The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ April 2012 ~ Please read post #1

[Dan Murphy]

We have our first alcove room with balcony booked at the Swan. Where is the best location to request based on your experience?

Thanks

Sue!!!! How you doing stranger??

 

[Poohlovr]

Hi Dan! Life's good. How about you??

 

[emma212010]

I have a quick question to Dolphin regulars!

Are the doors to the rooms magnetic?

We are staying there in June, and I would love to decorate our door!

Thanks!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

The alcove rooms are terrific. They're the last rooms in each of the 'wings' that jut out from the main section of the Swan. We stayed in one at the Swan in 2010 - Room 592 in the West Wing - and absolutely loved the location, and the view from the room. Besides the extra space, I really liked that the room had windows on two sides, allowing for lots of extra light and several different views.

One of the best things about the Swan (for me, anyway) is that it's much easier to navigate than the Dolphin. Even the alcove rooms weren't much of a walk from the elevator, whereas the Dolphin hallways seemed to go on forever! And once you hit the lobby, the bus stop is a few steps out the front door, and the boat launch is a short walk out the back door.

For the best views, I would request a Boardwalk/Epcot view, on a higher floor (5 through 7).

PS - I posted a few photos of the room in a brief trip summary, here.

We love the Swan alcove room. Looking at your photo, we request the east wing. The wing you see in the photo. Our rooms have been on the 5th and 6th floor the last room so that you have 3 windows plus the sliding glass door. I can see "our" balcony in the photo!

 

[SRUAlmn]

We love the Swan alcove room. Looking at your photo, we request the east wing. The wing you see in the photo. Our rooms have been on the 5th and 6th floor the last room so that you have 3 windows plus the sliding glass door. I can see "our" balcony in the photo!

That seems like a great room. 3 windows plus the slider would be awesome! For Swan regulars, is it hard having some of the things only located at the Dolphin? We stayed at the Dolphin for our trip, and while it was HUGE, it was nice to have Picabu and the candy store and The Fountain, etc... right on site. However, I love the Java Bar at the Swan... Just trying to decide if we'd maybe like the Swan better (expecially being 2 adults with no kiddos!) We stayed during a dance competition, and the hallways were like a race track I'm a teacher, so it was hard not to "correct" the behavior

 

[LexiC123]

I have a quick question to Dolphin regulars!

Are the doors to the rooms magnetic?

We are staying there in June, and I would love to decorate our door!

Thanks!!

I honestly have no idea. I've never seen any of the doors decorated.

We love the Swan alcove room. Looking at your photo, we request the east wing. The wing you see in the photo. Our rooms have been on the 5th and 6th floor the last room so that you have 3 windows plus the sliding glass door. I can see "our" balcony in the photo!

At first I was disappointed that we weren't in the east wing, figuring that our view would be blocked, but it turned out to be a pretty view, even with just a partial Spaceship Earth.

That seems like a great room. 3 windows plus the slider would be awesome! For Swan regulars, is it hard having some of the things only located at the Dolphin? We stayed at the Dolphin for our trip, and while it was HUGE, it was nice to have Picabu and the candy store and The Fountain, etc... right on site. However, I love the Java Bar at the Swan... Just trying to decide if we'd maybe like the Swan better (expecially being 2 adults with no kiddos!) We stayed during a dance competition, and the hallways were like a race track I'm a teacher, so it was hard not to "correct" the behavior

It never really bothered us. The walk across the causeway takes almost no time - 2 minutes, tops. When we stayed at the Dolphin, we were in the east wing, and it took longer to get to Picabu and Fountain from that side of the resort than it took walking over from the Swan. We don't do laundry or use the arcade, so that was never an issue. The walk to the grotto pool was slightly longer, but the Swan lap pool, jacuzzi and pool bar were so convenient and laid back, that we didn't miss the activity of the main pool all that much.

And I know what you mean about the Dolphin hallways. The times we've stayed there, there seemed to be people running up and down the hall at all times of the day and night!

 

[SRUAlmn]

It never really bothered us. The walk across the causeway takes almost no time - 2 minutes, tops. When we stayed at the Dolphin, we were in the east wing, and it took longer to get to Picabu and Fountain from that side of the resort than it took walking over from the Swan. We don't do laundry or use the arcade, so that was never an issue. The walk to the grotto pool was slightly longer, but the Swan lap pool, jacuzzi and pool bar were so convenient and laid back, that we didn't miss the activity of the main pool all that much.

And I know what you mean about the Dolphin hallways. The times we've stayed there, there seemed to be people running up and down the hall at all times of the day and night!

Thanks, that's a good point! We were in the east wing too, and it was sort of far, so it's good to realize it would be similar to that. We also never used the arcade, only went to Picabu twice, and only used the laundry to dry some things since we were there during a tropical storm I can't seem to get the teacher rate to come up for Swan alcove rooms for our dates, so maybe I'll try calling. Thanks again!

