Walt Disney World Swan
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Reviewer's Name:
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George Turner |
Reviewer's Email Address:
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skyharbr@ultranet.com |
Date(s) of Stay:
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May, 1997 |
Location:
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Walt Disney World Resort on Buena Vista Drive |
Ease of WDW Park Access:
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The Swan is nicely located. From SR192 you take a
right onto World Drive and then take the third right (Buena Vista
Drive. The Swan and Dolphin will then be on your left. From
Interstate 4 take Epcot Center Drive, turn left on Buena Vista
Drive and the Swan and Dolphin will be on your right. Disney-MGM
studios is more or less across the street (Buena Vista Drive.)
Epcot is within walking distance. You go over the foot bridge,
walk around the beach near the Yacht and Beach club Resots and ten
minutes later (if that) you're at an entrance to Epcot right near
the French Pavilion. You'll have to take a car or the Walt Disney
World Bus system to get to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. |
Address:
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1200 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, 32830-2786 |
Phone Number:
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(407) 934-2800 |
Facility Type:
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Resort |
Accommodation Used:
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Standard Room |
Accommodations Review:
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The rooms were quite nice. Not terribly big but with
lots of amenities. There was a basket on the dresser which was
stocked each morning with plenty of coffee and tea. There was a
small refrigerator (minibar) stocked with everything from soft
drinks to candy to souvenirs. Alas they weren't free. We had a
room with two queen-sized and very comfortable beds. Our
companions had a room with a view of the Earffel Tower. The view
from our room wasn't as stimulating.
Just walking around the Swan and Dolphin is relaxing. The main
lobby of the Swan features a huge water fountain replete with
water spewing from the mouths of swans. There are giant Swans
perched the top of the hotel. There is a nice gift shop stocked
with various memorabilia and sundries. Perhaps because the Swan
isn't run by Disney or because it hosts various conferences it has
more of a "corporate", serious feel. You'll see more
guests in business suits than you probably would at other Walt
Disney World resorts. |
Rate/Night (for your stay):
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not reported |
# of Restaurants/Lounges:
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5 restaurants, coffee shop, delicatessen, cafeteria |
Restaurant/Lounge Review:
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The only restaurant there that I went to was Tubbi's
Buffeteria located on the first floor of the Dolphin. It was
cafeteria style but the food was wonderful and quite moderately
priced. There is also Gulliver's Grill which has character meals.
On the way back from Epcot one night my companion and I spied Pooh
Bear entertaining guests at dinner. |
Activities/Facilities Available:
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Sundries Shop, Pool, Sauna, Hot Tub, Beach,
Bicycling, Tennis, Volleyball, Playground, Miniature Golf.
There are two pools (see below) and an exercise room. There may
have been other offered activities but since I spent most of my
time at the parks I didn't see them. |
Pool Description/Comments:
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There is one rectangular pool just outside the rear
entrance. A short distance from that is an outdoor hot tub. In the
evening this pool was virtually empty. Just beyond that is a long
serpentine pool replete with small water slides which connects
with the Dolphin Resort. Near this pool is a small cabana where
you can buy drinks. |
Amenities Provided:
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A hairdryer and towels and supplies were provided.
They didn't provide laundry service (at least not that I was aware
of) however there is a coin operated Laundromat at the Dolphin a
(very) short distance away. There is an exercise room. There were
no cooking facilities and I don't believe that
pets are permitted. |
Other Comments:
|
All in all the Walt Disney World Swan was a
wonderful resort to stay at. The cast members were cheerful and
courteous. The fact that it isn't run by Disney isn't at all
apparent. The cool coral motif and the wonderful architecture
can't help but bring a smile to your face and the proximity to two
of the four parks is an added benefit. It's my favorite resort at
Walt Disney World. |
