Swan or Dolphin?

[kermit116]

Which would you choose for a weekend trip during F&W. We've never stayed at either the Swan or Dolphin (only Disney-owned hotels).

 

[cjsm&d]

Since you didn't say, I'm gonna assume this an adult trip. In that case I prefer the Swan. It is smaller and the main areas are less hectic.

Dolphin is extremely nice as well, with more of a family feel.

Though if you wanna take me I'd be very happy at Dolphin too!

 

[RachelTori]

I voted Swan, but I agree with cjsm&d -- you will be happy with either!

Swan is smaller and quieter; Dolphin has the potential for more WOW! views, but also has the chance for the infamous dumpster view!! (which is why I wouldn't book a "standard" view at Dolphin.)

I personally prefer Dolphin, but I am very happy at the Swan too!

 

[TaraPA]

Swan is smaller and quieter; Dolphin has the potential for more WOW! views, but also has the chance for the infamous dumpster view!! (which is why I wouldn't book a "standard" view at Dolphin.)

Hey hey now...I think that's MY infamous dumpster view you're referring to!!

For an adult trip I'd choose Swan, like everyone said its smaller & more intimate. Dolphin is larger & has more of a hustle & bustle feel. However, when we're there with the kids we choose Dolphin because the only quick service restaurant between S/D is there, as well as the only laundry facilities & arcade. Most rooms at Dolphin are closer to The Grotto Pool area as well.

Swan has queen beds, Dolphin has doubles. Swan has 2 bathroom sinks (one outside the toilet/shower area & one inside), Dolphin only has 1 bathroom sink. If that makes any difference to you!

We prefer The Dolphin but you can't go wrong with either!

 

[RachelTori]

Hey hey now...I think that's MY infamous dumpster view you're referring to!!

For an adult trip I'd choose Swan, like everyone said its smaller & more intimate. Dolphin is larger & has more of a hustle & bustle feel. However, when we're there with the kids we choose Dolphin because the only quick service restaurant between S/D is there, as well as the only laundry facilities & arcade. Most rooms at Dolphin are closer to The Grotto Pool area as well.

Swan has queen beds, Dolphin has doubles. Swan has 2 bathroom sinks (one outside the toilet/shower area & one inside), Dolphin only has 1 bathroom sink. If that makes any difference to you!

We prefer The Dolphin but you can't go wrong with either!

Yep, your view has left quite an impression (fear?!!) on me!!!

 

[TaraPA]

Yep, your view has left quite an impression (fear?!!) on me!!!

I always thought that should have been my tag "had the infamous dumpster view" LOL!!!

 

[RachelTori]

I always thought that should have been my tag "had the infamous dumpster view" LOL!!!

And you have the pictures to prove it!!

Tara, do you think we're scaring any potential Dolphin guests who are reading this thread?!

To get back on-track, I will say that the Dolphin is an amazing resort and I will be staying there in late August; again in October during the Food & Wine Classic and for a week over Christmas!

I should count up my Swan & Dolphin stays -- yes I have a list, complete with room numbers!!

 

[RachelTori]

Since December 2005: 12 stays at Dolphin and 3 stays at Swan

 

[TaraPA]

Since December 2005: 12 stays at Dolphin and 3 stays at Swan

You've got me way beat! I have 5 Dolphin stays & 2 Swan - and only 2 were dumpster views LOL!!!

In all seriousness you can get a dumpster view at any hotel/resort, including Disney. We looked out over some type of trash area at Kidani last year. So hopefully we're not scaring anyone away! I've also had the most awesome view of Spaceship Earth & The Boardwalk from The Dolphin (booked as standard with an spg status upgrade), so I'm not complaining!

 

[RachelTori]

You've got me way beat! I have 5 Dolphin stays & 2 Swan - and only 2 were dumpster views LOL!!!

In all seriousness you can get a dumpster view at any hotel/resort, including Disney. We looked out over some type of trash area at Kidani last year. So hopefully we're not scaring anyone away! I've also had the most awesome view of Spaceship Earth & The Boardwalk from The Dolphin (booked as standard with an spg status upgrade), so I'm not complaining!

Yet I voted for Swan for the OP - so go figure!!

For the location, room accommodations and cost - you really can't go wrong with either Swan OR Dolphin!

 

[kermit116]

Since you didn't say, I'm gonna assume this an adult trip. In that case I prefer the Swan. It is smaller and the main areas are less hectic.

