Swan/Dolphin questions.

[RadioFanatic]

Do they use disney transportation, meaning Magical Express, but more importantly for us, the disney bus service to DCL? We contemplating spending a few days at Disney before our cruise, but those days are over thanksgiving. The best rates seem to be at Swan or Dolphin at about $150 per night.

What do they compare to? a mod? deluxe? Which is better - swan or dolphin -and why? What requests should we make?

Thanks for all of the help!

 

[clanmcculloch]

No Magical Express for those staying at Swalphin.

If you pay for DCL bus service then I don't see why you couldn't use it. It's not free for those staying at Disney resorts either.

Swalphin is considered to be a deluxe at moderate prices. Having never stayed at either all I can comment on is what I've read. I believe it's Swan that has the queen sized Heavenly beds while Dolphin had doubles.

 

[PSUGuy]

Been at both 3 times each. They're definitely a Deluxe, regardless of what you pay for them. Some prefer Swan because it's smaller and seems less crowded, Dolphin has a counter service food court, used to be called Tubbi's, it's something else now. I'd stay at either in a heartbeat, you can't beat the location, the pool and beach are great. You get the usual Disney bus transportation to the parks but no DME. Also, if you have a car, they charge for parking.

Bill From PA

 

[nutsforgolf]

So in addition to them charging for on-site parking, if you choose to drive to the parks, do you also have to pay for themepark parking? plus I believe they also charge a resort fee.....so if I found a room for $143 a night the true cost (before tax) would be $143 + $14 + $14 + $10 = $181??

 

[Princessmom2]

No, you don't have to pay for theme park parking if you stay at Swan/Dolphin.

 

[kimberh]

They charge you to park even if you just go eat. I made Dining reservations in Feb, surprise!

 

[NancyIL]

So in addition to them charging for on-site parking, if you choose to drive to the parks, do you also have to pay for themepark parking? plus I believe they also charge a resort fee.....so if I found a room for $143 a night the true cost (before tax) would be $143 + $14 + $14 + $10 = $181??

The hotel tax is 12.5% or $17.88/night. The $10 resort fee is $10.65 with 6.5% tax, and parking is $9 (unless it has gone up for resort guests) plus tax or $9.59/day. That's $143 + $17.88 + $10.65 + $9.59 = $181.12 - still less than most deluxe resorts. S/D guests don't pay to park at theme parks.

I have stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin a number of times, and my preference is for the Swan. Picabu is the 24-hour cafeteria in the Dolphin that used to be called Tubbi's.

 

[Wendy Lee]

We are thinking about staying at Swan or Dolphine. You can use the Magic Kingdom buses to the parks, but have to find your own transportation from airport to resort and back to airport at end. I was thinking it would be fun to rent a Lemo to get from airport to resort. Kids would get a kick out of that. It would be something different and special. Swan/Dolphine still get early entry to parks.