@dtchgrl -
For a relaxing activity, The Boardwalk is essentially outside of the Swan's door, as well. If you've never been, you could stroll over there and peek around. It's not huge or anything, but there's a few restaurants, a "general" store, The Bakery (more sizzle than steak, imo,) Ample Hills (I highly endorse AH...HIGHLY.) You can also hop on a Friendship boat for a leisurely ride around the lake/resorts/DHS/EP.
I'm not 100% sure of a changing area for the Swan's pool/Hot tub, BUT, on the Dolphin side, behind the grotto waterfall, there are washrooms. You'll see that the Dolphin pool complex is MUCH bigger - it's just down a short walkway across from Swan's pool - (the amenities are shared, no worries there.) One time, I was asked for a room key for towels at the Dolphin pool "cabana/hut." Every other time, I just grab towels off the rack. When I've stayed at Swan, I just grab towels off of their rack or chairs before heading over to Dolphin. If you are worried about not having a room key, just ask at the front desk. If anyone asked me about a room key, and I didn't have one, I'd give them my name and room number and politely ask them to figure the rest out on their own and return if they needed further proof. That's not me being a hard a$$ or anything, I'm not a jerk, but I'm not in the business of pool hopping with my family while spending a ton of money at Wallyworld trying to have a vacation.
I'd also suggest taking a stroll around Dolphin to get the "lay of the land." The first floor is a little confusing, but it might be worth walking around before/after you check out all of the pools and hot tubs.
If the weather is in your favor, one thing we do is take a dip in each pool and hot tub. If you are staying at Swan, I think I'd:
1. Walk around Swan, Take a peek in Garden Grove, find Kimonos if you like sushi. DEFINITELY go to Kimonos while you are there.
2. Walk over to Dolphin, look at the lobby, peek inside Fuel (maybe grab a small froyo, and also decide which sandwich to get a Fuel later in your stay. Those lunch/dinner sub sandwiches at Fuel are worth every penny - don't worry about the price. They are another hidden gem, like Kimonos, imo.)
3. Find Picabu, Fresh Med, and the ice cream/sandwich place (forgot the name, but it's next to fresh med, you won't miss it.)
4. Walk down the hallway from Picabu towards the fitness center, and exit those doors out to the Dolphin's lap pool.
5. Start your pool dip mini marathon in the Dolphin's lap pool, and work your way back to Swan. Note: Dolphin's hot tubs are behind their pools, kind of tucked away. and also, there's a cool seating area behind the waterfall - you'll see)
This is not a cheap hotel, I assumed it was at first and I was very skeptical until I started doing some research. I'm glad I'm on team Swolphin. It's not for everyone, but it's definitely for us. I'm a researcher when it comes to spending money. I don't like to overpay for things, but I will gladly pay for quality when it's worth it to me. We could stay anywhere in Wallyworld, but the value, to me, is in Swolphin
