The Swan and the Dolphin--Please help

[tex08]

Can anyone tell me about these hotels? Pro's and con's, etc. Thanks!

 

[NMAmy]

Cons:
Magical Express not available
Disney Dining Plan not available
Cannot charge to your room in the parks
No Disney wake up call

None of those really matter much to me.

Pros:
LOCATION - You can walk to Epcot and MGM or take the boat
Heavenly beds--the best beds on property, IMO
Great views of Epcot, the Boardwalk, Illuminations or Tower or Terror
Deluxe hotel at a much better price than Disney hotels
With a Starwood Preferred Guest card, you can earn points toward future stays and get free upgrades
Friendly, competent staff
24 hour convenience store/cafeteria
Great dining at the hotels, and within walking distance to Boardwalk and the World Showcase

We're leaving next weekend for our sixth stay at the Dolphin. A lot of people think it doesn't have the Disney magic, but my family loves it there.

 

[bellebud]

glad to read this... i just booked our summer vacation at the dolphin. We've always done deluxe, villas, and did POFQ too, and we've loved all of them for different reasons. and while i loved POFQ's grounds and room and would stay there again, I REALLY love walking to epcot, especially since we'll have ap's this trip. So I signed up w/ starwood and am hoping I like the dolphin. We visited the pool area once, and thought it looked wonderful. and my kids loved the playground, and we'll try the swan boats too! I'm going w/ the idea that it's a disney hotel 'themed' to be like a really nice holiday inn or best western. I really don't think we'll have any issues w/ it not being 'disney' enough. all i have to do is look out my window!

 

[warriorboy648]

You will love the Dolphin. We stayed at the Swan last summer and we loved it. It really feels like an upscale hotel and the beds are the best.

 

[Aliceacc]

glad to read this... i just booked our summer vacation at the dolphin.

According to my unofficial guide, you want to ask for a "rooom on the far west side of the rirst west arm. These outer rooms have balconies and are more removed from the pool."

 

[florep1]

Hi Tex08! Welcome to the site We stayed at the Swan last summer due to a great discount rate and loved it. The convenience of being able to get to your room in a few steps is priceless. You don't have to hike for miles and miles at the end of the day. Being a Starwood Preferred guest, we also got an upgrade. If you look at the Resort FAQ list, you'll also find some pics that could sway you either way. Have fun!

 

[bellebud]

According to my unofficial guide, you want to ask for a "rooom on the far west side of the rirst west arm. These outer rooms have balconies and are more removed from the pool."

thank you!!

 

[NMAmy]

I'm going w/ the idea that it's a disney hotel 'themed' to be like a really nice holiday inn or best western.

It's actually much nicer than a Holiday Inn or Best Western. The public areas and the rooms are great. I like the rooms much better than the WL--the rooms there were too dark for my taste and the balconies are bigger at the Dolphin.

Have a great time!

 

[SmoothSailing]

I think the "Disney theming" is way overrated. At the Caribbean Beach Resort, I didn't think the theming (especially in rooms) was very evident. I'd rather have Bath and Body grooming products than the Mickey soap anytime! The Dolphin is a luxury hotel. The beds are the best hotel beds I've ever stayed in the down comforters add to the experience. The location can't be beat either. Don't plan for Holiday Inn or Best Western--this is better than a Hilton.