Welcome to the DIS, halld6479!
As Disneyglobegirl mentioned, none of the resorts at Disney offer unlimited fast passes. You can only hold one fast pass at a time, with the exception of busier times when your fast pass return time may be several hours later, in which case there will be a time printed right on the ticket telling you what time you can get another one.
The main advantages to staying at the Swan and Dolphin over a value include:
Location--you can walk to MGM and Epcot from the Swan and Dolphin. A boat is also available to these parks. Buses would take you to MK, AK, and DTD. At the value resorts, all transportation is via buses, and no parks are within walking distance.
Sit down restaurants--there is only a food court at the Value resorts. The Swan and Dolphin offer several sit down dining choices, and it's a short walk to the Boardwalk and the Beach Club for even more choices.
Bigger rooms with heavenly beds--The rooms at the Swan and Dolphin are bigger than the rooms at the Value resorts (and some offer balconies as well), and they feature very comfy pillowtop beds. The values have just standard hotel mattresses.
Hope that helps. Have fun planning!
Karen