Swan and Dolphin look outdated?

[MinnieM123]

No, I think they are beautiful hotels.

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Stayed at the SWAN toward the end of May. I think it's a very nice hotel, and I have stayed there every year for the past 6 years or so. (I've also stayed at other Disney properties prior to that--all nice hotels, but I just prefer the SWAN for the size and convenience of the location.) They also have reasonable prices--I always check their rates often, before I book.

 

[MisterPenguin]

I thought that was explained in the first stencance of my post above yours.

I was making the subtle distinction of a third party leasing from Disney and then running it independently and a third party running at the behest of Disney.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Anybody know what year the lease ends on the buildings?

I could have sworn I'd read about a 99 year land lease. They both opened in 1990, so that would put the lease up in 2089/2090.

 

[UncleMike101]

Anyone else think that the outside of the Swan and Dolphin looks tacky? I personally don’t find them to look that pretty. What’s your opinion?

Never cared for them.
They look like they are made of giant Lego blocks.

 

[Lets Respect]

Not a fan of modern architecture in general

 

[daisyduckie]

No, I think they are beautiful hotels.

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You see the right end of the Swan, along the side with that tiny palm tree? Second floor up? That was my room. Great view!

 

[bee]

Personally I love them, inside and out. Even if I didn't care for the architecture I'd still say there for the intersection of price, location, amenities, and rooms.

 

[LUVofDIS]

The Dolphin's lobby has been redesigned to be a chic, modern interior. Looks nice. Nothing spectacular. Outside the Dolphin's lobby, the original theming exists throughout the public spaces.

Last year, the lobby had hundreds of hanging bulbs installed. I cant stop looking at them when I am there.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Last year, the lobby had hundreds of hanging bulbs installed. I cant stop looking at them when I am there.



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Not sorry for being pedantic... they're not bulbs in that they aren't lights. They're just 'crystals.'

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Last year, the lobby had hundreds of hanging bulbs installed. I cant stop looking at them when I am there.



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I love those as well! We spent a couple of nights at Phins last trip and I was just mesmerized by these crystals.

 

[Weather_Lady]

I just see them as an example of classic late-1980s aesthetics -- and they're an example that has stood the test of time better than most. It's not my cup of tea, personally, but not every theme is. I appreciate them for what they are: a couple of well-maintained and thoughtfully-designed buildings that hail from another era.

 

[DisneyFreak]

Have never been much of a fan. Thought they never really fit into WDW. We of course checked them both out when they first opened in the late 80's. The only other times we've been to either is to go to Kimonos for sushi and karaoke.

 

[surfsupdon]

I like them a lot. They are whimsical, tropical, and "magical." They look great from the resort grounds and from Buena Vista....I don't like the way they look on World Drive tho.

 

[DisneyOutsider]

I also think they're pretty to look at. With their updated rooms, solid customer service and amenities.. I still maintain that these hotels are the best value on Disney property... resort fees and all! Never had a poor stay here.

 

[BraveGirl]

They scream 1980s to me. Not my cup of tea, never have been.

 

[tasha ratliff]

We are staying for the first two days of our trip at Dolphin bc Ive always wanted to stay there and enjoy Epcot! I think they are beautiful! Headed to GF for a few days then Poly after that

 

[Ricky Spanish]

Wow, I must be old!
I remember being at WDW when they were building these hotels.
They were putting either the swans or dolphins on top of the buildings( don't remember which) when we were driving towards the Magic Kingdom.

 

[crxbrett]

Wow, I must be old!
I remember being at WDW when they were building these hotels.
They were putting either the swans or dolphins on top of the buildings( don't remember which) when we were driving towards the Magic Kingdom.

Hahahahahaaa! My very first vacation to WDW was in August of '89 when the resorts were nearing completion. I remember MCO even had a glass display in the airport with models showcasing the new resorts! Somewhere in all my DW photos is a pic of myself and my siblings standing next to the models.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Anyone else think that the outside of the Swan and Dolphin looks tacky? I personally don’t find them to look that pretty. What’s your opinion?

Outdated? Not in the least. They're just not themed in Disney style and thus a bit generic. I suppose the teal blue might be a little... Tired... But they fit the general theme. The rooms were relatively recently refurbished inside - and they're repainting outside currently (not the entire building, but details).

 

[crxbrett]

Here's a cool home video of the area during construction. I assume this video is from winter/spring '90, since the Swan is open, but the Dolphin is still not and the Yacht & Beach Clubs are mid-way through construction.