The *NEW* SWAN & DOLPHIN RESORT Thread ~ April 2009 ~ Please read Post #1!

[Sam345]

I am staying at the Swan 4 nights in late July for the first time, after spending the first two nights at Pop (to cut costs)!! I've only stayed completely "on-property" the other 3 times I'm visited WDW, renting points at a BCV studio and spending the first or last night at Pop to avoid those double weekend points. But this time, the trip was kind of last-minute and that option wasn't available - luckily I noticed the Swan $119 deal and the rest is history!

I am convinced that I made the right decision because I'm spending less that I would at even a Disney moderate... and for some reason I do NOT like the moderates (I'd rather stay at Pop a couple nights if I can't do a deluxe the whole time. I know, it's weird.) Also, the S/D rooms are deluxe-quality and I'm right in my favorite Epcot/Beach Club location so I can still hit Beaches and Cream

QUESTION (I might have more later)- We want to do morning EMHs almost every day. Will the S/D buses still be leaving 30 minutes before the park opens for EMH? Or should I walk over to a different resort and board there?

Also, I've read conflicting info on whether Pop will transfer luggage to Swan. I think I might try to get a cab the morning of the switch to Swan just to make things easier, right?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Resorts will transfer baggage, and, buses are running for EMH, though I personally never go to EMH.

 

[joce]

Hello,

My boyfriend and I are going to Walt Disney World for the 1st time in October. I want to book a room at either Swan or Dolphin and I'm having a hard time deciding. Just the 2 of us going, any suggestions?

Thanks,
Joce

 

[chell]

Hello,

My boyfriend and I are going to Walt Disney World for the 1st time in October. I want to book a room at either Swan or Dolphin and I'm having a hard time deciding. Just the 2 of us going, any suggestions?

Thanks,
Joce

How much of this thread have you read? How much do you know about the Swan and the Dolphin? The Dolphin is larger and has a busier lobby, while the Swan is smaller with a more calm lobby. Some people prefer the hustle and bustle of the Dolphin while others prefer the more relaxed feel of the Swan. My husband & I were at the Swan last December for the first part of our Honeymoon and we LOVED it. We thought it was a perfect place for a couple.

Check out the signature links for Dan Murphy, Blondie and possibly Singing Mom for great pictures of these resorts. To me they are both great and you can really enjoy them both when you are at either one.

Do you know anything about the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot? If not, you need to learn all about it and make plans for it during your visit. It will be easy to enjoy during the evenings since the Swan & Dolphin are in the Epcot and Studio resort area.

Maybe my memory is incorrect, but I was thinking October is a big convention month, so you may need to make your reservation soon.

 

[SingingMom]

...just two quick photos, because I promised.
I'll try to post some more in a few days when I get a free minute!

DD arriving at her "favorite place on earth"!

DH and I in front of the lovely Dolphin fountain...

 

[chell]

Great pics SingingMom!

 

[hopeforus]

Okay,

I read pages 1-3 and pages 30-40 and still have some questions. I am looking at a trip with my 6 yr old for a long weekend in December.

How would this compare to a Disney Mod? POR or CBR? or to a Deluxe AKL?
How is the pool ? Is it heated enough to swim in Dec? Is there a slide?
How are food options for kids?
Do both Swan and Dolphin have Heavenly Beds?
How much is transportation from airport?
Can I get the teacher discount working at a college?
Do they offer other discounts in Dec?
Anything else you care to add...this is an awesome resource, glad I found you guys!

Thanks

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Hopeforus
We have stayed at POR and AKL and Swan is better resort compare to the 2 resort. Location, Price and bed is heavenly. We stayed at the POR before we had a child so we did not use the resort except to sleep and shower. We stayed at the AKL last time b/c Swan/Dolphin was sold out so we decided to give AKL a try (glad we tried it once but never again b/c the bed was horrible and the bus was horrible). When we stayed at the Swan we had wonderful transporation system (never had to wait for buses for more than 10 mins and never had to stand). When we stayed at AKL we waited for MK for 45 min and staying and Epcot was 30 mins. DTD was over 45 min and decided not to bother b/c we got tried of waiting for the bus and there was alot of people waiting. Don't get me wrong we like the AKL for the resort (we enjoyed the grounds and seeing the animals when we wake up) but would choice Swan over AKL. Plus there is more food selection at the Swan/Dolphin at AKL you have Mare after a couple of days we got tried of the food. Swan has one of the best room service compare to the Disney deluxe resort.
We usually get a limo service but I think there is a car service for about $45 one way.
Here is the Swan/Dolphin website that has rates. http://www.swandolphin.com/rates/index.html
Hope this helps

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

SingingMom
Your daughter is so cute. Thanks for sharing your pictures.

