swan and dolphin differences ~ help please my head is spinning!

[Kajunswty]

I have just started researching these hotels when I was considering upgrading our land portion of the land/sea. Anyway, I did a search this a.m. for the dolphin (just because one of my daughter's fascinated with dolphins) and read tons of threads and was pretty much set on the dolphin. Then I came across a thread that said the dolphin and swan aren't even owned by the same company?? I would have never guessed since everyone always "speaks" of them as one.

So, now I am thinking of the swan just because it is a starwood hotel. Are there any differences between the sheraton (dolphin) and the swan (starwood). Sorry if this is covered in the freq asked questions but that thread looked like more of a keep in touch kind of thread instead of??'s

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

Personally I think that one is just as great as the other! THe only difference is that right now the Dolphin is under going renovations.
You can't go wrong with either one!

 

[Kajunswty]

do you know of a website / or trip report with some good pictures??

 

[swilphil]

Relax--either way you will have fun!! The Swan and Dolphin are both Starwood Hotels. The Swan is a Westin and the Dolphin is a Sheraton. Westins tend to be more luxurious than most Sheratons, but I find the Dolphin to be on the same level as the Swan. Actually the lobby in the Dolphin is much more impressive than the Swan's.

We just stayed at the Dolphin. They are undergoing renovations, but if you can get a renovated room I think you will love it just as much as one of the Swan's Heavenly Bed rooms.

We stayed at the Dolphin and my in-laws stayed at the Swan, so I spent time in both hotels.

Differences between the two:

1. The Swan is more expensive, but it might depend on what type of room and when you are going. Some say that the Dolphin prices will increase when renovations are complete.

2. Dolphin standard rooms actually have a little more square footage than Swan standards. Our Dolphin room had a sink and vanity outside the bathroom, and then had a sit-down vanity area with cofee maker, etc., by the closet. The Swan standard room has a sink/vanity in the bathroom and one outside the bathroom, but no sit-down vanity.

3. The main pool area is on the Dolphin side. Although unless you're staying on the Dolphin West Wing, that may not make much difference.

4. The Dolphin has an arcade, coin laundry room, and 24 hour cafeteria/convenience shop.

5. The Dolphin is next to the Beach Club and a little closer to Epcot. The Swan is right next door to the Boardwalk.

6. The Swan is the first stop on the bus route, the Dolphin the second. We went over to the Swan to catch the bus with my in-laws. The walk was very short.

7. The Dolphin has a several hundred more rooms than the Swan.

I would definitely stay in the Dolphin again if I can get a renovated room.

 

[Kajunswty]

that is exactly what I was looking for! I may book the dolphin since it is alittle cheaper that the swan and $100's cheaper than the BC. By the time we get there (Feb) they will be that much closer to finishing the renovations. Sherri, you wouldn't happen to have pics online would ya??

 

[#1hockeymom]

I think laughingplace had a huge set of pictures of the Swan/Dolphin. Think of the Swan and Dolphin as the same hotel. You have full useage of everything at both of them. Its like walking to the foodcourt in the moderates, often closer than some of the moderates! I also liked the idea, although it only rained briefly, that there are two covered walkways between the two buildings. Right now the Swan costs more money due to it being completely renovated. There are some subtle differences in some of the suite layouts between the hotels, other people would have more information on that. If you want room layouts, go to www.swandolphin.com and hit meetings, then meeting space. Scroll towards the bottom and the layouts are there.

Debbie

 

[Michael72]

If it matters to you, the Swan has rooms with 2 queen beds rather than 2 double beds.



Michael72

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=265057

Here is the Swan/Dolphin FAQ thread. Very helpful.

 

[jgates]

Unless beds change extremely with the remodel, they were actually only a couple of inches different before. The Dolphins doubles were larger than standard doubles from the info we were given.

You will be happy at EITHER! Each has its own advantages. We liked the 'smaller' atmosphere of the Swan and the closeness of the parking since we did self-park. It took us only minutes to get to the Dolphin to refill our mugs at Tubbis or run thru a load of laundry.

 

[Kajunswty]

thanks everyone, I change my mind with each post I read! lol

I love the rooms @ the Swan because the white looks so crisp and clean. We plan on spending alot of time at Epcot and the Dolphin is closer but it would only add a few minutes to the walk. Oh, I don't know....I hate making decisions! Let me look at the map again and see how many pick up spots each has and see if that helps me decide.

thanks everyone for all of the info and your input

edited to add:
jgates ~ I love your signature!

You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!

isn't that the truth!!