Swan /Dolphin questions.

[trola2]

Ok...I tried reading the Sw/Dolph thread, but when I realized there were 146 pages on the CURRENT thread, I decided just to start a post with my questions.

I've never really read much about the S/D because I never thought I'd be staying there, but I'm thinking this might be a nice treat for my family... Our trip is up in the air right now...my mom is terminally ill and everything will depend on how she is doing at that time.

First, If you have stayed at BOTH, which do you prefer and why?

Do both have the "heavenly beds?"

Can you tell me about the free child care when you eat at Shula's, and is it also offered for BlueZoo?

What is a typical discount (Fl Res/ or AP rate) in mid november (not thanksgiving!)

How is the best way to make a reservation?

What is the cancellation policy...is it 5 days out like Disney resorts?

edited to add:
IF you are going from the "back gate" of Epcot, do you have to go all the way around to get to the PSB breakfast and does that gate open early?

If you are booked for tours at Epcot that meet at the front at 8:30, what is the best way to get there?

Is there anything else you can think of that will help me in my decision making process?

Thank you so much with the help with these questions!
~~Beth

 

[swilphil]

I have stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin. You really can't go wrong with either one. I love them both. The Dolphin has a much more impressive, Disneylike lobby, but the Swan is smaller and easier to get around. I felt like I walked less at the Swan getting to amenities, even when I had to walk over to the Dolphin for Tubbi's and the grotto pool. Dolphin does have a few more kid-friendly features: grotto pool is closer, Tubbi's and Dolphin Fountain restaurants, and an arcade. The Swan is a little more of an quiet atmosphere, but still fun and kids feel welcomed.

They both do have heavenly beds. The Dolphin is almost done with renovation. I was told in June by Dreams Unlimited that they were 80 percent done with renovating rooms, so for a bit longer there will be a few rooms at the Dolphin that don't have heavenly beds yet. From recent posts, I gathered that the Dolphin was closing off entire hallways to finish so it doesn't sound like you would be given a non-renovated room.

I didn't eat at the Shula's or BlueZoo (I think both are at the Dolphin by the way). I did hear that Shula's had the free child care. If it's at the Dolphin Camp, the child must be potty trained.

I would make a reservation through the Swan/Dolphin directly or through dreamsunlimitedtravel.com. The cancellation policy directly through S/D is 5 days, and through DU it's 7 days. You pay 1 night deposit, and you will get everything back if you cancel 5 or 7 days out.

The location by Epcot and MGM is wonderful. All the benefits of staying at a deluxe like BC/YC or BWI at a much better price. I don't know about the AP or FL rates. Last year they may have had a $99/AP rate. I'm sure someone else can answer that. Post any more questions you have. The S/D threads seem to be more for socializing.