Swan or Dolphin? Help... are they the same?

[SuzanneMcC]

I just changed my plane reservations from Easter week, to the first week in April. The Unofficial Guide Book scared me with their crowd predictions. ANYWAY.... I was booked at the Swan before, but am curious what people's thoughts are regarding the differences between the two... I am with my DS who is 5 yo. THanks......... can't WAIT!!!!!

 

[disneyagain]

We've stayed at both. The Dolphin Christmas 2003 (2 adults (my sister and i) and 5 kids, aged 8-15) and last December at the Swan (2 adults (DH and I) and our 2 kids, aged 9, 11). The kids and I liked the Dolphin better, even though it was bigger, it was nice to have the food places right in the same bldg. The kids like to explore up to the top floors at the Dolphin, and actually watched the fireworks over the magic kindom one night. The Dolphin seemed more kid friendly to us. THe rooms were both similar, we did have a balcony at the dolphin, the beds were awsome! We don't spend much time in the hotel while we're at WDW. We did enjoy both hotels.

 

[swilphil]

They are both great. You can't go wrong with either. Though the Dolphin has some amenities that the Swan lacks, I did find it actually took less time to walk to Tubbi's, the Dolphin Fountain, and the grotto pool from our room at the Swan than it did from our East Wing room at the Dolphin.

I do think the Dolphin lobby is much more impressive though, if that is important to you. It took a lot less time to get out of the hotel itself at the Swan, and the bus picks up there first, so you don't have to worry about not getting a seat.

 

[dmen]

My perception of differences:

Swan-better for self parking
Dolphin-closer to Grotto pool
Swan-smaller, more intimate, more adult-feel
Dolphin-better lobby
Dolphin-more food choices; Tubbi's 24 hrs.; Swan doesn't have 24 hrs.
Swan-bigger beds
Dolphin-bigger rooms; two sinks

I think for adult trips, go to the Swan. With children, I think the Dolphin is the better choice.

 

[Mouseteacher]

The Swan has two sinks. One in the bathroom and one outside.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I love them both and have enjoyed my numerous stays at both.