Swan or Dolphin

[DisneyWorld30th]

Which resort do you suggest, the Swan or Dolphin hotel? I have stayed at almost of the Disney resorts and would like to try either one of these.

Any feedback would be great!

 

[wdwmagic]

Currently the Swan looks to be the better of the two, as they have completed their recent rehab. The Dolphin is still undergoing it's rehab. The rehabs are adding completely new bedrooms and bathrooms to all guest rooms.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Definately the swan. Like Steve said, it just finished its rehab and the rooms look great. They also just got those famous Westin Heavenly Beds. So that would be my choice of the two.

 

[Moustronaut]

Hmmm tough call. We stayed in a remodeled room in the Dolphin this past November. Loved it. Bed is wonderful!!!.

Other than that, I don't know that I really could tell a difference. The 24 hour gift shop and restaurant is in the Dolphin but our favorite restaurant (Palio's) is in the Swan.... so really tough call.

 

[Grumpy56]

Haven't stayed there yet but did a tour and went to look at a room. Swan room was nicer and the beds are great. Swan is smaller too, liked the lobby better than the Dolphin as well.

 

[wdwmagic]

Originally posted by DisneyWorld30th
Which resort do you suggest, the Swan or Dolphin hotel? I have stayed at almost of the Disney resorts and would like to try either one of these.

Any feedback would be great!

Just some info on the rehabs, hope it helps


Lake Buena Vista, Florida – For well over a decade, the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel has amazed adults and children alike with its “whimsical” guestroom design. Behind striped cabana-style doors, guests found a fun, peach and teal interior, with floral-shaped lamps and fanciful window and wall coverings, carpeting and bedding. That has all changed now, as the hotel presents its new modern luxury concept, which offers guests a soft blue color scheme, high speed internet access and the ever-popular, all-white Heavenly Bed®, which is duly responsible for giving innumerable guests all over the world an unforgettable night’s sleep.

Guests will be pleasantly surprised to see attributes that may not be traditionally expected when visiting the world’s leading vacation destination. The design was created by noted designer Michael Graves, the hotel’s original architect who introduced the “whimsical” look 14 years ago when the hotel opened. Now, as guests are demanding more sophisticated design and amenities, Graves has come back with a look that’s still unique to the hotel’s address, in the heart of Walt Disney World® Resort, but offers more cutting-edge style, luxury and appeal. It starts with Westin’s popular Heavenly Beds®, the all-white beds which the hotel incorporated in its new design as part of their management agreement with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which owns the Westin brand. Guests have praised Westin’s innovation with the new beds that provide an unforgettable sleeping experience. Considered the centerpiece of the new guestroom design, the beds feature a custom-designed pillow-top mattress set; a cozy down blanket; three crisp sheets with thread counts between 180-250; a comforter; a duvet and five of the best pillows in the industry. The headboards are accented by original Michael Graves artwork, topped by picture-wash lighting that also provides supplemental reading light within easy reach.

Custom-designed carpeting and draperies, with a Graves-designed insignia, complement new designer wall coverings. A sleek, maple wood bureau with frosted glass accents replaces existing armoires in the guestrooms, providing ample drawer space for guest belongings. A 27” color television replaces the current 20” models in a contemporary-designed bureau that connects to a large desk and work area. King rooms feature a pullout sleeper, while the double/double rooms offer a customized lounge chair and ottoman. The bathrooms feature the Heavenly BathSM treatment, which includes broad-width shower curtains and signature in-bath amenities. High speed internet service has also been added, making the hotel the first Disney hotel to offer this in-demand feature.


American architect Michael Graves has been in the forefront of architectural design since he founded his practice in Princeton, New Jersey in 1964. As Robert Schirmer Professor of Architecture, Emeritus at Princeton University, where he taught for almost 40 years, Graves is an influential theorist as well as a diversified and prolific designer. Among his numerous projects, he is also noted for designing the Team Disney Building, the company’s headquarters, in Burbank, California, along with numerous other hotels in California, Japan, France, Belgium and Egypt. Graves has designed a wide range of furnishings, artifacts, jewelry and dinnerware for companies such as Disney, Alessi, Steuben, Phillips Electronics and Black & Decker. He has teamed with Target stores to bring his signature style of design to a larger public in a wide variety of product categories.

Graves continues to make an indelible mark on the architectural community with notable projects worldwide. He was recently honored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with its Gold Medal award, the highest honor this professional organization confers on an individual.

“Revisiting the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel after 14 years was an exciting venture,” said Graves. He continued, “We have embarked upon an intriguing transformation from whimsical to modern luxury. We combined the unique design concept of the Walt Disney World Swan and Westin’s Heavenly Beds® with a contemporary approach that will continue to set the standard in guestroom design.”

Erik Berger, general manager, added, “We’re pleased to have continued our partnership with Michael Graves, to ensure we remain true to the original concept of this hotel.”

Now with its new look, the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel will continue to amaze guests from both the outside and inside. The new modern luxury design is an extension of the hotel’s outstanding décor and ability to pleasantly surprise the guests behind every door of the building.

The multi-award winning Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, located within the Epcot® Resort area, is a Four-Diamond rated hotel, located in the most magical place in the world. In addition to a wide selection of rooms and suites, there are 17 restaurants and lounges, offering such cuisine as: Italian, sushi, family dining and steak and seafood at the renowned Shula's Steak House - “Critics Choice for Orlando’s Best Restaurant.” Recreational facilities include five swimming pools, two health clubs, and five nearby championship Walt Disney World golf courses. Centered inside the Walt Disney World® Resort, the hotel is nearby Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Magic Kingdom® Park, and accessible to Epcot® and Disney-MGM Studios via water and walkway. The hotel offers an array of special Walt Disney World benefits, including: complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Attractions; Extra Magic Hour early theme park entry, an on-site Disney ticket desk and Disney character dining in select hotel restaurants on select days. The hotel can be found at www.swandolphin.com. Guests can receive e-mail updates and on-going special hotel deals by signing up at www.swandolphin.com/postcards.

 

[Sherm00]

last time we went we staied at the Dolphin. it was great, i love the look of the big expansive lobby over the swan, although the dolphin has the convention center inside it, make sure there are no conventions going on when your down there. one was comming in the day we left and it got quite busy in there, also the dolphin is still in it's rehab. when we went down the room was great and always clean and i liked being right outside of epcot. i say eiter swan or dolphin you can't go wrong but i would choose the swan this time because it's smaller and it's rehab is finished.