The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ September 2010 ~ Please read post #1

[NancyIL]

(Plus, I think they are horribly ugly & should have never been permitted to be built!)

Good thing I don't agree with your definition of "ugly"! To me - that's the Poly and Contemporary.

 

[P13]

You never really know. As with the buses throughout Disney World, at all the resorts, bus schedules fluctuate based on the seasons, holidays, times of the day, guest loads. I have been on the Swan bus and only the Swan, other times, the Swan and Dolphin, other times, both those plus Y&BC plus BW. In any case, even with the full loop, S/D, Y&BC, and BW, it is never more than 10-15 minutes, tops.

Oh that isn't so bad! Thanks for the info!

 

[spiral]

Hi all,

I've searched through most of these threads hoping to find some info about the cute little rental swan boats at the Swan/Dolphin resorts. Are they really paddle-propelled? They look pretty tiny. Can two fluffy women fit into them without shipping water? OR can one person ride alone? The photos I've seen make them look like the seats are separated, so one heavier person alone would severely list to one side. Do they have weight limits?

Thanks so much, planning a March 2012 visit to the Swan!

Chris

 

[SRUAlmn]

Oh that isn't so bad! Thanks for the info!

**Disclaimer - we normally go in June-July so it's very busy during the times that the below experiences happened

Yes, 10-15 minutes doesn't seem bad, but just keep in mind that often that 10-15 minutes is spent standing and squished on the bus, and (if you're going to a park) that's 10-15 minutes before you even set off toward the park (an additional 10-15 minutes.) Not saying anything against what Dan said, just trying to make sure you think of all the facts

When we stayed at BWI, we often got off at the Swan after leaving the parks (the first stop during that time) and walked over to the Boardwalk because it was just easier. When going to a park, almost every bus that came to the BWI was already packed to the gills so it was frustrating to have to choose between trying to squeeze onto the bus, or wait for the next one with no idea of when it was coming.

 

[P13]

**Disclaimer - we normally go in June-July so it's very busy during the times that the below experiences happened

Yes, 10-15 minutes doesn't seem bad, but just keep in mind that often that 10-15 minutes is spent standing and squished on the bus, and (if you're going to a park) that's 10-15 minutes before you even set off toward the park (an additional 10-15 minutes.) Not saying anything against what Dan said, just trying to make sure you think of all the facts

When we stayed at BWI, we often got off at the Swan after leaving the parks (the first stop during that time) and walked over to the Boardwalk because it was just easier. When going to a park, almost every bus that came to the BWI was already packed to the gills so it was frustrating to have to choose between trying to squeeze onto the bus, or wait for the next one with no idea of when it was coming.

Oh my, now I"m worried! I don't mind walking & know that it isn't a long walk between Swan/Dolphin...guess I will have to play it by ear? We have not been to Disney in the summer since our honeymoon (19yrs ago) ...have always taken DD in Nov & Dec when crowds were low & heat was low..I'm hoping for the best!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

....
When we stayed at BWI, we often got off at the Swan after leaving the parks (the first stop during that time) and walked over to the Boardwalk because it was just easier. When going to a park, almost every bus that came to the BWI was already packed to the gills so it was frustrating to have to choose between trying to squeeze onto the bus, or wait for the next one with no idea of when it was coming.

Another plus for S/D, they are first on the bus route.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I always stay at the S/D in late July into early August. I have only experienced a S to D to BW and sometimes no BW stop bus to the parks. I have never had YC/BC included.

At the end of Wishes, if a YC/BC/BW bus is there and the S/D bus has just left and I missed it (which happened on our last trip), I jump on those and just walk back. I feel this is better than waiting for the S/D bus and then crowds of people joining the line. The walk from the YC or BC or BW is pretty easy and at night it is not with the hot sun. I guess what I am trying to say is that the EPCOT resorts give you options when returning from a closing of a park.

 

[Mouseteacher]

When I am at the Swan, I KNOW I am at Disney.

Right there with you, Dan. The Swan is our choice. We have stayed at the Dolphin, too, but now with our kids grown we choose the Swan.

NancyIL~ agreed.... EPCOT resorts = Disney happiness!

 

[NancyIL]

I always stay at the S/D in late July into early August. I have only experienced a S to D to BW and sometimes no BW stop bus to the parks. I have never had YC/BC included.

The past few years when I've stayed at the Swan, the order was Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, and occasionally Yacht and Beach Club. I was last there in April.

 

[Rustysmom]

I'm not worried about the Dolphin not feeling like Disney. We stayed at BC and I didnt think that felt overly Disney either. It's right near Epcot, that's Disney enough to me. If it was further out of the way, then I would say yeah, doesn't feel like it.

I can't wait to go, I really need a vacation bad!!

 

[P13]

At the end of Wishes, if a YC/BC/BW bus is there and the S/D bus has just left and I missed it (which happened on our last trip), I jump on those and just walk back. I feel this is better than waiting for the S/D bus and then crowds of people joining the line. The walk from the YC or BC or BW is pretty easy and at night it is not with the hot sun. I guess what I am trying to say is that the EPCOT resorts give you options when returning from a closing of a park.

Well now, there is a thought to keep in head!! As my Dad always told me, I should have been blonde I'm brunette...but I wouldn't have thought to do that!! NO offense to anyone!

 

[Tess]

Another plus for S/D, they are first on the bus route.

We were at BWI last week and our buses came to BWI first and then went on to Swan then Dolphin. The return from MK was different than AK. On the MK return, BWI was the first stop. On the AK return, Swan was first followed by the remaining EPCOT resorts. Needless to say, we got off at Swan and walked over to BWI to avoid the long ride around.