Dolphin is extremely nice as well, with more of a family feel.

Though if you wanna take me I'd be very happy at Dolphin too!

Yes, adults only trip.

 

[ljmclin]

I have never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin, but I have often thought about it because I am a nurse and I have heard that they offer a nursing discount. I hope some of you may be able to answer a few questions for me.

Are you able to use the dining plan if you stay in these hotels? Are there any extra costs you have to pay once you check in? We usually stay at the Polynesian, but for our large family trip next year, we are thinking of trying something less expensive.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

I have never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin, but I have often thought about it because I am a nurse and I have heard that they offer a nursing discount. I hope some of you may be able to answer a few questions for me.

Are you able to use the dining plan if you stay in these hotels? Are there any extra costs you have to pay once you check in? We usually stay at the Polynesian, but for our large family trip next year, we are thinking of trying something less expensive.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

You can't use the dining plan or magical express.

 

[TaraPA]

You cannot use the DDP or ME at S/D, those are 2 negatives, if those are important to you. So you need to find alternative transportation to/from MCO is you're flying in, and not renting a car.

You CAN participate in EMH when staying there.

There is a $14/day resort fee that is not in the rates as advertised, be sure to calculate that in as well as those pesky taxes! If you have a car, you do have to pay a daily parking fee at the resort as well.

 

[disneyred]

Hey hey now...I think that's MY infamous dumpster view you're referring to!!

For an adult trip I'd choose Swan, like everyone said its smaller & more intimate. Dolphin is larger & has more of a hustle & bustle feel. However, when we're there with the kids we choose Dolphin because the only quick service restaurant between S/D is there, as well as the only laundry facilities & arcade. Most rooms at Dolphin are closer to The Grotto Pool area as well.

Swan has queen beds, Dolphin has doubles. Swan has 2 bathroom sinks (one outside the toilet/shower area & one inside), Dolphin only has 1 bathroom sink. If that makes any difference to you!

We prefer The Dolphin but you can't go wrong with either!

i thought Dolphin had 2 queens in one room... how about room for 5 (2adults and 3 teens ) .... would they have a room that would fit this size family?

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

i thought Dolphin had 2 queens in one room... how about room for 5 (2adults and 3 teens ) .... would they have a room that would fit this size family?

Swan has 2 queen beds & Dolphin has 2 doubles. Dolphin has roll away beds, for family of 5, Swan does not.

 

[TaraPA]

Only Swan has 2 queens. Dolphin is 2 doubles & can accomdate 5 with a roll-away. They have a lot of different types of suites available if you want more room for 5...you can see the layouts under accomodations at www.swandolphin.com. You need to call for suite pricing.

 

[cjsm&d]

I have never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin, but I have often thought about it because I am a nurse and I have heard that they offer a nursing discount. I hope some of you may be able to answer a few questions for me.

Are you able to use the dining plan if you stay in these hotels? Are there any extra costs you have to pay once you check in? We usually stay at the Polynesian, but for our large family trip next year, we are thinking of trying something less expensive.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

As others have said, no DDP or ME. A Mears limo to and from the airport was $50 +tip.

They charge $14 a day if you have a car to park and there is a $10 a day charge that provides two large bottles of water in your room and wifi.

But even with those, we got the nurses discount last year and our cost $179+tax and $10 charge (we never have a car) =$208 per night was still $150 a night cheaper than the average price per night at BC/YC or BWI, and you get all the benefits of being outside EPCOT and HS!

The Dolphin nurses rate was $159 ($186) per night.

You do get WDW transportation.

Right now we are looking at POR for our family trip next April (3 rooms, 9 people), but if we can't get a good discount, I'll probably use my SPG or DW's nurses discount. If the price is close, we'd take Swan/Dolphin every time.

 

[TaraPA]

They charge $14 a day if you have a car to park and there is a $10 a day charge that provides two large bottles of water in your room and wifi.

The rates went up for 2012 - its now $15/day to park & $14/day for the resort fee. Still cheaper than rack rate at mods & any deluxes!

 

[cjsm&d]

The rates went up for 2012 - its now $15/day to park & $14/day for the resort fee. Still cheaper than rack rate at mods & any deluxes!

Thanks for the update. You're right though, it is still the best deal in the "World" IMO"

We went just DW, DS, and I last itme, and I think DMIL, DSIL, DBIL, and DNiece and Nephews will love the play areas and pool!

We'll shoot for Dolphin this time.