Swan vs Dolphin

[mickey+minnie91]

They seem so similar, is there anything better or different between them? How do you choose?

 

[OKW Lover]

Swan has nicer beds. Its smaller than the Dolphin as well.

 

[Marthasor]

Swan rooms have queen beds, Dolphin has double beds. If you need a king, you can go with either. We like both, but make our decision based on what type of beds we need on any given trip and the total price. Otherwise, they share amenities, so you can always walk back and forth to access the pools, restaurants, etc.

 

[ucf_knight]

They seem so similar, is there anything better or different between them? How do you choose?

I choose which ever is cheaper. They are one in the same to me.

 

[happymommy]

The Swan is technically a Westin while the Dolphin is Sheraton, so the Swan was always considered a slightly higher level hotel. They’re both decent hotels.

 

[cgattis]

The Swan is technically a Westin while the Dolphin is Sheraton, so the Swan was always considered a slightly higher level hotel. They’re both decent hotels.

They’re both Marriott now, luckily for me

 

[Julie Amber]

I would choose based on who has better rates. lol

 

[AquaDame]

From the floorplan it also seems the Swan's rooms have two sinks, one is outside the actual bathroom, whereas the Dolphin only has one.

 

[lvthemouse]

Do they still offer discounts for teachers?

 

[Dave006]

Yes Teachers receive a discount and you can also access the list of offers directly from the Swan & Dolphin: https://swandolphin.com/offers/index.html

Dave

 

[Dug720]

Do they still offer discounts for teachers?

"Discounts" is a very loose term. I've often found better rates at Disney hotels than their so-called "teacher discount".

 

[DizneyFamof4]

Don't forget to add in the resort fee and parking fee if you have a vehicle. Since we drive, this adds about $60 more per night.

 

[closetmickey]

Swan is just a tad closer to HS if you exit via the front entrance.

 

[piccolopat]

We like the Swan better. In addition to the beds being nicer and closer to HS and BW, the hotel is smaller and so it is easier and quicker to get around. DD stayed at the Dolphin last year when we were at the Swan and it took a long time to get to her room due to the size of the hotel. The room was nice enough but the Swan's are a bit bigger and better appointed. There are some nice restaurants at both but the quick serve option is better at the Dolphin. Unless price was much better at the Dolphin, we would stay with the Swan.

 

[loves to dive]

Others have pretty much summed it up. The Swan does seem a tad nicer to me but I go with whichever one is less. The bigger pool is on the Dolphin side but it is shared by both. Most of the food options are also in the Dolphin side so if you want less steps, that would be a good pick. Swan is smaller so feels a little like a convention hotel.

 

[maxiesmom]

I like both, but will stay at the Swan if the cost is the same. I like how the Swan is smaller, and it is much easier to find your way around. I also like the larger bathrooms the Swan has.

 

[cutigerlady]

We really like the little market/food options at the Dolphin for getting a quick breakfast (although, I haven't been at Swan since they redid their coffee shop area), as well as we like the lobby bar there better. If you think you are wanting to use the feature pool, it is closer to the Dolphin. We have stayed at both and I usually end up at the one that is cheaper.

 

[wammers2003]

The secret to the Dolphin/Swan is Marriot points. If you have a Marriott Visa or get one (free 50,000-100,000 sign up points, depending on the special they are running), you can literally generate enough points in a year or so to completely pay for your room. Both hotels are 'WDW resorts' and will get you early FastPass selection (when that returns), free WDW bus to parks, in hotel WDW service center, character meals and more. You can also walk to Epcot/Boardwalk or Hollywood Studios or use the WDW boat system. We have used Marriott points for 9 trips to WDW, most 3-4 days. It's truly an incredible opportunity for your family.

 

[Denise W]

Swan/Dolphin no longer use WDW busses. They use their own (Mears) which means MK guests get dropped off at the TCC, rather than the MK bus stop.
Denise

 

[wammers2003]

Swan/Dolphin no longer use WDW busses. They use their own (Mears) which means MK guests get dropped off at the TCC, rather than the MK bus stop.
Denise

Wow! Thanks for that update.