Swan or Dolphin or POR

[blarsenut]

Ok...I know there are a few posts about this...but I couldn't find the right information.

My Wife and I are going to WDW in June 2003.

After doing a LOT of research on the different resorts, I decided POR would be the best for us, I really liked the theme, etc, and I thought some of the deluxe resorts might be too expensive (although the AKL and WL seemed more reasonable if we could have gone in August, but that wasn't possible).

Anyhow...reading these post I discovered the Teacher Rate for the Swan/Dolphin...woo hoo!!

Since the Swan/Dolphin is in a MUCH better location (in my opinion) than the POR, we are considering staying there, but I'm torn between which one.

The Dolphin has Chubbies: We probably won't eat there very often, maybe breakfasts, can I get something to go there and take it back to my room?

The Dolphin has the Laundry Room: We probably won't use this on our stay.

The Dolphin has the better lobby.

Is their a smaller exercise room at the Swan? Or is the only one available at the Dolphin?

Which one is closer to the pool?

Which one is closer to MGM and Epcot? How far?

Which one is best for the buses? The boats?

Most importantly... Which one has better "Standard View" room...and which one is more likely to upgrade you to a better room on arrival?

Thanks.

 

[jwfla422]

Wow BOB a lot of questions! Let's see if can answer some for you.

We've stayed at all 3 resorts and our favorites are definitely the S/D, the DOLPHIN just a little more than the Swan.

POR is nice but we stayed there after staying at the deluxes all of the time and I felt a bit disappointed (and spoiled from staying at the deluxes), felt like we were away from everything.

The DOLPHIN has TUbbies (CHubbies he he he)-a great place for a quick bite for any meal or snack, you can easily bring food to your room from there. They also sell refillable mugs.

As far as lobbies go, that all depends on how long you intend to hang out there as to how important it really is

Both S/D have lap pools right next to each hotel then an enormous (cool) grotto pool between although it is closer to the Dolphin.

If you take the boat to MGM/EPCOT, they are the same distance because the S/D share the boat dock there. If you walk it's close to the same too, although the Swan is a little closer to MGM.

Buses are about the same, but if it's a real busy time I'd walk over to the Swan to pick up an MK bus because the Dolphin bus stops sometimes get crowded (that you'd have to wait for the next bus) and the bus picks up at the Swan first.

As far as standard rooms go I think they're pretty equal. They both have similar views although the parking lot view at the Swan can see MGM higher up. You probably have the same chance of an upgrade at either depending on the the occupancy level. The Swan is smaller and tends to sell out more, so you may have more luck at the Dolphin, plus there are 4 wings with balconies at every other room there as opposed to 2 wings.

With either resort you can't go wrong. I could be wrong but I believe both resorts have work out rooms too.

I'd go for S/D though over POR because you're right in the middle of the magic in a deluxe resort. I know there are mixed opinions about these hotels but if you can get a special rate, go for the try at the S/D...you just might like it!!

The Dolphin is our favorite!!

 

[jwfla422]

Look under the S/D FAQ which is located in the 3rd thread from the top of this board, "Are you looking for your favorite resort FAQ thread"...that should give you lots of info.