Swan / Dolphin compared to:

[Jimmy Mouse]

I've stayed at the Polynesian a few times, The Contemporary many times but have thought about booking either the Swan or Dolphin. Any advantages? I do like the fact of having resort Monorail access but I also would like to try something new next year. Arriving at CR in a few days. Thanks in advance!

 

[Mississippian]

They are a different experience, not quite as "Disney" as the other onsite hotels. With the exception of first thing in the morning when you might get an express bus, the buses to the MK and AK stop at five hotels, which some people find annoying. Of course, EPCOT and Studios are walking distance, and if you don't want to walk you can take the boat. Also, the entire Boardwalk resort area is really nice with lots of dining choices.

The biggest advantage to Swan and Dolphin is price; they cost substantially less than any of the Disney Deluxe properties but have a Deluxe location and pretty Deluxe amenities.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I've stayed at the Polynesian a few times, The Contemporary many times but have thought about booking either the Swan or Dolphin. Any advantages? I do like the fact of having resort Monorail access but I also would like to try something new next year. Arriving at CR in a few days. Thanks in advance!

The biggest advantage to Swan/Dolphin is the location and price. You are in the EP area within walking (or boating) distance to EP and DHS, but the price is typically substantially less than staying at YC/BC and BWI. They have a wonderful swimming/recreation area and some of the best restaurants on property, IMHO. The downside is you do not get DME nor will you get 180+10 ADR's. You will be able to make FP+ 60 days prior to check-in, however. You will need to buy your tickets separately though as you can't really create a package at Swan/Dolphin. You cannot purchase DDP. We've stayed at both Swan and Dolphin (prefer the Swan as it feels less "convention"). It doesn't feel as "Disney" as the WDW resorts, but for the money we saved, it was well worth it (We once got 3 nights at Dolphin for the price of 1 at BWI). I highly recommend going directly to the Swan/Dolphin website or calling the resort directly to book as they will have the best prices. I also recommend becoming a SPG member (Starwood's loyalty program) to access better discounts.

They are a different experience, not quite as "Disney" as the other onsite hotels. With the exception of first thing in the morning when you might get an express bus, the buses to the MK and AK stop at five hotels, which some people find annoying. Of course, EPCOT and Studios are walking distance, and if you don't want to walk you can take the boat. Also, the entire Boardwalk resort area is really nice with lots of dining choices.

The biggest advantage to Swan and Dolphin is price; they cost substantially less than any of the Disney Deluxe properties but have a Deluxe location and pretty Deluxe amenities.

The Swan/Dolphin have dedicated bus service to AK and MK and do not stop at YC/BC or BWI. One other nice thing about staying at ANY EP resort is you can hop on any bus (YC/BC, BWI, Swan/Dolphin) and be able to either go directly back to your resort or get to a resort nearby and simply walk to your resort. I HATE waiting for buses, so this is a big perk in my eyes, LOL!

 

[loves to dive]

I always stay at the Epcot resorts and the last 4 trips that has been Swan/Dolphin. I prefer Swan to Dolphin since it's a little smaller yet the rooms are bigger. It feels less like a convention hotel, but both YC and BW are convention hotels as well. You will not be able to charge to your MBs and will have a room key card to carry around so there is that, but you can ship your packages back to them like you can a WDW resort. If you have a car there is a parking fee, daily which can cause the price to rise so that and the resort fee need to be factored in when comparing prices. They aren't in your face Disney but do have a few Disney touches. My only big complaint (other than the extra charges) is that there aren't guaranteed balconies like you get at the Disney deluxe resorts. I love to sit out on the balcony in the morning and drink my coffee and just watch the place wake up. I don't think Swan has balconies at all and the rooms that have them at Dolphin are an upgrade cost. I do belong to SPG and so far, it hasn't gotten me any extra perks but I also have AAA so the discount for them is the same as the SPG discount.

 

[amw]

I always stay at the Epcot resorts and the last 4 trips that has been Swan/Dolphin. I prefer Swan to Dolphin since it's a little smaller yet the rooms are bigger. It feels less like a convention hotel, but both YC and BW are convention hotels as well. You will not be able to charge to your MBs and will have a room key card to carry around so there is that, but you can ship your packages back to them like you can a WDW resort. If you have a car there is a parking fee, daily which can cause the price to rise so that and the resort fee need to be factored in when comparing prices. They aren't in your face Disney but do have a few Disney touches. My only big complaint (other than the extra charges) is that there aren't guaranteed balconies like you get at the Disney deluxe resorts. I love to sit out on the balcony in the morning and drink my coffee and just watch the place wake up. I don't think Swan has balconies at all and the rooms that have them at Dolphin are an upgrade cost. I do belong to SPG and so far, it hasn't gotten me any extra perks but I also have AAA so the discount for them is the same as the SPG discount.

The swan definitely has balconies. We stayed in one that overlooked the lake. SPG membership gives you room upgrades when available (often that balcony room) -- and you can book on points or cash/points.

Balconies are NOT guaranteed at Disney deluxe -- certainly not at Beach Club or Poly, or CR garden.

I much prefer staying at the Epcot area resorts over MK. I like that the hotels (Disney and Swan/Dolphin) are one building rather than the motel-feel of other resorts with outer buildings. Love being able to walk to two parks. Plenty of food, shopping, and entertainment options.

Just wanted to add - I prefer the Swan for its smaller size, queen beds (rather than Dolphin doubles), and generally quiet feel. The only lacking was that although they had a restaurant - most food options including the quick service option were located at the Dolphin.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Just to reiterate what others have said, there are balcony rooms at both Swan and Dolphin, but you have to actually book those rooms and they are typically more expensive than the standard rooms in the resorts. We had a balcony at Swan (we were in a larger "family" room with a king and pull-out sofa). We've also stayed in a standard room at the Dolphin with no balcony but a lovely view. For the money saved, I'm happy to forego a balcony!

 

[DJFan88]

There are many disney touches that you miss there, and you definetly realize your not at a disney hotel.
However, you can't beat the proximity for the price, and it is still very nice.
They went out of their way to make me happy after checking in about an hour later I requested a room change. I didn't realize when I booked that there are only the 3rd floor (lobby level) and the 4th floor where you can use stairs. Every other of the 16 floors requires elevator use! That was a problem for me-I will use one, but not having the other option, which is what I use more was bothering me. They gave me a great room with the same view on the 3rd floor, it was super convenient. This was the Dolphin.