Disney Orlando: Dolphin or Swan? 2007-present [Master Thread]
#121
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 139
As a general observation, if you are going to the Swan or Dolphin for an event, the majority of the event will probably be at the Dolphin so it's pretty convenient to have your room upstairs versus having to go back to the Swan. On the other hand, I have found the Swan to be much quieter and calmer (the Karaoke at the Japanese restaurant not withstanding)
#124
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Central FL
Programs: DL Gold; Bonvoy Gold; HHonors Diamond; Avis Preferred, Hertz PC
Posts: 600
Any recent experience with getting the Resort Fee waived (SPG Gold) at the Swan? I had two stays there last month and that was not one of the options. My experience at the Dolphin in several previous stays this year is that they do waive the resort fee there. Are they just not consistent? I did (politely) ask about the difference when checking in but didn't really get an answer except that it was Westin policy.
#126
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: AL
Programs: AA Plat Pro, DL Sil, UA Sil, Hyatt Global, MR Amb, Hilton Diamond, National Exec, Hertz Pres
Posts: 477
Disney Orlando: Dolphin or Swan? 2007-present [Master Thread]
I've stayed at both recently and there's little difference. The Swan has higher end restaurants and the Dolphin has more "comfort food" restaurants and the 24 hrs cafeteria.
#128
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: Hertz Five Star, Delta SkyMiles, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold, National Executive, Alaksa MVP
Posts: 297
I was at the Swan last week, same deal, did not waive the fee. They gave me a plat continenal breakfast coupon to make up for it. Had b-fast at Fresh (highly recommend)
#130
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: DCA
Posts: 292
Definitely don't expect an upgrade at either. They don't have a surplus of suites, so it is very unlikely. I still love the properties because it is nice to walk to Epcot and the Boardwalk. The hallways are so cold though!
#131
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: PVD
Programs: AA-P, B6, DL, SW, SPG_M-P, AGR-S+
Posts: 289
I just returned from a 3-night stay at the Dolphin and I was indeed upgraded to a suite for my stay. And yes, those hallways are freezing!!!
#132
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: DCA
Posts: 292
While I never *expect* an upgrade at either, my previous experience with them has been quite good with Platinum upgrade to at least a deluxe alcove room (basically a jr. suite), if not some sort of executive or governor suite with the parlor lockoff attached to my bedroom. With the Dolphin, I usually see them take control of my reservation a few days or so in advance of arrival and that seems to be an indication that I've been pre-blocked into a suite of some sort. Suite availability, however, can be particularly tight if there's a big convention or if it's peak family travel time. Shorter stays are more likely to have availability as well.
I just returned from a 3-night stay at the Dolphin and I was indeed upgraded to a suite for my stay. And yes, those hallways are freezing!!!
I just returned from a 3-night stay at the Dolphin and I was indeed upgraded to a suite for my stay. And yes, those hallways are freezing!!!
#133
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,990
We have a balcony, so I suppose that is an upgrade. I know that people save up their points to take their families to Disney and want to impress them based on the reason they had to travel so much, but when I go on a vacation like this, I want to take full advantage of the attractions, not the room. I was really surprised that the Dolphin had the Heavenly bed. The A/C must be a Florida thing.
Cheers,
#134
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta PM, Starwood Gold, JetBlue, Marriott Silver, Hilton Honors
Posts: 210
Also, some other differences...the Swans beds (when two in the room) are Queen and the Dolphin's are double. The Swans sinks are all outside the bathroom while the Dolphins has most rooms with sinks inside the bathroom. The Queen beds and sink outside bathroom are HUGE for a family of five!
#135
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: PVD
Programs: AA-P, B6, DL, SW, SPG_M-P, AGR-S+
Posts: 289
We have a balcony, so I suppose that is an upgrade. I know that people save up their points to take their families to Disney and want to impress them based on the reason they had to travel so much, but when I go on a vacation like this, I want to take full advantage of the attractions, not the room. I was really surprised that the Dolphin had the Heavenly bed. The A/C must be a Florida thing.