[steamboatwillie]

Hi everyone! I have stayed at most of the Disney deluxe resorts, and was thinking of trying out some other Disney resorts. I am considering the Swan or Dolphin, but I know they are operated by outside companies and was just wondering whether I'd notice a significant difference in service or theming at these resorts. Do you feel like you're not at a Disney resort when you stay there, or is there basically no difference?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[mickey]

Steamboat Wilie, long time, no see! Minnie's brother stayed at the Swan during one of our visits, and his comments were that they were ok, but nothing special. He was an employee of Starwood at the time, the company that owns both the Swan and Dolphin, and said it was no different than any other Sheraton that he had stayed in.

If you get a great rate, not a bad option considering the location, but really, it is just a non-Disney hotel in the middle of the magic. Any other deluxe resort would be a big step up.

[buzzsmommy]

I agree with Mickey. I've stayed at the Dolphin and, while the lobby is impressive, the room was just like any other Sherton, Hilton, etc. Nice but nothing great. If I was choosing between the Swan and the Dolphin, I'd go Dolphin -- much better lobby and dinning.

[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... :)

[mickey]

That is a tough one, and only because of location. If it were just picking one over the other, I would go for Port Orleans Riverside without hesitation, but when you consider where the Swan and Dolphin are located, that is a major plus. Really, if it were my family, and the price was the same, I would go for POR.

When are you going, and are you getting a deal at the Swan and/or Dolphin?

[buzzsmommy]

Hmm.... On this one I go opposite Mickey, I'd go Dolphin. While nicely themed, I think the rooms at Port are more like a "motel" and the rooms at the Dolphin more like a "hotel". Motel - enter directly from outside balcony landing, typical 2 bed/TV amoire/night stand config, sink outside the bathroom kinda room. Hotel -- enter through an inside corridor after passing through lobby, bit more spacious configuration, sink inside the bathroom. I tend to like entering my room from inside not outside (just a personal wierdo kinda thing -- I feel more safe and little bit more special that way).

If you've only stayed deluxe, I think you might feel you're stepping down a bit at Port, although the pools are great. Port does have more of a relaxed feeling when you walk on the paths outside but then again it can be a bit of a loooonnnngggg walk outside if the weather is bad or you're not in the mood to commune with nature. Dolphin can get busy with conventioneers and does feel more "businessy". Kids would probably like Port better -- adults might prefer Dolphin.

Neither one is the Grand Floridian!!!!

Hope this helps!!!!!!:) :)

[steamboatwillie]

<<Neither one is the Grand Floridian!!!!>>

No kidding... lol

The thing that really turned me off about Port Orleans was the way the rooms looked. The grounds there are gorgeous, but the rooms look less than spectacular. I was groping around for another deluxe and got a great deal on the Dolphin, but have always been hesitant to to stay "off-property".

So it's kind of a dilemma. I think I'll probably wind up at the Dolphin because of the location. Thanks for all the help!

[smallworld]

We recently returned from staying at the Dolphin. Not my choice; it was for a convention my husband was attending.

Keep in mind (many people forget or are misinformed) that both the Dolphin and Swan are located on Disney property, but are not disney owned. Although you have most of the same disney amenitites (characters come to the lobby in the morning) the hotel and rooms are definitely not disney. There is a big difference in atmosphere. For me, except for the transportation provided, you might just as well stay off the property entirely and save money.

I would definitely choose PO over either the Dolphin and Swan. I don't plan on staying there again unless another conference comes up!! Smallworld

[buzzsmommy]

I'm sure you won't be disappointed at the Dolphin. The lobby is really neat and still has that "Disney" feel to it. As for the rooms at Port not being anything special, I tend to agree with you. If you're like us, you would probably not be impressed with a PO room after having been in more delux accomodations.

I've stayed at many luxury hotels around the world for business and have become quite spoiled. Especially when it comes to booking a family trip and our budget isn't quite the same as the company's!! (It can "ruin" a good trip having to spend your own money lol!!!!). Unfortunately, I've aquired a taste for Grand Floridian rooms on a personal Port Orleans budget. I wonder if I can sue the company for emotional distress caused from too many nice hotel suites!! LOL :dazed

[houlmontn1]

I agree with smallworld. Having recently stayed at the Dolphin for week on business, and also being a regular guest at 4 or 5 star hotels, if given the choice, I would stay at POR. I thought the rooms were in desperate need of refurbishment....dirty rugs, torn wallpaper---definitely not a Disney experience! The lack of restaurants was also an issue. Next trip back I'll be at Beach Club Villas!

Good luck,
Nancy :)

[smallworld]

Sorry buzzsmommy; you are certainly entitled to your opinion. But we didn't get any Disney feeling from either staying at the Dolphin or eating at the Swan.

In fact, the conference that was held there will not be returning to that hotel complex in the future, due mainly to that very fact. The hotel is expensive for what you get.

It really all comes down to what is important to each person/family. Some people love it there; they must because it is a popular hotel. Smallworld

[buzzsmommy]

I must admit the last time I was at the Dolphin was about 7 years ago, so it could certainly be in need for rehab since then. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy our two stays at PO, but was very unimpressed at the ROOMS on a strictly hotel-to-hotel comparison. Nicely themed and decorated but nothing strikingly different from any other hotel/motel I've been in. Definitely Disney clean, efficient, cozy, with very lovely grounds.

[smallworld]

Ahhh I c your point here buzzmommy. You are right about the actual rooms at PO. The rooms themselves really aren't that Disney themed; as are most of the disney hotels. I was just thinking about the resort as a whole; lobby etc. PO is our favorite resort because of the overall resort; lobby areas, food court, grounds etc. Your point about the actual room is well taken. Smallworld

[smallworld]

Hi: Since we are talking about it----I just was reading the article listed here on the main page (on the right hand side listing" titled "A Disney Resort Remodels---"

It is talking about the Swan and Dolphin. If I read it correctly, they actually are trying to go the other direction----to cater to business travelers MORE rather than families. I am not sure how much more they can cater to them!!!!!!! There didn't seem to me to be too much family oriented stuff in this hotel. Maybe the dining options will be more business oriented.

Worth reading about. It almost sounds like in the future, they may get into an argument with Disney (since they are on Disney property) about how much they have to cater to families and how much to business. Hmmmm interesting. Smallworld

[Scanlonsgirl]

Well on our trip we stayed the first two Here. First at the Swan and the second at the Dolphin! Both of these hotels are very business like but very beautiful. There are many dinning choices at the Swan we had room service and it was very good. While staying at the Dolphin we ate at the steak house and that was amazing..( It's on the top 10 steakhouse in USA).Both room were really nice/great views but if I had to pick we would stay at the dolphin again the room was much much larger- corner room! But this hotel is in need of a major redue! The beds were not so great, when we left the bellmen said yeah we need new beds. LOL. I'm working on a review to post.. I can help with any question you have.. LEt me know

take Care,

Lisa :)