Swan/Dolphin or moderate?

[lulugirl]

We have tentative plans for a Disney trip for late Sept/early Oct. We usually stay at one of the moderate resorts and loved them but I would love to try a deluxe resort for this trip.
W/ Dh's teacher's discount we could stay at the Swan or Dolphin for a very reasonable rate. We love Epcot, so proximity is a definite plus.
Any thoughts on the differences between the resorts or any other suggestions perhaps?
We would like to keep the cost per night under $200, it will be Dh and I w/ 2 children 6 & 1.

 

[Leota]

The Dolphin is my now my Favorite resort. Even tho we haven't finished our quest to stay at ever WDW resort, I think it'll be pretty rare that we stay anywhere but the Swan/Dolphin in the future. They are just such amazing resorts. If you want, you can read my recent review of the Dolphin (and AKL) here....

Dolphin Review

 

[Hieatt]

Dolphin or Swan all the way if the price is even close.

I think the primary advantage of staying on site is STAYING ON SITE! Being able to walk or take a motor launch to the Boardwalk, Epcot and MGM... you just can't beat it. And convenience is multiplied with young children...

Not to mention the fact that the Swan/Dolphin resort is awesome... great restaurants, great pool, great rooms with the best beds, and terrific service. You can't go wrong.

 

[lulugirl]

Thanks for the input!
Are the Swan and Dolphin pretty much equal as far as amenities/service? What's the difference between the two?

 

[Hieatt]

The Dolphin is much bigger, with a huge grand lobby with fountain, more restaurants (including Tubbi's, which is a very high quality cafeteria-like moderately priced place to eat), and is closer to the grotto pool. It contains the child care center and spa for both resorts. The Swan is only a few hundred yards across the way, smaller, more intimate, and easier to navigate. Rooms are nearly identical, although the Swan has Queen/Queen rooms while the Dolphin has double/double rooms (actually they are bigger than a standard double bed, but still smaller than a queen). I have only stayed at the Dolphin, not the Swan. Given you are traveling with young kids, I would stay closer to where the action is... at the Dolphin.

 

[Kimberly]

It all depends on your taste. Do you just enjoy a nice hotel with enclosed hallways (Swan/Dolphin) or a large open area resort (disney moderates)? The Swan and the Dolphin definitely have a lack of "theme" to them but they are very well designed and beautiful hotels. Being that their service is on par with or above Disney's, this might even be a better choice than the Disney deluxe resorts.

It's tough to go wrong with any hotel in Disney though! I guess that's why it's so hard to decide!

 

[KevinM]

Not only is the Dolphin a great resort, but you cannot beat the location. We walked to MGM and Epcot during our stay there this past December. I would love to go back, but the Government Employee Rate this year is much higher than in was last year (we stayed for $139.00 per night / 7 nights).

 

[Kapp]

the Dolphin as it is a great resort! Be sure to ask for a balcony and a view of Epcot. If you are not SPG members yet, go ahead and join as it is free and can help with a room upgrade.

Have a great time!

 

[Kitty 34]

I would stay at the Dolphin in a heartbeat but then I've stayed there already 3 times and am a BIG fan of the place. It's got a great pool area and children's play area that I think a 6 and 1 year old would really enjoy.

 

[katallo]

Dolphin/Swan are in the best location. We've stayed there for the past three years. This year we had a better rate at the WL. Really liked WL but missed the D/S area so much. We are hoping that the D/S offer some specials because we will definitely go back if they do. Remember that you had to add in the resort fee and parking fee.

 

[swilphil]

Another vote for the Swan/Dolphin. Allears and the DIS sometimes have Swan/Dolphin specials for Sept. that are even better than the current teacher discount. Enjoy!!

 

[#1hockeymom]

yet another vote for the Swan or Dolphin! Location, heavenly beds, the Grotto pool complex... heavenly beds!

 

[paras4ri]

We've stayed at POR and last summer at the Dolphin. This summer we will be at the Swan. I agree with everyone's reasons for choosing the Swan/Dolphin and would like to add mine. IMHO being able to walk back to your resort, especially at park-closing when hundreds are lined up for busses - is priceless.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Definitely Swan/Dolphin. Look at my history and you'll see where I've been and where I'm going again. My first stay at the Swan last summer was WONDERFUL!!!! We are Epcot fans ourselves and it's the best place to stay as far as getting there and you've got 3 ways to go, bus, walk or boat. I know when you hear walk you think distance but it really isn't and it's so scenic that you don't mind it and don't realize the time.
We had an Epcot view and outside our balcony I could see Spaceship Earth everyday and also watch the fireworks.
We loved it and we're going back and I can't wait!!!

 

[sherry8253]

I would chose the Swan or Dolphin over a moderate hands down. Both of these are great hotels!!!

 

[heyabbott]

What are the cost differences between Swan/Dolphin and the mods?

 

[DisneyFans4]

Almost the same, depending if your staying club level or not. The Swan/Dolphin offers alot of discounts so sometimes they are the better deal. If your a teacher or have AAA, you will also get a discount.

 

[cdnmom22teens]

What are the cost differences between Swan/Dolphin and the mods?

We are staying at the Swan next week. I could have booked a mod for $109 at the AP rate and I got the Swan for $139. There is also a $10/nt resort fee at the Swan. Not sure how the non-AP rates stack up against each other.

For me, the location is worth the extra $40 per night! I love Epcot!!!

 

[lulugirl]

Thanks for all the great feedback! I think we'll go w/ the Dolphin!

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi lulugirl

Hey... it sounds like you've chosen the Dolphin over the mods. IMHO that's a really good choice. We were at the Swan in June 2003 and absolutely loved it. It was DW, our DS3 and myself. This June we're travelling to the Dolphin with our now DS5 and our DD1. The reason we chose the Dolphin this time was because it's more convenient with our kids. The laundry, most restaurants, Tubbies, arcade, Camp Dolphin (daycare) are in the Dolphin. The Grotto pool is closer to the Dolphin too. Another plus with the S/D (compared to the modes) besides the location is the 2 types of transportation, either bus or boat. My son loved riding on the boats to Epcot and MGM. The CM's were dressed up like real ship captains. It was fun.

You'll have a great time.

Andy