 

[Bronte]

I think I got a good rate for the Dolphin for Dec. 30/31 (189 per night.)
We almost always stay on property and DH asked tonight if MK is closed at some point on the 30th will we be able to get in if the stage is only "off property" guests (I think they are first correct?)
I also have a room at the beach club for the 30 through the 6th ... During a really busy time like New Years is it just best to stay at a Disney resort just to be safe.
I was really looking forward to staying there but if we can not get into the Magic Kingdom for the fireworks I thing that would be just crazy.

 

[SRUAlmn]

I think I got a good rate for the Dolphin for Dec. 30/31 (189 per night.)
We almost always stay on property and DH asked tonight if MK is closed at some point on the 30th will we be able to get in if the stage is only "off property" guests (I think they are first correct?)
I also have a room at the beach club for the 30 through the 6th ... During a really busy time like New Years is it just best to stay at a Disney resort just to be safe.
I was really looking forward to staying there but if we can not get into the Magic Kingdom for the fireworks I thing that would be just crazy.

I 'think' (and someone correct me if I'm wrong,) that the S&D are considered on-site Disney resorts in cases like those. They use Disney transportation and share it with guests at BC, YC, and BWI, so it would be really difficult to not include them.

 

[Poohlovr]

I think I got a good rate for the Dolphin for Dec. 30/31 (189 per night.)
We almost always stay on property and DH asked tonight if MK is closed at some point on the 30th will we be able to get in if the stage is only "off property" guests (I think they are first correct?)
I also have a room at the beach club for the 30 through the 6th ... During a really busy time like New Years is it just best to stay at a Disney resort just to be safe.
I was really looking forward to staying there but if we can not get into the Magic Kingdom for the fireworks I thing that would be just crazy.

In your scenario, S/D guests are considered on-property and would be allowed in the park.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

A small PSA for anyone staying at Swan soon. Take warm clothing! We were there last night celebrating a birthday at Kimonos & the entire hotel was cold. We are Floridians, so we're cold weather wimps, but we weren't the only ones freezing. It was cold & windy outside, but was also very cold inside. We ran to get inside to only still be cold. The joke was on us. We didn't make it to Dolphin, so I don't know what the inside temp was like there.

As a side note, Kimonos was great & they treated the birthday boy very special. They made a much bigger deal over his birthday than any of the Disney owned restaurants have. The cake I ordered didn't really look like a birthday cake, but it was delicious, which is what our DS preferred. I did take some decorations by earlier in the day & decorate it a little. Kimonos management was very accommodating.

I had the Pear & Brown Sugar martini at Kimono's last year & it was delicious!
http://swandolphinmeetings.com/menus/restaurant_menus/kimonos/cocktails.html

You are so right! Unfortunately, I only got a little of it. I came armed with knowledge & ordered this drink. I tried to talk everyone into ordering that one, but they wanted to try something different. They ordered a Lychee Mojito & the Oriental Grape drink. First, my son stole my drink, & gave me the grape drink. Then the one who ordered the mojito didn't like it & took the grape drink. As usual, mom was stuck with the drink no one else wanted. I ordered another of the Pear & Brown Sugar martinis to actually have one to drink. They all passed it around & I ended up with the last sip of that one. I got 2 whole sips of that delicious drink.

 

[dizzyblonde]

As a side note, Kimonos was great & they treated the birthday boy very special. They made a much bigger deal over his birthday than any of the Disney owned restaurants have. The cake I ordered didn't really look like a birthday cake, but it was delicious, which is what our DS preferred. I did take some decorations by earlier in the day & decorate it a little. Kimonos management was very accommodating.



You are so right! Unfortunately, I only got a little of it. I came armed with knowledge & ordered this drink. I tried to talk everyone into ordering that one, but they wanted to try something different. They ordered a Lychee Mojito & the Oriental Grape drink. First, my son stole my drink, & gave me the grape drink. Then the one who ordered the mojito didn't like it & took the grape drink. As usual, mom was stuck with the drink no one else wanted. I ordered another of the Pear & Brown Sugar martinis to actually have one to drink. They all passed it around & I ended up with the last sip of that one. I got 2 whole sips of that delicious drink.

Awww, they should have been nicer to Mama - esp after all the planning she did for a great time!

YUCK - I don't care for lychee at all!

 

[dizzyblonde]

Will we be able to park for free at other Disney resorts if we are staying at the Dolphin? I will be at a convention during the day, so I'm trying to convince my hubby to go to AKV to view the animals on the one day we do not have any park plans. But I'm not clear on whether or not he would be able to park there for free.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

I booked a room at the Dolphin online through Expedia. Is there any way to link this reservation to the Disney website so I can do online check in? Do the S and D even do online check in via the Disney website?

