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

[dreamflight99]

jgates...WOW, w/passes? Seems like a fair deal. I'd have to price it out, but from a glance...not too shabby!

Muffy...(LOL)~Fellow shopper! DD & I "swore" three years ago we would NOT get into the "pin-thing"! Then, all it took was a quick "breath" next to a pin-cart...and WHAM, we were HOOKED! Like a bass on the end of a line (except we don't fight it!)...LOL! Now...over 1200+ pins later...we are STILL Stopping ("just to catch our breath" next to ALL of the PIN CARTS! Yes...DD LOVES music, and her Steel Drums. She plays seven instruments, including a variety of drums, piano, and harp. I LOVE the song "complicated" (sad Avril lost out at the recent music awards...but I "ADORE" Nora Jones!). I wish her Luck with her performance! One of her best friends is a Diver, and a Color-guard. Another good friend plays Trumpet. Tonight, we are getting together with musically-inclined friends as well. Their children all play instruments, and the kids are going to "jam" and play together while we visit. They have a spectacular "music" room...like some folks dedicate a room to a "theater"! Fun!
Wow...16 days this December?! Add a couple more, and you're right up there with ME!

deb5c...Thanks for your post and trip report! Sounds as if you had a WONDERFUL time. Was the Tiff car service nice? Were they patient on your "food" stop? (I LOVE WALGREENS!) What kind (brand name) of freezer bag did you purchase at S.C.? I'd love to buy one too ($6) and bring it along. Did it work to keep things cold? Where was your patio room? Was it nice to be able to just walk outside when you wanted a breather? Ahh...the Chicken soup at Tubbi's...PURE HEAVEN! I also enjoy the walk to the parks...and have fun "racing" the boat! LOL. Thanks again...so glad you all enjoyed your time there.

Kimmar!! I "second" the Teacher's CHEER! May the Dolphin forever appreciate our TEACHERS!

Mouseteacher...Shhhh (yes, indeed!). We NEED to keep it quiet...or they'll (the naysayers) all want to know WHY (insider tips/secrets) we TRULY LOVE it SO MUCH! Once the cover is blown...it's all over! HeHe....

Debbie...I LOVE your inference! I do BELIEVE the Swan/Dolphin could definitely accomodate your race trailer. I've seen numerous RV's and other assorted large trailer-trucks parked in the edge of the lot...(it's a HUGE lot). So...I believe they COULD accomodate your trailer. Call and ask. IT NEVER hurts to ask!

 

[laurieny]

Jay, Just to let you know I recieved my AMEX bonus points this week. I emailed them through the AMEX web site and the next day they were there. Now I have enough for CL upgrade yahoo

 

[jgates]

I was going to suggest asking on the trailer also. I would expect, as long as they were aware of it, that it could be parked at the far back end of the lot.

You don't know how bad I want to get out my credit card and just order a trip for this year.............I know it wouldn't be the Swan, but I JUST HAVE TO GO.

Course I could see if I could get rooms this summer at the Swan....................................

 

[dreamflight99]

Here's a VOTE for you, jgates...on "ordering" a trip for this year! Even if it's not the Swan....although, as you wrote--you "could" check to see availability for this summer! LOL. This is definitely the place to meet for all of us "Dolphin/Swan~aholics!"

laurieny~Yahoo! Great news...CLUB LEVEL upgrade w/POINTS! It just doens't get much better than this~ .

 

[Mouseteacher]

jgates ~ I, too, am longing for a sojourn to the S/D and WDW! I know it's not feasible this summer (our only time to travel) but it doesn't stop me from longing for it. I guess there is this little glimmer of hope still flickering since last summer we made a spur of the moment decision to go and with a lot of pixie dust we were able to get the Dolphin for 6 nights in late August all on the wonderful teacher rate. In the meantime, joining all of you and hearing about trips to come and trips just completed keeps my addiction fed!

 

[LiLPrincess]

I've spent literally days reading these posts! What a helpful thread.

I'm sure this question was answered somewhere along the way, but can someone tell me what kind of food they have in Club Level. Is it enough to consider a meal or is it more "snacky" type foods. Also, is it available throughout the day or at certain times?

 

[idontknow]

Does the S/D still do the professional photos for a small fee? I remember in 2001 for our family reunion they were doing it, but we just didn't have enough time.

 

[Muffy]

LilPrincess,
Club level serves a very nice breakfast and snacks at night with a hot hors d'oeuvres. Breakfast is 7-10:30: cereals, milk, oj, apple juice, yogurt, bagels, eng. muffins, various breads, pastry, cream cheese, jelly, peanut butter, coffee, tea and flavorings. From 5-7:30 they serve cheese, crackers, vegis and dip, pastry, cookies, soda, milk, water, coffee, tea and a hot hors d'oeuvre. Hope this helps!

 

[ozziewags]

LilPrincess.......here is more than you ever wanted to know about CL........from Glo's thread.....
(we loved it)

Club Room info

1) Where are the rooms located? Dolphin 12th and 14th floors//Swan 11th and 12th floors
2) Do these rooms have Park views or balconies?They are either resort view or front of the house views.Some may have partial park views,but very few.There are no direct park views.There are no club level rooms with balconies.
3) When is the food offered? Morning (7-10am), Afternoon (only offered at the Swan) and Evening (5-7pm)
4) What food is offered? Continental breakfast consists of assorted fresh pastries and fruits, cereals, yogurts, and coffee and tea. Afternoon
refreshments consist of fresh fruit, lemonade/iced tea, bottled water, and coffee. Evening Hors d'oeuvres consist of hot hors d'oeuvres, imported cheese/bread, crudites vegetables/dips, free soft drinks,and discounted beer,wine,and champagne.
5) Is concierge available for these rooms or do you use the one downstairs?
Concierge located on the lobby level (3rd floor)
6) What is the difference between these and the concierge rooms? They are one in the same as far as layout/size.
The Dolphin wing offer alcohol in the evenings through room service. The Swan wing offers
cordials in the evening and any other alcholic beverages through room service.
At the Dolphin the 12th floor-Royal Beach Level and had club privileges. The prices for the honor bar was $2.00 for a beer or wine, and $3.50 for liquors-great deal compared to buying at a bar. No service charge is added. The $8 resort fee is waived at the concierge level.
The Concierge level(club rooms) at the Swan and Dolphin have Westin Heavenly Beds, extra nice with great padding and sheets. Thanks WonderMagik
The Swan's Executive Suites and the Dolphin's Junior Executive Suites & Executive Suites may or may not have club privledges. The Presidentials, Gov's, or Swan Studios do not.

Sample Menu from Concierge Lounge

Morning services...(7am-10am)
Coffee (reg and decaf) and Bottled Flavorings to add to coffees. A large box of tea selections.Large trays of fresh fruit(pineappple, melons, strawberries, blueberries, bannas & mangos)
Large selection of boxed cereals
Juices, orange,cranberry,pineapple and tomato
Cold water was available on the counter to take to
the parks.
Selection of pastries,muffins, coffee cake and crossiants and jelly.
There was ample food well presented and refilled if it ran low.

Evening (5-7pm)
A fresh veggie/dip, cheese( hard and soft cheeses)and breads every night.
They had a rosemary focchia bread every night that I would have w/ cheese that was absolutely delicious.
Wine and beer were offered at an honor bar.I think it was $2 for each-a real bargain compared to lobby bar.

Late evening.
Coffee/flavorings an teas. Cordials were available for $3.50 a real deal for a full cordial
glass. No cookies or other stuff.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I have a new tag and IT"S TRUE... I do feel warm amd fuzzy! I humbly thank you TF.

LilPrincess ~ the breakfast foods are ample enough and we thoroughly enjoyed the convenience of CL for breakfast. We were unable to use the afternoon snack since our PS every evening was for 5:30. We enjoy having dinner early at a sit down restaurant which will then still leave us time to visit a park after dinner.

 

[RobMax]

For those of you who have done concierge at Swan/Dolphin and another Disney resort - What are the similarities and the differences? Which is better? (especially if you have been to the Poly)

 

[jillz]

Hi everyone!

I just booked the dolphin for easter week( spur of the moment trip)..i wanted swan because those beds sound so heavenly ...I was given an ap rate of 162 per nite for lakeview standard...any suggestions??room locations etc...never stayed here before and i think that is a terrific rate for easter week...any suggestions on where to have dinner or what to do for easter...it will be just myself and my dd 13...we are going to do some bonding ...will be there thru 27th and have plans yet...yikes...
really looking forward to staying at the dolphin..you guys make it sound wonderful
Thanks
Robin

 

[GoofyinNY]

Is there a difference between Swan concierge and club level? My DH thinks that Swan concierge is on the 3rd floor and that the club level is on the 12th floor.

 

[ozziewags]

Swan concierge and club level are the same thing. Club rooms are on the 11th and 12th floor,(Swan) but people have had club privledges staying on other floors. Not sure how that happens, unless maybe they are platinum SPG and want to be on another floor. Have not heard anything about the third floor.....so don't know to what he may be referring. Anyone else?

 

[gschmerl]

jillz/Robin,
We love eating at the Flying Fish at the Boardwalk.For a more casual meal, we also really enjoyed Spoodles at the Boardwalk. We also had a great meal at Palio at the Swan. If you want to treat your son to a great burger and ice cream, go to Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club (also in walking distance). The location of the Swan/Dolphin is great. You can also walk to Epcot and eat at any of the "World" restaurants.

 

[disnurse]

hey guys, back after a few days hiatus. Thanks for all your kind words and prayers its been a tough week but now I'm down to 2 weeks to get it all together and off to the dolphin. Trying to decide between asking for CL 5 days out or waiting till check in to do this. If thats my biggest problem I guess i'm dong pretty good.

 

[dreamflight99]

LilPrincess...we pretty much do as Mouseteacher wrote, and enjoy the CL immensely. We love the breakfast offerings, and the afternoon snacks. We then have sit-down dinner in a park...so we still have time for "park play" in the eve!

Mouseteacher...Congrats on your lovely TAG!

Ozzie...(for GoofyinNY)...CL is indeed on the 11 & 12th floors. Platinum SPG is able to receive CL even when on another floor. I do not stay in the Dolphin on a CL floor, yet always receive CL privs.

gschmerl...Yes, Beaches & Cream is excellent for a "Burger & Ice Cream", yet so is the Dolphin "Fountain" at the bottom of the Escalators. They waitresses and waiters actually break out in "dance" to the 50's music. They are incredibly entertaining and talented. All of the ice cream here is "home-made" and astoundingly delicious! Also, burgers are HUGE...with all fresh veggies and condiments on the side. They have the BEST chicken Caeser Salad...Mmmmm.

RobMax...the Swan/Dolphin CL are very similar (W/exception the SWAN has the inimitable "MAMA T" at their disposal...she's one in a million). The Poly was fun, and we thoroughly enjoyed the CL service and food. We enjoy the Swan/Dolphin just as much...perhaps due to the view and location of the resort & CL.

 

[Mouseteacher]

More endorsement for the Dolphin Fountain. Most evenings, upon return from our "park play" (to quote DF), our two families would meet at the Fountain for a nightcap of ice cream, dessert or whatever suited our fancy. It was such a fun way to end the evening, share stories of what we did when we separated during the day and make plans for the next day.

 

[jillz]

Originally posted by gschmerl
jillz/Robin,
We love eating at the Flying Fish at the Boardwalk.For a more casual meal, we also really enjoyed Spoodles at the Boardwalk. We also had a great meal at Palio at the Swan. If you want to treat your son to a great burger and ice cream, go to Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club (also in walking distance). The location of the Swan/Dolphin is great. You can also walk to Epcot and eat at any of the "World" restaurants.

I love spoodles also but have never tried beaches and cream ...thanks for the suggestions

 

[zurgswife]

What floors are actual CL for the Dolphin?