Swan/Dolphin or Shades of Green?

[GervaisCouple]

Hi,

We are starting to plan for a 2015 extended family vacation - there will be three families with a total of 10 people. My parents are sponsoring the trip and my dad is retired military, so we have the option to stay at Shades of Green (SoG).

In doing a bit of research, we have found similar rates between SoG and a Costco deal at Swan/Dolphin - does anyone have any experience and able to comment on which resort you would choose over the other?

I know it is possible to go even cheaper on a military rate at a value resort, but we are interested in a more deluxe experience. We are looking for a nice, clean, resort with an upscale feel (which these resorts seem to offer from the online pictures - but I know these can be deceiving...) and a great Disney experience (convenience to the parks, etc.). TripAdvisor had quite a few comments stating that the Swan/Dolphin are showing their age...

Welcome any thoughts/tips from you fabulous Disers! Thanks!

 

[magicaddict]

While I've never stayed at SOG, I've stayed at both Swan and Dolphin. If prices are similar I'd definitely go S/D as they are not only more Deluxe, but the location can't be beat. You're only a boat ride away from Epcot and the Studios which can be a walk if you really wanted to. The pool is also phenomenal and there's just so much more going on food and entertainment wise.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[rf53]

Hi,

We are starting to plan for a 2015 extended family vacation - there will be three families with a total of 10 people. My parents are sponsoring the trip and my dad is retired military, so we have the option to stay at Shades of Green (SoG).

In doing a bit of research, we have found similar rates between SoG and a Costco deal at Swan/Dolphin - does anyone have any experience and able to comment on which resort you would choose over the other?

I know it is possible to go even cheaper on a military rate at a value resort, but we are interested in a more deluxe experience. We are looking for a nice, clean, resort with an upscale feel (which these resorts seem to offer from the online pictures - but I know these can be deceiving...) and a great Disney experience (convenience to the parks, etc.). TripAdvisor had quite a few comments stating that the Swan/Dolphin are showing their age...

Welcome any thoughts/tips from you fabulous Disers! Thanks!

As I do for every military veteran, I thank your father for his service.

Shades of Green is very nicely located near the Magic Kingdom. It is not a Disney property, and it is not themed and it does not have the feel of a Disney Resort. The bottom line is that it is pretty plain. If I was going to select a hotel for the Disney experience, SOG would not be it.

Also, remember that Swan/Dolphin are not Disney properties, and while they are nice, and definitely a step up from SOG, they do not have the full on Disney touch either.

There are several moderate resorts that may fit the bill. I like Port Orleans myself. Also take a look at the new Art of Animation standard rooms and suites. Depending on the time of year they can be had for a very nice price.

Finally, since you are a large group you may want to price some of the Villas like Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and Animal Kingdom. While they are expensive, they offer multi-room options that can be shared bringing the price way down per family.

 

[patty57]

I have never stayed at SoG...not a military family, but we do love the Swan/Dolphin. Great pool, food options, and love that Epcot resorts location!

 

[SA mom]

We love Swan/Dolphin. We use the Starwoods American Express to accumulate points and will enjoy our next WDW vacation with free lodging in July. Swan/Dolphin also has very good military rates so you might want to check with them directly to see what they will offer you.

 

[jcjen519]

My grandfather was retired navy and we stayed at sog once about 10 years ago so keep in mind things could be different and of course this is only our experience. We have been back to purchase tickets at different times though and have not seen anything that would encourage us to go back. I would never describe it as upscale and would never stay there again. we actually left early.

we had two connecting rooms with 4 people in our party. the rooms are large. I don't know how they compare to the monorail resort rooms but I would guess they are at least as large but probably larger then the rooms at any of those resorts. We were in the older part of the resort. The rooms that we stayed in had not been well cleaned and we all felt they needed to be upgraded. We found an open food bag in one room. I don't recall all the little details anymore but no one felt clean in any of the rooms. we switched 2x before just figuring it wasn't going to get any better. (I am pretty sure that between the 4 of us there we could count on one hand the number of times any of us has switched a room at a hotel)

There were a lot of bugs and plants etc in the pool and hot tub. it was excessive as though it was not being maintained IMO. the hot tub was cold/broken which i realize could happen anywhere. broken chairs at the pool.

the restaurant was awful. the bus service was really bad compared to the disney buses which I don't believe to be all that great either and prefer not to use.

