NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!

[pinsandneedles]

Just wondering which resort is better for adding a fifth person? The Swan or Dolphin? Have read that you can get a roll-away for an extra daily charge. Need enough room for 3 adults, and 2 children. What do you guys think? Will we be crowded. Want to stay here for the location to Epcot and MGM.
Also, if you have had the roll-away in your room, are they comfortable? Thanks for your help.

 

[Mouseteacher]

A rollaway in the Dolphin room will be tight. We considered getting one because we have two older teenage sons and they can't share a double bed - one is 6'1. They decided that they would take turns sleeping on the floor because we realized a rollaway would take up quite a bit of floor space. Teenagers! - go figure. They didn't mind a bit - older son is in college and roughing it is a way of life.

 

[dreamflight99]

pinsandneedles...Rollaways are surprisingly comfy, and easily store upright against the wall next to the dresser, or in front of a connecting-room door. They are out of the way, and hardly noticible. To sleep on one, I would suggest placing it close to the door (sort of a cubby area there), near the outer vanity area. We have actually done this, years ago, when the resort was sold-out and my brother and DW came to visit. They stayed two eves, and we called down for the rollaway for DD. She LOVED it...and wanted to use it as her BED thereafter. LOL. Yes, kids are tough to figure out. She preferred the rollaway over the reg. bed, as it was "special."

 

[RobMax]

Having 2 little ones means M & D will NEED to escape for a private cocktail. Lets do a little ranking of places...

Cabana Bar & Grill

Located poolside, the Cabana Bar & Grill is the perfect lunch or snack solution when you're ready to eat but not yet ready to stop having fun in the sun.

Copa Banana

Take a tropical timeout in the evenings with music, dancing and island drinks at the Copa Banana. Open from 8 p.m. till 2 a.m., the Copa Banana is the perfect grown-up getaway for those folks searching for a conga line or that perfect tropical libation

Kimonos Lounge

Kimonos Lounge is the perfect mixture of fun and flavor. Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine from our award-winning sushi bar, then sit back or stand up and share your vocal talents with nightly karaoke.

Lobby Court Lounge

From coffee to freshly prepared pastries, the Lobby Court Lounge has everything to help you get your day started. And when you're relaxing in the evening, the Lobby Court Lounge is the perfect place to go for a cocktail, a nice glass of wine or a single-malt scotch and a fine cigar. Enjoy the piano player nightly.

Lobby Lounge

The Lobby Lounge offers a comfortable, open atmosphere to sit and enjoy a cocktail while you relax to the sounds of a live pianist tickling the ivories. It's the perfect place to meet when you're heading out for a night on the town. Enjoy a pianist on selected evenings.

Shula's Bar

Former Miami Dolphins Coach Don Shula knows what a sports bar should be: a cozy atmosphere with leather chairs, plenty of sports channels to choose from, and a selection of fine beer and wine that would satisfy any sports fan. So, come on in, catch the game and relax.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Cocktails:
DH and I had a drink in the bar area at Shula's. It was very cozy and warm in its decor. Big leather chairs / TV with sports playing / friendly service. However, it is a smoking area.

Rollaways - placing the rollaway where df99 suggested makes sense. I think my DSs thought the idea of setting up bedding on the floor was more intriguing than a rollaway! As a matter of fact, college DS chose to stay there most of the nights... I believe that was because DH snores and he felt he could hear less on the floor!

 

[dreamflight99]

*Cabana Bar & Grill~VERY STRONG/POWERFUL DRINKS! Truly will kick your Behind! I ordered a simple pina colada...and watched as the bartender poured a good four-five+ shots of RUM in the cup...added a splash of mix and tossed some sliced pineapple in the top! Whew...I could hardly get through it!

*Copa Banana~Was closed on our last visit. The Dolphin was using this club for social gatherings and private parties. We used to love this place, the music was upbeat and the atmosphere was livening.

*Kimonos Lounge~loads of fun. There are usually FAMILIES here most every night. It's a place you could bring the two little ones and order them a virgin drink/shirley temple! Karaoke nights are hilarious!

*Lobby Court Lounge~Smoking area (Cigars, etc.)...but well-ventilated. Very relaxing when the Piano player is in the house. Open seating, not very private.

*Dolphin Fountain...I know this was not on your list...but they sell "sinful" alcoholic concoctions! I LOVE the "Haagen Dazs" frozen milkshake-type beverage. Incredibly subtle...yet with a nice kick. Order a couple and find some nice seating while walking around the resort. There are PLENTY of places to lounge...just stroll around and you'll find them.