 

[SingingMom]

Okay,

I read pages 1-3 and pages 30-40 and still have some questions. I am looking at a trip with my 6 yr old for a long weekend in December.

How would this compare to a Disney Mod? POR or CBR? or to a Deluxe AKL?
How is the pool ? Is it heated enough to swim in Dec? Is there a slide?
How are food options for kids?
Do both Swan and Dolphin have Heavenly Beds?
How much is transportation from airport?
Can I get the teacher discount working at a college?
Do they offer other discounts in Dec?
Anything else you care to add...this is an awesome resource, glad I found you guys!

Thanks

Remembering that we are all loyal fans of the Swan & Dolphin here, I would have to say there is "no comparison".
The Dolphin is truly "Deluxe" - lovely hotel, comfortable, busy and lively. Lots of "energy".
The Grotto Pool is very nice - waterfall and waterslide. I don't know how warm it is in December, however. We always visit in June.

Food options are terrific at the Dolphin - The Fountain is a "coffee shop" style place open 11am -11pm. Picabu is a "buffeteria" open 24 hours a day. Very nice selections. Fresh is a fanstastic buffet that is more like a made to order brunch. Open for breakfast & lunch. The Cabana Bar has great poolside selelctions. And then you have your high end "Shula's" and "bluezoo".

Heavenly beds are at both the Swan & the Dolphin.

Our "stretch limo" was $203 round trip this year. Normally we get a towncar for less, but we had five people this time.

Are you a teacher at a college? I'm not certain how far the "school employee" discount extends. I was a school librarian the first year we came and got the discount. You need a valid id or a current pay stub as proof.

You truly can not beat the location. The ease of getting to Epcot, the Studios and the Boardwalk is amazing. The busses to Magic Kingdom and Blizzard Beach aren't bad at all. The ride to Animal Kingdom is a little bit longer, but still not bad.

We are at the point that we would not stay anywhere else!

 

[hopeforus]

Thanks for your quick responses. I think I have it narrowed down to S/D or the new Holiday Inn at Down Town Disney.

 

[chell]

Thanks for your quick responses. I think I have it narrowed down to S/D or the new Holiday Inn at Down Town Disney.

Go for the Swan or Dolphin! You can't go wrong with either of those. What dates are you looking at?

 

[hopeforus]

chell,

Looking at December 9th or 10th through 13. I want to take my 6 yr old son at Christmas. I don't really mind him missing a couple of days of school especially this close the Christmas, but not too many!

I may take you up on your planning offer!

 

[chell]

chell,

Looking at December 9th or 10th through 13. I want to take my 6 yr old son at Christmas. I don't really mind him missing a couple of days of school especially this close the Christmas, but not too many!

I may take you up on your planning offer!

If we get to go in December we will be there December 12 - 19. The Christmas decorations at WDW are awesome. Let us know if you need help planning! Planning is SO much fun!!!

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks for your quick responses. I think I have it narrowed down to S/D or the new Holiday Inn at Down Town Disney.

oh, definitely the Swan or Dolphin over Downtown Disney. You can walk to Epcot and the Boardwalk! (can you tell I am an avid supporter?! )

 

[chell]

oh, definitely the Swan or Dolphin over Downtown Disney. You can walk to Epcot and the Boardwalk! (can you tell I am an avid supporter?! )

Well, we can't tell out of the S/D gets your vote.

You really can't beat walking to parks! Walking to your room after a day in the parks is really relaxing too.

 

[danissmart]

Exactly one week till the Dolphin. First time staying in the epcot resort area. We are DVC members who used up all our points last year and a family reunion. My fiance is a teacher and we could not go a whole year without a Disney trip, so we took advantage of the 129 a night room and just went for it.

I just checked our reservation and we are booked in a resort view room. Is that the lowest level of views? We are SPG plus members, so any chance of an upgrade? Would LOVE a balcony, not as concerned with what we see from it.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Resort View is an upgrade from Standard. You could kindly ask for a balcony upon arrival. Have a great trip!

 

[SideshowBob]

...just two quick photos, because I promised.
I'll try to post some more in a few days when I get a free minute!

DD arriving at her "favorite place on earth"!

DH and I in front of the lovely Dolphin fountain...

GREAT photos, SingingMom! It was great crossing paths whilst here.

 

[SingingMom]

GREAT photos, SingingMom! It was great crossing paths whilst here.

For all the regulars on the thread - let me tell you - Sideshow Bob is twice as charming in person as online!

(It was very nice meeting you! Hope to see you again next year!)