Nancy, other than being smaller, are there any other major reasons for choosing the Swan over the Dolphin? I get to tag along with my mom for a conference there next year and I can't decide where to stay. Convenience and easy access are probably the most important factors for me. Are the bus stops any closer to either resort?
I guess I am sort-of leaning more towards the Swan because it is smaller. One of my favorite resorts is POFQ because of its compact size. After spending all day walking around the parks, the last thing I want is to walk another mile to my room!
The bus to the MK and AK stops at the Swan before going to the Dolphin. As was mentioned, the Swan is closer to the Boardwalk, and I think that's a bit faster way to walk to Epcot than via the Yacht/Beach Club. Many of the rooms at the Swan have a sink inside the bathroom as well as another outside. The beds are queens at the Swan and doubles at the Dolphin. However, the Dolphin's lobby definitely has much more of a "WOW factor" - especially at holiday time!

I usually don't eat meals at the Swan/Dolphin. I don't care for Picabu at the Dolphin, although I've had good food at The Fountain, and a very nice breakfast buffet at Fresh. There's a counter in the lobby of the Swan that sells continental-type breakfast items - although I've never taken a close look.