We just got back from the Dolphin and I wanted to share what we learned! My wife and I were just remarking on how great the hotel was and we look forward to returning when our boys are a little older and we can more enjoy a pool/resort day. Full disclosure, we're SPG members so we kind of defaulted to this hotel and stay for free (points), but that doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable. Helping that was the service was pretty much stellar across the board. Also agree the beds were very comfortable and the room had plenty of space.
Does anyone know if you stay at swan/dolphin can you still partake in the marshmallow toasting over at the beach by BC/YC?
I saw a sign today on our way out to the pool that they have campfire smores on the beach, I think everyday of the week.
One other question if I may, can you still use magic bands if you stay at the swan dolphin? I think i read somewhere you can but you have to buy your own. I have seen them for sale at the
disney store i think. If you buy them there how do you get them linked to your
MDE account? Sorry for all the questions. Thanks in advance for any info.
Like Syracuse Wolvrine said, they won't come as part of your hotel reservation, but you can get them in the hotel at Daisy's Garden or really anywhere in the park. The main convenience I see people mention is for the rides, so I would think getting one at City Hall or where ever wouldn't be a big deal. In other words, getting in the gates was a non-issue. In fact, we had to wait for a family with bands to figure it out. It seemed to me they have to be lined up perfectly in order to work. But they're all over the place. My wife ended up getting one at Main Street City Hall when we got a last minute Memory Maker and it was instantly linked to our account, showed up in my phone app, etc. It was seamless. But yes, otherwise there is no link with the hotel since it's not owned by WDW.
For a post-park mickey pop, they had those at Pikabu on the bottom floor. Lots of other snacks and an arcade too if your DD is into that kind of thing.
Lots of good, diverse restaurant and food options including a nice lobby bar. And for character dining there's Garden Grove at the Swan.
Like others have said you're not far from the Boardwalk, I'd say a 5 minute walk. We cruised over to Seashore Sweets' with the stroller and had ice cream right after we arrived. We enjoyed the walk.
We spent this morning at the pool and it was great. Huge pool with water fall and water slide, lots of chairs and umbrellas in sun or shade, two separate large lap pools for laps or more quiet swimming, games, cabana bar and restaurant, hot tubs, towels, and more.
