We've been moved from Swan to Dolphin--is this OK??

[Rock'n Robin]

We arrive Dec. 5--just had a call that they have "had to" move us from the Swan to the Dolphin because of a "big convention" (could it be DIS con?) and that there were many more leisure travelers at the Dolphin. We had booked the Swan for the bigger beds, but we are getting a free upgrade from the standard room--any ideas what this might be--a balcony perhaps? The Dolphin is the pointy one right? Which one is closer to Epcot?
Robin M.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Rock'n Robin
We arrive Dec. 5--just had a call that they have "had to" move us from the Swan to the Dolphin because of a "big convention" (could it be DIS con?) and that there were many more leisure travelers at the Dolphin. We had booked the Swan for the bigger beds, but we are getting a free upgrade from the standard room--any ideas what this might be--a balcony perhaps? The Dolphin is the pointy one right? Which one is closer to Epcot?
Robin M.

An upgrade at the Dolphin from a standard view room is a lake view room and then the next level of room is a resort view room and then I believe you get to the balcony rooms after that.

We stayed at the Dolphin in Aug. Where it is just the two of us bed size was not an issue as we requested and received a King Bed room.

We choose the Dolphin over the Swan because it is closer to the 24hr food court area, the 50's style soda shop and the main pool.

There is no difference in the distance to EC from these resorts as with both resorts you exit through the back entrance out to a walkway that has the Dolphin on one end and the Swan on the other. You can then decide on either taking the slow boat or walking. We walked to both EC and MGM. Now that I think of it the Swan might be 100 yards closer to the bridge.

I am sure you will have a great trip no matter which resort.

 

[erikthewise]

As to which is closer to Epcot, it may depend on where you stay in the Dolphin(!), but generally the Dolphin is a little closer. It obviously depends on what you end up with, but I'd consider an unspecified upgrade at the Dolphin in place of the Swan to be acceptable.

 

[kda]

I wouldn't worry at all. We've stayed at both and enjoyed both very much. The Dolphin seems bigger to me, and you could end up closer to the wonderful pool, or closer to Yacht Club and Epcot. It's a very short walk to the restaurants in the Swan. The Dolphin lobby seems more impressive than the Swan. Even though the Dolphin beds aren't officially Queen size (they're 'oversized doubles'), we really didn't notice any problem with them, and we don't like full size beds.
Have a great trip!

 

[Rhonda]

If it's a business convention at the Swan, then you will be happy they moved you to the Dolphin! We've stayed at the Dolphin when there's been business conventions going on, and we always feel underdressed! LOL!

You will love the Dolphin! We like to sit in the lobby in the evenings and have a drink while listening to the piano player.

But, be sure to have dinner at Palio (at the Swan)! The atmosphere is beautiful, and the food is fantastic! They also have strolling musicians - very fun! If you have DC, it will get you a 20% discount too!

 

[Calcio]

The Dolphin is the hotel with the pointy triangle at the center.

I went on a Disney Architecture tour 5 years ago, and we visited both hotels. The story is the Dolphin was designed to be more youthful, energetic, and exciting. The fountain from the Dolphin bubbles out and flows down to the Swan, which is more mature, calm, and dignified.

The architect was Robert A.M. Stern, who is on the Board of Directors of the company, and has designed many buildings at WDW.

Enjoy your trip. I've never stayed there, but I'm sure I will one of these days.