Dolphin/Swan Tips

[lisaflores]

Hi. My darling husband has a business trip to Jacksonville in Sept. I was able to convince him to bring my daughter and I and spend a weekend at WDW. I had plenty of ideas of where I wanted to stay but could not pass up the govt rate at the Dolphin/Swan. We will be there only 2 nights, but want to see how I can make our stay the best ever.

I booked through a AAA travel agent. The reservation is for the Swan with a basic room, I believe. I have an infant daughter. Can anyone suggest how to request a special room and what to ask for? Can anyone suggest whether I should see about the Dolphin instead? Do they do complimentary upgrades and who do you ask? I just found these boards and you all have such good advice, I am wondering how I can apply this to our brief stay!

I want it to be special, because I doubt we will have the money to visit again soon, and on my previous visits, I was a poor student and loved my trips, but never made it beyond the ASM!

Any advice appreciated!

 

[pooh2001]

We just came back from the Dolphin.
Great place to stay.

If you are a DC member, you will get 20% off the price of food (except Shula's)
at the Dolphin & Swan. I loved the BLT at the Dolphin Fountain. Its' $5 with
the DC discount. At Tubbies you can get a cheese pizza for under $10 with
the DC discount.
Tubbies also has a 'food store section'. I noticed they sell baby food and diapers.
I would still pack baby items. They would probably be more exepensive in Tubbies.


Ask for an upper floor room. Better view.
We were in room 8025 and could see fireworks every night from our room.
Yo do not need a balcony in the summer. It's either raining or too hot
to be on the balcony. We had a balcony and used it twice in 12 days.

You can walk to the Boardwalk and rent a bike. You daughter may be able to be
strapped into the front basket safely with a 'car seat' type carrier.
Or just walk her around on the Boardwalk in her stroller.

You can walk to EPCOT in 10 minutes from the Dolphin.
Or take the Friendship boat to EPCOT and also to MGM.

The buses run about every 15 to 20 minutes to MK, AK, DTD and the water parks.

Bring lots of plastic bags to keep food, snacks, camera's,..dry.
Get your daughter an autograph book. Let the characters sign their names
to her. Take a picture of your daughter with the character.
Then add the pictures to the autograph book and she'll have a great
sovenier when she grows up.


The pool at the Dolphin/Swan is wonderful.
If you want a quiet area for your family, if you are facing the waterfalls,
go to the left side of the pool.
It's 3 feet deep in a few spots. An easy place to play with your daughter
(with swim diapers on) in the pool. You can bring your own pool floatations too.

The rooms are large - 360 sq feet. Maybe ask for a room with a King bed and
crib. You may have more room. The cribs were metal - but when we were there
all cribs were being replaced with wood cribs. Bring some sort of bumper guards
for the crib. Also, I would bring a 'play mat' to place your daughter on - instead
of the rug on the floor. The rug was clean, but not for little ones who stick their
fingers in their mouths.
The rooms normally have 2 double beds, a large chair, a table with 2 chairs,
and a dresser with drawers, the TV, a stocked refreigerator (cost's $$$$) - bring
your own snacks.

Sorry if I am rambling. If you have any specific questions send me a PM.
Enjoy

 

[mbkteach]

I would suggest becoming a Starwood Preferred Guest Member -(if you are not already one). It's free and easy to join via their website...good chance of an upgrade. We got one in June without even asking. It was a nice view on the tenth floor. We, too, took advantage 20% off at the eating establishments. with the Disney Club membership. Have a wonderful trip!