Swan vs. Dolphin - help!

[chris2fett]

Thinking about taking a trip this fall, and I've never stayed in the WDW Swan/Dolphin.

1) Which one has the most RECENT room renovations?
2) Any preference between the two (I would just get a standard room) ?
3) Does Disney's magical Express service these two hotels ?
4) Boat transporation to MGM / Epcot - how is it?
5) How close to Boardwalk?

Thanks for your help!

[TheDisneyInquisitor]

Originally Posted by chris2fett

Thinking about taking a trip this fall, and I've never stayed in the WDW Swan/Dolphin.

1) Which one has the most RECENT room renovations?
2) Any preference between the two (I would just get a standard room) ?
3) Does Disney's magical Express service these two hotels ?
4) Boat transporation to MGM / Epcot - how is it?
5) How close to Boardwalk?

Thanks for your help!

1) I'm pretty sure the last to receive a paint job was Dolphin, so if I had to take a guess, that would be it.

2) Can't answer (I've never stayed there and I personally don't like the main areas of either)

3) No

4) S&D are kind of in the awkward position of needing the boats (as it is it kind of far from both parks). The Boat to DMGM is pretty nice as you will be the last stop. It might take about 7 minutes or ~15 minutes to walk. The boat to Epcot will likely take an extra 6 or so minutes as you have to stop at the other resorts first. It is usually easier just to walk to Epcot (maybe about 7 minutes to walk there).

5) It is right next to the Boardwalk. You just have to go over the bridge between the S&D to the Boardwalk and you are there.

[nbodyhome]

The Swan had renovations first, but not by much. The Dolphin had their rehab right afterwards.

I prefer the Swan, because it has a lot less of the convention facilities.

You can walk to MGM or Epcot in about 10 - 12 minutes.

They are essentially on the Boardwalk.

No Magical Express.

[EPCOT]

Originally Posted by chris2fett

2) Any preference between the two (I would just get a standard room) ?

Swan- smaller.

4) Boat transporation to MGM / Epcot - how is it?

It's quicker to walk to Epcot than to get the boat. Boats to MGM are fine. Nice relaxing 10 minute cruise actually.

5) How close to Boardwalk?

About a 30 second walk.



Can't go wrong with the Swan or Dolphin- excellent service, one of the very best locations, non-Disney prices.

[mikeland]

I'm partial to the Swan myself. It's smaller and more manageable and you can always use the Dolphin's restaurants, only a short stroll away.

[Bill]

Swan is a Westin, Dolphin is a Sheraton. The Swan is a tad nicer and more intimate.

[WDW1974]

They are both terrific ... and very underrated by Disney 'fans' since the Mouse doesn't own/operate them.

They are more adult. Quieter. Have great dining. And one of the best pool areas on Disney property.

Swan would be my choice just because it is smaller and the convetion center is at the Dolphin, which is also much larger.

But you can't go wrong with either choice. And the Boardwalk, as well as Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios are easy walks if you don't want to wait for the slow boats.

[bluntman]

swan has 2 queens in their rooms, dolphin has 2 doubles (of course unless you opt for a king). the swan is much more intimate the first stop for most of the busses FROM the parks.

other than the beds, the only differences in rooms are the bathroom vanities and some slight wallpaper variations near the door.

[Mr.Abominable]

I really don't care for either of them. I thought the service was bad and the hotel itself is not Disney enough for me. That being said, their beds are the most comfy beds I have ever slept in!

[chris2fett]

Thanks for all of your input. I've decided on the Swan - and it looks like the best way to get from the airport is Mers shuttle. Anyone have any tips?

[JesterMn]

To get to the Swan, I took the Happy Limo (as recommended on MouseSavers) and was very pleased with that. It's very prompt, and basically has direct airport to hotel service, without extra stops (unless you opt to stop at a local supermarket to pick up snacks and/or other sundries you may need at the last minute, which is a free service included in your ride).

On Mears, you may have to share with 30+ people and all their stops! It's cheaper, but you are paying for it in potentially large time delays.

[WDW1974]

Have a great time at the Swan.

But do walk over to the Dolphin Fountain. Better ice cream and burgers BY FAR than the fan fave Beaches and Cream at the BC ... in a classier, cleaner enviroment too.

The new Italian bistro is getting rave reviews (Il Mullino?) but is a bit pricey as most of the dining there is.

Also, a great place for a quick meal is the Beach Club Marketplace ... incredible salads and homemade gelato.

For just a great meal at a reasonable price, the Yacht Club Galley fits the bill.

All within easy walking distance.

[mikeland]

Originally Posted by WDW1974

Also, a great place for a quick meal is the Beach Club Marketplace ... incredible salads and homemade gelato.

Pardon my ignorance, but where is the Beach Club Marketplace? Is it open till late?

[nbodyhome]

Originally Posted by mikeland

Pardon my ignorance, but where is the Beach Club Marketplace? Is it open till late?

The Beach Club Marketplace is in...the Beach Club! It has gellato (I don't think that starts until noon), and also sandwiches and such. I don't know what time it closes, but probably not too early as it's also part of the store.

I like the gelato there, but I also enjoy the soft serve vanilla ice cream over at the Boardwalk (sweet shop). It has been so hot lately, so anything cold is good.

[TheDisneyInquisitor]

Originally Posted by mikeland

Pardon my ignorance, but where is the Beach Club Marketplace? Is it open till late?

When you enter the Beach Club via the main entrance, go left. It is right across from the entrance to the DVC door. If I remember correctly, they are open until 10 or 11pm. Breakfast is stopped serving at 11am or whenever they run out of omelets. The gelato is great.