Last fall when our friends stayed at Swan and we were at BC, we walked to Swan so we would board first and together. Sometimes the Swan was the first pick up and other times BWI was first. There didn't seem to be much reliability with which resort route was followed.

We're looking forward to our first stay at Dolphin this fall and hoping we enjoy it. The price certainly beats the Disney resorts for the same week. We came close to staying at the Dolphin last week, but BWI was a better deal since we had two adult children with us.

 

[NancyIL]

Whether the buses go to the S/D first or to the Boardwalk - they go to the Swan before the Dolphin. I have had to a wait for another bus to the MK when staying at the Dolphin because the bus was full.

 

[MichiganMomto4]

Regarding the bus loops: I honestly could not figure out the system they used. I swear we went different places in different order every time LOL But we always got to our destination. I think the longest trip was to DTD and it was a total of 35 minutes.

As far as the Dolphin not feeling 100% Disney to me.... that is obviously just MY opinion and like I said, it very well could just be a psychological thing in addition to, what I felt, was a lackluster 'Disney' store - Daisy's Boutique - and the food court that was not set up like others and did not have my beloved refillable mugs sitting around.

 

[here_and_there]

I had booked a standard room with SPG points, and then decided that because we'll have a 2 year old with us (and a 7 year old) it would be nice to be able to have some extra room. Being able to "close the door" when the little one is falling asleep is a big plus.

Reservations at the hotel gave me the option of a Junior or Executive suite. They said that the layout is similar between the two, and the main difference was just size.

I have read much in these threads and on the website about the Executive Suite, but haven't seen much about the Junior Suite. Does anyone have experience with both of these room types?

 

[SingingMom]

Swan vs Dolphin

Which one was recently renovated?
Which is the most popular

As Dan mentioned - with properties that large, they is constant renovation going on. Five years in a row at the Dolphin there was always some room renovations in progress...

This is our fear. We felt this way when we stayed at the Contemporary (and it was for our wedding/honeymoon trip so you can't get more magical than that) and the CR is fully owned/run by Disney. I think it has to do with it being a convention hotel maybe? It's hard to feel on vacation when you're passing people constantly wearing business suits and carrying briefcases. It pulled me back into reality too much

Not many business suits - and we have stayed at the Dolphin during many a convention. We saw most convention attendees during the mornings - as we were starting our day, they were starting theirs - going to whatever workshops they were scheduled for, etc. We saw them during "happy hour" if we happened to be sticking around the resort for a pool day, and once in a while they will have a gathering at the Cabana Bar. Really not a distraction for us.

Right there with you, Dan. The Swan is our choice. We have stayed at the Dolphin, too, but now with our kids grown we choose the Swan.

NancyIL~ agreed.... EPCOT resorts = Disney happiness!

Dolphin for us! But, I'm a sucker for "hussle & bussle" !

I'm not worried about the Dolphin not feeling like Disney. We stayed at BC and I didnt think that felt overly Disney either. It's right near Epcot, that's Disney enough to me. If it was further out of the way, then I would say yeah, doesn't feel like it.

I can't wait to go, I really need a vacation bad!!

You will love it! Epcot and Boardwalk proximity can't be beat!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

As Dan mentioned - with properties that large, they is constant renovation going on. Five years in a row at the Dolphin there was always some room renovations in progress...



Not many business suits - and we have stayed at the Dolphin during many a convention. We saw most convention attendees during the mornings - as we were starting our day, they were starting theirs - going to whatever workshops they were scheduled for, etc. We saw them during "happy hour" if we happened to be sticking around the resort for a pool day, and once in a while they will have a gathering at the Cabana Bar. Really not a distraction for us.



Dolphin for us! But, I'm a sucker for "hussle & bussle" !



You will love it! Epcot and Boardwalk proximity can't be beat!!

SM~We loved our stays at the Dolphin, too. One time we had a room on the far east wing closest to the YC...a high floor...balcony room direct center facing SE! Wonderful view! Another time, when they had Club Level, we were comp'ed to a CL room. What fun that was because extended family was with us and it was a great place to meet in the morning. It was my first time staying on CL and almost my last since we really never do this!

So, with that said, I cannot really pick one over the other in giving anyone advice on which one to stay at. You can't go wrong in choosing either one.

Also, I agree with you on the conventioneers. I really only see them in the elevators or passing by them in the morning on our way to the parks or in the evening on our way out. They really don't affect my experience in any way. I really don't pay any attention to there whereabouts. On our 2009 summer trip upon arrival, we went to have a bite to eat at the Cabana Bar and it was filled with conventioneers on lunch break. However, we didn't wait long for a table and they quickly cleared out to go back to their conference.

 

[mommytoxzande]

Question- Since the Swan and Dolphin aren't Disney properties, do you have to have your stay prepayed like a Disney resort? Also where do you purchase your park tickets?
Thanks

 

[Mouseteacher]

Question- Since the Swan and Dolphin aren't Disney properties, do you have to have your stay prepayed like a Disney resort? Also where do you purchase your park tickets?
Thanks

You do not have to prepay unless some special being offered requiring prepay. You are asked to give a credit card upon booking but nothing will be charged until check-out.

You can buy Disney park tickets at the Dolphin. There is a Disney desk in the lobby.

 

[NancyIL]

I purchase discounted park tickets from Undercover Tourist: www.undercovertourist.com

When you book a room-only reservation at a Disney resort, you pay a one-night deposit and the balance is paid at check-out. Only packages have to be prepaid before arrival.