Swan vs. Dolphin?

[Amgrease]

I'm sure there is a big debate on which is better but maybe you all could give me some ideas on the pros and cons of the Swan and Dolphin. My mother's birthday is the day before Thanksgiving and we have decided to take advantage of the $100 for a birthday night and then our AP discount for another two nights. The only problem is that we can't decide between the Swan and the Dolphin! It will be my mom, my dad, and me (16). Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Tiffany]

Hi Amgrease,

The following is why we choose the Dolphin.

1. Tubbi's the 24hour counter service place is inside of the Dolphin.

2. The health club Body By Jake is inside the Dolphin.

3. The resort is bigger therefore there is less of a chance it is sold out and more of a chance of getting an upgrade with my SPG Gold card.

 

[milo]

The Swan is smaller, about half the size, and is much quieter than the Dolphin. But that is why we like the Dolphin, it's busier and more is going on. In the rooms, the bath layout is different:at the Swan, there is an extra sink outside the bath which is convenient. Both resorts are beaufitul, and are close enough to each other to take advantage of one another's restaurants. You'll enjoy either one.

Mrs. Milo

 

[NancyIL]

Since there will be 3 in the room, I'd suggest the Swan - both for the queen beds (rather than doubles at the Dolphin) and the 2 bathroom sinks.

 

[Blondie]

It's all a matter of preference really...I thought I'd prefer the Swan over the Dolphin based on reviews I had read, and photos I had seen on the internet. I ened up liking the Dolphin better!

The Swan is more elegant, more reserved, and as previously mentioned, the smaller of the two. It's a place where a couple might go to celebrate an anniversary without the kids.

The Dolphin on the other hand is more festive. The lobby is a real eye catcher with the cute whimsical Dolphin fountain in the center! It is the larger of the two, so you may have a longer walk to your room, but with the cute carpeting in the hallways, and the walls painted with palm trees and clouds, it makes the walk a quick one!

The Dolphin has more conveniences like Tubbi's for a quick snack any time of day, and the Dolphin Fountain for an ice-cream sundae, a BLT or whatever you are hungry for!

 

[Ityldu]

In June we were switched from our beloved Dolphin to Swan b/c Dolphin was completely booked. I wasn't too disappointed b/c I always wanted to try the Swan, but never wanted to leave Dolphin.

Although the Swan was fantastic and service was the best of anywhere we experienced at Disney, we REALLY missed the Dolphin.

I hated the quietness of the Swan. I didn't feel like I was in the middle of the "magic" like I do at Dolphin. I missed seeing the shooting stars in the lobby every day. I really missed having Tubbi's right downstairs. Dolphin is also the only place with laundry facilities, so it was a bit embarrassing and a pain lugging our dirty clothes all the way over there. I'm sure it was just b/c we lucked out in the past, but every time we were at the Dolphin, we had the most spectacular views of anywhere in Disney.

We still loved the Swan and DH admitted he'd take Swan in a heartbeat over any of the Disney resorts, but if our only choices were Swan and Dolphin, we'd choose Dolphin.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I must be odd or something but the very reason I like the Swan is the reason so many don't. I like that it is quiet and classy after a long day in Mouse land. I also like it being smaller with less walking to get to my room and I like that there are more adults around than kids. (And I take my kids 2 and 9) I like that they answer the phone useing my name if I have to call down for something. It has such a wonderful location near the parks but is like a small quite island at the end of the day. Very refreshing!

 

[esmerelda51]

So for a single woman on her own who likes to de-mouse a bit in the evenings the Swan would be the better choice?

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I myself, prefer the Swan just because it is smaller and quieter.
I do NOT have any children, and I am "middle aged" ( 49 ).
I chose The Swan last year for a solo trip, leaving DH at home,
and I have ressies for this Dec., too. Even when I am by myself, I still prefer the 2 sinks that The Swan has.

 

[dmen]

has one or both of the resorts finished the refurbishment of their rooms yet? i heard some of them were in pretty bad shape. i have a short stay booked at the dolphin for my husband and me but was considering changing to the swan given the above comments.

 

[esmerelda51]

Thanks Claudia,

 

[NancyIL]

Originally posted by dmen
has one or both of the resorts finished the refurbishment of their rooms yet? i heard some of them were in pretty bad shape. i have a short stay booked at the dolphin for my husband and me but was considering changing to the swan given the above comments.

No - the refurbishments have not been completed. I don't think they've been started at the Dolphin yet.

 

[Amgrease]

Thanks to everyone for the help. I think we're going to go with the Swan because my parents would prefer the quieter atmosphere. And after all it's my mom's birthday.