Swan vs. Dolphin

[Mitla96]

Hi-We are going to WDW from Feb 14-18-I can get either Swan or Dolphin at the nurse's rate (129/night). Any information on differences would be greatly appreciated. All I know so far is that the Swan has queen beds and the Dolphin has doubles-that weights us towards the Swan.

Thanks, Janet in Michigan

Off Site 90
POR 2000

 

[jgates]

Welcome, Janet.

If the search function was working you would be able to find loads on this topic!

However,

The Dolphin is considerably larger (which makes the Swan my hotel of choice). I find the Swan 'cozier' - if you can call any hotels that size 'cozy'!!! I just find the Dolphin more intimidating.

The Dolphin has Tubbi's for 24 hour food availability & also the laundry facilities if you need them. We, however, could arrive at either of these in 5 minutes from our room on 12th floor @ Swan - we could probably make it quicker than some of the people at the other end of the Dolphin!

The pool is off to the side between the two pretty much - probably closer to Dolphin. The lap pool is closer to the Swan.

Kids seem to like the Dolphin better because of the atmosphere in the lobby etc. But my DD loved the Swan.

If you have a rental car, I believe parking at Swan is probably closer to the building. We went down the elevator on the convention end and walked out past the convention rooms and were at our vehicle in minutes - we never used valet parking.

Both are equal distance to the Friendship Boat launch. Just a few steps further from Dolphin to the Boardwalk - Swan is slightly closer to that.

We picked the Swan for bed size mostly also! My DS is a little over 6 feet so I felt he would be more comfy there.

Really - you can't go wrong with either facility! Some of the Swan rooms are already renovated if you wanted to take a chance and ask for a renovated room you might get to experience one!

 

[SwanDolphin]

Over 500 rooms done now, and even more before your arrival as still in process.

Very good overall description by JGates...

Historically I prefered Dolphin, but the Heavenly beds as part of the redesign are great. Hope that you enjoy...

 

[jgates]

Hi SwanDolphin! They said you were posting again!!

Off topic, we aren't going to make the Sheraton in Chicago but thank you for the info. We ended up at ?Corporate Quarters or Club Quarters or something like that with a rate from a bank affiliation for $99 a nite. I couldn't beat that rate and its only a block or so from the Hyatt where the conference is.

I would much rather have been at the Sheraton...........but when the boss is paying!!!!!! You get the picture!

Jen

 

[leahgmac]

We stayed at the Swan in July we went over to the Dolphin a few times (short walk) while they had some good shops and eats I would always pick the Swan 1) The resort is smaller so the staff always seemed to know us. 2) I thought the Transportation was good. 3) The bigger beds. 4) The second sink out of the bathroom area. Our room was the best ! You will find so many opinions on this it will make you second guess yourself 100 times (I did) finally I made my choice but then I stopped reading anything I found written about my choice there will always be bad things written about every resort. Have Fun!

 

[Mitla96]

Thanks Leahgmac, the reasons you posted were the reasons I chose the Swan over the Dolphin also. I AM beginning to get excited now.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I stayed at the Dolphin last August and thoroughly enjoyed the resort. I had no choice since the teacher rate availability at the time was only at the Dolphin. Next time, I hope to stay at the Swan for the following reason: queen beds. Other than that it really doesn't matter - both resorts are terrific.

 

[dreamflight99]

JMOHO! I love the Swan as well, and visit the resort on occasions (MAMA T), to shop in the nifty gift shop...or just sit in the lounge (Also Palo's and Kimono's).

I'm a creature of habit...and since we initially sojourned at the Dolphin~it's been my #1 since. We do spread the wealth (and stay at other Dis props/Cruises for a spell), but not enough to dampen my annual residency at the Dolphin! LOL.

It is...without a doubt...the best resort property, with the best views, amenities, accomodations, staff/associates...on DISNEY PROPERTY! ENJOY!!

** AWESOME POST, JEN!**

 

[Mackey Mouse]

JMO.. I prefer the Swan as it is smaller..less chance of getting confused after a night at Karaoke I did stay in one of the newly renovated rooms and it was lovely.. beds were very comfortable..

My only thought is this.. one room we had and we had three as we had family with us, only had a sink in the bathroom which was a hindrance when trying to get ready for the day.. I would make sure you have a room with the sink outside the bathroom as well, it just makes life easier...

 

[Lynn K]

Janet,

I just extended my trip to add 2 nights at the Swan--got that great government rate--for 2/14-2/16.
I like the Swan better for many of the previously sited reasons. Those heavenly beds are truly heavenly.
Enjoy!

 

[Mitla96]

Dear Lynn,

Maybe we will see you there! We are flying out of Detroit. I'm okay with the hotel now, now I'm obsessing about the PS dinner arrangements...
Janet

 

[Lynn K]

Janet,

I connect in Detroit from Flint! The cold here is making me crazy--I
can't wait for the Florida sunshine.

There are so many great restaurants just in the Epcot resort area. Isn't it a great problem to have--what restaurants to choose? I enjoy Cape May, Flying Fish, Beaches and Cream, Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Enjoy.

Lynn K

 

[Eyesnur]

For the apparant intimacy reasons as posted earlier we do prefer the Swan. But with that said, I think you have a much better chance at getting an upgrade at the much larger Dolphin. so which is best...I guess they both are!