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

[Mouseteacher]

We were on 12th - the same floor as the Club Room.

 

[disnurse]

another vote for the dolphin fountain. Dreamflight i'll have to check out the chix caeser salsa the one at the splas grill by the pool is great!!!! At one time last year there were posts here saying you could also refill mugs here but we never tried. Does anyone know if this is true?

 

[jgates]

We only refilled our mugs at Tubbis so can't answer the last question.

Take note at Swan Club level - don't forget the coffee flavorings and the FAT-FREE cream cheese! Only trip I ever came back from without putting on a pound - all that healthy fruit at breakfast!

Mouseteacher - such a LOVELY tag! I am so happy for you.

As you guys encourage me and I refuse to page back to my own link for those cheap rates, I am reading the postcard that came from Disney today with a discount code on it..................

AGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SwanDolphin - do me a favor! If I email you - DON'T READ IT!!!! I have to save some money for college year #2 for my engineering kid!!!! (If he doesn't eat much more this year is ok! )

 

[lrodk]

Hi everyone. So happy to see that this thread is showing no signs of slowing down. It's a testament to all of the good things that Dolphin/Swan have to offer. My question for today involves the following:

My first stay at the Dolphin two years ago was in a Double Double room with balcony. I took Dreamflight's advise and stayed in the east wing, fifth floor or higher. Everything was great, This time around for my upcoming trip I made a similar reguest, but noticed on my confirmation that the room was a "Deluxe Double w/balcony". Can anyone elaborate on the difference between the two room types, if there is any?

Thanks in advance, Luis

 

[Mouseteacher]

Irodk ~ This thread goes strong not only because we are S/D fans as well as WDW addicts but we seem to have forged some nice friendships... so many wonderful people on this thread to share dreams of future trips, fun of past ones, laughs,advice, opinions and memories. Our common bond is the pleasure that one man gave to so many... and, as he said, it all began with a mouse! Little did he know what the future would hold with the ability of the internet to bring together so many Disney crazed people.

I'm not sure about the the difference in the reservation description. Your last room certainly sounded like a deluxe dble/dble. Could the view make a difference in the decription? I'm sure DF can help.

 

[Emme]

Hey DisNurse...looks like we will be neighbors on our April vacation. I will be at the Swan the 11-18.
Maybe we will see you there

Blessings,
Emmy

 

[JohnneyB]

Hello all of you S & D fans. (This is my first post) Before any supposed A & P rates make their appearance for the summer, I want to make sure I have made the right choice - specifically, is the ability to charge to your room key at the parks the only real difference between the S & D and the Disney deluxe resorts? Early entry is a definite must for me, and I want to be sure that EE, plus all the other perks are offered to S & D guests.

Also, I wanted to make sure that the pool is up to Disney Deluxe status. We usually take a day to just lay around the pool and enjoy the pool. Will the grotto suffice?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[ozziewags]

JohnneyB.........WELCOME! I had the same reservations about staying at the S/D after having only stayed in WDW resorts. I couldn't pass up the teacher rate and we were glad we did. What a deal. The hotels are very nice and the grotto pool is one of the best. Couldn't charge on room card, but that was no problem as we used our Amex cc and racked up more points! All the other perks are right there.....yours to enjoy. The location is unbeatable. Have a wonderful time and welcome to our thread.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Welcome JohnneyB to the Dis. The pool is one of the nicest I have seen at a hotel. There is a slide and a waterfall, and it sort of winds around with a sand "beach". There are plenty of chairs and a vollyball net was set up when we were there. There is a playground close by, and the cutest little seal that squirts water. You can definitly do EE. The only things that they do not have are the Mickey wake up calls, charging priviledges, and mickey soap. They do have wonderful oatmeal soap though! We enjoyed so much about the Swan, I hope you do too.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Welcome, JohnnyB, to our wonderfully informative thread. Don't hesitate to ask questions.

