibertyLover]

on our recent trip, while staying at BWI, everytime our bus stopped, my DD's started calling it the Swan and Ugly Fish Hotel (whoever thought that was a dolphin was smoking something funny)

Believe it or not, it's perfect heraldic dolphin. Dolpins in medieval heraldry look just like it.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Believe it or not, it's perfect heraldic dolphin. Dolpins in medieval heraldry look just like it.

Again, see my post at the top of page 7(#93)...that's from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

 

[dreamflight99]

Believe it or not, it's perfect heraldic dolphin. Dolpins in medieval heraldry look just like it.

True...I never pondered this aspect. Although I LOVE medieval history, and appreciate the information provided by UrsulasShadow as well.

I always think of the incredible Mr. Limpit and Don Knotts when I view them, or perhaps what Dolphins would look like in Peter's Pan's lost boys MERMAID area...if there were any. All in all, it's pure FUN! I refrain from referring to anything as UGLY, as in life---it's all in the eye of the beholder.

DF99

 

[Buckalew11]

I remeber the first time we stayed on Disney property. My DH said as we drove by, "someday, I would love to stay in that resort."

We have stayed there twice now & I can tell you that they are beautiful resorts, wonderful Heavenly beds and the transportation is great. Nicest place I have ever stayed. No, it isn't as WDW themed as some but neither are most mods or Deluxes. Only the Movies and some of the POP buildings are 'disneyish" in MO. But, to each his own.

 

[Buckalew11]

I have always thought the Swan and Dolphin were beautiful, even before I stayed there. I remember my first visit to the resort in late November 1997. We were going to have dinner at Gulliver's, so we drove there from our offsite hotel in Kissimmee, and parked at the Swan. It was decorated for Christmas and it was beautiful....very elegant. We were early, so we decided to explore. We walked out the front of the Swan and across the walkway to the Dolphin. Riding the 2-story escalator up to the lobby on the 3rd floor was a WOW experience! And THEN we saw the HUGE Christmas tree in the middle of the lobby!!!! The tree was just breathtaking, and I loved the "circus-tent" look of the rotunda.

Here's a view of the Swan as the Friendship boat returns from MGM at dusk. Lovely, isn't it?

Hi NancyIL!!

That photo is beautiful! It looks "heavenly"--kinda like the beds there!! Thanks for sharing that pic. I love it!

 

[Hieatt]

Am I the only one that loves the Swan/Dolphin precisely BECAUSE they are NOT Disney-owned resorts??? I mean, they have every benefit of a "real" Disney resort (okay, I know, no Mickey soaps), but the fact that they are owned by Starwood means I can book lots of free nights and get suite upgrades using Starwood Preferred Guest points, and take advantage of great deep discounts that you never see at "real" Disney resorts (at least without having an Annual Pass). I mean, compared to Disney's frequent guest program... oh, wait, there isn't one...

I do understand some of the sentiments about the hotels being a bit too large for the area and not fitting in with the Boardwalk theme, but in their own right these are awesome resorts and are the best of both worlds in my mind. I would also have to mention the service... these hotels beat Disney at their own game when it comes to service. And when something does go wrong, you get a REAL response, not just a half hearted apology.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Well, I can't say they have EVERY benefit of a "real" Disney resort (transportation, free dining when offered[rarely], etc., but it sounds as though these resorts make up for it in value, service. I definitely want to try them when I book my next trip.

 

[justmestace]

When I go to WDW, I want DISNEY! If I simply wanted to stay in a large chain hotel, I could do that anywhere.
These two hotels don't even fall into a resort category......not when you're used to true resorts & suites like the ones we stay in when we are in Las Vegas.

I totally understand those of you who stay at the Swan & Dolphin regularly, because they are cheaper, and you can use points.....but I guess it's just a matter of where your priorities lie. I'd rather pay the money, and stay on true Disney property, where the Magic is....as opposed to a chain that leases.

 

[NancyIL]

Hi NancyIL!!

That photo is beautiful! It looks "heavenly"--kinda like the beds there!! Thanks for sharing that pic. I love it!

Hi, Brenda! I'm glad you liked that photo...it was taken from the Swan/Dolphin's website!

 

[jilljill]

on our recent trip, while staying at BWI, everytime our bus stopped, my DD's started calling it the Swan and Ugly Fish Hotel (whoever thought that was a dolphin was smoking something funny)

I heard from some people who worked on the building and they are definately not dolphins on the building, they are carp. So we now call it the carp hotel.

 

[JulyGirl]

My parents booked a trip at the Dolphin for my High School graduation present 3 years ago. At first, I was so disappointed. How could we not stay at a "Disney" resort? After we checked in, I had a different opinion. It really is a nice place and the location is awesome. The pool is one of my favorites. I'm sure I'll be staying there again sometime in the future.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

When I go to WDW, I want DISNEY! If I simply wanted to stay in a large chain hotel, I could do that anywhere.
These two hotels don't even fall into a resort category......not when you're used to true resorts & suites like the ones we stay in when we are in Las Vegas.

I totally understand those of you who stay at the Swan & Dolphin regularly, because they are cheaper, and you can use points.....but I guess it's just a matter of where your priorities lie. I'd rather pay the money, and stay on true Disney property, where the Magic is....as opposed to a chain that leases.

I'm not flaming, just curious, as I have never been to either the Swan/Dolphin resorts OR the "true resorts" of Las Vegas, but where is it that you feel the Swan/Dolphin are lacking, exactly? Disney classifies these as "deluxe", but I don't know what a resort needs to merit that rating. Do these not meet that rating? Do the Disney "deluxe" rate the designation of "true resorts & suites like the ones you stay in when you are in Las Vegas"? Just seeing if we're comparing apples and oranges here.

 

[Beca]

I agree with the OP....when the S&D are nestled between YC/BC and BW....they are too strong for the other more subtle resorts. In another setting they might me "fun", but right now (at least to me) they just look gaudy.

Maybe if they were in another place?



Beca

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Don't knock it until you try it! These are great resorts and feel as much Disney as do the other resorts.......and we are DVC owners!

I hope many of you continue to dislike them....more room for me

 

[Viki]

I'm not flaming, just curious, as I have never been to either the Swan/Dolphin resorts OR the "true resorts" of Las Vegas, but where is it that you feel the Swan/Dolphin are lacking, exactly? Disney classifies these as "deluxe", but I don't know what a resort needs to merit that rating. Do these not meet that rating? Do the Disney "deluxe" rate the designation of "true resorts & suites like the ones you stay in when you are in Las Vegas"? Just seeing if we're comparing apples and oranges here.

Yes! Yes! Please let us know the differences. I was taking my morning constitutional yesterday and kept trying to imagine what else a REAL DELUXE resort could offer? Chocolates on my pillow? Someone standing by at all times to massage my aching muscles? Pedicures in the room? Hot tubs - in the room!!!

Help! My expectation are rising and my imagination spiraling out of control. And, I'm about to take another walk!