SWAN or DOLPHIN - WHICH ONE ???

[Mouse Mom]

Thinking about going to WDW. We are DVC members but have run low on points and love the BW / BC area. I am considering the Swan or Dolphin but don't know which one is better, if any. I've walked through both of them awhile ago. Seemed nice enough but don't have a lasting impression.

Also, the room rate for August was DOUBLED on the Starwood site and 1/2 on Expedia or Travelocity. Why is that? It's been awhile since I actually held a room for cash since we always use points or stay on Disney property.

Has anyone stayed in a suite? We are 5 people (myself, DH, 13 yo, 10 yo and 3 yo) - it's kinda tight in a regular room but it's only for 3 nights, then I'm going over to the BWV.

Any input would be helpful. Thanks !

 

[FINFAN]

for 5 I think you should go with the Dolphin. The beds are deluxe double vs Q so a smidge smaller, but it does give a bit more floor room, to which you can get a roll-a-way if you choose. While I have heard how nice the suites are, for 3 nights I would go with a regular room and save the $. Remember the mandatory resort fee of $10 ( plus tax). Not sure about the pricing...we just booked the Dolphin @ the SANTA rate of 122.50 per night thru 12/24, then the AAA rate for the remainder of our stay. The one thing w/Expedia etc., is the pay in full/no cancellation issues. Make sure you know all the details. Usually the S/D runs it's own specials..ot try Travelzoo.com...they usually offer a 72 hour cancellation on their rates. We really love the S/D properties...we love the WDW resorts too...not sure why the constant battle to divide the 2, they are all nice. We do like the interior corridoors of the S/D and deluxes, and you can get 20% off the non-signature restaurants if you have your AAA card as well

 

[pooh2001]

Dolphin - go for it.... Our reasons:

1) For your family of 5 - can easily fit in a Dolphin room. The Dolphin rooms are larger than the Swan. A cot or twin areo bed fits easily between the bed and the window/sliding glass door to a balcony.

2) The Dolphin is closer to the Grotto, lap and kiddie pools. Plus inside the Dolphin is the game room, laundry facility and fitness center.

3) The MK/AK bus does pick up at the Swan first, before the Dolphin, but we have always found a seat at the Dolphin bus stop. You can always walk over to the Swan in the early AM in 10 minutes.... walk over the 'bridge'...thru the Swan lobby (nice coffee bar) and then to the Swan bus stop.

4) The Dolphin rooms now have real mini refrigerators to store your water bottles and lots of draw space. There is only one sink in the bathroom, but is has lots of counter space. The toilet and shower are separated from the sink area.

5) The Dolphin is more family oriented.

 

[airhead]

Dolphin

 

[jeanylaser]

Dolphin!

 

[MickeyNicki]

We have stayed at both many times and to us they are the same room wise but I prefer the Dolphin because the lobby at the Swan has a terrible musky vanilla scent that makes me sick the minute I walk into it

 

[LMO429]

Thinking about going to WDW. We are DVC members but have run low on points and love the BW / BC area. I am considering the Swan or Dolphin but don't know which one is better, if any. I've walked through both of them awhile ago. Seemed nice enough but don't have a lasting impression.

Also, the room rate for August was DOUBLED on the Starwood site and 1/2 on Expedia or Travelocity. Why is that? It's been awhile since I actually held a room for cash since we always use points or stay on Disney property.

Has anyone stayed in a suite? We are 5 people (myself, DH, 13 yo, 10 yo and 3 yo) - it's kinda tight in a regular room but it's only for 3 nights, then I'm going over to the BWV.

Any input would be helpful. Thanks !

I am a loyal BC/BW hotel stayer. I had the opportunity to stay at the dolphin for one night in May. I was terribly disappointed in our stay there. The lobby was nice and the staff was pleasant but our room was a disgrace. It was extremely run downed. we asked to be moved and we were but were move to a room that was dated and worn as well. in addition we did not feel the disney magic there and we would never stya there again. I realize this is just one person's opinion and that many do love the dolphin/swan. however this was mine. I did hear that some of the rooms have been renovated I am not positive on this I would suggest when you check in the front desk to ask for a renovated room.

oh and the bus service was another nightmare.

 

[aurorae]

Do both the Swan and the Dolphin have convention facilities? Does one tend to have more convention traffic than the other?

 

[Karlzmom]

I'm running contrary to the trend...its all about the queen beds at the Swan! Doubles just don't cut it for us.

 

[Mouse Mom]

I think it's Dolphin based on the overall consensus -- I am also a BC/BW fan and deep down I feel like nothing compares but I like that location so I will probably go for it for the 2 days before heading over to DVC. Thanks for all the advice much appreciated.

 

[happymommy]

I don't know if it's just for the military special, but you can also get a second room for the kids for $99 I read on their website. I am pretty sure they will make sure it's connecting.

I prefer the Swan, as you will see less convention traffic, it's quieter, the beds are queen, you have two vanities vs. one, and for some reason our room was more clean there. But either way, I like them both!