[beckybeener]

Hi! Has anyone stayed at the Swan or Dolphin resorts? Do they feel like a Disney resort? Are they oriented for children too? Thanks!

[disneylovers5]

Never stayed but i heard from others that they are disney oriented.

[Daisee]

I have not stayed at either.. but we did go to the Dolphin to rent a car from Alamo. To me.. it did not appear to be kid oriented at all. I only saw the lobby area though. IT seemed as though it was ready for an update. This was like 3years ago.. they could have refurbed by now.

[timsha]

We stayed at the Swan 2 years ago in December. The resort was nice. It felt like staying at a Disney resort, and you get most of the same benefits as staying at a Disney resort. As far as kid friendly, I could not tell you. We do not have kids, but we saw kids there, and they seemed to enjoy themselves. They had a nice pool. Ddoll who is always on here could tell you a lot more as I think she always stays there.

[gatour]

They have recently finished a refurb. I think there is an undercurrent of being business man oriented but not too much. The decor is more whimsical than a standardman hotel. I wouldn't hesitant to recommend my in-laws staying there with their toddlers, and have. They are staying there over labor day weekend.

[Caseys Corner]

We visited them but didnt stay there. They are leased to a private company by Disney and dont perticipate in the dinning plan and dont have the refillable mugs. But they are beautifull.

[requiem960]

Ok, Swan and Dolphin feel more Disneyesque vs that of the DTD hotels. Probably because they sit at the Epcot resort area. They aren't themed like the other on property resorts, but they still are nice hotels. They charge mandatory self and valet parking, which isn't the norm. But, they are close to Fantasia Gardens, they have nice pools and are within walking distance to the other Epcot resorts. So, yeah they feel like Disney. But, there are a lot of differences to make them not feel like Disney.

I'm not sure if that'll help or confuse you more!?!

[GrumpyDad]

We have stayed at both. Of all the resorts they are the least "kid friendly" well except for the Grand FLoridian, but even I don't feel all that comfortable there, lol.

They are convention resorts and are geared toward that crowd. Now having said that they also have some of the better resturants outside of the parks. The pools are fine as are the arcades.

If you have real little ones I would go for one of the All-Stars, for any kids older then about 7 I think they are great particularly when you consider the cost and fantastic location.

Hope this helps,
Harry

[LittleMissMagic]

We stayed at the Swan the last time we visited the world (allearsnet has discounts frequently - check there before booking). It's Westin-owned, which means Heavenly Bed!!! It's rather posh... doesn't exactly feel Disney, but still a very nice resort. In walking distance of both Epcot and MGM (prime location)... great restaurants. It feels very mermaidy. I liked it.

The Dolphin is bigger and has more restaurants and gift shops.

But the Swan has queen sized beds (Dolphin has double).

Now, there aren't any kids in my family, anymore, but we (the "kids") were quite comfortable there. The pool isn't as elaborate as BC/YC's or BW's, but it's still themed and lovely. The resort feels rather fancy. Kind of like a tropical big-city environment (think Atlantis). I believe I would've had a grand time there as a kid (pretty much, anywhere I went, I would be happy at - except not at a Days Inn or something... I was quite a spoiled child about that). You spend most of your time at the parks, anyway. The Swan and Dolphin are great deals. It's a deluxe resort with moderate pricing. Definitely take advantage.

Someone had posted a TR about childcare at the Swan/Dolphin and said it was wonderful, the best, yet. A person dining at Bluezoo, I believe... I'll try to find it.

[Soundgod]

I've seen plenty of kids staying at Swan and Dolphin. They aren't full blown Disney, but they are pretty nicely themed themselves. If it's in your budget, I'd do it.

[llama]

Never stayed there myself - but they have a wonderful location, are "whimsical" enough to feel like you're at Disney and share Disney Transportation. I think I'd stay there in a heartbeat if I could get a good deal. I'm pretty sure they'd be well equipped to deal with kids - it's the kind of hotel where if dad has a convention, he brings the family.

[requiem960]

During the right times and on the right promotions, you can get Swan and Dolphin at about the same rates as the moderate resorts. Which is great, 'cause they are virtually a deluxe Disney resort. As I said above, it's the minor things and the less themeing that makes them not seem all that Disneyish. But, as llama wrote, they are "whimsical" enought and share Disney transportation. I almost consider them Disney resorts.

[Tinkspal]

We tried to stay at the Swan for our 25th Wedding Anniversary in February 2006. They give discounts for teachers. I made the booking for February vacation. On arrival (10:30 pm) we learned that they had made a mistake with the booking - had us down for January. We were informed that they were overbooked and though they could put us up for the night they could not accommodate us after that, claimed they checked other Disney resorts who were also booked solid and told us not to bother with Disney central reservations but to call each resort directly the next day. I was so upset I got very little sleep, trying to celebrate our 25th in our favorite place and did not know if we would have a place to stay. Got up the next morning and called central reservations and in true Disney style - they got us all settled - stayed in our favorite Animal Kingdom Lodge. On top of all that the Swan tried to charge us for the night (which I had already paid for with my one night deposit) and I had to call them to clear it up when I got home. Forget it! stay at a true Disney resort. If the Epcot area is what you want - the Beach club is nice. I understand that Boardwalk is as well. Of course I always recommend the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Check out the Boma!

[beckybeener]

Thanks for all the input!

[Alice]

Do they have a concierge lounge?