Disney Orlando: Dolphin or Swan? 2007-present [Master Thread]
Mar 14, 2019, 6:03 am
#196
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: MAN
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My folio from the Dolphin is definitely a Sheraton folio but I seem to remember reading somewhere that in the beginning Disney forbade branded shops, restaurants and hotels in WDW. Every element of the Disney World was to be “imagineered” rather than branded so you had “Ample Hills Creamery” rather than Haagen Dazs and the “Boardwalk Bakery” rather than Greggs! As Disney has sought ever more diverse means of monetising its world so the brand names such as Starbucks have crept in but I think the unbranded Swan and Dolphin is a product of the earlier days and contracts which still apply.
Last edited by BrightlyBob; Mar 14, 2019 at 6:15 am
Mar 14, 2019, 8:25 am
#197
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: ROA / CLT
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Posts: 801
I think the only exception is the shopping and entertainment district of Disney Springs.
Mar 14, 2019, 8:29 am
#198
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Paris, France
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We are regulars @ Swan & Dolphin (We do 4 or 5 stays a year in those 2 properties since about 20 years). We are currently in the middle of a 6 days stay the Dolphin. That was our first checkin under the new brand BonVoy. As an ambassador, we've been treated about the same than we were as SPG platinum. On this checkin, they gave us the choice between a suite with limited view, and a regular room with Balcony/firework view. We chose the view. (5-6 years ago our suite upgrade rate was about 90% and it was 2 bedroom suites with nice view) - now, suite upgrade is more close to 5 %). We book usually a resort view, and we are 90% upgraded to a Balcony/firework view.
Even if Swan and Dolphin are 2 different hotels, they are totally linked. That means that you can charge your expenses to your room on both properties, you can use the gym or the pool in both properties. For the breakfast amenities, they give you one coupon for 2 per day. You can use them either in Fresh (Dolphin) or in Garden Groove (Swan) whatever hotel you stay. We do prefer Fresh (Dolphin) as they have now homemade freshly squeezed orange juice, and the waiters are really friendly! I recommend Garden Groove for the weekends as they have Disney Characters on Saturdays and Sundays. (Menu are about the same in Fresh and Garden groove - except for orange juice)The Continental breakfast gives you access to every cold items (Pastries, fruit, etc). If you want hot items (Eggs, saussages, wafles, etc) , you have to upgrade $8 per person.
Rooms are about the same in Swan (Westin) and Dolphin (Sheraton). Honestly, I don't really see a big difference between the 2 hotels. We prefer Dolphin: it's bigger. You have a direct access to the Dolphin Gym (Swan Gym has no inside access- If it rains, you get wet to get in) and the Laundry is located inside the Dolphin. But some can prefer the "intimacy" of the Swan :-)
Even if Swan and Dolphin are 2 different hotels, they are totally linked. That means that you can charge your expenses to your room on both properties, you can use the gym or the pool in both properties. For the breakfast amenities, they give you one coupon for 2 per day. You can use them either in Fresh (Dolphin) or in Garden Groove (Swan) whatever hotel you stay. We do prefer Fresh (Dolphin) as they have now homemade freshly squeezed orange juice, and the waiters are really friendly! I recommend Garden Groove for the weekends as they have Disney Characters on Saturdays and Sundays. (Menu are about the same in Fresh and Garden groove - except for orange juice)The Continental breakfast gives you access to every cold items (Pastries, fruit, etc). If you want hot items (Eggs, saussages, wafles, etc) , you have to upgrade $8 per person.
Rooms are about the same in Swan (Westin) and Dolphin (Sheraton). Honestly, I don't really see a big difference between the 2 hotels. We prefer Dolphin: it's bigger. You have a direct access to the Dolphin Gym (Swan Gym has no inside access- If it rains, you get wet to get in) and the Laundry is located inside the Dolphin. But some can prefer the "intimacy" of the Swan :-)
Mar 14, 2019, 8:39 am
#199
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
We are regulars @ Swan & Dolphin (We do 4 or 5 stays a year in those 2 properties since about 20 years). We are currently in the middle of a 6 days stay the Dolphin. That was our first checkin under the new brand BonVoy. As an ambassador, we've been treated about the same than we were as SPG platinum. On this checkin, they gave us the choice between a suite with limited view, and a regular room with Balcony/firework view. We chose the view. (5-6 years ago our suite upgrade rate was about 90% and it was 2 bedroom suites with nice view) - now, suite upgrade is more close to 5 %). We book usually a resort view, and we are 90% upgraded to a Balcony/firework view.
Even if Swan and Dolphin are 2 different hotels, they are totally linked. That means that you can charge your expenses to your room on both properties, you can use the gym or the pool in both properties. For the breakfast amenities, they give you one coupon for 2 per day. You can use them either in Fresh (Dolphin) or in Garden Groove (Swan) whatever hotel you stay. We do prefer Fresh (Dolphin) as they have now homemade freshly squeezed orange juice, and the waiters are really friendly! I recommend Garden Groove for the weekends as they have Disney Characters on Saturdays and Sundays. (Menu are about the same in Fresh and Garden groove - except for orange juice)The Continental breakfast gives you access to every cold items (Pastries, fruit, etc). If you want hot items (Eggs, saussages, wafles, etc) , you have to upgrade $8 per person.
Rooms are about the same in Swan (Westin) and Dolphin (Sheraton). Honestly, I don't really see a big difference between the 2 hotels. We prefer Dolphin: it's bigger. You have a direct access to the Dolphin Gym (Swan Gym has no inside access- If it rains, you get wet to get in) and the Laundry is located inside the Dolphin. But some can prefer the "intimacy" of the Swan :-)
Even if Swan and Dolphin are 2 different hotels, they are totally linked. That means that you can charge your expenses to your room on both properties, you can use the gym or the pool in both properties. For the breakfast amenities, they give you one coupon for 2 per day. You can use them either in Fresh (Dolphin) or in Garden Groove (Swan) whatever hotel you stay. We do prefer Fresh (Dolphin) as they have now homemade freshly squeezed orange juice, and the waiters are really friendly! I recommend Garden Groove for the weekends as they have Disney Characters on Saturdays and Sundays. (Menu are about the same in Fresh and Garden groove - except for orange juice)The Continental breakfast gives you access to every cold items (Pastries, fruit, etc). If you want hot items (Eggs, saussages, wafles, etc) , you have to upgrade $8 per person.
Rooms are about the same in Swan (Westin) and Dolphin (Sheraton). Honestly, I don't really see a big difference between the 2 hotels. We prefer Dolphin: it's bigger. You have a direct access to the Dolphin Gym (Swan Gym has no inside access- If it rains, you get wet to get in) and the Laundry is located inside the Dolphin. But some can prefer the "intimacy" of the Swan :-)
Is there any difference in furnishings, TVs, or services (turndown service, as an example)?
Mar 15, 2019, 8:21 pm
#200
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: ROA / CLT
Programs: AA Plat, Marriott Life Plat
Posts: 801
The one main difference I've noted is the Dolphin rooms with two beds are listed as having two doubles, while at the Swan they are two queens, even though the basic rooms at the Swan are listed as being slightly smaller (340 sq.ft. vs 360 sq.ft.)
Other than that, you'd have a tough time telling their rooms apart.