I could go on but, we just really didn't like it so IMO I would stay at swan/dolphin if the choice were between sog or swan/dolphin.

I will also add that disney has nice military discounts. I believe its 40% on at least some dates for some if not all deluxes. I would price out some of the disney resorts and see what options I had. I think you can also add the dining plan w/o buying tickets through disney and then of course you can get great deals on tickets too.

 

[ptisme]

We are a military family and have stayed at SOG every time we have gone to Disney except the times my husband was on active duty (and the government was paying for his hotel room!)

We found the rooms very large. The resort has undergone a renovation recently and most of the rooms have been renovated as well as most of the public spaces including one of the pools. It does not have the "Disney" theme feel to it but it is a quiet, lovely resort.

Our only complaint is the food! Not the best. Breakfast is usually ok but anything else besides the Starbucks cart and the snack area by the buses is not consistent. Some have reported ok food and some have reported not good at all. We have not eaten dinner there since 2010 so can't comment on food quality recently. We usually eat at the parks.

We will definitely be going back!

We have never stayed at the Swan or the Dolphin so can't comment on those.

 

[BigBlueWho]

Active duty Navy here, so I will weigh in; I have never stood at the S&D. I have stood @ SoG a few times. I have enjoyed the experience, but I have never ever been a fan of the food there. Our last stay was in 2011, and there were a few things we thought needing renovation, and from what i understand alot of it was...we had booked for this June, but switched over to POFQ.

 

[thisismyusername]

I just stayed at the Swan less than a month ago, but have never stayed at SoG. I have stayed at all of the Disney hotels in the Epcot circle, as well.

We had a really nice stay. The room was clean and well maintained, and I found the accommodations to be what I expected for the price. I give the Swan huge bonus points for having the most comfortable beds anywhere on Disney property, too. The Heavenly beds really are heavenly.

The hotel is in wonderful location (I'm definitely an Epcot circle lover), and the restaurants are among the best on property with plenty of other restaurant options available at the Boardwalk/Yacht/Beach Club resorts and Epcot's World Showcase all a short walk/boat ride away.

I preferred the Swan over the Dolphin due to the smaller size of the hotel and the queen sized beds.

While I don't think I'd choose to stay at the Swan again over a Disney deluxe hotel (only really due to lack of Disney perks and the conference-rather-than-resort type aesthetic of the hotel), I would definitely pick it again if my choice was Swan over Disney moderate or value hotel.

 

[brookewalker]

sorry i am jumping on a thread...how do i create a new post...i cant find a link?

 

[abolanwoski]

SOG used to be the Disney Golf Resort, a deluxe property. All the rooms are the same with the exception of 6 suites. The standard rooms are 400 sq ft - the largest of all Disney standard rooms, slightly larger than those at Grand Floridian. They are nicely appointed (flat screen tv, refrig) and all have balconies or patios. They are on a rotating refurb schedule and the "old" section is the most recently updated. They opened a new pool in the fall and are currently starting the re-do of the other pool. The price cannot be beat anywhere on Disney property, including S&D except at the values in low season. Price at SOG tops out at 131 per night, no taxes, no resort fees. I have stayed at BC, GF and BLT and while all were very nice, SOG was just as nice and I couldn't justify the extra money.

S&D will be MUCH smaller rooms, I believe double beds instead of queen. None of the Deluxe resorts have the cartoony "Disney feel" that the values have (not a bad thing IMHO!)

Obviously, I love SOG, been going there for years, feel its a good value, nice rooms, serene environment, respectful guests, etc. I will quickly concede that the food choices there universally SUCK. This is of no consequence for me since we eat breakfast in the room and most meals in the parks or other resorts, but if that matters to you then you won't be happy at SOG most likely.

Check out the SOG thread in the resorts section for everything you could ever want to know, plus some.

