Swan or Dolphin????

[KevinFSU]

Does it matter? Are they both basically the same? Which one do you like better and why? Are they pretty crowded?

Which one is closer to the walkway to Epcot?

For next trip, was considering the Beach Club. However, I saw Dolphin and Swan have some pretty nice rates for passholders during the time I want to go, and nothing is out yet for that time for the Disney resorts (except Visa card holders).

Your help is appreciated. Yes, I know there is a FAQ right on this very page, but I don't know if I feel like slogging through 500+ posts (and the last few pages seem to be all about cars).

 

[Kaycee]

Swan and Dolphin are both beautiful resorts, so you really can't go wrong. Here are some things to consider when choosing which one:

The Swan has 2 queen beds while the Dolphin has 2 double beds. I think they call them "oversized doubles" though, and we have a queen bed at home and honestly couldn't tell the difference.

The Dolphin has the laundry facility, the fitness room, and Tubbi's which is the 24-hour counter service where you can get mugs refilled.

The Dolphin also has Dolphin Fountain, a great place for a quick burger and excellent ice cream, as well as Blue Zoo, Shula's and Fresh - yum! The Swan has Palio and Gulliver's/Gardem Grove, but both are sit-down only. No counter service at the Swan.

The Dolphin is much bigger; the Swan is quieter and smaller.

They're both about the same distance from Epcot, just a few steps difference. The Dolphin is a little closer, but it's honestly not much of a difference.

 

[Mercy]

We've stayed at the Dolphin before and loved it. I personally think the Dolphin has more to offer. We're booked there this August.

 

[NHAnn]

The Dolphin is much larger, the lobby is huge with a domed ceiling...I still get a "WOW!" feeling when I walk into it even after several visits in the last few years. I have never stayed in the Swan (plan to next trip though!) but its public areas have a more intimate feel. As other posters have said, the 24-hour convenience of Tubbi's, a laundry and game room, and more eating options are located inside the Dolphin. That being said though, they are steps away from each other and share the Grotto pool area, and the boat dock to MGM and Epcot is right between the two.

Picture the lake as a circle (it's not but.... roughly speaking) with Epcot World Showcase entrance at the east, the Swan/Dolphin resort at the west, the Boardwalk at the south and the YC/BC at the north. We generally go out the door of the Dolphin that leads past the boat dock towards the Swan and then down the Boardwalk side of the lake to Epcot. But we could go out the side door of the Dolphindown the path along the other side of the lake past YC/BC to Epcot. Since we're talking a ten minute walk at most either way, I really don't know which is closer. Lots of options, that's the fun of that great location! Leave the Dolphin, stop at Boardwalk Bakery for breakfast, spend the day at Epcot, walk back via YC/BC and get ice cream at Beaches 'n Cream

Someone mentioned the bedding size differences, another difference is the Swan has a second sink/vanity "outside" the bathroom, nice if people are trying to get ready at the same time

Like any resort, they can be crowded if occupancy is high. Note that they are convention hotels, there may be meetings or large groups. Some people don't like this, buit it's never bothered me to see the suits on the way to their meetings as I'm heading to the parks or pool Chances are though, if you are being offered a discounted rate there's probably nothing big going on at that point.

Do you have children? Many guests with kids prefer the Dolphin due to Tubbi's the soda fountain, game room and laundry. But you really can't go wrong with either! enjoy!!

 

[jgates]

The bed size difference is supposed to be a matter of an inch or so, so for most people this will not affect you at all.

We stayed on 12th floor of Swan, yet even with my short legs, it was 5 minutes or less to Tubbi's, the pool & the laundry. Might not be so much fun in the rain, but a very easy walk.

We ran into conventioneers, but they paid no attention to us - I think they were all jealous!!!

I chose the Swan because it is smaller (if you can call a hotel that size small in any manner) - I just felt more comfy being able to get to my room so easily.