thanks! and more help pls on swan/dolphin

[adznyfan]

got lots of great info from my last post -thanks!

having decided on swan/dolphin having never stayed at either one would like help in deciding where to stay

i would like to be close to the boat transportation and have access to the grotto pool and have a great view of epcot - room suggestions or wing in which hotel would be GREAT!

i've heard self parking is FAR away from the hotel- at our last trip to wdw we used the car almost every day - is parking difficult to get to

thanks for any and all help in advance

cindy

 

[polkadotminnie]

We just returned this morning from our first 2 night stay at the Dolphin which we won on Priceline. We are gold Starwood members. I can't say enough good things about this resort. We were upgraded to a king corner room on the 8th floor. It had windows on 2 sides and a nice balcony. (Room 8-015) These rooms had not yet been renovated; but they were clean and well decorated. The bed was not yet "heavenly", but was plenty comfortable. The view was spectacular!!!! On one side of us was the lake and Swan; on the other side was the Epcot ball and fireworks! We spent each evening in the balcony. We did self park and it was a little hike, but not too bad. I was surprised that I cared how convenient the resort was, because we usually have a car so that has never factored into where we've stayed (AKL last May). It was so nice to be able to walk to the Boardwalk and Epcot. We enjoyed the resort and pool. The Dolphin is fantastic and we will return again (not in July- too hot for me!)

 

[Jodi1980]

Does anyone have pictures of a renovated room at the Dolphin?

 

[Jodi1980]

Does anyone have pictures of a renovated room at the Dolphin?

 

[jgates]

Your distance to the boat-dock from the rear doors of each hotel is virtually identical. Inside the hotel, it may take you a minute or two longer dependent on your room location to reach the exits. For large hotels, they seem really easy to navigate inside. I prefer the Swan - that's where we stayed.

Why would I not choose the Dolphin next time? Main reason - two sets of elevators - one set for odd and one for even floors - something like that. It just bugged me. Pretty stupid reason I know but one of my quirks!

Walk to the grotto pool is longer from Swan, but very nice walk. Not very long - just further than Dolphin.

Disadvantage swan? - Tubbi's and laundry is at Dolphin. About a 5 minute walk from 12th Floor of Swan.

Also - wouldn't give up MamaT and her co-horts at the Royal Beach Club! The views from our room (1262) at Swan faced the parking area - we could look left to back of Boardwalk, see the epcot ball in the distance and to the right the MGM Ear tower etc. I enjoyed it (not the parking lot part, lol). The suites across the hall faced Dolphin and boat docks. The wings at Swan are lower and I don't know what views would entail. I think at Dolph you'd have better epcot view from the wing, but then you wouldn't see the MGM tower probably.

Parking at the Swan is very convenient. I understand not quite as good at Dolphin. We parked straight out from the ballroom area and went down that hallway to exit/enter so in the a/c & shade until we were nearly to the lot. Very quick and easy. I wouldn't bother with Valet at the Swan.