Swan Vs. Dolphin

[copper68]

I just planned a spontaneous trip for 4 days in April. Our favorite location to stay is in the Epcot area, and we usually rent DVC points and stay at the BW. However, this trip is over a weekend, so the points thing is out.

DW is a nurse and I am a Gov't employee, so the next option is a discounted room at the Swan or Dolphin. We have stayed at the Swan many times and absolutely love the place. I checked the rates for the dates we will be there, Swan = 219, Dolphin = 199. Leaning towards the Dolphin to save the 80 bucks, but we have walked through there before and it seems so big and crowded compared to the Swan. Also, the rooms at the Dolphin only have 2 double beds, whereas the Swan has the 2 queens.

I guess what I am asking is for someone to sell me on staying at the Dolphin. Anyone out there that has stayed at both and can help me out a bit?

 

[disnut8]

I've never stayed at the Dolphin but have stayed at the Swan a few times. The reason I haven't stayed at the Dolphin is for the exact reasons you mentioned.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We stayed at the Swan last year and this year we are trying out the Dolphin. I have heard many that have stayed at both say the beds at the Dolphin are not that much smaller. We like a more vibrant high energy resort, that is why we are trying the Dolphin and also because it is a bit closer to the main pool and has the laundry facilities. The 24 hour cafeteria is also located in the Dolphin. We really enjoyed the Swan, but because of the above reasons, am expecting to love the Dolphin even more!

 

[MickeyNicki]

We have stayed at both and prefer the Swan because it is quieter and less crowded. Too many conventioners at the Dolphin

 

[diskids2]

I just stayed at the Dolphin...never the Swan....I love the Dolphin....I'd go for the saving of the $80 and give it a try....its a short trip.....and so many people love it.....just one thing though.....Dolphin is the last drop off on the bus....if you use them.

 

[Ronald Duck]

We stayed at the Swan last year and this year we are trying out the Dolphin.

Same here...for $20 less x 5 = $100 saved, my wife and I can squeeze out an extra nice dinner!

 

[magicaddict]

OP, you didn't mention whether it was just you and your wife or if you had kiddos along but if it's just the two of you why not request a king room?

 

[kapoof]

we got back fro the dolphin last week and we visited the swan a few times. the swan is smaller as mentioned and alot less busy. it also had this really nice smell like a spa like smell in the lobby that i noticed. the dolphin was nice too, with more traffic and more shops. the location is great for either one! have a great trip.

 

[dacky041208]

I just planned a spontaneous trip

how can you plan a spontaneous trip?

I know I know, most people have their Disney trips booked a year ahead of time, so just a few weeks away definitely does qualify, I just laughed when I read the first line of your post. Hope you have a great time!

 

[copper68]

well to answer a few posts...

yes we will have kids with us...(4 and 1)...so the 4 yr old will crash in a bed with one of us and the little one will sleep in a crib...I guess I am just a creature of habit and know the Swan better since we have stayed there 5-6 times...I dunno what to do...

And yes this was a spontaneous trip...lol...we usually go down 2-3 times a year and were down in Nov for the food and wine fest...after that trip we said we were going to take ayear off...well we can see how long that lasted...

Anyways, DW was at work last night (she's a nurse), and I was bored and started looking up airfare and hotel rates...and voila...here we are...heading back down in 3 weeks...lol...

It's spontaneous but not as much as I was 2 years ago when she got home from working a midnight shift, slept till 3pm and woke up to me saying we had to go to Disney that night...she said I as crazy, but we flipped a coin and I won...lol...I booked the flight right then and we were down there by 11pm...

ahhhhh the good old days...

 

[webray]

We have always stayed at the Dolphin. We love it. If we can't get a king bed, then hubby and I just use both beds, lol. More work for the maid but what the heck. Rooms are just as great. Staff is fantastic.

 

[sherry8253]

If one is cheaper I go with the cheaper of the two. If the price is the same, I always pick the Dolphin. More restaurant choices, refillable mugs, etc.

 

[bballmom56]

Ah, from my neck of the woods - about 5 miles away!

We have stayed at the Swan twice and loved it because of the size. The Dolphin just seems too big and we read stories about people walking thru halls forever, just to get to their room! I called the Swan and asked about the $20 difference in price and was told it was because the Swan rooms had been remodeled and upgraded (I thought they both had been). We don't go that often, so I think if I were making a reservation today, I would probably go with the Swan. At that point another $100 for 5 nights wouldn't break me. I was hoping we would get there this year, but it's not looking like it - too many other life-necessity expenses!

Go and have a blast wherever you stay! That would be so cool to decide on a few hours notice that you are going that night!

 

[restful urchin]

HI,
I've stayed at both although the Dolphin was a while ago. For me, I can't say that there was much of a difference. Both are very nice. Yeah the Swan is smaller.. but when you're in your room they aren't that much different.
Have a great trip!

 

[diskids2]

It's spontaneous but not as much as I was 2 years ago when she got home from working a midnight shift, slept till 3pm and woke up to me saying we had to go to Disney that night...she said I as crazy, but we flipped a coin and I won...lol...I booked the flight right then and we were down there by 11pm...

ahhhhh the good old days...

OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG that is so cool

 

[sbrotherton]

I would go with the Swan. We have stayed at the Dolphin several times but we had relatives at the Swan during those trips. As said before, the rooms and beds are larger and it is easier to get around. The Dolphin is so large that the walks to and from the lobby, the pool, and the bus stops are killers for little ones, not to mention the parents who carry and push them!