Swan vs Dolphin

[kkmickey]

We are planning a trip for April 2009. The Swan and Dolphin both offer discounts for nurses and educators (like me and my husband!) and I am looking at possibly staying at one of these hotels. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of each, especially if there is any difference in the size of rooms? Thanks!

[MaddieMouse]

We are planning a trip for April 2009. The Swan and Dolphin both offer discounts for nurses and educators (like me and my husband!) and I am looking at possibly staying at one of these hotels. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of each, especially if there is any difference in the size of rooms? Thanks!

I'm interested in hearing differences, too, we have debated staying there (I'm an RN) and I'm not sure which one is "better". Anyone?

[Cheshire Figment]

You do get EMH access and normal Disney transportation.

You do not get charging privledges, dining plan, or ability to ship purchases to your resort.

It is very convenient to Epcot, DHS and Boardwalk activities.

If you are a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest program there may be additional benefits.

[JEANYSANCHEZ38]

Our family are going to stay in the Dolphin. Because my niece Sophie loves Dolphins. And My Sister is a RN too. I can't wait to stay in the Dolphin.

[Drince88]

Just wanted you to know that the dolphin of the Dolphin hotel is the fish, not the mammal. It's the same fish as Mahi Mahi, so you might want to prepare your niece for the statues to 'look wrong'!

I haven't stayed at either, so can't tell you the differences. They have different restaurants and stuff in the common areas. The boat dock to the Studios or Epcot is right in between them, and the walk to the two is going to be about the same, that I'm not sure there's much of a 'real' difference between them.

[danyoung]

If you're walking to the parks, I'd say that the Swan would be closer to the Studios, while the Dolphin would be closer to Epcot. Other than that, they were both built at the same time by the same builder, so should be similar. I've stayed at the Dolphin before - it's typical of a downtown Hilton or Marriott. They're a little short on the Disney theming that's prevalent in the actual Disney hotels. But if the price is right, go for it!

[MousePaul]

I've stayed at the Dolphin three times for conventions (and have visited the Swan). These are first and foremost convention hotels. The room sizes I believe are the same but the Dolphin is a larger hotel overall. Nice rooms overall. There is some Disney Magic at the Hotels though it is limited. The location is actually very good however - you are right in the midst of things. These hotels forced me to have a split personality while I was there - it felt very "business like" inside (in fact I gave my first large buisness presentation way back in 1999 at the Dolphin - it was cool however to have Disney people set up my microphone and sound) though the moment I stepped outside it felt very Disney. This was a bit tough on me being the Disneyphile I am. So close to the Magic and yet so far! :)

If you are getting a good deal - the hotels are nice and the location is great.

[danyoung]

So close to the Magic and yet so far! :)


Ain't that the truth! I've done a few corporate events in the Orlando area, and if I can't arrange to get away at least for an evening in Epcot I go crazy go nuts!!! I worked an event once at the boardwalk, stayed at the Beach Club, and only had to work till noon each day for a week. Parks, here I come!!!

[janell]

I get the two hotel mixed up. Find out which one the busses stop at first. That way you can get on and have a seat. Those busses get full and fast.

And if your going to DtD or Typhon Lagoon, you may want to take a Taxi. Ive had bad luck with that bus while at the Boardwalk and the Dolphin and Swan are on the same bus line as Boardwalk.

Also what helps me decied is looking at where you can grab a good meal.