Swolphin or Yacht Club ?

[ParkHoppa2000]

Planning trip for 2027 or 2028 and torn btwn these 2 resorts. Obviously price is one big difference. Are there any other pros and cons for a trip with 2 adults to staying at either of these properties ? Probably going early May. Long term planning starting.

 

[Ayla]

Yacht Club is a Disney resort, Swolphin is not. That means there are some disney perks at YC, not at Swolphin (magic bands, dining plan (I think?), etc). Yacht Club has Stormalong Bay for its pool area.

Does Swolphin still have a parking charge and a resort fee? Yacht Club does not.

You can use/earn reward points at the Swolphin, not at Yacht Club.

I am sure there are other things I am missing.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

They are all nice.

Of the 3 Swolphin hotels, my favorite is Swan Reserve, then Swan, then Dolphin. The SR is a slightly longer walk, but the hotel is very nice. I am slightly spoiled though as several of my stays were in suite rooms.

If you are an early riser/want to make early entry, a big plus of SR/S/D hotels is that is it is possible to have your breakfast or coffee very early. Here's the deal: early entry at AK starts at 7:30am. Breakfast at many WDW hotels doesn't start until 7am. (YC is 7am, though Gasparilla at GF opens 6am, Bwk Deli 7am, BC 7am, Fuel at Dolphin 6am, java at Swan 6am, grounds SR 6am). Not only do the S/SR/D have breakfast at 6am, they also offer early room service. I don't often choose to do room service, but it is very helpful/big time saver on AK mornings.

A downside of the S/D/SR is the bus service to MK. the buses now drop off at the TTC, or at least they did the last time I checked. Personally, I usually drive to MK/AK, so this is not much of an issue. From any of the resorts you list it is easy to walk to both Epcot and HS. It is also pretty easy to take the shuttle boats, but we can usually walk faster than the boats arrive. At any of the above, the boat dock will always be some walking distance from your room.

No matter which you choose, you can easily eat at any of the dining in that area. It is also pretty easy to get to most of the WS dining, except you might need a park hopper ticket (if you want to eat there on days you plan to visit MK/AK/HS).

S/D/SR charge a parking/resort fee. When looking at hotel rates on the Marriott website, make sure you check the box to see rates with fees included. The Marriott owned properties do offer discounts for: Annual passholders (code QWH), gov't employees/military, Seniors, AAA, nurses/Dr's/Paramedics/Firefighters, Teachers. If you qualify for any of the above, do check. (if you pay to park at S/D/SR you will then get free parking at the WDW parks).

ALSO- just as WDW releases various discounts, the Marriott rates are now also highly variable. (dynamic pricing) the rate you are offered today might go up or down tomorrow or next week.

I would NEVER book a non-refundable rate!!! Also, try playing around with your dates. Tweaking your dates by a day or two can often = a lower rate. Also, consider checking back on rates after you book there, because rates do go up and down. If you don't have AAA, and don't qualify for any other discounts, consider getting it. I haven't checked in a bit, but AAA used to also get 20% off the Marriott restaurants. sometimes the Marriotts also offer a AAA Hot Deal rate that is lower and refundable. You can also use/earn Marriott points if you are a member.

Another quirk to know: YC and the S/DSR all give you access to the PM extra hours, usually Mondays = 2 extra hours in Epcot, and Wed= 2 extra hours in MK, but that can change some weeks. The WDW owned hotels tend to have higher rates Thur(+)/Fri(++)/Say(++), and tend to be discounted Sun-Thur. The Marriott hotels are sometimes higher on Mon-Wednesday than weekends, but it varies. I think pricing is variable based on bookings.

You might encounter conventions and/or weddings/events at any of the above.

The pool at YC is fabulous, but the water slide and parts of the pool are too deep/fast-flowing for small children. On the other hand the pool has a beach/tidepool area where small children can play in the sand. the feature pool for the Marriot hotels is also very nice. Better than many of the WDW hotels. It is an attractive grotto, plus two Olympic size pools with lap lanes. Few WDW hotels have pools that are good for lap lane swimming.

The beds are great at all of the above. Once upon a time, regular rooms at Dolphin were full not queen, but I think they are all queens now. I'm not sure. When I've stayed at SR, I had a suite. Compared to WDW, it was a small upcharge at the time. Suites at YC are pretty crazy $$$.

