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

[SingingMom]

Originally Posted by Jennasis

Parents are looking into staying at Dolphin for the food and Wine Classic in OCtober. Couple of questions...

Can they get DME from the airport?

What ID is required to get a government rate (my mother works for the town)?

If no DME, what's the best way to get there from MCO?

Unfortunately, no DME. They can use Mears, but we prefer a town car service. I like door to door service, and I feel "special" when the nice driver is waiting for us with our name on his sign.

A paystub and/ or a township ID would most likely be all she needs. I used both when I had a teacher's rate years ago, but one or the other seemed fine with the front desk.

[olive]

Originally Posted by here_and_there

Yes, you can do that. I booked my next stay just like that. You need to book the points part first, as the hotel staff cannot do that, then call the hotel and ask to add the stay connected room.

This is great news! I called to switch our room to points yesterday (the other room is for my parents), and was told the only choices are limited view, resort view with a balcony or suite for either Swan or Dolphin. We were hoping for an Epcot fireworks view, which we loved on our last trip, so I decided to just keep the cash reservation. My parents don't care about view, though, so now I know we can switch theirs to the points reservation and book ours as a stay connected once they are released for 2013. I assume you can pay more than whatever the baseline stay connected rate is for a specific room category.

Thanks for the expertise!!

[pooh2001]

We will be in our Dolphin room by 6/23, 4:30 PM

I will report our room condition and any thing else we see when my DS lets me use his computer, which he has to bring for an on-line summer college class. DS just does not use his 'mouse', he likes the 'finger pad', so my entry may not be as great, since I never use the 'finger pad'

I will try a picture upload when we get back.

Does anyone need me to check out something at the Dolphin, as long as we can get to it or see it ?

We have a resort view standard double room with a balcony.
We do not plan to eat at the restaurants at the Dolphin or Swan.
Maybe Picaubu's just to buy some snacks.

[robinbutterfly]

Originally Posted by pooh2001

We will be in our Dolphin room by 6/23, 4:30 PM

I will report our room condition and any thing else we see when my DS lets me use his computer, which he has to bring for an on-line summer college class. DS just does not use his 'mouse', he likes the 'finger pad', so my entry may not be as great, since I never use the 'finger pad'

I will try a picture upload when we get back.

Does anyone need me to check out something at the Dolphin, as long as we can get to it or see it ?

We have a resort view standard double room with a balcony.
We do not plan to eat at the restaurants at the Dolphin or Swan.
Maybe Picaubu's just to buy some snacks.

Have a great trip!!!!

[Dan Murphy]

Enjoy, Pooh, have a fun trip.

[brunette8706]

Hello !

Has anyone here tried their Concierge Level? Was wondering what the offerings were and the prices?

Thanks so much!
Brunette

[Dan Murphy]

The concierge level, or Club as they called it, has been gone for several years now. No club level at the S/D.

[Jennasis]

Which resort is closest to Epcot as far as WALKING distance? They seem almost negligible to me, but my dad had knee surgery recently and asked.

[robinbutterfly]

Does the Swan/Dolphin have refillable mugs?
How much are they ? Where can they be refilled?
Thanks!

[el_tigre]

Originally Posted by Jennasis

Which resort is closest to Epcot as far as WALKING distance? They seem almost negligible to me, but my dad had knee surgery recently and asked.

If you take the main route, as most people seem to, the Swan would be closer. Most Dolphin guests seem to cross the walkway that passes the water taxi pier which also goes right in front of the Swan's entrance.

However, the Dolphin has a small exit on the ground floor of its most eastern wing, which I don't think most people know about. If you took this exit, the Dolphin would be the quicker walk to Epcot of the two resorts.

If choosing the Dolphin, it might make sense to request a room on ground floor eastern wing in your case.

[Dan Murphy]

Originally Posted by Jennasis

Which resort is closest to Epcot as far as WALKING distance? They seem almost negligible to me, but my dad had knee surgery recently and asked.

Good to see you, Jennais.

