swan v Dolphin ?

[magicmouse2]

Which one and why ? I am changing our ressie from POR to one of these for NYE as I want to be in EPCOT, but dont want to pay $500+ for Beach or Yacht club.

 

[TLinden16]

I've stayed at both the Swan and the Dolphin in the past year, and I really liked both of them (what's not to like about rooms with the heavenly beds?). The Dolphin has Tubbi's, so if you are going to get refillable mugs and have a quick breakfast there evey morning, the Dolphin may be a tad bit more convienent, but not that much more. I think you'd be happy at either of them.

Karen

 

[magicmouse2]

It is only for 1 night - NYE. Is either of them closer to EPCOT ?

 

[lovewdwdvc]

Not sure if the Swan or Dolphin is closer the EPCOT

but

I think that the Dolphin is closer if you walk but the boat stop seems to be right between the two of them.

Have fun.

 

[Leota]

They are really pretty equal in distance. I love them both. Dolphin holds a slight edge for convienence, esp. during swimming season. The Swan is smaller & quieter.

 

[CarolA]

Beds are actually nicer at the Swan which is officially a "Westin". They use higher quality sheets etc. then the SHearton brands. (One is Heavenly beds and the other is actually called something else that escapes me right now)

Personally I like the Swan a lot more then the Dolphin.

 

[magicmouse2]

I like the look of the SWAN so Swan it is - thanks!!!! but it is a long way to NYE I might change my mind again

 

[swilphil]

You can't go wrong with either one. The Swan is smaller, and it's easier to get in and out of. I think it is slightly (about 2 minutes) closer to Epcot if you go over the Boardwalk. Our room at the Swan was actually a quicker walk to Tubbi's than our room on the East Wing of the Dolphin. The Dolphin does have a much more impressive lobby and sometimes a lower rate.

 

[DisneyGuy]

I like the Swan - never actually stayed at the Dolpin, but as everyone has said - the Swan is smaller and quieter - which is nice.

 

[cpayne1997]

We really love the Swan it is not as big as the Dolphin so you do not have to walk as far to get to your room, front desk etc. And it is closer to the pools and such. It is however equal distance to Epcot no matter which walking route you take. Good Luck, with either one I don't think you will be disappointed!

 

[sugermouse]

Ever hear the phrase "splitting hairs"?

 

[MSC]

The difference between the two really is splitting hairs. But I'll split a few anyway.

The main pool complex (Grotto, kiddie pool, Cabana cafe) is actually closer to the Dolphin, I think. At least it's closer to the side of the Dolphin that the pools are on - as others have said, it's a hike from the far side of the Dolphin to the pools. (The Swan does have it's own separate pool and poolside cafe apart from the Grotto pool complex).

The Dolphin is physically closer to the Epcot International Gateway, but because of the sidewalks that zigzag in front of the Dolphin around the lake, it's probably faster and easier to walk across to the Swan to the bridge. Thus, for walking to Epcot, the Swan is just as close or closer. (And it's faster, and less distance, I think to walk around the BC/YC side of the lagoon than through the Boardwalk to get to Epcot.

I prefer the rooms in the Swan over the Dolphin, though I prefer the amenities of the Dolphin (Tubbi's, the Soda Fountain). I believe the beds are the same, which is a bit odd, since the Dolphin is a Sheraton. But the website mentions Heavenly Beds for the Dolphin, not Sheraton Sweet Sleepers. I usually stay at Westins, but was at the Dolphin two weeks ago, and couldn't tell the difference.