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

As our kids have grown we have moved away from the Contemporary and into the boardwalk area. For us, the Swan/Dolphin has always been our choice over the yacht club for several reasons.

First as a bonvoy member, you can get some great deals at S&D. Marriot points, free rooms, ect.

You get all the same perks as staying at a WDW Resort property (save 1 on busses but more there in a minute.) Early booking for LL, early entry into the parks, early purchase of special ticketed events like Christmas and holiday party.

The price point for rooms at S&D are generally in my experience about 25-30% cheaper than a corresponding room at yacht or boardwalk, and that's not taking into account points.

The only arguable perk that yacht club has over S&D is the Disney buses. However even there we never find it an issue. You can walk or take a boat to epcot and hollywood studios, and you can just take a 3 min walk from S&D to the bus stop at the Boardwalk and use their buses. There is no checking at the resorts to confirm you are a resort guest to use their buses to the parks, and then its only a short walk back to S&D.

The Yacht club has a great themed pool for kids, but S&D pool is also very nice, i would argue more adult focused (they have a great cabana deal) and is much better than many other WDW pools. It kills the contemporary pool.

 

[adimond]

Dolphin (which always seems to be cheapest) has become my de facto WDW home base in recent years. It's important to remember to calculate the resort fee into things when you weigh your options. Even then, it'll still be the best value proposition, probably of anywhere on property, for the experience you get, especially if Marriott Bonvoy is your go-to for hotel points. Two walkable/boatable parks, plus the possibility of a monorail maneuver for a split EP/MK day or vice-versa, and as noted you can absolutely grab the Yacht Club or Boardwalk buses to AK/MK with impunity.

Beach Club and Boardwalk are even better if money is no object (have yet to actually stay at Yacht Club, not that it's particularly different), but the price difference is usually large enough to be determinative. Anything in that lakeside area is awesome. Post-fireworks drunken stumbling proximity from World Showcase? Priceless.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

You get all the same perks as staying at a WDW Resort property (save 1 on busses but more there in a minute.) Early booking for LL, early entry into the parks, early purchase of special ticketed events like Christmas and holiday party.

Good post, but S/D/SR qualify for early entry plus the extra PM deluxe hours. I'm pretty sure they also qualify for early booking of LL, same as other WDW hotels. I have run into a few CM's who are unsure about the S/D/SR, but they are included.

Not sure about the early access to hard ticket events.

To get early LL booking access though, I'm pretty sure you have to enter your hotel reservation information into MDE, whereas the WDW hotels are sometimes added automatically to MDE.

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

Good post, but S/D/SR qualify for early entry plus the extra PM deluxe hours. I'm pretty sure they also qualify for early booking of LL, same as other WDW hotels. I have run into a few CM's who are unsure about the S/D/SR, but they are included.

Not sure about the early access to hard ticket events.

To get early LL booking access though, I'm pretty sure you have to enter your hotel reservation information into MDE, whereas the WDW hotels are sometimes added automatically to MDE.

That's what i meant if it was unclear, except for the WDW buses, S/D/SR DOES get all of those things i mentioned, early entry, LL booking, ect. They do have the early access to hard ticket events as well. Used it for the xmas party this year.

You are correct for LL booking you have to link your hotel reservation to MDE, but its very simple process.

 

[ParkHoppa2000]

They are all nice.

Of the 3 Swolphin hotels, my favorite is Swan Reserve, then Swan, then Dolphin. The SR is a slightly longer walk, but the hotel is very nice. I am slightly spoiled though as several of my stays were in suite rooms.

If you are an early riser/want to make early entry, a big plus of SR/S/D hotels is that is it is possible to have your breakfast or coffee very early. Here's the deal: early entry at AK starts at 7:30am. Breakfast at many WDW hotels doesn't start until 7am. (YC is 7am, though Gasparilla at GF opens 6am, Bwk Deli 7am, BC 7am, Fuel at Dolphin 6am, java at Swan 6am, grounds SR 6am). Not only do the S/SR/D have breakfast at 6am, they also offer early room service. I don't often choose to do room service, but it is very helpful/big time saver on AK mornings.

