Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin | Hotel Review | Part 1 of 3

June 23, 2009 by admin - Jennifer
Filed under Reviews

I have been excitedly awaiting the start of my newest feature here at The Dirty Shirt. Today I will launch my hotel reviews feature, and I start off with a wonderful hotel the Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin. Because there is so much information I want to give you this one will be a three part review starting with the hotel in general and ending with the restaurants and special activities that we experienced as well as my thoughts on the whole experience.

For the guest who wants a truly “magical” Walt Disney World experience, there’s no better place to stay than the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. From the majesty of the swans and mythical dolphins sitting atop the luxury hotels to the child-friendly amenities, the resort provides the perfect complement to any Walt Disney World vacation.

Inside, amazing architectural designs are found throughout the resort complex, including the giant swan and dolphin water fountains that are the centerpieces of the hotel lobbies. Extra touches complete the feeling of being in a truly unique place.

Beyond the rooms, a multitude of activities and adventures awaits guests of all ages. From tennis, beach volleyball, miniature golf, swimming pools and health clubs, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has it all. Additional special benefits include complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Attractions and an on-site Disney ticket and information desk.

Children can join others their age at Camp Dolphin, the resort’s year-round summer camp for children ages 4 to 12. After a day at the theme parks, the camp offers fully supervised programs, including arts, crafts, movies, board games, video and arcade games, nightly themed activities with prizes and souvenirs, a Disney movie and even a special dinner program.

Outside, the amusement continues with more than three acres of water fun, including a lavish swimming grotto pool with waterfalls and hidden alcoves, a water slide and white sand beach, perfect for building sand castles and other creations. For adults, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offers whirlpools, saunas and lap pools. Over-sized hammocks are scattered along the beach and pool area.

Families with teenagers will enjoy the resort’s beach volleyball, video arcade, tennis courts, ping-pong and paddle boat rentals. Health clubs at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offer aerobics, free weights, stationary bikes, stair machines and more. Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district is just steps from the resort, offering a myriad of shops, entertainment and themed restaurants.

Parents and children alike will share in the adventure of Fantasia Gardens miniature golf courses, adjacent to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. The 36-hole adventure features an 18-hole miniature golf course themed after Disney’s classic animated film Fantasia and the 18-hole Fantasia Fairways challenge course designed with strategically placed water hazards and bunkers.

Dining at the hotel is just as exciting as the hotel itself. There are 17 restaurants and lounges, including: Shula’s Steak House, “One of the Top 5 Steak Houses in America” and “Critic’s Choice for Best Upscale Steakhouse Chain in Orlando”; Il Mulino New York Trattoria, complete with authentic Italian cuisine, Kimonos sushi bar, one of the most popular in Orlando and Todd English’s bluezoo, featuring coastal cuisine by this internationally acclaimed chef. Kids also will enjoy the opportunity to dine with the lovable Disney characters for breakfast or dinner at Garden Grove.

Day One Of My Stay

We arrived early and checked in on the Swan side, and went to reception where I was met by Michelle, a very friendly person, who went out of her way to get us settled in. The room was not quite ready yet, but that was fine my family and I set off to see the beautiful pool and have some lunch at the Cabana, which not only had amazing food but a very courteous staff as well. Just look at this beautiful place:

I will have to say that our waiter, Alan, went above and beyond and really blew my husband and I away with his attention to detail and his friendliness. I can’t recall a time when I was treated so nicely. After our experience here we decided that we wanted to live in the Cabana.

After filling ourselves on some pretty tasty food we went poolside for a bit and let the kids swim (waiting the appropriate 30 minutes of course). They had so much fun I almost hated to take them away from it all, but in the Florida sun you really need to give yourself a break. And what better place to take a break then here, our room: