Swan or Dolphin?

[osugal]

Those who have stayed at both - do you have a preference?

 

[Couchy]

I like both of them for different reasons


Swan:
smaller
quieter
a little closer to the Boardwalk


Dolphin:
closer to the pools and Cabana Bar area
Picabu
lobby bar


Both are fine with me.... I usually book whatever one has a better rate at that time

 

[el_tigre]

I prefer the Swan. It is a little smaller, a little more elegant and rooms have two queens (while the Dolphin has two doubles). I lean even stronger to the Swan when it's just DW and I.

When we bring the kids, we usually end up at the Dolphin, as a larger percentage of the amenities the resorts share are located in that building. It has the Fountain and Picabu's and is a bit closer to the grotto pool. The Dolphin is also usually just slightly less expensive so I am often just settling for that side unless its a special occasion.

 

[osugal]

Thanks - can you walk anywhere from the Swan or Dolphin. Such as other resorts or any of the parks? They look absolutely beautiful! Are they pretty family friendly? They look pretty upscale.

 

[el_tigre]

They are certainly family friendly, but you can tell they are convention hotels. I do also think the Dolphin is more family friendly with a bigger and more action packed lobby in addition to more amenities in that building.

I'd say the two properties are as upscale as the average Disney deluxe resort.

In terms of location advantages, they are the same as the BC, YC and BW. You can easily walk to those three resorts plus to Epcot and HS (plus there is a boat if your feet get tired ).

 

[TaraPA]

If the kids are along, we prefer Dolphin since it has the only laundry, arcade & quick service restaraunts out of both properties. It is also closer to The Grotto Pool. If it's just adults, then whichever is cheaper (usually Dolphin anyway).

Swan has 2 queens and 2 sinks in the room, that is the main differernce over rooms at The Dolphin. Both rooms are the same size. Overall Swan is a smaller resort, and has a more intimate feel. Dolphin is larger & has more of a hustle & bustle atmosphere.

You can't go wrong with either. They are connected by a very short walkway, and the boats to BW, BC, YC, Epcot & DHS are located directly between them. The walk to BW, Epcot & DHS is a few hundred yards shorter when staying at Swan. The walk to YC & BC is a few hundred yards shorter when staying at Dolphin.

 

[robinbutterfly]

We have never stayed at either but we have reservations for Swan in October. I picked Swan over Dolphin mainly because of the Queen beds. It was a little more expensive, but my husband insisted he wanted the larger beds. So honestly, that is the only reason we picked Swan over Dolphin.

 

[ThumpersWorld]

We have stayed at both. The last 2 trips we stayed at the Dolphin because it was cheaper. Both hotels have our favorite "Heavenly beds." But yes, the beds at the Swan are Queen which is a definitely plus! You are going to love it...beautiful hotels in a great location!

 

[pooh2001]

Swan rooms are 340 sq ft
Dolphin rooms are 360 sq ft


We like the Dolphin -
closer to Grotto pool
has the laundry - must do for our family
room fits a twin areo bed easily - for a separate sleeping area our teen DD away from our teen DS

But the Swan bus picks up first before the Dolphin