I, too, was concerned at staying at a nonDisney owned resort. But I couldn't turn down the teacher rate and joining spg to boost my ability to earn points for future visits as well as receiving a comp upgrade to CL. We found the pool awesome. There were plenty of lounge chairs available - even enough space so that you weren't sitting on top of someone else. Plenty of hot tubs - many times I was alone in one for quite some time. Besides the grotto pool, there is a lap pool and a kiddie pool.

You receive all the same privledges except room charging as the Disney resorts. I did not feel that I was missing the Disney magic which is a high priority for me and the reason why I always chose to stay at a Disney resort. After all, the S/D is in the heart of Epcot, MGM and the Boardwalk with all the activities and eateries within walking distance.

Don't get me wrong, I will always jump at the chance to stay at a Disney deluxe resort (our fav is the CR Tower room) when the budget allows. But, I am thrilled I have the option to stay at a deluxe resort for a terrific teacher rate which is what I would choose over the Disney mods or value resorts.

 

[jillz]

Mouseteacher,

I agree with you ... my rate at easter is 162 per nite and i think that is terrific for the location alone...i have not stayed there yet but how can you miss anything when you are right in the center of it all ...
bc wanted 400 per nite for a standard room for the same period... bw also...i am so glad to be finally staying at the dolphin

PS does the dolphin have the heavanly beds also
Where would you request your room to be...have no idea..my room is a lakeview standard...any suggestions, anyone

Robin

 

[RobMax]

Hi All,


What Swan resturants offer room service/delivery. Can you get things from Palio and Kimonos?

How do young kids do at these 2 resturants?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Beader7]

Hi: Emme and DisNurse - we will also be neighbors!! We check into the SWAN on 4-13!! I am so excited!! I have not been to WDW since 1996!! We just cant wait!!!!
Sandy

 

[JohnneyB]

Thanks for the replies everyone! We will also be using the teacher rate. We were at the BC last year, and we are having a tough time justifying double the price for a standard room. We will be traveling toward the end of summer, and we are really looking forward to it.

Regarding the S/D, I think I've done my homework; I was just needing a little reassurance.

Thanks.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
Irodk ~ This thread goes strong not only because we are S/D fans as well as WDW addicts but we seem to have forged some nice friendships... so many wonderful people on this thread to share dreams of future trips, fun of past ones, laughs,advice, opinions and memories. Our common bond is the pleasure that one man gave to so many... and, as he said, it all began with a mouse! Little did he know what the future would hold with the ability of the internet to bring together so many Disney crazed people.

I'm not sure about the the difference in the reservation description. Your last room certainly sounded like a deluxe dble/dble. Could the view make a difference in the decription? I'm sure DF can help.

How true this is, Mouseteacher! Our thread...is much like "being in the MAGIC" without all the trappings (not that I mind these trappings!). Just as it is SO easy to spark a conversation with a complete stranger in WDW (as we are all bound by the common thread woven by WALT), it is easy to become intertwined in each other's day-to-day lives...from children and professions, to animals and travels to the WORLD and SWAN/DOLPHIN. This thread is a VERY integral part of each day of my life. I enjoy the quips and tips from every poster. Indeed, they are truly like "family" to me.
* Mouseteacher...I agree with your thoughts on the Swan/Dolphin. I also include a stay (or two)each year at a Disney-owned resort. This summer...we are in the CR TOWER 14th FLOOR SUITE for 5 eves now. I keep EXTENDING this...as I began with three eves...LOL. I'll be sure to post a pic. or two from here, just for you. I also loved your post about the Dolphin Fountain. It is our BASE too...and we love sitting there and sharing "memories" of the day, as well as the "remember when?" times! Thanks.

Irodk, As for the reservation description, it is the view (deluxe vs. standard), which designates the room-type. You had the Deluxe on your last stay as well, but it was omitted from the ressie details. You have the same reserved this time, and could get the same area upon request (preferences noted in your reservation?).

zurgswife...12/13/14 are the Club Level Floors at the Dolphin! Soap arrived yet?

