DVC members staying at Swan & Dolphin

[binkblum]

My in-laws surprised us last Christmas with a trip to Disney...but staying at S&D. I can't get over the fact that this trip we aren't going "home". Our trip is during the busiest time of the year - which my husband and I both agreed before we had our DDs that we would not go to Dis on or around Christmas/NYE. Now we are going during this time and with an infant and toddler. Ugh, I could go on and on about this but that's for another thread.

Has anyone else stayed at Swan & Dolphin with small children, 2 yr and 6 months? I dread not having a full kitchen and washer/dryer for this trip especially with our youngest DD that will need bottles, many change of clothes, etc. Clearly not the first family staying at the "hotel" and not at their home resort but I am looking for suggestions/tips for staying there with small children. I love the convenience of having a w/d and not trekking down to a basement to wash clothes. Am I going to be hanging out in some hotel basement for hours? And in our hotel room since the parks will have reached capacity by the time nap time is over?

I guess I need cheering up.

 

[DVC Dude]

Some of the rooms are Dolphin are huge in terms of a normal hotel room. They even have walk in closets. Much larger than DVC studios.

Todd English Blue Zoo is one of my favorite restaurants in all of WDW.

 

[LOVEARS]

Cheer up

You'll be at the happiest place on earth at a beautiful hotel during the most magical time of year.

Just remember it's all about mindset going into the trip. It will be busy, it will be crowded..... so just take your time, don't get in a hurry, and don't over plan.

I think over planning during the busy times makes for a very stressful trip. Just go with the flow, as everyone else will be creating pandemonium.

Anyways, enjoy the trip!!!

 

[binkblum]

That's good news about the room size at Dolphin. I wonder if we could fit the crib in the walk in closet? That would be ideal!

So about the over planning... I hear ya, I do but my in laws haven't been to Disney with small kids in 30+ years and there's not doubt, Disney has grown. When I brought up ADRs they thought I was crazy. I did go over the crowd calendars and I think I did pretty well other than maybe one day and that was because of an ADR that I made. I am nervous telling then about ADRs that I previously made because they "planned" the trip and think there's no need to make ADRs. And we have no kitchen! Ugh. Maybe they will do the laundry and wash the bottles? Bahaha.

Thinking pixie dust!!

 

[quirty30]

An added bonus is that most of the Swalphin restaurants give a 20% discout for DVC members. And that pool area is just awesome. I was just walking around the grounds a few weeks ago and told my kids we should stay there sometime if I can score a good deal.

 

[DisWitt]

We stayed in regular hotel rooms a number of times with our sons as infants not long ago. DW solved the bottle issue by using the Drop-ins bottles on all trips. Bring enough liners and toss them. Then, she just had a set of nipples to wash in the sink. Easy! And super-easy if you use premixed formula (liquid). We had to with DS1 and the unexpected bonus was not having to mix.... But the cans got heavy.

As for laundry, we brought detergent from home in a small Nalgene bottle. If you're doing a baby's clothes load, nobody is going to steal them. Just try to time it so that you only have to do one or two loads in the week and it's not bad at all. Heck, throw in some toddler clothes and maybe a couple of pairs of adult underwear and actually make the load worth it! But apart from when I was in Europe in college, I've never babysat my laundry. I try to be back on time, but sometimes I've found my wet stuff piled into a dryer and ready to go - or dry stuff in a pile on the dryer - by someone who was in a hurry... But nobody ever stole my tighty whities!

 

[pouncingpluto]

My in-laws surprised us last Christmas with a trip to Disney...but staying at S&D. I can't get over the fact that this trip we aren't going "home". Our trip is during the busiest time of the year - which my husband and I both agreed before we had our DDs that we would not go to Dis on or around Christmas/NYE. Now we are going during this time and with an infant and toddler. Ugh, I could go on and on about this but that's for another thread.

Has anyone else stayed at Swan & Dolphin with small children, 2 yr and 6 months? I dread not having a full kitchen and washer/dryer for this trip especially with our youngest DD that will need bottles, many change of clothes, etc. Clearly not the first family staying at the "hotel" and not at their home resort but I am looking for suggestions/tips for staying there with small children. I love the convenience of having a w/d and not trekking down to a basement to wash clothes. Am I going to be hanging out in some hotel basement for hours? And in our hotel room since the parks will have reached capacity by the time nap time is over?

I guess I need cheering up.

We cruised to Alaska with DD at 3 months. Talk about a tight space! It was my favorite vacation ever.

Definitely a bazillion changes of clothes. Pack individual outfits in ziploc bags and squeeze the air out. Saves space and keeps things somewhat organized.

We bought a little collapsible drying rack for bottle parts and pump parts, along with a small bottle of dish soap and a bottle brush.

I forget the name of the service, but there is a company that will ship you baby supplies to your hotel (or just use Amazon). You can send diapers, baby food, etc.

We travel with a little collapsible potty seat (pottete) for DD2. And there is a reusable insert that lets you use it as a standalone little potty.

