Disney Swan & Dolphin

My family stayed at the Dolphin years ago, and loved it. The room we had was huge, and the Fountain diner there was a blast - every 15 mins or so the staff came out and danced to Grease songs. Not sure what it is like now, but I sure do like the location! And I hear great things about the restaurants.

My friend has said the rooms there are larger and fit her family of four comfortably.

Amy stayed at the Dolphin in '95 and said the rooms were small. Said it was like the Days Inn. Says it was nice but nothing great.

I have never stayed there, but if you are a teacher or nurse, the rate is always $149 per night. My only concern is not being able to participate in the dining plan. Since it is technically not owned by Disney, I don't know if they allow you to purchase the dining plan or not.

Parking is also not free. They charge you per day to have your car parked in the parking lot. Whether you valet or not, you pay. That was another turn off.

I've heard the resort on the inside is gorgeous and rooms are amazing!

A guy a work with swears by the Dolphin. Said the rooms are HUGE and as a gov't employee, you are eligible for a gov't rate. He has assured me that once I go Dolphin (or Swan, but out of the two he prefers Dolphin), I'll never go back to Disney. I've priced them for my upcoming race trips, and even for the non-discounted trip (Princess weekend) it was way more expensive than AOA.

I went to Garden Grove, the character buffet there, then took the boat over to the International Gateway at Epcot. Lots of fun and also saw the Boardwalk for the first time on my way there!

It was great. It was in June and the place was empty as we had an early dinner ADR, but around 5:15 or so, so not terribly early. The food was good, I really enjoyed the desserts more than anything. Because it was so empty, character interaction was fantastic. It was Goofy and Pluto and they visited our table frequently. Although, Pluto was the goofy one

I've looked at it because the teacher discount is awesome. We booked OKW instead because I rented points. I'm not ruling out the Swan/Dolphin for future trips with family, though.

We stayed at the Dolphin in 2006. The room was pretty big and the beds - HOLY COW - they were SOFT! It was also very cool to be able to see Illuminations from our window. The food was good - I do love a steak - and Shula's was yummy! The only thing I do not like about the Dolphin is not having Magic Express. All other Disney amenities (package delivery, EMH, transportation [bus and boat] to parks) are included. The location is wonderful - I would stay here again.

I've never been to either but I'm thinking a stop at The Fountain for some ice cream next trip might be a must do. I just saw a picture of the PB&J milkshake and now I HAVE to try it

I have great memories of the Fountain! As I mentioned in another post, they did try to disney up the atmosphere a bit with some 50s style dancing every so often. Not as seamless as Disney pulls off their immersive theming, but pretty good. I honestly have not set foot inside the Swan or Dolphin since, but now I think I need to pop in there on one of my many jaunts across the Boardwalk to HS or Epcot.

We have never been inside either one. We do have reservations at Shula's in October though.

That parking fee really turns me off from considering a stay there. In reality, the rooms really cost $15 per night more than listed, unless you fly and do not rent a car.

Real Disney resorts do not charge to park!

Yes. I agree. That was really a deciding factor for me. Plus, because it tends to have some cheaper rates, it has almost turned in to the Value resorts accommodating large groups. When we were there in May, a few mornings we were walking to DHS and there were like hundreds of teenagers coming out of those hotels heading for the Boardwalk. They all had a lanyard on for some convention. I know everyone deserves to go to Disney, but I don't like being around large groups - especially teens without adult supervision. (Yes, I realize not all teens are obnoxious!!)

The nurses rate depends on the season, just like with Disney. I checked there for our February Princess 10K trip and was getting about 230 a night with the nurses discount. Once you tack on the tax and services fees, it's roughly 275 a night.

I never stayed there. But I have drank there and pool hopped there. Delightful!

I know, Eeyore! I was surprised too to see teen groups in those hotels, as they are far from "budget." I also agree about "herd mentality." Folks regardless of age often get a bit "braver" when in a gang. Especially if imbibing!

That is just so wrong and I know places do charge for parking; but considering what you pay to stay there it should be part of the room charge.

The Swan and Dolphin did offer a dining voucher of like $400-$500 in place of the dining plan. Not sure if they still do that or not.