Quote:
Originally Posted by artplumber
Jim,
Gotta disagree with you on this one. Stayed at both and spent couple hours each when the rooms sucked (not clean - poop still in the toilet, sheets dirty, smoking room-we requested nonsmoking, staring at the loading dock, etc) trying to change rooms (once we went through three rooms to find a clean one), all with poor service (eg/room not clean, we have to journey back down to the main desk and stand in line to get new cards after they said a bell would bring the cards).
We liked the Animal Kingdom lodge a lot more. Nicer surroundings and more services to the airport etc. For my family, it allowed us to go back to the lodge after the crowded hot day, watch the animals get fed from the room and get recharged for any nighttime park visits (some of which were limited to resort guests). No meal plan since we are pretty much not burger/fries people, and there are restrictions to the plan. If you want to eat at a Disney restaurant, being a resort guest does help. Make reservations now for dinner months from now, cancel if you decide against it. Fast pass as much as possible.
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I am surprised by your bad experience. Since I live 1.5 hours away from the Dolphin and Swan, I use them frequently. Like when BHT passed through town I stayed there for the night, we have taken the kids to Disney quest, or just up to Orlando to do other things. In the last 8 years I have probably been to the Dolphin/Swan once a year and never a single problem. The rooms have always been very tidy. I found my experience there no different than any other SPG property. Plus I like the price of my room. Free.
To the OP there is also a Boardwalk recreation area next to the Hotels with various restaurants and shops including a sundries shop and a little breakfast cafe.
When we stayed we would do that for breakfast on our way to the park it was decently cheap. We also did dinner there for a night or 2, there is a Ale house type of sports bar and a ESPN place that were not over the top expensive.
Also, in Animal Kingdom there is a food court that serves breakfast and its actually pretty good and pretty cheap.
One last thing, if you are a fitness type, the Swan has a gym (I am not sure if the Dolphin does) it was always pretty empty when we were there and it is well appointed. Also, a lap around the lake where the boardwalk is IIRC is about 1 mile. This was also very quiet in the morning, maybe 5 or so joggers on any given morning.