Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Sunset Photo
My relationship with the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels is somewhat love-hate. On the one hand, their size makes them thematically jarring eyesores from World Showcase. On the other hand, their architecture is stunning and is a nice departure from what Disney was doing prior to this. Disney War (I really need to read that again–such a great book!) provides some interesting insight into Michael Eisner bringing Michael Graves into the fold to design these hotels, and the business deals that brought that about. If you’ve never read it, definitely pick up a copy. It’s one of my favorite books!
We’re presently debating whether we should stay at the Swan (for the first time) in the fall. The luxury and proximity to Epcot (for Food & Wine and anniversary events) would be a huge plus. The huge “minus” is the price, even though we’ve found a pretty good rate. Is it worth it to stay there for twice the price of a Value? I’m thinking it might be just to be within walking distance of Epcot. What do you think?
Technical details: handheld Nikon D7000
We’ll be staying at the Dolphin in October this year using our SPG points – cost of hotel $0 makes it much easier to decide between the Dolphin and a Disney themed resort.
We stayed at the dolphin and at first struggled paying nearly double the cost of a value. We could walk or take the boat to Epcot. There was affordable food at the hotel too. Their breakfast buffet was 21 or 22 per person but very filling. I try to eat healthier and they had detox juices, yogurts, and fruits. They also had an omelet bar, Mickey mouse pancakes and waffles made to order, and pastries. When we looked at paying over ten dollars an entree for offsite breakfast, it was a deal. We were full not but not stuffed. We didnt end up eating till dinner later. We liked the convenience of crashing at the hotel after a few hours. We paid for the convenience and loved it.
We just stayed at the Dolphin for the first time and it was truly a convenience to be within walking distance to EPCOT. We got a great rate which made it a better deal. Having stayed at the Value resorts and the moderates, this was quite a departure in terms of their look and feel, but the convenience made up for it. I’d recommend trying it at least once.
Be careful with thr Swan and Dolphin… They are both great hotels, BUT they will nickel and dime you go death. Parking fee, Internet fee, etc. Plus, you don’t get Magical Express. So you must take a cab, rent a car, or hitchhike,
Congrats on the D700 purchase.
TS
You’ll enjoy this as much as a moderate or deluxe for sure, great location, great room, great table-service options, near the boardwalk, and being a Disney blogger it will give you insight on one of the most visible hotels in WDW that many people are sure to be interested in reading about.
My daughter and I stayed at the Dolphin in December 2010 and we really enjoyed it. Being walking distance from both EPCOT and DHS was a huge timesaver – we rode Toy Story three mornings in a row before going to EPCOT.
I have never stayed at a value but I have stayed at AKL and Yacht. AKL’s theming was outstanding but the distance was a drag. I didn’t think that the Yacht Club’s theming was anything special. The theming at the Swolphin is typical nice, big city hotel.
My last criterion is the beds. Given that Sheraton (Dolphin) and Westin (Swan) both feature Sweet Sleeper/Heavenly beds, that would tip my decision toward the Swolphin.
As some one who stayed at the Beach Club last June for 10 days of Star Wars and more I can say that the benefit of staying “right there” was a huge time saver and a relaxation booster. It was 15 minutes or less to 2 parks! You’ll definitely enjoy the advantage, especially during food and wine which can be really crowded… so I say go for it, you won’t look back. It is money well spent for sure!
The other thing that jumped out at me in this article was your mention of Disney books. I always like to hear about good Disney books and I see on the blog that you have two posts entitled Disneyland books and Disney World books. I fear such great info will get lost in the many pages, so would you consider having a book section up in the mast head of your blog? Perhaps relabeling it “Product News and Book Reviews or something like that would help more people discover cool Disney books with your knowledgeable reviews?
So there is my idea of the day, well actually 2 of them if you count my recommendation to stay at the Swolphin. Also I know they give teachers a discount but I’m not sure about Nurses… be sure to ask though.
Thanks for all the hard work and dedication it takes for you and Sarah to put together such a marvelous site, and thanks especially for sharing all that passion with us!
~ Joanie
Thanks for the hotel suggestion!
I’m actually in the process of writing an incredibly comprehensive “Disney Books” post that will be pinned to the top. It includes all of the books from the two lists I already have, plus a LOT more. I was supposed to be done with it a month ago, but I keep buying new books…so it keeps getting delayed.
I have stayed at the Dolphin before and enjoyed it a lot. It does’nt have the Disney “feel” on the inside but it has great restaurants and pools plus you’re a short boat ride or walk to the boardwalk and epcot. Im sure the rate you got is a lot less than a room in the YC/BC or Boardwalk. Plus you can walk to DHS easily.
We’ve been to the Dolphin before, and love the ambiance, so that’s not an issue. It’s going to be a tough decision!