If the bathroom or closet are big enough for a PnP, that is a good place to have extra darkness for naps. Trust me, tons of parents do this, even though it sounds crazy (you put your kid in the closet????????).

 

[binkblum]

We have done the sleeping in the closet with our oldest DD. Didn't work because she never sleeps well when we travel. Worked great with my nieces though. Side note, not all WDW resorts have walk ins. Are the closets large enough at Swan & Dolphin for a crib?

Does anyone know if there is room under the beds at the hotel to store luggage?

 

[BlakeNJ]

Hi.

 

[paults]

We stayed a the Swan a couple times and had the best nights sleep in a long time. The heavenly beds are the greatest.
Enjoy your time there.

 

[binkblum]

Hi.

Hi BlakeNJ. Any advice for your stressed out sista?

 

[BEASLYBOO]

My in-laws surprised us last Christmas with a trip to Disney...

Ugh, I could go on and on about this but that's for another thread.

I guess I need cheering up.

Gosh, I would need cheering up too, were I gifted a trip, during the holidays, staying at a nice hotel at Disney no less!

It's not the dark ages, your kids are young and adaptable and the vacation will be as wonderful as you allow it to be! Besides it's only for a few days, not a month! Set the pace, set the mood, it's all in your hands! Take advantage of early EMH, spend time by the pool, the play area if the weather is nice. You and your husband split the kids up, to allow for special time, nap time etc. And as far as park capacity, it's not like you'll be doing the favored rides (Space Mountain, Rocking Roller Coaster, Thunder Mountain or even Buzz Lightyear) with small children which have the longest wait times!

I've had the good fortune of staying at the Dolphin once, and though I really love my DVC 2bd, you will have access to all of the modern conveniences they offer (since you aren't paying for the room/vacation, spring for laundry service, they offer it at a cost), the rest you will just have to chill about! Otherwise, if it's such a big deal to you, ask to re-schedule the trip at a better time of the year!

I need in-laws like yours! Good luck!

 

[binkblum]

Gosh, I would need cheering up too, were I gifted a trip, during the holidays, staying at a nice hotel at Disney no less!

To put it in perspective, it is owning a vacation home, not staying there while on vacation and every time you leave your hotel you have to pass your vacant vacation home.

 

[natt]

That's good news about the room size at Dolphin. I wonder if we could fit the crib in the walk in closet? That would be ideal!

So about the over planning... I hear ya, I do but my in laws haven't been to Disney with small kids in 30+ years and there's not doubt, Disney has grown. When I brought up ADRs they thought I was crazy. I did go over the crowd calendars and I think I did pretty well other than maybe one day and that was because of an ADR that I made. I am nervous telling then about ADRs that I previously made because they "planned" the trip and think there's no need to make ADRs. And we have no kitchen! Ugh. Maybe they will do the laundry and wash the bottles? Bahaha.

Thinking pixie dust!!

First let me start by saying we've done this timeframe ONCE in 2009. Can say we experienced it... will never do it again!. As for ADR's... make them and KEEP them! I can recall two or three instances watching irate, unprepared walkups get angry when they were told there was NO available seating without an ADR. If it's just too much, spend the time doing non park stuff (you can still use the park passes for the monorail access from Epcot to TTC). Maybe then you can schedule another trip with your DVC points with your parents at a less hectic time. Best thoughts and wishes to you.

 

[CarolynK]

To put it in perspective, it is owning a vacation home, not staying there while on vacation and every time you leave your hotel you have to pass your vacant vacation home.

I totally agree with you! It's not the same, staying at S/D. It's not bad, but when you get used to DVC it's hard to go back!!
You will have a great trip, make your ADR's and have fun!!

 

[binkblum]

CarolynK, looks like we will be there at the same time. Have a great trip!

 

[binkblum]

unprepared walkups get angry when they were told there was NO available seating without an ADR.

Off peak, you see it often so I can't imagine what it is going to be for those that do not have ADRs.

We are getting a rental car so I am sure that we will be eating off property for a few of the meals that we do not have ADRs. Could be a nice break?

 

[CarolynK]

CarolynK, looks like we will be there at the same time. Have a great trip!

Thanks!! We're getting excited about this trip!

 

[DVC Sue]

I own in the Starwood system and have used Starwood points to stay at the Swan. I thought it was wonderful. It didn't have the same Disney 'feel' as the DVC resorts, but I would definitely go again. Everytime I have looked, Starwood has had a special where if I booked 5 nights using points, I got the 6th night free. That was a nice little perk too.

 

[gdrj]

I'm surprised about the complaints. Yes the rides are crowded BUT there is so much to do without waiting in line. Visiting the countries at Epcot and the different Xmas decorations and Santa Clauses!

Seeing the Xmas lights at Hollywood studios and having it snow while listening to Xmas music.

Having a crowded day at disney is better than a Saturday at the mall fighting for a parking space, to not be helped in a store by a clerk that is texting their boyfriend.

Pack an extra bag of clothes and enjoy