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

[lvs_eeyore]

We did Enight during out August trip and LOVED it. We were able to do so much in a short amount of time. Ds was able to ride all three mountains with no wait at all on any of them. We did Buzz several times and many other things. It was totally worth it for us. The kids did great even though we were up very late.

Can anyone answer my question about the windows at the Swan?

 

[NancyIL]

Hello, everyone! I know I haven't been around much lately, but am hanging out a little more before my arrival at the Swan Dec. 1st.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by NancyIL
Hello, everyone! I know I haven't been around much lately, but am hanging out a little more before my arrival at the Swan Dec. 1st.

So happy to read your post! (Look on previous page...I asked for you!). Hope all is well with you, and you are excited about your upcoming stay. How was Europe?

 

[dreamflight99]

lvs_eeyore...Sorry for the overlap in my reply. I was intending to reply to WLD as well...and left out the name.
Please, do not worry about the windows in these resorts...once you arrive, you'll see why. The glass is VERY THICK, even muffling the sounds of the fireworks over the parks nearby. It is, invariably, "safety glass" and quite thick. Of course, I would not suggest permitting the kidlets to "Kick or toss chairs" against the glass (LOL), but simple "gazing" (which is the specific design purpose of windows!) is safe by all means.

sm4987...I'm never affected by a loss of "Magic" anywhere on Disney Property...as the MAGIC is INSIDE OF ME! Therefore, the Dolphin/Swan are perfect resorts to visit. With the discounted rates available, location, amenities and SPG membership...it's a WIN-WIN situation. AS far as the charging feature, since theorhetically speaking...you can not "Charge to your room", but to the CREDIT CARD held for your room. So...this is NEVER a problem for me. I simply use the AMEX card I have on file at the Resort...and I AM charging to my room (with one simple card!).

Yes, 12-14 are considered Club level in the Dolphin. Although on the wings, you may request an upper floor (up to nine) with views of the parks...sans the Concierge. Maybe this will work better for you.


jgates...this is right! I remember when you made all these ressies, and were so pleased with the flights/prices! I also had the delicious pretzels and biscotti on DELTA, and bought some of BOTH products online. Oh...the biscotti is SO...delicious. www.biscoff.com for this product. Pretzels are delectible...@ www.kingnut.com. Delta serves the pretzels and the "Airline snack mix" in the 16oz bags (which I HIGHLY recommend!). Yum...yum!! I can now enjoy them anytime, at home.

RobMax...E-Nights is truly the ONLY time we hang at the MK park. We visit DL here in S. Ca., so we experience the MK anytime we like. Therefore, E-Ride nights are fabulous! You can see which rides are included on this feature by picking up a little brochure at the Disney Ticket Desk in the Dolphin. Rides usually featured include: Splash Mountain, Country Bear Jamboree, Big Thunder Railroad, Haunted Mansion, Alien Encounter, Astro Orbiter, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, People mover, etc. We have been there when "Fantasyland" was open, as well as pirates of the Carribean. It's SO worth the extra $12 per adult! A Lot of the shops are kept open, restaurants too. We arrive near the regular closing time, and proceed to the right of mainstreet to Tomorrowland. The Arcade by space mountain is the easiest (short line) place to obtain your wrist band (exchange the ticket for the band). We are the "last" folks to leave the park on these eves! We always relax at Casey's corner, play baseball in the back room and share some FUN snacks! Then, we mosey on down the street...with no one around but maintenance, security and scattered associates. Looking at the Castle during this time of eve...is absolutely MAGICAL. Not a "soul in sight", with the world to ourselves (main street all empty!), it's memories in the making.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

DF99.... thanks for your reply I should have said that I will be staying at the Swan will they have re-furbed Deluxe King's with balconies ?

Thanks again

 

[lvs_eeyore]

DF99 thanks so much for your reply. I feel a little better now. Now if I could just get over my fear of heights I would be fine LOL

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi sm -

I, too, was worried a bit about staying at the Dolphin and would I miss the Disney feel I always have at the Disney resorts. I spent a great deal of time reading all could about the Dolphin on these Boards last July and August. I started to feel better while reading the posts. Plus, the teacher rate was one I couldn't pass up!

