So... we're back to flip-flopping on our resort decision for our upcoming WFW honeymoon, so here I am again looking for some more information and opinions! DH-to-be has discovered that we can get a great rate at the Swan/Dolphin with the teacher's discount, so we're stuck again!

What can you all tell me about the Swan and/or Dolphin properties? Any particularly good (or bad, for that matter) experiences? How is the transportation? Distance to the parks? Dining options? Etc?

We are debating between the following options:

Just over two weeks split between CSR and POFQ, with the last five days or so at WL.
Start the trip off at a value for about three or four days, then spend the majority of the time at the Swan/Dolphin
Start the trip off at a moderate for a longer amount of time, then spend a little less time at the Swan/Dolphin than in the previous scenario
What would you recommend? FYI, we will be there for about three weeks in total, we plan on spending the vast majority of our time at the Disney Parks and we don't plan on renting a car. Any input would be very much appreciated. Thanks, all!

I would go with your first option.

The Swan and Dolphin are high-rise hotels with a great location. Yes, they are deluxe when you look at the fact that they have interior entrances, multiple dining locations, and the like. But you could put them in any city, and they wouldn't be much (if any) different. I've only been in public areas, and haven't explored extensively - but I don't feel any 'Disney Feel' to them at all. I just checked out the reviews in the system, and that's the basic theme of the ones I read.

You also can't charge to your room key, if that matters to you, and I'm not sure if you can have your purchases sent back to the hotel. Also, I'm pretty sure they don't participate in DME, and I doubt if you could have your luggage transferred for you, so you'd have to take a taxi to get your luggage over. (Luggage 'isn't allowed' on standard Disney buses).

And I wouldn't want you to miss out on the Wilderness Lodge.

I have the rare need to disagree with my friend Drince on this one. While the Swan & Dolphin do have more of a feel of a big city downtown hotel, in reality how many of us get to stay at such a place that often? True, the S/D are a bit light on the Disney theme, but then do you really need to see Mickey in every pillowcase and wallpaper? These hotels are perfectly situated between Epcot and the Studios - a 15 minute walk in either direction or a handy ferry ride will get you there quickly, and busses will take you to all other locations.

If you have a great deal on S/D rooms, my vote would be for the third of the above scenarios. I'm not a big fan of the values, although I'd still rather stay at the Pop Century than stay off property. But the moderates are so much nicer. I think the Coronado Springs Resort is just as nice as most of the premiums on property. So stay there a while, then move over to the S/D - sounds like a nice honeymoon!

Let us know what you decide!!!

Swolphin does have package delivery. and as far as a split stay, much to my surprise, i've heard luggage will be transferred between the disney resort and swolphin.

Dan makes good points in his post, and if your choice was between the Swan/Dolphin or a shorter trip, I probably would say Swan/Dolphin. It's really a different strokes kind of situation.

And the location really is Primo, IMHO.

See, I knew we couldn't disagree for too long, Cathy!

The Dolphin definately!

The Dolphin is more of a convention hotel with many conventions in progress. We felt out of place in our family Disney park gear & hats. They do have a business center with internet but they charge by the minute and it is expensive.

Thanks for the input, everyone. This decision is certainly not getting any easier, so keep those opinions coming please! :)

I have never stayed there but I am on their mailing list ,and this place is super nice with some of the best restaurants. We stayed at the Boardwalk our first visit and they are really close ,You will be getting a very nice hotel IMO. We were offered a great bargin at Christmas when everything else was outrageous and already booked. I vote for either Swan or Dolphin. Check out the pictures and compare both on the allearsnet. website.

The location can't be beat...we stay at The Beach (we honeymooned there) and I would stay at any of the Boardwalk hotels because there is sooo much to do...The Swan/Dolphin are highrise so the possible view is also worth it...