[JEANY031]

Does the Swan and dolphin has water taxis to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios?

[Soundgod]

Yes, Jeany, the Friendships stop at Swolphin.
In fact, Swolphin is part of the Disney Transport system, just like Disney's own hotels and all 5 of the Epcot deluxe resorts share the Friendships as the only transportation from hotel to Epcot and DHS. The truth is, it's faster to walk from any of the five to Epcot and often faster to walk to DHS as well.
For buses, Swan and Dolphin share all routes with Boardwalk. Yacht and Beach usually have their own buses, but sometimes, all 5 are combined.

(Meanwhile, we have another resurrected zombie thread!)

And reading these 6 year old posts about how badly in need of refurbishment Swolphin was. That isn't an issue today. They have both completed deep refurbishment projects over the last two years.
Ddoll usually stays at Swan and really likes it. I've stayed at Dolphin 5 times and Swan once and wouldn't hesitate returning. The biggest things that are drawbacks are the $14 nightly charge for self parking and the fact that you can't buy Disney MYW vacation packages or the dining plan.

[JEANY031]

thank you for the info! Oh! Does the Dolphin is close to the see the illumnations in Epcot?

[smallworld]

---I had forgotten all about this thread. And since it's been so long since I have stayed at the Dolphin, I really am not qualified to post on it anymore. But I will say that I remember that the boats take you directly to the International Entrance to Epcot where you can watch the evening shows. For Epcot, you really need to BE there to see everything. Have fun.

[Soundgod]

I wouldn't waste my time trying to watch Illuminations from anywhere but inside the park. I have watched from the concierge lounge on the fourth floor of the Boardwalk and only saw the high fireworks. You can see some of the aerial fireworks from various places around Crescent Lake, some rooms in the Dolphin, some rooms in the Beach, and some rooms in the Boardwalk. Sadly, you won't really hear the music and even worse, you won't see the inferno barge at the beginning and worst of all, almost half of Illuminations is the video globe, and the video globe only, and you need a clear line of sight somewhere around World Showcase Lagoon, that isn't blocked by trees or buildings, or you're just going to be standing around waiting for something to happen.
This isn't like watching MK fireworks from the Contemporary, or even from around Seven Seas Lagoon. Even if you walk to International Gateway and try to watch from just outside the gates, you're going to miss a good deal of the show.

[Soundgod]

By the way, the boats don't go directly anywhere.
They do a circle route starting outside Epcot at the International Gateway. From there the route goes to Yacht/Beach, Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin, DHS, Swan/Dolphin, Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach and finally International Gateway.
You can often walk faster than taking the boat!

[mickeymotto]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

(Meanwhile, we have another resurrected zombie thread!)

And reading these 6 year old posts about how badly in need of refurbishment Swolphin was. That isn't an issue today. They have both completed deep refurbishment projects over the last two years.
Ddoll usually stays at Swan and really likes it. I've stayed at Dolphin 5 times and Swan once and wouldn't hesitate returning. The biggest things that are drawbacks are the $14 nightly charge for self parking and the fact that you can't buy Disney MYW vacation packages or the dining plan.

Its funny, but I think this thread was resurrected for a reason....I was just about to post a new thread with the same question!!!

Seriously, I was!!

[Amanda O'Malley]

Originally Posted by steamboatwillie

Thanks so much for both of your responses. If you had to choose (please note I've never stayed anywhere below a deluxe), would you stay at either the Dolphin or Port Orleans Riverside? I'm just trying to branch out... :)

I was the same way, but then when I went with StaceyDarlings family I tried a Value Resort AND a moderate resort. I lovedloved Pop century! But if you're interested in a moderate I'd go with Port Orleans French Quater :D

[JEANY031]

I need to know is what is the address of the Dolphin. and they have Extra Magic Hours too!Oh! One more thing What chain is the Dolphin resort is belong to!

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by JEANY031

I need to know is what is the address of the Dolphin. and do they have Extra Magic Hours too? Oh! One more thing, what chain does the Dolphin resort belong to?

The address for the Swan is 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Orlando, Fl. 33830 and is part of Westin. Dolphin is 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Orlando, Fl. 33830. and is part of Sheraton. Both book through Starwood and also WDW central reservations.
The name is Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.

The Swan and Dolphin guest participate in the Extra Magic Hours and also are part of the Disney Transport free bus system.

[JEANY031]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

The address for the Swan is 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Orlando, Fl. 33830 and is part of Westin. Dolphin is 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Orlando, Fl. 33830. and is part of Sheraton. Both book through Starwood and also WDW central reservations.
The name is Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.

The Swan and Dolphin guest participate in the Extra Magic Hours and also are part of the Disney Transport free bus system.

Thankyou very much Soundgod. Oh! One more thing! Can we watch the fireworks at the Dolphin resort.

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by JEANY031

Can we watch the fireworks at the Dolphin resort.

Not really. I wouldn't watch Illuminations from anywhere but inside Epcot and not without a clear view of the center of the lagoon. Remember, it's not just fireworks. The show is about 13 minutes long and half of it is just the video globe with no fireworks. Also, all of the inferno barge section can't be seen away from the lagoon. Plus, you won't hear the music very good either.

[JEANY031]

Thanks Soundgod for the info! so! I will see the fireworks In EPCOT in Person! Oh! Do you know the website for the swan and Dolphin Please!

[ddoll]

Originally Posted by JEANY031

Thanks Soundgod for the info! so! I will see the fireworks In EPCOT in Person! Oh! Do you know the website for the swan and Dolphin Please!

swandolphin.com