Our stay at The Dolphin was magical! I never felt I was missing the magic... we were IN IT! Stepping out of the resort, we could see Boardwalk, Epcot, BC/YC and the sights and sounds of Disney! The ability to walk to many locations is awesome, too!

I am hoping to return to the Swan or the Dolphin August of 2003 using the teacher rate and I'm racking up spg points on AMEX --- life is good.

My all time favorite resort is the Contemporary Tower but I'm now hooked on the S/D.

 

[dreamflight99]

Fantasia Sam...You will be delighted with the SWAN. As for the refurbs, I'm not so sure of all the locations (which floors) yet believe there are deluxe kings w/balconies which have been renovated.

lvs_eeyore..."both you and my mother" LOL. She's so afraid of heights she will ONLY stay on the second floor of a resort! That's as FAR UP as she will ever go. Now, she'll come and "visit" us if we are on an UPPER floor, but she stays away from the windows (missing the spectacular views)! Too funny.

Mouseteacher~I've read countless posts about apprehension associated with the "missing magic" factor of the WDW Swan/Dolphin. Your take on this issue is so refreshing. The location of these resorts is a HUGE factor, as they both truly are IN the MAGIC.

I had no idea your all time fav. was the CR? I have reserved a 1 bedroom suite on the 14th floor for 4 eves this summer (After Disney's Vero Beach, Before the Dolphin), and am SO excited! I too, love this resort. It's MM's resort...after all. One of the Originals...Walt's own "Concept of the future". I'm sure we will have a magical time, as we will enjoy E-Ticket while there...and "Walk back after closing the park". So much to love about the place. Just like the Swan/Dolphin!

Happy Sunday, everyone!

 

[RobMax]

I have culled out a list of resturants that we are looking at. Made reservations at the more dificult places all ready.

Which of these would you eat at for sure - which would you skip (rem - I have 2 young ones)

Alfredo di Roma's Epcot

Biergarten Epcot

Boma Animal Kingdom Lodge

Bongos Down Town Disney

Brown Derby MGM

Chef Mickey's Contemporary

Coral Reef Epcot

Crystal Palace Magic Kingdom

ESPN Boardwalk

Flying Fish Boardwalk

Kimonos Swan & Dolphin

Liberty Tree Magic Kingdom

O'hana Polynesian

Palio Swan & Dolphin

Peco's Bills Magic Kingdom

Rain Forest Café Animal Kingdom

Resturanosauras Animal Kingdom

San Angel Epcot

Shula's

Spoodles

Staring Rolls

Tempura Kiko

Toy Story Pizza Planet

 

[lvs_eeyore]

There are three on that list that my boys absolutely love. One though will still be closed when you visit and that's Crystal Palace. They are undergoing rehab right now and are not scheduled to reopen until mid December.

The other two my boys (8 and 4) love are Ohana and Boma. Ohana has a lot of fun games for the kids to play like coconut races and hula hoop contests. They give out gummy worms to the kids. We have eaten here at least fifteen times over the years and the kids just love it.

Boma is at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and my boys just love to be able to look at the animals before we eat. They have a kids bar for the more non adventurous or the kids can eat off the buffet if they are a little more adventurous. Both my boys LOVE the desserts too....hehehehe so does mom!

Both places are very kid friendly and you dont feel the eyes of the world are upon you if they happen to make a little noise.

 

[dreamflight99]

Which of these would you eat at for sure - which would you skip (rem - I have 2 young ones)

*Alfredo di Roma's Epcot Very good italian fare. I love the fettucine, and DD & DH enjoy the more traditional Spaghetti & lasagna. This is a nice place, but not a MUST.

*Biergarten Epcot Again...very good schnitzel and german food (german choc. cake is delicious). The outdoor cafe is a great place to stop for a hot dog or quick bite when walking the world showcase. The show inside used to be MUCH better. This is a good place...not a MUST.

*Boma Animal Kingdom Lodge Going this summer.

*Bongos Down Town Disney Gloria's place! Very good Cuban food, spicy dishes with salsa music. Fun atmosphere. Enjoyable.

*Brown Derby MGM Not a must with the 2 Young ones. We enjoy it, but it is geared more towards adults. The menu is limited. Food is good. We love the COBB salad here. Enough for two (the appetizer), and finely chopped. Not a MUST.

