Tell me about Swan or Dolphin!

[lfeikert]

OK--My DH says I'm obsessed these days and he's probably right

I finally got the go ahead to plan our first family trip to WDW in March. We'll be there for Easter--crowded, I know, but I'm a teacher so I think it's better than going in the heat of summer.

Our absolute dream trip would be to do Poly LVC, but the price-- We could probably swing it, but we could use that money for a lot of other things, too!

Today I noticed the Swan and Dolphin have their 2008 rates out so I started fiddling. It would be less especially with my teacher discount, but still Deluxe.

How much as far as ease of transportation, dining, etc, would we be giving up by staying here instead of Poly? Our reasons for choosing Poly was the monorail, the concierge views, and the theme.

We are a family of four--me, DH, DD6 and DS3 so we'll be spending alot of time at MK.

HELP!! I just want us to have a great trip and not think about the "what-ifs" while we are there!

TIA!

 

[DisneyFans4]

As you can see from my signature I'm a big Swan fan. Once I made my first visit it's where we always go .

S/D do not participate with ME or the DDP and you can't make purchases off their grounds and have them charged to your card. You can make purchases between the S/D and have it charged to your room. You have access to Disney transportation, EMH and package delivery which to me are the main things.

Location, location, location!!! Everything is there...YC, BC, BW to enjoy. You can walk or take the boat to Epcot and MGM. I truly feel I'm in Disney when I stay there. I always have a beautiful view of Spaceship Earth on our stays and watch Illuminations from the balcony.

I prefer the Swan as it's a smaller hotel and it has double queen beds. With the discounts they offer for a deluxe hotel it can't be beat

 

[legalsea]

We just returned from a stay at the Swan (in early May). Loved it. Great location, etc. We had stayed at the Boardwalk the previous year, and noticed that the Swan (and Dolphin) were literally next door. The rate at the Swan was more attractive than the Boardwalk rate. I say: go for it.

 

[CamColt]

In my opinion, the location, transportation options, and dining options are just some of the plusses to staying at the Swan or Dolphin.

I have enjoyed quite a few stays at both now.

 

[soccerEAGLE09]

How much as far as ease of transportation, dining, etc, would we be giving up by staying here instead of Poly? Our reasons for choosing Poly was the monorail, the concierge views, and the theme.

We are a family of four--me, DH, DD6 and DS3 so we'll be spending alot of time at MK.

HELP!! I just want us to have a great trip and not think about the "what-ifs" while we are there!

TIA!

Hello! I think I may be able to help you out! I stayed at the Swan back in 2004. I do know that they have made a good amount of updates and improvements. As far as transportation, The S/D, Beach Club/Yacht Club, and Boardwalk all share a boat that takes you to MGM-Studios and Epcot. Which is really niceee. They also have walking trails to both parks. And ofcourse, the bus systems which they share wth other resorts. We are staying at the Poly next week, and I know one of the reasons we chose that was beause of the monorail system. And the easy access to the MK Resorts and MK's restuarants. While staying at the Swan, I felt that it didn't share the same disney "feeling". My advice would be..if the Poly is really what you are dreaming of to go for it. The theme is beautiful and the closeness to everything is nice. Plus, I do believe you said you would be spending the majority of your time at MK. Just my opinion though. Have a magicial Disney day!

 

[lfeikert]

Just talked with DH and we're kind of leaning toward the Swan/Dolphin (the next big issue will be which one!!))

Three questions (that I can think of right now )

What do you do for transportation from the airport since you can't use Magic Express? Is there a complimentary shuttle or something?

How much will we miss by not being able to get the dining plan? Will the money saved on the room be worth it in the end since we'll be paying for all our meals?

Which one is better for kids? Dolphin looks like it has a better pool

TIA

 

[DisneyFans4]

The S/D both share the grotto pool.

Not having the dining plan doesn't bother me because I don't want to commit myself to eating on Disney property everyday. We also visits friends and do Universal and SeaWorld. Since we are AP holders we have the DDE card which is perfect for us.

I make arrangements with the Swan for my airport service. There are also very good car services available.

I prefer the Swan as it is a smaller and more intimate hotel and I need the double queen beds which the Dolphin does not have.

 

[swilphil]

Does the Swan still charge a "resort fee"? We aren't interested in using the health club, using internet or getting a paper, but I know they used to still have a $10 fee.

Also how much is parking?

 

[DisneyFans4]

Does the Swan still charge a "resort fee"? We aren't interested in using the health club, using internet or getting a paper, but I know they used to still have a $10 fee.

Also how much is parking?

They got rid of the resort fee last year. I'm not sure on the parking fee, I think $7.00 a day but don't quote me on that.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We have stayed at the Swan, Dolphin and the Polynesian is our favorite. Easter is a very busy time of year and we have done that twice. If you have the money you might want to consider just a regular Polynesian Garden View room if you have your heart set on that. Its the cheapest room they have. We like the Swan better since its more compact and a less of walk back to your room after your long day in the parks. Also the Swan beds are bigger more like a queen versus the double size of the Dolphin. Also the Swan is the lst bus stop so you are more likely sitting than standing. Yes you cant get the dining plan. We dont care because we do not enjoy stuffing ourselves silly. We have 2 teens and its usually 1 good meal a day. We handle the transportation with Berkley Edwards Transportation. He also stops at the Hess Mini Mart for us and we stock up on soda. While the Dolphin might be a little closer to the pool and restraunts you have to decide what is better for your needs. The Dolphin is a little more kid friendlier in my opinion. The boat transportation is equally in the middle. If you are going to spend a great deal of time in the MK you might want to think of the Poly. Best of luck deciding.

 

[Colleen27]

Just talked with DH and we're kind of leaning toward the Swan/Dolphin (the next big issue will be which one!!))

Three questions (that I can think of right now )

What do you do for transportation from the airport since you can't use Magic Express? Is there a complimentary shuttle or something?

How much will we miss by not being able to get the dining plan? Will the money saved on the room be worth it in the end since we'll be paying for all our meals?

Which one is better for kids? Dolphin looks like it has a better pool

We haven't stayed there yet, but I thought I'd toss in my two cents since we were looking at the same choices and decided on the Dolphin.

For airport transportation, you can arrange for a shuttle or towncar service for around $100. We've looked at several companies and found that many offer a grocery stop as part of the service, which eliminates the grocery deliver that we usually arrange when we're staying at a Disney property.

As for missing the dining plan, it really depends on how you eat. However, between the roughly $130/night difference in the room rate and the $100/night that the dining plan costs for a family of 4, you have an awful lot to spend on food before it negates the savings!

The Swan & Dolphin share facilities, so the pool isn't any help in deciding between them.

We are booked at the Dolphin for our upcoming trip, and the only way that will change is if an AP rate comes out for our dates that makes a Disney deluxe comparable in price to the AAA rate we've got at the Dolphin. Even then, I'm not 100% sure we'd switch. The pool at the S/D looks better to me than most of the deluxe pools, a 24 hour quick service is great for my night-owl family, we like not being tied to eating at DDP participating restaurants, and I love heavenly beds!

 

[DisneyFans4]

The pool at the S/D looks better to me than most of the deluxe pools, a 24 hour quick service is great for my night-owl family, we like not being tied to eating at DDP participating restaurants, and I love heavenly beds!

I love the grotto pool because it is so big! I spend alot of time under that waterfall. If it gets too loud then you always have the quiet pool which I've gone to alot which is also very nice and the Splash Grill is right next to it so you can grab something quick and they have tables there.

Since we are AP holders we have the DDE card which is great for a family of 4! I prefer it to the dining plan since I don't want to commit myself to eating on Disney property everyday.