Originally Posted By CMM1 I've stayed at a number of the deluxe WDW resort hotels (Contemporary, GF and YC) - wondering what those of you who have stayed at the Swan and/or Dolphin think of those hotels in comparison to the WDW ones I mentioned? I've heard a number of mixed reviews about them - (bad) too many convention-type people, hotels don't really have the "Disney" touch, etc; (good) better restaurants, nicer beds, etc. Any comments by those who have been there would be appreciated.
Originally Posted By Daannzzz I stayed at the Dolphin for 3 nights in 2001 and thought it was great. I had a great rated of $159 per night. We were upgraded from a standard view to a king premier which had a great view of the Boardwalk, the Swan and the lake. I liked the decore (now renovated) and it was a comfortable room and a great location. CM's were all great and it was a comfortable room. I did seem a hair less Disneyish but it was not devoid of Disney references. There were no conventions while we were there, that we were aware of so that was not an issue and I don't think it would be with me UNLESS they were an unruly loud bunch late at night.
Originally Posted By sun-n-fun My husbands aunt always stays at either the swan or dolphin - I can't remember which. She loves it!!!!
Originally Posted By AuroraRose i was actually going to stay here this trip, but opted for the passholder rate at AKL. The one thing I must say is, go directly to the swan/dolphin website it's swandolphin.com or you can go thru the westin site westin.com--and book directly through westin resorts, not disney and you'll get an awesome rate--i priced both--the website was offering a water view for 239.00 I called disney and the wanted 349.00 for the standard room. When I questioned it, the reservationist said they could not match the price, because it was westins price, not Disneys and disney could not offer a westin price.
Originally Posted By Labuda AllearsNet reader prices beat Westin's, it seems: Lake View $209.50 - Value Season $219.50 - Regular Season $229.50 - Peak Season
Originally Posted By kennect Somewhere I read of the one fifty nine rate being available now or in the near future....Great location, I love the design concept... My overall thought though of both hotel's go back to when I first saw them during a Christmas season...Absolutely horrible Christmas decorations...We could get together as a group and go to Big Lot's and pick up better looking stuff than what I saw...
Originally Posted By partyhare I stayed at the Dolphin in March this year. The location is great since you can walk around the Boardwalk area and to EPCOT, and otherwise it is pretty much centrally located on property (so not too far from anything). I missed the Disney charm of the resort hotels, but the gift shop was named after Daisy and I still got Extra Magic Hours. I would still prefer to stay at the WDW hotels, but given price, location, and relative quality, I would consider the Dolphin again.
Originally Posted By Lake Nona >> The location is great since you can walk around the Boardwalk area and to EPCOT, and otherwise it is pretty much centrally located on property (so not too far from anything).<< You can take the Friendships to MGM,The Boardwalk, YBC and the International Gateway to Epcot. We have stayed for years at this resort because I know someone in the sales dept. There are no more club lounge's at both hotel's because Tishman wants to make more rooms on the Dolphin 12 floor,and the 6th floor of the Swan. The only drawback is the 8 dollar per night parking charge and the 10 dollar health club fee. The 3 acre grotto pool is great, plus the hotel's olympic size swimmg pool (The only one @ WDW). There are Disney gift shops in both hotel lobby's and character breakfasts at both the Swan and Dolphin. Plus if you belong to SPG (starwood preferred guest) you do earn points for your stay. As in other posts, you go get EMH., plus free parking at the parks.
