Okay, we were thinking AKL or WL for December. Now DH says what about Swan or Dolphin? We have never stayed there. Is there much of a difference between the two? Any preferences?
The Swan is smaller and more "quaint". The Dolphin is much larger, has more restaurants and a spa. Depends upon your preference. I would not complain about either one frankly, as they both have their charms and share a pool. Both offer excellent views of Epocot, and Swan can have a view of MGM & Epcot in a corner room. Both offer Heavenly beds which are...well Heavenly. (and no I don't work for either the Swan or the Dolphin although they should pay me!) If you belong or join Starwoods program, you can also earns points and take advantage of earlier check in and or late check out. The transportation is (especially to Epc & MGM) great. You could even walk if you feel like a little exerciize. (Its about 3/4 mile) If you are like me, when you have stayed there, you may ask yourself,"why have we never stayed here before?" Considering the price, amenities and location, IMO it's one of the best deals at WDW. Enjoy your stay!
I agree. Loved the Dolphin last year when we stayed there. We really liked being able to walk to EPCOT and Studios. We went during Star Wars weekends and spent a lot of time at Studios so it was very convenient for us. We'd stay there again in a heartbeat.
We have stayed at both. We do prefer the Swan because of its compactness and less walking to the room after a long day in the park. We also like it better since its the lst bus stop and if both resorts are crowded, then you generally will be sitting instead of standing on the bus. Last time our room at the Dolphin had a good view of the epcot fireworks from our balcony. If you are going at christmas which we go in dec. when the decorations are up, note that at least this past year the Swans decorations were about non existent. The Dolphin had much better decorations. A massive tree in the lobby, tree lighting at night, piano player in lobby, I think it was a train display going around and lots of pointsettas if I remember. The swan had like 1 little lame tree or a wreath, they do have a little village set up near the garden grove. They also have a list of christmas time activities. I think they have like local choirs come in to sing christmas carols on the week end or something like that. I cant remember all the details. THey did have a huge list of all the holiday activities.
For Dec I would stay at the WL...the decor is worth it. If you are set on the Swan/Dolphin, we have stayed on both, then I pick Swan because it is very quiet.
