Swan & Dolphin questions

[PartyOf5]

Thanks to the DIS boards, I am booked for the Dolphin for next year using the government discount available. Now that I've done that, I have a ton of questions! Can someone please help me out?

1) I'm booked at the Dolphin (because it was cheaper) and now I'm wondering what the difference is between the two. Is one better than the other?

2) What exactly will I get with a "standard" view? I'm debating upgrading my room choice - is it worth it?

3) I'm assuming these are "sister" resorts - so does that mean I can use the pool at either? Do both have a themed pool with waterslide?

4) Tell me about laundry facilities - are there more than 2 washers/dryers available?

5) How is the self-parking? Fairly close?

6) Are refrigerators in the room? If not, can one be requested as you can in the other Disney resorts? What is the cost?

7) It looks like you can rent a Swan boat - are these paddle boats or motor boats? Approx. how much to rent? Any water mice in the area available for rental?

8) Is there a food-court type eatery for quick meals?

9) Is Disney transporation available? If so, does it run about the same as the other resorts? If I decide to drive to the parks, would I have to pay for parking?

That's it for now! Thanks so much in advance for all your replies!

 

[RhondaS]

I'll tackle a few of your questions.

1. The Dolphin's lobby area is much more elaborate and this property has the quick eating options as well as the laundry facilities. The Swan's lobby area is more sedate and in rooms with 2 beds, the Swan's are queens while the Dolphin has oversized double beds. The Dolphin also has many more rooms than the Swan. Either is a wonderful choice.

3. The resorts have a few smaller pools and one large Grotto Pool that does have a slide and waterfall. Guest of either the Swan or Dolphin are welcome to use any of the pools and hot tubs. They are very nice and many people say that the Grotto pool is second only to the Stormalong Bay pool at the Yacht & Beach Club.

4. The laundry facilities are located at the Dolphin and there are several washers and dryers.

5. Self parking is not too far at all. If you've got some tired family members, you can always drive though and drop them off at the front door before parking the car.

8. There are 2 "fast food" places at the Dolphin (none at the Swan). Tubbi's has cafeteria style meals and burgers. The soda fountain has burgers and ice cream. YUM

9. The Swan and Dolphin use/shares the exact same transportation as all of the Disney EPCOT area hotels. Busses to/from the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Boats to MGM and Epcot. You are also within walking distance to MGM and Epcot.

 

[Poohlovr]

1) I'm booked at the Dolphin (because it was cheaper) and now I'm wondering what the difference is between the two. Is one better than the other?

The Dolphin is cheaper (right now) because the Swan has been totally renovated and the Dolphin is still undergoing renovations.
There is a different "feel" to the 2 resorts, but, I can't say that one is "better" than the other.
The Dolphin does have more conveniences (24 hr buffateria, laundry, arcade)


2) What exactly will I get with a "standard" view? I'm debating upgrading my room choice - is it worth it?

Standard could be just about anything. There are so many rooms at the Dolphin that there are many views.

The staff is very generous about giving upgrades at check-in (I suggest you join the Starwoods Preferred Guest program at www.SPG.com --might help, can't hurt)

3) I'm assuming these are "sister" resorts - so does that mean I can use the pool at either? Do both have a themed pool with waterslide?

There are multiple pools--each "wing" (as the seperate buildings are called) has a lap pool. They share the Grotto--3 acres of lush vegetation, with the main pool (which has a water slide and a huge waterfall), the spring pool, and the kiddie pool. There are also 4 hot tubs in the area of the grotto, in addition to the one at the Swan

4) Tell me about laundry facilities - are there more than 2 washers/dryers available?

The laundry is in the Dolphin. Seems like there are 8 or 10 washers and dryers. I never counted, but, there are several.

5) How is the self-parking? Fairly close?

There are areas that are fairly close, and some areas are quite a hike. It's a big parking lot. No worse than at the Disney owned resorts

6) Are refrigerators in the room? If not, can one be requested as you can in the other Disney resorts? What is the cost?

You can rent a fridge. Not sure of the cost. If you call, they will tell you. ( I always take my collapsible cooler)

7) It looks like you can rent a Swan boat - are these paddle boats or motor boats? Approx. how much to rent? Any water mice in the area available for rental?

Paddle boats. Again, I'm not sure of the cost. You are a short walk( or boat ride) from the Boardwalk Marina where you can rent water mice.

8) Is there a food-court type eatery for quick meals?

There is Tubbis, which is a 24 hr cafeteria type place. They have everything from pizza to lunch plates. Also, a small grocery area.
There's also the Dolphin Fountain, which is a favorite of my kids. We have to eat there every trip...and get ice cream.

9) Is Disney transporation available? If so, does it run about the same as the other resorts? If I decide to drive to the parks, would I have to pay for parking?

The hotel is served by Disney transportation. The bus to MK and AK is sometimes shared with BWI, YC and BC. Sometimes just BWV, sometimes just YC/BC, sometimes no sharing.
Coming out of Magic Kingdom, the SD bus is at the first stop.
Boats to Epcot and MGM are shared by all Epcot area resorts.
SD guests get free parking at all parks, same as Disney resorts.
Also, Early Surprise Mornings and E-Nights.
And, you can have packages sent back to your resort from the parks.
There is a Disney ticket desk in the lobby.
And a little known fact--SD concierge services will help you get your PS's.

Hope this helps. You've made a great choice.

 

[Bimmy56]

I'll get you started, but for detailed info, be sure to check out the excellent Swan/Dolphin thread at the very top of the resort page.
WDW Resort FAQ and Information Threads


1. Each has it's own advantages. The Swan has already been renovated, and the new "heavenly beds" are to die for. Once you sleep in one you'll be spoiled forever. The Dolphin is in the process of renovating. I believe they are about 1/3 done, and expect to be completed this spring. The Dolphin is big and bustling, and the Swan smaller and more subdued.

2. A "standard " view is a mixed bag, depending on your luck. At the Dolphin it could be anywhere from a view of the convention center roof to a somewhat less desirable balcony room overlooking the water. We have had both.

3. Both hotels share the pool/playground area.

6. Last year we requested the fridge in the room emptied for a flat $25 one time fee and used that (although it was none too cold) I believe that you can rent a fridge for about $25 a day.

7. Water mice are available next door at the Yacht and Beach club. I think the Swan boats are paddle boats, but I've never rented one.

8. The Dolphin has no food court, but a very nice buffeteria called Tubbies, which most kids love, and also a very nice soda fountain. the Swan only has fancier sit - down restaurants.

9. Boats leave from the Swan/Dolphin dock to Epcot and MGM. Busses take you everywhere else. You can also walk to Epcot and MGM.

 

[Poohlovr]

Looks like several of us were typing at the same time!

 

[PartyOf5]

Boy, with everything I've learned on this board in the past 24 hours about Swan&Dolphin I'm beginning to wonder why I haven't stayed there before!

And thanks for the tip on signing up for Starwood Preferred Guest Program...I think I may just do that!

Thanks again!

 

[#1hockeymom]

You're going to love your choice! Have a lovely vacation!
Debbie

 

[Kapp]

as to why the Dolphin is currently cheaper right now...their rates will not go up completely until all of it is renovated (as the Swan did). We are going in a little over a month and can't wait!