Swan or Dolphin?

I really don't think there is that much difference between them. We always stay at the Poly but ended up coming in a day early last year. We got a good deal for one night at the Dolphin but if I had to do it again, we'll just add another day to the Poly. Yes, it would be worth the difference in price. Geographically, it'd be hard to tell whether one is closer to Boardwalk or Epcot with all the curves involved.

It's really just your basic hotel. Maybe a little cleaner than a Holiday Inn or Marriott but not that much difference. Pools are nice but nothing to write home about. The whole thing is the lack of theming. The magic just isn't there. I won't even begin to try to compare these two to the CR or Poly, let alone GF. Then again, considering the basic pricing is half of a basic room at a Deluxe, you don't have much to complain about.

But they do serve a good purpose, especially if you can get a good rate. And/or want to bypass DME and with a car from the airport where you can drop it off right at the hotel. That convenience is greate. Their rates do seem to fluctuate and they have more deals available than any of the park properties.

I think you would be happy with either - again, especially since the rates are better than most Disney hotels for the quality per $.

Dolphin.

Both resorts offer the same proximity to EPCOT, DHS, Boardwalk; both have the same rooms and the same "heavenly beds"; So here's why:

- Better food options; Picabu has a variety of food options at a somewhat cheaper price; additionally the convenience section is open 24 hours. The Dolphin Fountain has great ice cream and is open late.
- A more impressive lobby (a completely superficial, cosmetic reason but so what? I mean the resorts are the same, these are the types of things that differentiate the two IMO )
- I've always had tremendous guest service at the Dolphin; and considering that the two resorts are operated by different chains, it could be different :animwink:

Maybe besides for option #1 there isn't much difference. Same rooms, same distance to pools, same transportation. But I've had countless great trips at the Dolphin so it comes highly recommended.

But you really con't go wrong either way ... The World Travel Awards (the Oscars of the travel industry, so to speak) named the Swan and Dolphin #1 resort in North America in 2007 (it was beaten out by the Grand Floridian in '08). Can't go wrong! Enjoy your trip!

KeithVH said:

I really don't think there is that much difference between them. We always stay at the Poly but ended up coming in a day early last year. We got a good deal for one night at the Dolphin but if I had to do it again, we'll just add another day to the Poly. Yes, it would be worth the difference in price. Geographically, it'd be hard to tell whether one is closer to Boardwalk or Epcot with all the curves involved.

It's really just your basic hotel. Maybe a little cleaner than a Holiday Inn or Marriott but not that much difference. Pools are nice but nothing to write home about. The whole thing is the lack of theming. The magic just isn't there. I won't even begin to try to compare these two to the CR or Poly, let alone GF. Then again, considering the basic pricing is half of a basic room at a Deluxe, you don't have much to complain about.

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I have to totally disagree with you. They are NOTHING like a Holiday Inn or a basic hotel.

The Swan and Dolphin are both deluxe category resorts, offering in most cases more ammenities than a lot of the WDW deluxe resorts.

The main pool area is absolutely stunning. It blows most of the WDW Resort pools out of the water. A lot of people donot see the main feature pool, and think the 2 quiet pools are the only pool areas. (I've attached some pics)

I'd go with the Swan. It's smaller, and tends to have less of the convention traffic and convention guests. But either way, I'm sure you will have a great stay! I've stayed at both a number of times, and highly recommend them.

wdwmagic said:

I have to totally disagree with you. They are NOTHING like a Holiday Inn or a basic hotel.

The Swan and Dolphin are both deluxe category resorts, offering in most cases more ammenities than a lot of the WDW deluxe resorts.

The main pool area is absolutely stunning. It blows most of the WDW Resort pools out of the water. A lot of people donot see the main feature pool, and think the 2 quiet pools are the only pool areas. (I've attached some pics)

I'd go with the Swan. It's smaller, and tends to have less of the convention traffic and convention guests. But either way, I'm sure you will have a great stay! I've stayed at both a number of times, and highly recommend them.

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Well said and I very much agree. I also prefer the Swan, but both are beautful and the views and locations are great!

Keath,
I agree with you...stayed at the SWAN for a week!
Jim

Hands down....The Swan is the nicer of the two properties. I used to work for Starwood, the management company for both and have stayed there a few times. Think of it this way: The Swan is Westin and The Dolphin is Sheraton. Both properties are maintained beautifully. The beds at both locations are heavenly beds and as for the ammenities, you can utilize both locations. No matter where you stay, you will enjoy yourself. I just happen to prefer The Swan.

wdwmagic said:

I have to totally disagree with you. They are NOTHING like a Holiday Inn or a basic hotel.

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Just to reitterate Steve's point, these hotels are absolutely nothing like a Holiday Inn ... some may have a personal opinion that their decor is an eye sore, but like I said in a previous post, these hotels are considered the best convention resorts in North America, and the best overall resorts in North America ... only the GF beat them out in '08, as I said.

Now they aren't as heavily themed as the Poly or the Boardwalk, true, but they are exceptionally run and offer far nicer decor than a Holiday Inn. Swan or Dolphin, you can't go wrong.

dave2822 said:

Now they aren't as heavily themed as the Poly or the Boardwalk, true, but they are exceptionally run and offer far nicer decor than a Holiday Inn. Swan or Dolphin, you can't go wrong.

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I think in terms of theme a good comparision might be the Contemporary. They arent lush, tropical themes like the Poly and Caribbean, but they are very well styled and kept.

We've stayed at both. I find there are more late night food options at Dolphin- but the walk is so short- it's no big deal. The Dolphin tends to have more convention people staying there. The Swan is a little more intimate. (Plus- the bus picks up and stops at Swan first!)

They are both amazing. I picked swan over dolphin for my trip in aug. Goodluck! Itll be a blast.

WDWMagic do you have any more pictures? I can't find too many good ones online =[.