*Chef Mickey's Contemporary AWESOME for the two young ones! A MUST for the characters and fun! The food (buffet) is pretty good, but the atmosphere is worth the pennies! A MUST.

*Coral Reef Epcot Always a MUST for us. We love the atmosphere (under water) and the food. The kids menu is great, and the fish tank is entertainment in itself. A MAYBE.

*Crystal Palace Magic Kingdom Was closed for renovation on our most recent visit. The BEST BUFFET deal in the ENTIRE WD WORLD. A definite MUST if open!

*ESPN Boardwalk Excellent WINGS, and NACHOS. Great kids menu, sit in the bar area with kids in the booth, and they can play video games (wait person will get the controllers). So much fun...great burgers and sandwiches also. A MUST.

*Flying Fish Boardwalk We have tried this place TWICE, amidst all the raves. We have not been impressed with the food or the service.

*Kimonos Swan & Dolphin Fun, Fun, Fun on Karaoke night! Great Japanese food/sushi. A strong MAYBE.

*Liberty Tree Magic Kingdom A Definite MUST with the young ones! The Character dinners are fabulous, and the food (served family style) is Swansons...right down to the baked macaroni and cheese! Mugs are a great souvenier...especially when filled with the frozen strawberry concoction. They serve it all...Turkey breast, stuffing and gravy, peas, salads, mashed potatoes and gravy...etc.! A MUST.

O'hana Polynesian A FAB MUST for an early Breakfast some morning. The Best french toast, and the coffee...mmmm. Nice atmosphere and fabulous traditional hawaiian fare. A strong MAYBE.

Palio Swan & Dolphin Okay italian fare. Lots of folks love this place. We've dined here 4-5 times, and still have not experienced anything out of the ordinary. Not A MUST.

Peco's Bills Magic Kingdom Open on E-Ticket night if you wish to sample some fare. Great burgers and salads, fabulous chili fries and rootbeer floats! A great place for a quick bite.

Rain Forest Café Animal Kingdom OUR FAVORITE RF, less harried than the Market place...and better service. The food is astoundingly good, great atmosphere and wonderful kids menu. A definite MUST! Best time to visit, is near/after the parks closing.

Resturanosauras Animal Kingdom Great barbeque, Ribs and chicken. Yummy salads and other fare. Nice place to stop for lunch. Not a MUST.

San Angel Epcot Nice atmosphere sitting near the railing and River of time. The food is traditional mexican. Linited menu and kids menu. Not a MUST.

Shula's GREAT STEAKS...great service! Upscale dining atmosphere, pictures of Don and the Dolphins all over the dark mahogany walls. Excellent food. The best on property (steaks, etc.). A MUST for adults. Kids may not like it too much.

spoodles Okay fare, okay service. Did not enjoy on our most recent visit.

Staring Rolls Great for a quick bite to eat. Not a MUST.

Tempura Kiko Absolute MUST! Fabulous food, exciting show for the two young ones, great experience. The Lobster/steak combo was one of the best meals we had! Both equally delicious, melt-in-your-mouth tender! Amazingly fun. A MUST. *Great place to celebrate a Birthday...they bring an ENTIRE sara lee cake with the whipped cream topping! Yummy!

Toy Story Pizza Planet Fun place to stop in the arcade, and enjoy a lunch pizza, salad and beverage. Kids will love this place! A MUST for an MGM lunch.

You forgot the ROSE & CROWN. This is the BEST place to view Illuminations (on the balcony) and the FOOD is the BEST! Delicious Prime Rib, Fish Fry and cottage pies! The salads are fresh, the soup is homemade and the bevs are tops! Kids menu is wonderful (prime rib too), and FUN! A MUST in EPCOT!

Also...do not forget the SCI FI Dine in! Kids will LOVE this place. Great food, and fun atmosphere. Enjoy!!

OF Course, the restaurants inside the DOLPHIN (Tubbi's, the cafes, the Coral Cafe, etc. ) ARE TERRIFIC places to take the kids and enjoy some wonderful food. The Coral Cafe has a FABULOUS Character BF. Make sure to check this out! Have fun!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi DF99

I guess I should say the CR is our sentimental favorite. It was the first Disney resort I stayed at way back when there was only the MK, Poly, CR, FW and Disney Golf (now SoG). I guess I'm dating myself ( I am of the generation that was the Disney original one as that commercial shows)!