 

[Gillyrose779]

We just stayed at the Boardwalk this last Sept. which is right next to the Swan and Dolphin. Although I have never been to SoG I would highly recommend the Swan and Dolphin- The distance to Epcot and HS is amazing- it really is like you are on a Disney resort. You can also walk over and check out the Boardwalk which has fantastic restaraunts and entertainment.

 

[SABeasley98]

My father in law is a retired army colonel so we have stayed at SOG multiple times as well as several Disney properties. We have not stayed at S/D so I can't help much with that comparison. We did stay at the Beach Club though which is next to the S/D. We have also stayed at GF, POFQ, Poly & Contmporary. I think the decision comes down to what is most important to you on your trip. I have decided that the hotel doesn't mean that much to me & I would rather spend my money on other parts of the trip. For that reason we usually stay at SOG now. My kids are 6 & 2 so we spend a lot of time at MK. Being able to walk from SOG to Poly to jump on the monorail has been very helpful for us. If you are traveling with mainly adults & older kids then the S/D location near Epcot may be better for you. As others have posted there is a boat from there to Hollywood Studios. Convenient but not a great way to get to the park if you are in a hurry-it is a slow ride. The other thing to consider is whether SOG or S/D will have access to FAstpass+ in advance like the Disney resorts. As of now, I don't think SOG has that available but idk about S/D. Good luck with your decision & planning. It will be a great trip no matter where you end up staying!

 

[mguilford1]

Thank your Dad for his service! I would rent DVC points for a deluxe villa. It will cost a lot less than going thru Disney. I get email recipes from Swan and Dolphin and if you belong to that "club" you get 50% off rack rates. It was still a lot less to rent DVC points. At least you can save a lot on military tickets! Have fun!

 

[GervaisCouple]

Thanks everyone for your feedback!

I think in the end S/D and SoG will all be nice...location may be the bigger factor...based on one site I found, it seems like S/D may offer easier access to all parks.

I did quickly glance at the DVC Villas option...I don't think the pricing is benefiting us and I'm not sure that is the best configuration for our group, but I appreciate the suggestion!

Please continue to share any tips you have!

 

[madelyn]

We stayed at SOG in 2000 with our extended family group of 11 members. We were in 2 regular rooms and a suite. The rooms and the suite were HUGE! My sister and brother slept in the living room of the suite which had I believe a sofa sleeper and full size Murphy bed. My parents slept in the bedroom that had a king bed. The bathroom was also huge and had a jacuzzi tub. There was also a wet bar area with a small fridge but no microwave. My husband and I stayed in a regular room with our son (who was a toddler at the time) and my sister stayed in another regular room with her husband and two grade school aged sons. Our stay was long ago so I don't know how things have changed. I do remember walking over to the Poly and using their monorail on days we were planning to go to the Magic Kingdom. I guess it is considered a Magic Kingdom area resort? I have only stayed at the Grand Floridian and Bay Lake Towers in that area. I stayed at the Dolphin a few years after that. Loved the location but nothing else was that memorable. We had two regular rooms but they actually checked someone else into one of our rooms after we had already checked in so they moved us into a suite connected to a regular room. The suite was in need of a rehab. The furnishings were tattered and the sofa sleeper was missing a mattress! Maybe that was the only room available to move us to! I hate that the Dolphin adds on a resort fee and charges for parking. But the location can't be beat. Guess it depends on the type of vacation you want to have. If you will be going to the parks daily and won't be spending much time in the rooms, then the Dolphin/Swan might be a good choice. If you won't be spending all your time in the parks and you like to relax on your vacations and might be spending more time in the rooms, try SOG. If you are able to get a suite, the living area there will be great for family gatherings. You can also rent points to stay in DVC resorts, either directly from an owner or through a brokerage site. Staying in a DVC this way will not give you daily housekeeping services unless you pay an additional fee. We have stayed in a combination of a 2 bedroom villa plus a studio for our extended family group of 13 at the AKL Kidani villas. The full kitchen allowed for some meals to be eaten in the villa which saved some money. And the living room allowed my parents (who only went to the parks one or two times) to play with the grandkids before and after the rest of us went to the parks.