*Shula's Bar~Just as mouseteacher wrote...dark, masculine with nice overstuffed leather chairs. The bar room doubles as a cigar room. Nice bevs and apps, but a bit too dim for me. I LOVE to dine in Shula's, and prefer to order some wine w/dinner. They have an EXTENSIVE wine list!

Mouseteacher...you have wonderful children! As a child, I recall my DB doing the same. He still prefers to lie upon the floor while watching television! My DF also snored...LOL...and we would cover our heads with pillows until we drifted off. How funny these things are, and how the words of others bring the memories of yesterday vividly into focus. Thanks for the thoughts!

 

[lovingthemouse]

ok- now that i have lost 500 posts in the site upgrade - i will have a lot to add ...
so, our favorite place to "get away" for a drink is a balcony overlooking the lake at the Dolphin - can't beat the scenery for "ambiance" and there is no need to have to drive home. A cool drink with a special someone is the ultimate!! Caroline

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by lovingthemouse
ok- now that i have lost 500 posts in the site upgrade - i will have a lot to add ...
so, our favorite place to "get away" for a drink is a balcony overlooking the lake at the Dolphin - can't beat the scenery for "ambiance" and there is no need to have to drive home. A cool drink with a special someone is the ultimate!! Caroline

"DITTO"

 

[dreamflight99]

Always a pleasure to have you, Caroline! (Happy to know you've found us! ) Please, stay a while...

 

[Mouseteacher]

Df99

Thank you for the compliment regarding my children. They are pretty terrific if I do say so myself. They are our pride and joy. It's also nice to know that they still enjoy traveling with their parents - most especially to WDW - our passion and addiction. I believe they inherited that trait from me.

 

[QJ411]

Hi Everyone!!!

We're heading to Dolphin for the post nights for our Honeymoon (Originally it was the POR, but they upgraded us to the Dolphin), I've been reading alot of the posts here and alot of people love the corner rooms...does anyone know if these corner rooms are standard and smoking?

I wanted to call ahead and try to put in a request with DCL, so I can surprise my FH, but I wasn't sure which room is nice. I'd love to see the parks and fireworks.

Thanks for any info!!!

 

[WolfpackFan]

How long does it usually take for points you've earned using your SPG AmEx card to appear in your SPG membership?

 

[disnurse]

points appear on the monthly billing cycle. Mines 22nd of each month and all points show up that month until last day of billing which is around the 15th.

QJ411= Enjoy!! Fill us on regarding renovations at the dolphin when you get back

 

[QJ411]

Thanks Disnurse!

I can't wait to go and them come back and post my reports like everyone here!!! Thanks again!

 

[dreamflight99]

QJ411...CONGRATULATIONS! Hope you enjoy your stay at the Dolphin. The corner Kings are all on the ends of the four wings of the Dolphin resort. These all have resort/theme park/water views. I believe some are smoking, as certain floors are designated as smoking floors. I would definitely call DCL and put in a request, especially for the FH (Honeymoon surprise!). You may receive a Corner King with View...adding a nice touch of MAGIC to your new beginning together. Enjoy!

 

[QJ411]

Hi Dreamflight99!

Thank you!!!!!

I'm calling TODAY to put in the request for the corner king room...I'm SO excited!!!! Thanks for the info!!!!

It would be perfect! I hope FH is surprised!

Thanks again Dreamflight99!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

With all your ENTHUSIASM...you'll do fine! I believe in thinking positively, and always...always...BELIEVE IN MAGIC.
I wish you the best. Please, let me know how the phone call to DVC works out. Honeymoons are special, treasured events...usually a "once in a lifetime" adventure. Stress the "Honeymoon" factor to the CM with DVC. "BON CHANCE!"

*Here's a special currently running for SPG members! This magazine is wonderful, with all sorts of info and specials. Check it out:

http://www.insideflyer.com/starwood/productnav.cgi?ID=PdPuDX8AAAEAAAYDfzg&FILE=infoifa.htm

 

[RobMax]

YES!

 

[dreamflight99]

"T-MINUS ONE WEEK...AND COUNTING!" Are you ready yet? All packed? Excitement reaching peak level? Time to review the check-list and Batten down the hatches! BLAST-OFF is imminent...the WORLD is within reach!!

 

[RobMax]

Has anyone been to the magic in the last few weeks or knows someone who has?

What have crowds been like in the parks?

What were your longest and shortest surprise waits?

DF - just got some new bags

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=43303

Really good quality too! Gonna start putting things togather today.


Thanks - Glenn