Swan or Dolphin for family with 2 young boys?

[daisylou]

Hi,
I am currently 34 weeks pregnant with my second son. I am planning the new baby's first trip to Disney World for December of 2006. I would love to take advantage of the nurse discounts available for the Swan or Dolphin. I've never been inside either hotel. Is there a clear favorite for a family with young children? In December my oldest will be 32 months and the baby will be 9-10 months (depending on if I go early). Oldest DS loves to swim, so the pool is a consideration. I know both offer boat or walking transportation to Epcot and MGM, but is one hotel closer or more conveniant?
Thanks for all the help! I can't wait to take my oldest son to see "Mickey and Doofy," as he calls them.
Molly

 

[tjmw2727]

We love them both but with kids I prefer the Dolphin. The Dolphin has more to offer for kids IMHO esp the Soda Fountain restaurant and Tubbies. Tubbies is a 24 hour full service "buffeteria" a cafeteria style food court, with sundries as well. They are pretty much equal to the boats and parks, Dolphin is on the side with the YCBC and Swan is over by the Boardwalk. The pool area is wonderful, the grotto pool has a slide and waterfalls. When my girls were younger they loved the spring pool as it was warmer and shallower than the main pool. Both resorts share the pool and have a quick serve bar area with drinks and sandwiches.

If you can get the nurse discount I would definately recommending trying either resort. A balcony is a nice feature esp if you can get the kids to bed and enjoy some of the evening with your dh on the balcony watching "the world" go by.

Pop over the the resorts board here at the dis for more info on the S&D especially the FAQ, lots of great informaton.

TJ

 

[las3888]

We always thought the Swan was a little more 'adult'. They don't have the bustling lobby like the Dolphin and while both hotels have conventioners, the Swan just seemed to have more...maybe I'm wrong. I guess I remember seeing alot more families at the Dolphin than Swan. I would go with the Dolphin if you can, but I thought the amenities at both hotels were pretty accessible whether you stayed at the Swan or Dolphin.

Good luck and congrats on your new boy!

 

[daisylou]

Thanks for the help. I appreciate it! Looks like it will be the Dolphin for us, I want to move fast and take advantage of the current discounts.