Swan & Dolphin Pros & Cons?

[Princess Sleepy]

Looking for a place for 2 families to stay for 1-2 nights prior to our DCL cruise in December (between Christmas and New Year's ). Not planning to do any parks at this time, but that could change. We will probably do some pool time, play a little mini golf, and hit DTD. Not planning to rent a car, but will have some sort of shuttle transportation to the port on Saturday.With that in mind, would the Swan be a good choice? Trying not to pay $500/night (or more) for hotel before we leave. Would we be better off staying at an off site hotel?

 

[happy2012]

I like the positive feedback, thank you all so much!! Now one Q about the parking & resort fees. Is it $15 for both or $30?? That is per night? I just want to be clear as that will add up & we are renting a car. We had treated ourselves to SSR last year to be close to DTD. It is coming out to be around the same price, like some have said. I can do $200 w/ tax a night but I can't justify anymore then that. I will miss the magic that the WDW resorts have, but if the price is right, I know that the location will be such a treat for us!!!

 

[Robbi]

I like the positive feedback, thank you all so much!! Now one Q about the parking & resort fees. Is it $15 for both or $30?? That is per night? I just want to be clear as that will add up & we are renting a car. We had treated ourselves to SSR last year to be close to DTD. It is coming out to be around the same price, like some have said. I can do $200 w/ tax a night but I can't justify anymore then that. I will miss the magic that the WDW resorts have, but if the price is right, I know that the location will be such a treat for us!!!

It's $30 but even with the fees, you're still getting a deluxe room in an awesome location for about the same price as a Disney mod.

 

[mikegood2]

It's $30 but even with the fees, you're still getting a deluxe room in an awesome location for about the same price as a Disney mod.

And it also includes 2 free bottles of water.

 

[patty57]

Just posted this on the Swan/Dolphin thread. The All Ears Newsletter just reported that the resort fee is increasing to $17 plus tax as of April 1st.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

I really like the Dolphin, less so the Swan. No real reason, just preference and a couple of not so wonderful issues at the Swan.
But...for me the basic 'cons' would be having to pay $15 to park your car each day and having to pay for transportation to the resort from MCO if not renting a car.
I have no issue with the lack of 24/7 Disney 'magic'. I get enough of that in the parks, don't have to have it in my resort. I have no issue with not being able to charge back to my room outside the resort. I do love the food options...Picabu is a favorite!!! I like the toiletries at the Dolphin much more than WDW's!
Since I seldom have a car with me, parking isn't a big issue. And if I get a good enough rate at the Dolphin, I don't mind paying for transportation from MCO.

What kind of toiletries are there now? Is it still the Bliss soap? I haven't been in 4 years.
Thanks!

 

[GC&S]

We stayed at the Swan last year - got a decent rate through expedia with a $100food credit.

Pros - can't beat the location for the price
Decent room
beautiful pool
The Fountain has great ice cream

Cons - no Disney feel (and yes, we did notice it).
Check in took forever due to conference attendees arriving
resort fee (2 expensive bottles of water)
LONG bus ride from Downtown Disney
Lots of conferences/business people