Why Dolphin?

[eddiewells]

What is it about the Dolphin that seemingly makes it much better than the Swan? Everytime you hear something on this board it is about the Dolphin. I find the Swan hardly mentioned at all. I haven't stayed at either resort so could someone tell me the advantages Dolphin has over Swan?

BTW, do you have to have an AP to get the teacher discount at the Dolphin?

 

[Blondie]

Hi eddiewells! First off, you DO NOT have to have an AP to receive the Teacher's discount, but you do have to be a teacher!

Having stayed at both now, I can honestly say I prefer the Dolphin. Why? Several reasons, but I think it's a personal preference thing. The Swan is smaller, having half the amount of rooms that the Dolphin has, making shorter walks to your room from the elevator. To some people, that is a big deal. To us it's not! You can get just as good views from the Swan as you can the Dolphin, so it's not that one has a better view over the other.

I like the convenience of having Tubbi's Buffeteria just a quick step downstairs, as opposed to walking outside across the courtyard, again, a personal preference! I do think the Dolphin is a little closer to the Grotto Pool, but not by any great distance. The Friendship boat launch to Epcot and MGM is equal distance between the two resorts.

There is just something about walking across the Dolphin lobby when returning from a park or one of the restaurants that grabs me. It's festive, alive and very cheerful. The Swan is very small, but has an elegant feel.

I will say though that I prefer the bathroom set up at the Swan better, but not enough to make me want to switch!

I really thought I'd prefer the Swan over the Dolphin. But the Dolphin won me over for life!

If you are interested, you can read day one of my trip report which includes a description of our room, and photos of the view from our balcony!

 

[simonmunro]

I'll try to share my feelings when in each of them. Remember, this is just how the surroundings affect ME, I know others will not feel the same. The Swan is elegant. It's the kind of place where I would feel comfortable at a meeting in a georgous linen suit and heels, on a romantic getaway with DH or a girls vacation with my sister. It's smaller, and I get the same feeling there that I get in an exclusive boutique. I'm very sure the Swan is child friendly, just look at the way people love Mama T and the concierge lounge. For our family, we get our kids together and a grandma or two and we want to go to the Dolphin! The elevators are bigger, the lobby is vast. It feels open and airy. WHIMSICAL says it all and always has to me... I think they are both wonderful, the Dolphin is much larger so maybe more people just get rooms there because there are more rooms to get and once you go you're a fan forever!

 

[Blondie]

Originally posted by simonmunro
The Swan is elegant. It's the kind of place where I would feel comfortable at a meeting in a georgous linen suit and heels, on a romantic getaway with DH or a girls vacation with my sister.

Perfect description!

 

[eddiewells]

Thanks for clearing things up for me and providing great descriptions of both places. Its good to know we don't need an AP to get the teacher's discount (yep, we have a teacher w/ us!). Now just to decide for sure what hotel and when to go!

 

[leahmac]

I have yet to stay at either but I picked the Swan for three reasons 1) The smaller resort. 2) The bathroom set up I like one in the bathroom one out. 3) The queen beds my husband is 6'4 which sqconches me enough but, throw the extra kid or two in there at the same time and I need the space.