This might be helpful also.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

S/D is in lower left, IG is in upper right. You can drag and rotate, zoom in and out to get better/different views.

http://binged.it/MHwkgF

If using the Dolphin exit mentioned above, you can not reenter there. You need to go to the main entrance under the big peak. If you are staying in the Swan, you can also request east wing (I always do) and exit, and generally reenter, out and into the east wing, walking briefly through entrance area of IL Mulino restaurant. The swan is also much more compact, less walking. However, Picabu 24/7 quick service is at the Dolphin.

Originally Posted by robinbutterfly

Does the Swan/Dolphin have refillable mugs?
How much are they ? Where can they be refilled?
Thanks!

Yes they do. They used to have one for both hot and cold drinks. They now have one for each. I have one from a few years ago that was complimentary when I checked in. I have never used it yet. My understanding is that they are good on subsequent trips (that's what I heard). I know the one I have has all the restaurant names and logos on them I thought it was refillable anywhere. But I also read only at Picabu. Not sure what is correct. They are purchased at Picabu. I do not know the price.

[brunette8706]

Originally Posted by Dan Murphy

The concierge level, or Club as they called it, has been gone for several years now. No club level at the S/D.

*
Thank you Dan!

Brunette

[Jennasis]

Originally Posted by Dan Murphy

Good to see you, Jennais.

This might be helpful also.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

S/D is in lower left, IG is in upper right. You can drag and rotate, zoom in and out to get better/different views.

http://binged.it/MHwkgF

If using the Dolphin exit mentioned above, you can not reenter there. You need to go to the main entrance under the big peak. If you are staying in the Swan, you can also request east wing (I always do) and exit, and generally reenter, out and into the east wing, walking briefly through entrance area of IL Mulino restaurant. The swan is also much more compact, less walking. However, Picabu 24/7 quick service is at the Dolphin.


Yes they do. They used to have one for both hot and cold drinks. They now have one for each. I have one from a few years ago that was complimentary when I checked in. I have never used it yet. My understanding is that they are good on subsequent trips (that's what I heard). I know the one I have has all the restaurant names and logos on them I thought it was refillable anywhere. But I also read only at Picabu. Not sure what is correct. They are purchased at Picabu. I do not know the price.

Thanks Dan! I've been trying to help my parents plan a long weekend for F&W and the F&W Classic in OCtober with my sister and her DH. Dad just had surgery to repair a torn meniscus two days ago, so he's hoping to be fully rehabbed by then...but juuuuuust in case...

It looks like they will be able to take advantage of at least a decent rate as AAA members (I think it's $197?). Mom has wanted to stay at the Beach Club for some 20 years, but with a price of $400+ a night, it just ain't happening, and the Swan/Dolphin seemed like an excellent compromise!

I think they'll likely only be doing Epcot and enjoying the resort for the weekend too.

[brunette8706]

One other quick question.

How do you like the this resort compared to the Yacht and Beach Club? We are currently scheduled to the at the YC for July 4-6. Price is $280.00 per night PLUS TAX, just wondering how this compares? The rooms at this resort look gorgeous, and some of the rates look good too. I know that they charge a $14.00 resort fee and parking though, right? That does add up. Any input would be great appreciated. Thanks so much! Brunette

[shebjo]

Originally Posted by pooh2001

We will be in our Dolphin room by 6/23, 4:30 PM

I will report our room condition and any thing else we see when my DS lets me use his computer, which he has to bring for an on-line summer college class. DS just does not use his 'mouse', he likes the 'finger pad', so my entry may not be as great, since I never use the 'finger pad'

I will try a picture upload when we get back.

Does anyone need me to check out something at the Dolphin, as long as we can get to it or see it ?

We have a resort view standard double room with a balcony.
We do not plan to eat at the restaurants at the Dolphin or Swan.
Maybe Picaubu's just to buy some snacks.

Have a great trip. We will be staying at the Dolphin in August. Please let me know how you find the size of the standard room at the Dolphin for 4 people -It's me, hubby and twin girls, age 9 who are coming to the Dolphon. We are now booked for a standard room but I am strongly condisering paying for the deluxe alcove room ( i have a decent rate for the standard room and can get a decent rate for a deluxe alcove room)