Swan or Dolphin?

[LglBlonde]

Considering a trip in late Aug/early Sept - married and late 20s/early 30's. Stayed at POFQ in May 2004. Qualify for the Gov't Rate of $149, making Swan/Dolphin an attractive option.

Eopinions rates Swan higher; tripadvisor rates Dolphin higher! Opinions and advice?

 

[Kapp]

but we loved the Dolphin! Great location, wonderful renovations and incredible beds. Be sure to ask for a view Epcot for Illuminations and a balcony.

Have a great time!!!!

 

[nwdisgal]

I've stayed at both and it depends on what your preference is. The recent renovations at the Dolphin have brought it up to par with the Swan on room quality - i.e Heavenly Beds, Heavenly Shower... all the ammenities. Swan is smaller and more boutique like. I noticed less crowds there, mainly because the big events tend to happen over at the Dolphin with the conference room availability, conventions, etc.

The Dolphin is nice because is central to everything. You have Tubbis downstairs, as well as laundry facilities and boutique shopping in the Dolphin. I really think it depends on the size of the hotel you want - other than that, I really didn't notice too much of a difference...

 

[sugermouse]

Both are great hotels, Swan is smaller and more intimate. Dolphin is much larger, swan has two sinks in the room, only one at the dolphin.

 

[swilphil]

Both are great. I would stay at the one with the cheaper rate. Dolphin does have a much more impressive lobby, but the Swan is the first bus stop and it's smaller, making it easier to get around.

 

[LglBlonde]

Limited view no balcony - same rate of $149 at both.

Balcony is $204 so that makes it a little out of reach for us.

We've got ressies at Dolphin right now... hmmm....

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi LglBlonde

Don't worry both the Swan and Dolphin are really nice resorts. We stayed at the Swan in June 2003 and are trying the Dolphin this June. In my opinion the resorts are so simular that here are only minor differences. Keep your reservation at the Dolphin. Most of the restaurants are in the Dolphin as well as the laundry, acrade, car rental, camp dolphin (daycare). The Grotto pool is also closer to the Dolphin. When we went in 2003 we had our DS3 with us and we found that we were walking over to the Dolphin a lot.

Have a great trip!
A.

 

[Keokagal]

Just got back from the Dol Sunday nite. The new beds were so comfortable I went and spent $350 yest for the pillows and sheets! I slept soooooo well last nite. DH and I are returning in July. The location is worth every penny. We haven't stayed at the Swan but did a walk thru, we like the Dol better, bigger, brighter. Keep and eye out on Mousesavers.com, we got a room upgrade thru them. Join spg and you may get an upgrade. We ended up w a beautiful view. We were in the black window area. Saw fireworks and TOT fromt the room. Have fun. I have the $149 this July as a RN. Don't forget the 7 and 10 xtra fees.

 

[copper0426]

Seeing as you all seem to be in the know with the Swan and Dolphin. My question is do you get that same Disney feeling staying there as you do at all the other Disney Resorts. Really am curious as we may be staying there in June.

Thanks.

Diane

 

[AndyMcV]

...My question is do you get that same Disney feeling staying there as you do at all the other Disney Resorts....

Hi Diane

We stayed at the Contemporary in 2000 and then the Swan in 2003. Quite frankly I felt more of the Disney feel at the Swan. Loved the monorail access at the CM but there are a lot more pluses to the Swan/Dolphin. A very nice resort. The location is awesome right beside the boardwalk and Epcot with fireworks every night.

Just my $0.02
Andy

 

[MSC]

I have stayed at the Swan twice, but will be staying at the Dolphin this time because I always seemed to be running over to Tubbi's to get food or a drink. I agree with those that say the Swan feels more "boutique" like, which is odd for a hotel that size. But IMHO, along with that comes the vices of a boutique hotel, mainly it's unwillingness to cater to the budget-minded.

Just try to find a bottle of coke at the Swan at 12:00am after a long day in the parks. If you are unwilling to buy it out of your mini-bar fridge, you are out of luck unless you want to make a trip over to Tubbi's in the Dolphin. Want a quick snack? Tubbi's @ the Dolphin. Not so quick when have to walk to another hotel.

I sound like I don't like the Swan. No true. Love it. But now returning with my 3 and 5 year olds, the Dolphin is the only choice.

I think for those with families, or the budget-minded (like you), the Dolphin is the place to stay.

 

[Keokagal]

Absolutely feel the Disney Magic! I spent 3 nites at AKL and 4 at Dol. Felt the magic all around. More so at the Dol as we were walking distance to Epcot and MGM, Boardwalk, Beach/Yaght (sp?!).

 

[copper0426]

Thanks to everyone who replied about the Disney feeling at the S/D We have been coming to Disney for the past 14 years, 3 to 4 times a year and always stay on property. Just recently stayed at Beach Club and loved the short walk to Epcot. We have stayed mostly at Dix Lan I know I know POR just don't like to call it that. Stayed WL, POP, AKL, all the All Stars (will never stay at any of those All Stars again) BW. I just want to enjoy the Magic AGAIN. Especially since this will be for DS 9th Bday.

Thanks again.

Diane