Disnurse...YES, I did refill my mug at the Fountain. No trouble for me with this one. I also LOVE the all-Beef kosher dogs and the Grilled-Cheese sandwich at the Fountain. The Chicken Strips are huge, all white meat...juicy and plump! I do not believe I dislike ANY of the fountain items I have tried.

jgates..."It's IN THE CARDS" (or POSTCARDS...as the case may be!)! LOL! *SWANDOLPHIN...please read the email from jgates...and HELP her anyway you are able. She needs a bit of MAGIC in her life this year, and traveling to the Swan/Dolphin is a SURE BET for a FIX!

JohnneyB..."WELCOME"! Yes...room-charge (around the world) is restricted from the Swan/Dolphin cards. Yet, you will be able to charge anything and everything from each resort (& yes, if you stay at the Dolphin...you may charge at the Swan as well!) onto your room card. The other difference is the vanity items, which are not the generic Disney soaps, etc. They are wonderful, luxurious soaps and shampoos...OATMEAL being my #1 Favorite! As for "will the Grotto Suffice"? LOL. Hope you secure your trip and dates soon. Here's a couple of the GROTTO:

RobMax...Yes, you can receive just about ANYTHING delivered to your room from ANY restaurant. This includes items from either resort property. FI...I wished for a filet mignon, yet there was not one listed on the RS menu for the Dolphin. I called the RS manager, whom literally RAN to the Swan and retrieved a BIG FILET from their stock. She then returned to the Dolphin, called me...and prepared it as requested (w/sides). WONDERFUL! If there is ANYTHING you wish to order from either resort...please be sure to ask for the Room Service manager. This person will make all your "dreams/wishes come true"! As for the children...I have never witnessed any trouble with them at either restaurant. Kimono's is VERY child-friendly, and is more family-oriented.

Beader7...Congrats on your upcoming TRIP! Wow...not since '96 (when the Castle was a CAKE?!). I would have some SERIOUS withdrawels...LOL). You will LOVE the Swan. Enjoy...and do not forget the LIME GREEN Ribbons!

HAPPY DOLPHIN THOUGHTS for all on this BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY!

 

[ozziewags]

LOL, Dreamflight........did you realize that your great posts and pics were SUPERSIZED? I had to scroll back and forth to read! Your pics were soooo good. You will have this whole Dis going to the S/D!

 

[olena]

Hey gang!

Just wanted to say that I'm back. I spent most of the week with my father in Orlando. On Thursday, we checked into the Dolphin. Our room wasn't ready, so we headed over to Epcot to go see Figment. Around 3pm, we returned to the Dolphin and our room was ready. They gave us room 8015 in the East Wing. It was a looooong trek from the elevator to our room. I had a feeling that it was a very good sign. We ended up at the end of a hallway. Upon entering the room, I noticed windows on two sides of the room. How cool! I could look south towards the Swan and east towards Epcot. The 8th floor was pretty high up, too. The king bed looked roomy and comfy. I walked to the far window and wondered where our balcony was. I saw the room below us had one. Where was ours? We paid for a balcony.

Then Chris remarks on a door marked balcony by the front door. We go outside and WOW! It was one of those corner balconies. Excellent!

We really loved our room and our views.... On Thursday night, we dined at Palio's at the Swan. What a place! I really enjoyed my two nights at the Dolphin and I see why y'all love the resort so much. I just want to thank you for answering my questions, making me feel welcome here and sharing your enthusiasm.

I'll post pictures soon...

 

[Mouseteacher]

olena ~ welcome back - so glad you experienced the magic of the S/D. Your room sounded heavenly. We did not have enough time to dine at Palio's this trip but hope to on a future one. A brother to a parent at my school is the food and beverage manager at the S/D and his pet restaurant is Palio's. We did have the opportunity to dine at Shula's and Coral Cafe (lunch). DH and I love the World Showcase restaurants and, of course, The California Grill (a never miss dining experience).

Please post more about your visit and your pix.

 

[ddawg]

WOW! Dreamflight 99, those are fantastic pictures! It makes me fell like I am there. Amazing! Thanks.

 

[kathmzh]

DreamFlight, your post really brightened my rainy Sunday!! those "life-size" pix were gorgeous.
Olena, glad you had a great time and can't wait to see your photos.