A downside of the S/D/SR is the bus service to MK. the buses now drop off at the TTC, or at least they did the last time I checked. Personally, I usually drive to MK/AK, so this is not much of an issue. From any of the resorts you list it is easy to walk to both Epcot and HS. It is also pretty easy to take the shuttle boats, but we can usually walk faster than the boats arrive. At any of the above, the boat dock will always be some walking distance from your room.

No matter which you choose, you can easily eat at any of the dining in that area. It is also pretty easy to get to most of the WS dining, except you might need a park hopper ticket (if you want to eat there on days you plan to visit MK/AK/HS).

S/D/SR charge a parking/resort fee. When looking at hotel rates on the Marriott website, make sure you check the box to see rates with fees included. The Marriott owned properties do offer discounts for: Annual passholders (code QWH), gov't employees/military, Seniors, AAA, nurses/Dr's/Paramedics/Firefighters, Teachers. If you qualify for any of the above, do check. (if you pay to park at S/D/SR you will then get free parking at the WDW parks).

ALSO- just as WDW releases various discounts, the Marriott rates are now also highly variable. (dynamic pricing) the rate you are offered today might go up or down tomorrow or next week.

I would NEVER book a non-refundable rate!!! Also, try playing around with your dates. Tweaking your dates by a day or two can often = a lower rate. Also, consider checking back on rates after you book there, because rates do go up and down. If you don't have AAA, and don't qualify for any other discounts, consider getting it. I haven't checked in a bit, but AAA used to also get 20% off the Marriott restaurants. sometimes the Marriotts also offer a AAA Hot Deal rate that is lower and refundable. You can also use/earn Marriott points if you are a member.

Another quirk to know: YC and the S/DSR all give you access to the PM extra hours, usually Mondays = 2 extra hours in Epcot, and Wed= 2 extra hours in MK, but that can change some weeks. The WDW owned hotels tend to have higher rates Thur(+)/Fri(++)/Say(++), and tend to be discounted Sun-Thur. The Marriott hotels are sometimes higher on Mon-Wednesday than weekends, but it varies. I think pricing is variable based on bookings.

You might encounter conventions and/or weddings/events at any of the above.

The pool at YC is fabulous, but the water slide and parts of the pool are too deep/fast-flowing for small children. On the other hand the pool has a beach/tidepool area where small children can play in the sand. the feature pool for the Marriot hotels is also very nice. Better than many of the WDW hotels. It is an attractive grotto, plus two Olympic size pools with lap lanes. Few WDW hotels have pools that are good for lap lane swimming.

The beds are great at all of the above. Once upon a time, regular rooms at Dolphin were full not queen, but I think they are all queens now. I'm not sure. When I've stayed at SR, I had a suite. Compared to WDW, it was a small upcharge at the time. Suites at YC are pretty crazy $$$.

It's my understanding, when booking thru WDW website, the resort fee is included in quoted price, but parking is not. However, as of now parking is capped at $200 for your stay. I think since its 2 adults, I am talking myself into
Swolphin.. thanks everyone for help.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

It's my understanding, when booking thru WDW website, the resort fee is included in quoted price, but parking is not. However, as of now parking is capped at $200 for your stay. I think since its 2 adults, I am talking myself into
Swolphin.. thanks everyone for help.

I usually use the Marriott website to check S/D/SR. I have typically gotten better rates there. There's an option to include fees in the search function, but you have to find it. (for your destination type: "Epcot Center Drive", then click on small "filters" tab to find the 'include fees' option.)

Just for hoots, look at the AAA rates via the Marriott page. You may well save enough to more than cover the cost of AAA. And you don't even have to have your own car.

I suppose it depends what other offers WDW has for your dates. This far out, they probably are not offering anything, but these days it is well worthwhile to keep checking back for discounts no matter which way you book.

I have sometimes cut the cost of my visit in half by cancelling and rebooking. If you are thinking of staying part of the time at Universal, their hotel prices, park tickets, and express pass prices also fluctuate a good deal.

 

[ParkHoppa2000]

They are all nice.

Of the 3 Swolphin hotels, my favorite is Swan Reserve, then Swan, then Dolphin. The SR is a slightly longer walk, but the hotel is very nice. I am slightly spoiled though as several of my stays were in suite rooms.

