Swan or Dolphin Resort

[angelbabycld24]

I have recieved a chance to stay at either Swan or Dolphin. I have never been to either resort. Which resort should I choose? Any feedback from past expericene at resorts?

 

[lorilori]

Hi. We've stayed at both more than once and I think the main differences are that the Swan is the smaller of the two but the main grotto pool is closer to the Dolphin (still a quick walk from the Swan though.) Also, I think the laundry facilities were downstairs at the Dolphin only. They're both wonderfully convenient to walk to Epcot or MGM. I 'think' I remember the beds being more comfortable at the Swan but both (or one) hotels were undergoing renovations maybe a year and a half to two years ago (can't remember exactly when). We had great stays at both hotels. The people were just lovely. Oh, also just remembered that perhaps because the Dolphin is so much bigger, we usually had an easier time getting a complimentary upgrade there, once to concierge and once even to a suite. Have fun deciding!

 

[angelbabycld24]

Hey, thanks I think I might go to the dolphin. However I have heard that the Dolphin Resort is like a convention center for meetings. Is this true or just a rumor?

 

[lorilori]

Hi again and yes, that's true. They do hold quite a few large conventions there. I've always seen groups of people obviously attending conventions in business suits, etc. and I remember a time or two when they closed part of the pool area for a convention-related function. But it is a very large hotel so it wasn't bothersome or anything.

 

[Connears]

Stayed at the Swan last Christmas Week on Club levle and it was wonderful. It is the smaller hotel, but we enjoyed that part. Service was wonderful. We did eat at Fresh and Dolphin Fountain and really enjoyed it. The Swan is run by The Westin and Dolphin by The Sheraton, if that makes a difference to you. We loved the Swan and wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. Don't beleive what some have said about it lacking "disney magic". It is very magical and we are DVC members who have not stayed in a non-dvc resort since we joined in 1994 and were a bit worried after some posts. The lack of disney shampoo did not change our experience at all!
Connears

 

[angelbabycld24]

Thanks a lot. I think I really needed to hear that about the Swan hotel. Because now it will be harder to make a decision. Thanks!

 

[anitad]

Our family has stayed at both resorts many times. I enjoy the Swan over the Dolphin. The resort is smaller and if you have a full room, the bathroom layout at the Swan is better. There is a second sink outside of the bathroom that comes in handy in the mornings when we are all on the same schedule. We will be at the Dolphin in July because there was no availability at the Swan for our dates.

 

[swilphil]

I prefer the Dolphin, especially in a renovated room. The Dolphin lobby is cooler, has more kid-friendly amenities, and it's a little closer to the pool. BUT this trip I'm staying at the Swan because the Dolphin wasn't available all our nights. The Swan is completely renovated, and it's right next to the Dolphin.

There was a convention going on while we were at the Dolphin last year, but you really didn't notice it. I actually think the Swan has a more "business" feel to it.