TIA

 

[Poohlovr]

Will we be able to park for free at other Disney resorts if we are staying at the Dolphin? I will be at a convention during the day, so I'm trying to convince my hubby to go to AKV to view the animals on the one day we do not have any park plans. But I'm not clear on whether or not he would be able to park there for free.

There is no fee for parking at the Disney resorts, so, you're good to go.

I booked a room at the Dolphin online through Expedia. Is there any way to link this reservation to the Disney website so I can do online check in? Do the S and D even do online check in via the Disney website?

TIA

S&D don't do online check-in through the WDW site.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi Dan! Life's good. How about you??

All is well, Sue, thanks. Nice to see you.

A small PSA for anyone staying at Swan soon. Take warm clothing! We were there last night celebrating a birthday at Kimonos & the entire hotel was cold. We are Floridians, so we're cold weather wimps, but we weren't the only ones freezing. It was cold & windy outside, but was also very cold inside. We ran to get inside to only still be cold. The joke was on us. We didn't make it to Dolphin, so I don't know what the inside temp was like there.

As a side note, Kimonos was great & they treated the birthday boy very special. They made a much bigger deal over his birthday than any of the Disney owned restaurants have. The cake I ordered didn't really look like a birthday cake, but it was delicious, which is what our DS preferred. I did take some decorations by earlier in the day & decorate it a little. Kimonos management was very accommodating.



You are so right! Unfortunately, I only got a little of it. I came armed with knowledge & ordered this drink. I tried to talk everyone into ordering that one, but they wanted to try something different. They ordered a Lychee Mojito & the Oriental Grape drink. First, my son stole my drink, & gave me the grape drink. Then the one who ordered the mojito didn't like it & took the grape drink. As usual, mom was stuck with the drink no one else wanted. I ordered another of the Pear & Brown Sugar martinis to actually have one to drink. They all passed it around & I ended up with the last sip of that one. I got 2 whole sips of that delicious drink.

Sounds like a great celebration!!!

Will we be able to park for free at other Disney resorts if we are staying at the Dolphin? I will be at a convention during the day, so I'm trying to convince my hubby to go to AKV to view the animals on the one day we do not have any park plans. But I'm not clear on whether or not he would be able to park there for free.

Parking at a Disney resort while visiting is always free. Never a charge, except for valet at the deluxes.

I booked a room at the Dolphin online through Expedia. Is there any way to link this reservation to the Disney website so I can do online check in? Do the S and D even do online check in via the Disney website?

TIA

No online checkin. No Disney linking.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

Thanks for the help, re: online check in.

Next question...what are your experiences with checking in before 3? It's been a long time since I've stayed at S/D and I have no idea when we checked in. This year we'll be arriving on a Sunday, probably around 11 AM. I've never had trouble checking into other Disney resorts early and having my room ready - even as early as 7 am once - but I'm just wondering what to expect at the Dolphin. It's no big deal either way - just curious. Thanks!!

 

[RachelTori]

Thanks for the help, re: online check in.

Next question...what are your experiences with checking in before 3? It's been a long time since I've stayed at S/D and I have no idea when we checked in. This year we'll be arriving on a Sunday, probably around 11 AM. I've never had trouble checking into other Disney resorts early and having my room ready - even as early as 7 am once - but I'm just wondering what to expect at the Dolphin. It's no big deal either way - just curious. Thanks!!

It will depend on occupancy the night before. I have often checked in early in the day and gotten right into a room, but if the resort was booked the night before you will have to wait for a room.

 

[Marthasor]

Thanks for the help, re: online check in.

Next question...what are your experiences with checking in before 3? It's been a long time since I've stayed at S/D and I have no idea when we checked in. This year we'll be arriving on a Sunday, probably around 11 AM. I've never had trouble checking into other Disney resorts early and having my room ready - even as early as 7 am once - but I'm just wondering what to expect at the Dolphin. It's no big deal either way - just curious. Thanks!!

We checked into the Dolphin around noon during our stay last December and our room was ready! It probably just depends on what crowds are like, if there is a convention, etc. during the time you are there. While we had no problem checking in early on Dec. 13, the lobby and check-in area were SWAMPED on Dec. 16, the day we left.

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks for the help, re: online check in.

Next question...what are your experiences with checking in before 3? It's been a long time since I've stayed at S/D and I have no idea when we checked in. This year we'll be arriving on a Sunday, probably around 11 AM. I've never had trouble checking into other Disney resorts early and having my room ready - even as early as 7 am once - but I'm just wondering what to expect at the Dolphin. It's no big deal either way - just curious. Thanks!!

We have stayed at the Dolphin six times and always arrive before 11 am - three times our room wasn't ready, three times it was. ;-). If it isn't ready, they will hold luggage. for you with the bell captain and call you on your cell when the room is ready, so you can go about your fun!

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