Swan/Dolphin Compared to other resorts?

[Tigger Fans!]

Hi-
I'm considering booking at the Dolphin using the teacher's rate but they don't have all the nights I needed. So, now I'm wondering how a room at the Dolphin compares to a room in a moderate Disney resort like Port Orleans Riverside?

....and, does the Dolphin have free parking priviledges throughout the resort like other Disney properties?

Thanks for your help!
TTFN!

 

[Bill From PA]

The Dolphin compares favorably with WDW Luxury resorts. We went from PO/Riverside in 2001 to Dolphin last Nov. and we're glad we did. Yes, your Dophpin room key/card gets you into all WDW parking lots.

Bill From PA

 

[wendyq]

We stayed one night at the Swan last week and 7 nights at Boardwalk Inn. Although the BWI was beautiful, I preferred the Swan. I would say the Swan and Dolphin are definitely more in the deluxe category than the moderates. I love Port Orleans (Dixie Landings) but for the better location and more luxury, I'd pick the Swan or Dolphin. The ONLY difference in the Swan and BWI that I noticed was the soap! Adults will prefer the Swan brands!! My grandchildren didn't seem to pay that much attention to the Mickey soaps!

 

[jgates]

No - you'll hate it - don't go there.

Just kidding - trying to keep our special place a secret!!!!!!

It is #1 in my book!

 

[webray]

The Dolphin is definately a deluxe property with great rates...you will love it!

 

[Tigger Fans!]

So, here's my next question.....
What is the difference between the Swan an Dolphin? The reservation agent said the bed at the Swan, although a Queen bed, is 1" bigger. What other differences?
Thanks for your input!
TTFN!

 

[pooh2001]

SWAN is best for people without kids.
DOLPHIN best for people with kids.

Dolphin has the game room, laundry, Tubbies with pizza and
refillable mugs, and the Dolphin fountain with ice cream treats.

Both are close to the ppol and boat transportation.
There is a covered walkway between the 2 hotels.

The SWAN now has all heavenly beds.
The DOLPHIN is still under renovations.
I think the Dolphin will be doen by Spring 2004.
Call the hotel directly and ask. 407-934-4000

We love the Dolphin with our kids - no drink hassles with the
refillable mugs, game room next to laundry, walk to EPCOT,
boat to MGM, great water fall and 'rock' slide at the pool,
good bus service to MK & AK, and great coffee in the main lobby (per my DH).


enjoy

 

[Mouseteacher]

I agree with jgates - you'll hate the S/D resorts! Don't go.
(just protecting us S/D lovers and our best kept secret)

 

[swilphil]

The deciding factor for us was the Dolphin Teacher Rate was a little bit less--$129 vs. $144. The Dolphin actually has a little bit bigger room at that rate, but the Swan has a sink/vanity inside the bathroom as well as outside. The Dolphin has a sink/vanity just outside the bathroom as well as a sit down vanity next to the closet. I would try to get a renovated room at the Dolphin or definitely get an area that's far away from the renovations.

I like the lobby at the Dolphin much better than the one at the Swan. It has more of a "magical" feeling to it.

You will enjoy either one.

 

[PamNC]

I'm excited to read this thread. We're YC/BC die-hard fans BUT with the lack of good room only/AP rates, we're going to the Swan over Labor Day for the $99 rate. I'm optimistically skeptical but the more I read, the more excited I am. We've tried other deluxes, WL, CR and GF and always miss YC/BC. So, we've vowed to stay noplace else. But, who can pass up $99?

PamNC

 

[wendyq]

We paid over $200 for Swan concierge and found the concierge did not suit our time schedule nor our Atkins diet!

I don't think you'll regret taking the $99 rate. We actually felt more "pampered" at the Swan than we did at the Boardwalk Inn. Disney resorts are grand but there was very little "magic" going on in the Boardwalk Inn last week.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[nuts4sn00py]

I'm with you PamNC. I love BC but couldn't afford to stay there this trip. We were actually going to stay offsite in a Vacation home (there are 9 of us in total). Than I saw the AP rate thru the end of the year & decided to try the Swan/Dolphin. We will be in Disney from 12/27-1/3. So we got 5 nites @the $139 rate & 2 @$199 rate, but also have the free upgrade to Lake view. We all love the Boardwalk area, my DH & I love Jellyrolls! My brother & sil have only stayed @FW, so this will be great for them too! I so can't wait, my DH & I ate @Shula's this past May to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary, maybe will go back to celebrate New Years! Look out Swan, here we come! Kathy

 

[KJA]

Have stayed at both Boardwalk (villas) and Swan and the Swan wins hands down. The teacher's rate can't be beat and the location is great. You can walk to BW, but also get away from it all at the Swan. The beds are fabulous at the Swan.

 

[swilphil]

PamNC--If I had a AP, I'd be at the Swan/Dolphin the week after Labor Day too, even though we were there in July. At $99/night you just can't pass it up.

For those planning to go anyway, imagine what you can do with the extra money you'll save by staying there instead of BC. I don't know if they have special rates on some of their suites, but at the Dolphin they have a jr. suite with two rooms and a King suite that's round with two balconies and a great view.