Hi, I've stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin a few times (I posted a review on TripAdvisor a few weeks ago of my stay at the Dolphin earlier this year). While I'm fairly sure there won't be any NBA players there when you go in October 2021, none of us (even Disney execs at this point) know how long all the restrictions, limitations, etc. will stay in effect.
I really enjoy these properties overall. You're just steps away from the Boardwalk area, you have a ferry in front of the hotel that goes to the Boardwalk resorts, Epcot and DHS. If you're up for it you can walk to Epcot or DHS. Buses go to MK and AK, water parks and Disney Springs. The amenities (except in the lobby areas) and most common areas and rooms are frankly dated and do need renovations. The pools, playgrounds, beach areas, etc. are all nice but again are a bit dates. There are multiple high quality (but expensive) restaurants in both hotels, and a few coffee shops and things like that. The Dolphin has a budget, 24-hour cafeteria style restaurant that is affordable too. There is also the character breakfast there on the weekends that's lots of fun for the kids. In the pre-Covid world you get Fast Passes 60 days in advance too if you put your reservation # in the DIsney system. They also used to send in-park purchases to the Swan gift shop, but my understanding is that they stopped they service for the post-Covid opening situation next month.
A lot of the guests at these hotels are there for Conventions, so in the common spaces you won't get as much of a "Disney" vibe as you would at most other Disney hotels. Many of us prefer that but some don't like that and get annoyed seeing people in suits talking business everywhere.
If you travel a bit a good thing about staying in these hotels is that they're owned by Marriott so you get or can use their rewards points. While it's true that you don't get Magical Express, consider how much cheaper it is and/or how much nicer it is compared to "Disney" hotels that cost the same price per night. Uber/Lyft is about $25-30 each way to/from MCO if you want to factor that in, but remember that if you book a ride you get a trip nonstop from the curbside to your hotel minutes after you request the ride as opposed to waiting at MCO for your bus, waiting for other guests at other resorts to be dropped off, etc.
If the Disney transportation amenities stay as limited as they are set to be next month, the pools and bars are closed, etc., the parks have all the restrictions, closures, etc., I frankly wouldn't recommend the Swan or Dolphin (for me honestly I don't plan to go until it's back to the way it was earlier this year). In that case you might as well stay off property (where you can get so much more bang for your buck so to speak) and be in either a much cheaper hotel or something much fancier/newer for the same price. Your time frame is so far out that, as long as you book a refundable reservation, I wouldn't worry. Assuming things are more or less back to normal by 10/21, if you can get a good rate I really do recommend the Swan and Dolphin. Honestly if WDW still has all these restrictions in October 2021, I really don't know that it would be viable. Feel free to message me or ask me any questions and I'm happy to give an honest/unbiased answer.
