Swan & Dolphin

[riverking]

Hi
I am thinking about a couple of nights stay at either The Swan or Dolphin hotels next August(2023)
I don't Know much about them but thought they would be the more affordable option around the boardwalk area.
Can I get some advice from you all who have stayed here?
Which one is best?
Where did you book?
Any other hints/tips would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks.

[Lola]

Stayed at the Dolphin a few years ago. Very handy for the Boardwalk, Hollywood Studios and Epcot, boats are good but can take a while so walking can be quicker. Nice hotel but not quite Disney. The food area was a little hit and miss at times.

[Mick sourir]

Stayed at both. Both are brilliant. Stayed at Dolphin 6 times, Swan once, which might tell you which I prefer. I booked direct or with Virgin as a holiday package. Dolphin has more restaurants/bars and shops, as well as a 24 hour cafe/deli/qs restaurant - which is really handy if you're jetlagged - and both offer a refillable mug for $20 ish.

[Dummydaydream]

We stayed at the Dolphin for 3 nights last week and it was fine. The lobby is very impressive and the hotel is massive but easy to navigate. We had a rollaway bed that we had to ask to be changed after one night as it was awful. The next one was much better. There are lots of places to get food., ranging from grab and go to high end restaurants. There is a decent games room and a very impressive fitness bit open 24 hours. The pool area is shared with the Swan and had lots of space. There is also a ping pong table and small basketball court.

Location wise it’s brilliant. You can walk or get a boat to both HS and Epcot. Coming back from the other parks or Disney Springs we tended to get on the Disney buses to Boardwalk and it’s a short walk back.

[DonkeyCentreArf]

Great location. Just make sure you get a true cost when pricing this up as some suppliers include the resort fees in their room rate and others don't.

However, it doesn't always follow that those who include it are better value - sometimes booking without and adding when you get there still works out cheaper.

[Dummydaydream]

Originally Posted by DonkeyCentreArf

Great location. Just make sure you get a true cost when pricing this up as some suppliers include the resort fees in their room rate and others don't.

However, it doesn't always follow that those who include it are better value - sometimes booking without and adding when you get there still works out cheaper.

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We booked direct with Marriott and could see clearly what the tariff would be, including the resort fee and extra cost for rollaway bed. You can also make requests like feather free room and extra towels etc at time of booking.

[warpig]

Stayed at the Dolphin twice, nice hotel but definitely doesn’t feel like you’re in the Disney bubble. Great location for Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Night time entertainment at the Boardwalk on your doorstep. Disney buses don’t go there any more but you can get them from the Yacht Club next door.

[sha9]

We’ve stayed at both and I prefer the Dolphin. I didn’t find the Swan beds particularly comfy but that may be because we had just come from POFQ where the beds were amazing! The location is fantastic for the price so well worth a couple of nights for visiting DHS and Epcot.

[riverking]

Thanks all
Looks like The Dolphin then.
I thought the parking and resort fees had to be paid locally though regardless of who you book with?

[sha9]

Originally Posted by riverking

Thanks all
Looks like The Dolphin then.
I thought the parking and resort fees had to be paid locally though regardless of who you book with?

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No, they’re included with Virgin Holidays. I think booking with Disney also includes resort fee.