The monorail, to me, is such a symbol of Walt Disney and his theme parks, so to see the monorail pass through your resort is a thrill and still is today whenever we stay there. We still make it a point to go to CR even when we aren't staying there - particularly to dine at the California Grille / a personal favorite of DH.

CR certainly is an original and the tower rooms are the best! So, I know you'll love your stay at CR and I believe it could become a fav of yours, too.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Robmax -

Definitely ~ Brown Derby, Flying Fish and Shula's. Try the California Grille, too!

Time to get ready for the Patriots game!

 

[hookedup]

Robmax- We have a 2.5 year old and on our last trip (August) we enjoyed - Chef Mickeys, Liberty Tree, LOVED Cinderellas Royal Table (for dinner), Brown Derby (but I think this is one you could skip if you had too. Epcot has some fun dining that I know others could tell you more about too.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Alfredo di Roma's Epcot - Skip , there is better and cheaper Italians in WDW I don't think it's conducive for kids

Bongos Down Town Disney - Not a fan of the service but the food is good again I don't think it's child friendly.

Brown Derby MGM - Great for lunch love that grapefruit cake.

Chef Mickey's Contemporary - Yayy great for kids and the breakfast buffet we had was great - characters are soo great with the kids.

Coral Reef Epcot - Although I've never been I've heard that flying fish is better for food but the kids may like to watch the fish.

Crystal Palace Magic Kingdom - Good breakfast buffet and good character interaction

Liberty Tree Magic Kingdom - I love the family style character dinner - chip, Dale and Goody were naughty

Peco's Bills Magic Kingdom - best burgers in the world IMHO

Rain Forest Café Animal Kingdom - Best Rainforest Cafe I've been to. I love their mashed red skin potatoes

Spoodles - noisy but great selection of food and wines, reasonable priced as well

Robmax hope the above helps

 

[Troyfus]

Platinum level!

Starwood matched my Hyatt Diamond status, so now we will be checking into the Dolphin as Platinum guests this January. This will be such a blessing for my family. We will cherish every minute of this vacation together. I'm hoping the magic soaks into their bones as it did mine so many years ago.

DF, any specific perks I should look forward to at the Dolphin? Some things must be asked for and some are just automatic, right?

Also, can you get Delta miles credit and Starwood points for your stay, or do you have to choose one over the other?

Anyone else staying at the Dolphin the first week of January?

 

[ozziewags]

TROYFUS,
I will let DF give the particulars, but with Platinum you will be upgraded to a jr. suite. That's what they did for me when I got platinum. I, actually, had reserved a jr suite at teacher's rate, but when I called to let them know, they gave it to me at the $129 rate, with CL. I think you also get CL, right, DF? What else?

 

[jgates]

Well, since DF isn't here right now and CSI Miami hasn't started yet , I'll post what I found. Now I don't know if these items automatically are handed out or if you need to politely remind/request, but here goes:

Platinum Preferred Guest:

Our Best Room: You'll automatically be upgraded to our best available guest room at check-in.
Platinum Concierge: No other program offers such highly personalized service as our Platinum Concierge(SM). Call to make reservations and secure upgrades, redeem awards, book opera tickets and baby sitters, or get information on local restaurants and sights.
Complimentary Access: Enjoy complimentary access to the hotel gym and Executive and Club Level floors at Westin® and Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts.
Welcome Gift Upon Arrival: Each time you stay with us, choose a complimentary gift such as a refreshing bowl of fruit or snack, an in-room movie, or bonus Starpoints(SM).

 

[Muffy]

Troyfus, Yes, we are staying at the Dolphin the first week of Jan. We are Plat status too! Isn't it great and exciting to have Plat status?! Hope great things come your way at the Dolphin!

 

[EiLuvCinderella]

We ate at Hollywood and Vine @MGM in conjunction with the Fantasmic show. The food was delicious and it was a great value. Many different selections and the kids were happy as well. I give this restaurant 2 thumbs up!
Can't beat scrumptious food, terrific prices and then getting excellent seating for Fastasmic too!
Enjoy!