If you are an early riser/want to make early entry, a big plus of SR/S/D hotels is that is it is possible to have your breakfast or coffee very early. Here's the deal: early entry at AK starts at 7:30am. Breakfast at many WDW hotels doesn't start until 7am. (YC is 7am, though Gasparilla at GF opens 6am, Bwk Deli 7am, BC 7am, Fuel at Dolphin 6am, java at Swan 6am, grounds SR 6am). Not only do the S/SR/D have breakfast at 6am, they also offer early room service. I don't often choose to do room service, but it is very helpful/big time saver on AK mornings.

A downside of the S/D/SR is the bus service to MK. the buses now drop off at the TTC, or at least they did the last time I checked. Personally, I usually drive to MK/AK, so this is not much of an issue. From any of the resorts you list it is easy to walk to both Epcot and HS. It is also pretty easy to take the shuttle boats, but we can usually walk faster than the boats arrive. At any of the above, the boat dock will always be some walking distance from your room.

No matter which you choose, you can easily eat at any of the dining in that area. It is also pretty easy to get to most of the WS dining, except you might need a park hopper ticket (if you want to eat there on days you plan to visit MK/AK/HS).

S/D/SR charge a parking/resort fee. When looking at hotel rates on the Marriott website, make sure you check the box to see rates with fees included. The Marriott owned properties do offer discounts for: Annual passholders (code QWH), gov't employees/military, Seniors, AAA, nurses/Dr's/Paramedics/Firefighters, Teachers. If you qualify for any of the above, do check. (if you pay to park at S/D/SR you will then get free parking at the WDW parks).

ALSO- just as WDW releases various discounts, the Marriott rates are now also highly variable. (dynamic pricing) the rate you are offered today might go up or down tomorrow or next week.

I would NEVER book a non-refundable rate!!! Also, try playing around with your dates. Tweaking your dates by a day or two can often = a lower rate. Also, consider checking back on rates after you book there, because rates do go up and down. If you don't have AAA, and don't qualify for any other discounts, consider getting it. I haven't checked in a bit, but AAA used to also get 20% off the Marriott restaurants. sometimes the Marriotts also offer a AAA Hot Deal rate that is lower and refundable. You can also use/earn Marriott points if you are a member.

Another quirk to know: YC and the S/DSR all give you access to the PM extra hours, usually Mondays = 2 extra hours in Epcot, and Wed= 2 extra hours in MK, but that can change some weeks. The WDW owned hotels tend to have higher rates Thur(+)/Fri(++)/Say(++), and tend to be discounted Sun-Thur. The Marriott hotels are sometimes higher on Mon-Wednesday than weekends, but it varies. I think pricing is variable based on bookings.

You might encounter conventions and/or weddings/events at any of the above.

The pool at YC is fabulous, but the water slide and parts of the pool are too deep/fast-flowing for small children. On the other hand the pool has a beach/tidepool area where small children can play in the sand. the feature pool for the Marriot hotels is also very nice. Better than many of the WDW hotels. It is an attractive grotto, plus two Olympic size pools with lap lanes. Few WDW hotels have pools that are good for lap lane swimming.

The beds are great at all of the above. Once upon a time, regular rooms at Dolphin were full not queen, but I think they are all queens now. I'm not sure. When I've stayed at SR, I had a suite. Compared to WDW, it was a small upcharge at the time. Suites at YC are pretty crazy $$$.

Query-is there some art to booking a Swilphin room thru Marriott then linking it to MDE app for ticket discounts/package or is it best to jist book everything thru WDW site ? Hope this question makes sense.

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

Query-is there some art to booking a Swilphin room thru Marriott then linking it to MDE app for ticket discounts/package or is it best to jist book everything thru WDW site ? Hope this question makes sense.

No it is very simple. After booking go to MDE app, go to Resort Hotel, then enter your Marriot confirmation number and last names. Will link very easily

 

[ParkHoppa2000]

Bear with one more perhaps stupid question...if the Marriott reservation is linked thru MDE, then one just adds their choice of ticket package to it ?

 

[nickys]

Bear with one more perhaps stupid question...if the Marriott reservation is linked thru MDE, then one just adds their choice of ticket package to it ?

Yes.
You can link your tickets to MDE, whether you buy them through Disney, Undercover Tourist or anywhere else.