Swan or Dolphin? What's The Real Difference?

[joyful]

I just booked the Swan during Christmas/New Year's break for what I think was an amazing deal through Dreams Unlimited. I usually stay at other Disney Deluxes but the rates were ridiculous!

Is there a big difference between the Swan and the Dolphin that would make one better than the other? Rooms? Pool, etc? I just want to know if I picked the right one for us w/ 2 kids (ages 5 & 8).

Thanks!

 

[Trekker]

Dolphin has full size beds - Swan has queens.

 

[RAV]

We recently stayed at the Swan for 17 days. The Swan is smaller and not as ornate as the Dolphin. The pools are shared by both resorts. We loved staying at the Swan and enjoyed the easy access to everything offered over at the Dolphin.

 

[las3888]

I am sure it probably varies, but I get a sense that the Dolphin is a bit more kid-oriented whereas the Swan is a little more geared for adults. At least we have seen alot of kids at the Dolphin and not quite as many at the Swan. Could be because of conventions. It is a small perception, and I don't think it would make/break your trip.

Congrats on the great deal!!!

 

[Samsma]

Does the Swan have a fast food resturant like Tubbies, or do you have to go across to the Dolphin. Also, which is closer to the main pool and how about laundry facilities?

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

No the Swan does not have a fast food place in it.....but when you go out the back of the Swan you cross the walkway and enter the Dolphin on the ground floor where Tubbies is.

The laundry room is down stairs in the dolphin near Tubbies.

The Dolphin is slightly closer to the grotto pool.....not enough to matter. Each has its own lap pool right outside

 

[Samsma]

Thanks Debbie,

I have ressies at the Dolphin next summer, but was wondering about the renovations scheduled at the Dolphin and Tubbies, which will be finished at the Swan by then. Also wondering if those Heavenly beds are worth changing for.

 

[Steve P]

The Swan is half the size and more 'imtimate' and adult oriented. Slightly shorter walk to the Boardwalk, but longer to the main grotto pool.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

The thing that put us in the Swan was the Queen beds--since our littlest one will be with either DH and I or with his sisters, that was the kicker.
Plus, who will be in the room that much?
Robin M.
Poly 6/2000
BWV 6/2001
Poly 12/2001
BWV/Poly/VWL 7/2002
Swan 12/2002

 

[Samsma]

How are the Illuminations views at the Swan? Is the Swan the one closer to Epcot or is that the Dolphin. I know them when I see them, I just can't find a map.

 

[RAV]

Samsma,

We were on the Club Level and had a view of Illuminations. You asked about fast food, there is a bar in the lobby that has coffee and danish and doughnuts in the a.m.. The Splash Grill near the lap pool at the Swan is not open in the evening but has something for everyone's taste during the day. Pizza, sandwiches, kid size burgers, ice cream and very good steak sandwiches. Hope this helps.

 

[RAV]

Samsma,

We were on the Club Level and had a view of Illuminations. You asked about fast food. There is a bar in the lobby that has coffee and danish and doughnuts in the a.m.. The Splash Grill near the lap pool at the Swan is not open in the evening but has something for everyone's taste during the day; pizza, sandwiches, kid size burgers, ice cream and very good steak sandwiches. Hope this helps.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

yes there is the Splash Grill....forgot about that ate there several times too while swimming at the Swan lap pool.

I would think in order to get a good illuminations view from the Swan you would have to be on a higher floor because of the Boardwalk being between them. But I am not speaking from experience....only guessing, so I could be wrong.

Another thing to consider...the Swan has queen beds and slighlty smaller rooms whereas the Dolphin has doubles and slightly larger rooms so you get a bit more floor space. When I stayed at the Swan I stayed in a studio but our friends were in a regular room and they had a rollaway brought up and it was a little cramped.

I'm not trying to persuade you one way or the other....I still haven't decided which I prefer and I have been there 4 times

 

[tampafan]

Thanks for asking this question. We have stayed at the Swan before and really liked it, but could not book it in November so we are stayng at the Dolphin. I am a little sad to hear about the bed size , but I am still looking forward to the Dolphin. It will be nice not to have to walk to the other resort to grab snacks.