Swan? Dolphin?

GrimGrinninAnna

GrimGrinninAnna

New Member
Sorry for the questions, again!

I just found really good rates for the Swan & Dolphin for Thanksgiving week- actually cheaper than moderate resorts! But has anyone stayed there? Do you REALLY get all Disney perks? How about parking?
 
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IMPoppins

New Member
We stayed at The Swan 8 years ago on our honeymoon! It was awesome! It was great being so close to EPCOT and MGM. The rooms were a good size. Although it wouldn't be that difficult to rent a car, we really like the ease of taking ME and purchasing the DP. Too bad neither the Swan or Dolphin participates. I wonder if they will in the future?
 
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bobjl527

bobjl527

Member
I worked for Starwood for 5 years and stayed at The Swan in 2000 and 2001. In a nutshell: the hotel is beautiful. Certain rooms have a beautiful view of Illuminations. The proximity to Epcot is perfect. Easily reached by water launch or foot. The bus stop is right in front, no long walks. Plus the Boardwalk is just over the bridge.
Like I said, I used to work for Starwood (managing company for Sheraton and Westin) and we used to get rooms for $69 a night! This could also be the reason we loved it so much. But seriously, this is a wonderful hotel and I would recommend it highly to anyone.:)
 
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Eyekimore

New Member
Ok- first- the beds at both Swan/Dolphin are awesome! Far more comfortable that any other hotel/resort.

I believe that now there is a parking fee- if you were to have/be using a car.
Transportation is provided by Disney- boats to EPCOT and MGM
Busses to the others.

I'm pretty sure that you can't do the Disney dining plan. Not sure about package delivery......
 
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I-4Warrior

New Member
We stayed at the Dolphin during ESPN Weekend and LOVED it. Good (though pricey) food at Fresh. The best mattresses I've ever slept on. Walking distance to the Boardwalk, Epcot and MGM...errr... DHS. You are entitled to Extra Magic Hours, as well.

The downsides: You have to pay for parking. It's got a long, winding layout which can be frustrating to traverse. It loses a bit of the Disney feel as there was far more Convention-folk milling about than family (as least when we took our trip there).

Despite any downsides, we had a great time there and recommend it to anyone.
 
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charatijennings

charatijennings

Member
I hate to be the negative comment in the thread, but I booked my parents at the Dolphin last year over Thanksgiving as their Christmas present. We were there also and had a family vacation. Between check in and the porter delivering the luggage to the room, my mom's overnight bag was lost. It contained all of her makeup, toiletries, etc. She inquired and inquired each day of their three day stay and constantly got the run around. She was told that only a manager could complete a loss report and one was not on site (which seemed odd). She finally filed a claim with a manager and to this day she hasn't heard a thing. My poor mom had to go to Walgreens that night and buy all new stuff (about $100) to get her through the trip. I felt really bad since I booked them there, but my mom was a good sport and didn't bring it up at all (and wouldn't let me go myself to handle it in person). I will not stay there or book any family there again.
 
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SpectroMan

SpectroMan

New Member
It is a beautiful resort with nice rooms and a nice location. The only problems are that it doesn't feel as "Disney" as the other resorts and when the busses run the whole Crescent lake loop, it takes forever to get back to your room.
 
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NortyUK

NortyUK

New Member
I've stayed at both the Swan (2004) and Dolphin (2006) and it was awesome. You basically get all the Disney benefits except for fact you can't charge anything back to the room outside the two hotels.

The beds are out of this world! I would love one at home!!!
 
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nikko

nikko

New Member
I had a room booked at the Swan several years ago. We did not arrive until midnight and after a long travel, we got there and they didn't have our reservation! But not to worry, they got us into a room at the Dolphin (Swan was sold out) and for the inconvience they comped our room for the night! It was great and they are very close to Epcot and MGM, just a boat ride away. They are much more for adults though (IMO) because they don't have all of the elaborate theming. You get the extra magic hours but not sure about any of the other perks.
 
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mickeymouse2818

mickeymouse2818

New Member
The Swan and Dolphin have become our hotels whenever we stay at Disney (which next week WOOT :D). Its in a great location and we frequently cruise the Boardwalk in the evenings. They also have the only 24hr buffet on property (Picaboo in the Dolphin) and the beds are wonderful. The price is also great if you catch the discount rates and during the low season time. I remember paying $89 for a room, but that was a few years ago. To make a long story short, I highly recommended these hotels to anyone.
 
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westie

westie

Well-Known Member
Great place(s) to stay as far as location and transportation but, drinkers beware, these hotels have the longest hallways that all look alike and lead to nowhere like the Winchester Mystery House. Really!
 
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Eeyore

Eeyore

Mrs. WDWMAGIC [Assistant Administrator]
Premium Member
I love the Swan and Dolphin. The Swan is my prefered choice because its smaller and has a cozier feel than the larger Dolphin. But in my opinion you can't go wrong with either. Their location can't be beat and they have all the perks of a Disney operated resort, except room charging privledges beyond the two resorts. I find the Swan and Dolphin just as magical as any Disney operated resort.

Make sure to sign up for the Starwoods preferred guest program. :wave:

Here are some reviews of the Swan:
http://reviews.wdwmagic.com/element_reviews.aspx?pid=304

Here are some reviews of the Dolphin:
http://reviews.wdwmagic.com/element_reviews.aspx?pid=305
 
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Eyekimore

New Member
They also have discounts for public employees- teachers, nurses, etc.

Oh- and might I add- they have to die for chocolate in the candy store at the Dolphin. Way better than the chocolate they sell in the parks.

I know Swan/Dolphin are not as Disney feeling as others- but it's still better/closer than being off property or the strip by DTD!
 
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