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

[jgates]

csmommy, There can really be a variance with your check-in people. We had absolutely NO trouble at all on check-in or check-out. It was quick and efficient . My DS did however, have problems picking up his own package one day. Every preceding day he had gone down and picked up all my packages - that day he was refused his own package because the room was in my name - even when he told her what was in it, etc. He was IRATE - after awhile I thought it was pretty funny actually. He didn't really feel he was treated properly in that situation.

But stuff can happen anywhere - at the Royal Pacific at US - we stood in line for 40 minutes - still had a maid in our room when we got there- ended up with a smoking room instead of a non-smoking - NOT happy. The room and resort was fantastic but you get the idea - it just didn't start off well. We were only there one night thou and I will try to get an Entertainment Rate there again next year for a few nights.

However, that was our only experience that was not pleasant during our 10 day stay.

 

[Scoob]

Wow... it's less than three weeks away... I'm so psyched to be going to the Swan for this trip!

Ok - my question is... now that I've successfully negotiated, begged and pleaded... and have gotten a King - Balcony Room with Resort view, and the Club Level Access (CL) on my reservations.... is it worth sending a room request from the Swan/Dolphin website to ask for a higher floor and view of the fireworks?

Is that even possible from the Balcony-Resort view rooms? I read thru the FAQ and it seems like the higher level rooms would be the best since there's only balconies every other room... but I'm not sure how to ask nicely for them to block a room for us that's high up and has a nice view....or am I pushing my luck?

Any ideas appreciated...

Scoob

 

[Mouseteacher]

Debbie ~ Thanks for your kind words. Being kind and respectful of one another is a mantra I try to live by and my family works at it too. I work hard at sending that message on a daily basis to my students and staff. Our world today is filled with so much anger, discourtesy and just plain disrespect, that it is nice to come on this thread and see how everyone treats one another. There is hope!

I agree wholeheartedly with the many opinions that anything can go wrong on a vacation and in hotels. We go on our trips to Disney with rose-colored Mickey glasses! hehehe We try very hard to keep things in perspective and really enjoy our time in the World since that time goes by so quickly. I guess DF words best express my thoughts, too.

Happy Monday to you all.

 

[Athena]

Scoob: Looks like we'll be there at the same time! We arrive June 7, I believe. See you in the CL!

DF: I live outside of Toronto, and my city is also "smoke-free". I'm always surprised when we go to another town and are asked, "Smoking or Non?" when waiting for a table in a restaurant.

Debbie: Allow me to thank your DH for being such a considerate smoker. The battle is still raging here about the rights of smokers vs. nonsmokers, but for the sake of my 3 yo and other children, I really appreciate when people refrain from lighting up around the kids.

Thanks for the reassurances about the Swan, and for *reminding* me not to sweat the small stuff. I just really want this vacation to be perfect for my family, as we don't get to do this very often together.

Have a great day, everyone! (It's a holiday Monday here in Canada, which is even better!)

 

[madge]

DF--your mention of a convention at the CR reminds me of something I hope to never encounter again at any resort, anywhere on the planet we spent a few nights at the CR last May and while were there, a convention for dancers was going on. The place was crawling with pre-teen and teenage girls....it was a nightmare! LOL, they were well behaved enough, I suppose, but the giggling and shreiking. oh my!!!! They did end up closing the pool early as a result on 2 of the nights, that wasn't too cool, either.

of course, I could have just been having an anxiety attack realizing what I have to look forward to in about 14 years

130 days, I'm almost down to PS making time--woo hoo! well, I did make a PS last night for the Liberty Tree Tavern for our MNSSHP night. yay!

 

[RAV]

I am currently in the process of planning our return to the Swan. I spend a bit of time each day reading this thread. Quite often, my thoughts are echoed in the responses of others therefore I don't see a need to post. But, today I thought I had to share some of our experiences at the Swan. Last August, my family and I spent 17 days at the Swan. We had no complaints regarding our room or receiving CL privileges as we booked and paid for the vacation we wanted. While I firmly believe in trying to obtain upgrades if they are available, I sometimes have a problem with the continuous requests for free upgrades and the unrealistic expectations of some guests. I have stayed in Disney owned resorts and experienced highs and lows in each resort. Our stay last August at the Swan was perhaps one of the "easiest"ever. Fortunately for us, check-in, check-out, housekeeping and every other aspect of the resort did not disappoint. As for the people attending the conventions at the resort, I must say that we were never bothered or offended by any of them. During our stay, two large corporations held conventions. At times, I think the staff seemed to cater to us in an effort to make us feel that our business was important too. Convention goers often engaged our son in conversation looking for recommendations for magic. The Yacht Club often held conventions during our stays. On one occassion, a group of intoxicated grown men uttered foul language poolside at Storm Along Bay and bragged of relieving themselves in the pool. You can encounter conventions in both Disney and Non-Disney owned resorts. I guess the point of this rather lengthy post is that there are certain aspects of your vacation that you have control over and others that you do not. I am certain that there are folks who would love to trade places with many of us who are lucky enough to travel to WDW. At the risk of sounding a bit preachy enjoy your good fortune and don't sweat the small stuff. If an aspect of your stay is not what you hoped for, ask for the problem to be corrected and then move on and enjoy the magic.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Athena ~ Happy Victoria Day! (It is written on my Disney desk calendar that today is Victoria Day in Canada.)

RAV ~ well said!

 

[Muffy]

Hi All, DS is back from the Dolphin corner king, east wing, club level stay. He and his GF had a GREAT time and LOVED the Dolphin. They had great weather and best of all, low crowds, complete with an e night! They also spent one night at PBR and enjoyed Universal and IOA. Then they spent a few days at Miami Beach. Now they are back in Boston and work, work, work! They have some great memories to hold them until next time!

Happy planning to all folks heading to WDW and the S/D!

Muffy

 

[Mouseteacher]

Muffy ~ Glad DS and his GF had a magical stay at the Dolphin. It must have been tough to come here to Boston... temps Sat and Sunday night plunged down to the high 30s!! However, today was gorgeous... has winter finally left us?

 

[m.pots]

Hi everyone!! It's been a whirlwind since my DD and I have been back. We got back from our vacation May 10th (can't believe it's the 19th already!). We had a lovely time at the Dolphin. We stayed there for 4 nights. Once we got our room we didn't want to leave!!!! I can't believe the "magic" of that hotel (even though its not a "Disney" hotel! I plan on doing an update with more specifics but for now, THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED ME PLAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If anyone has any reservations, don't. I'll never forget my DD's response when we checked in and got our room. Once inside the room, "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!!!! I feel like a princess! Look at the bathroom, look at the bed, (and when opening the window) LOOK AT THE VIEW MOM! Wow!"

Steph.

 

[Mouseteacher]

m.potts ~ Yippee for you and DD!!!!!!!!! and just think the Dolphin isn't a Disney resort - where's the magic???!!!!! hehehe

 

[dreamflight99]

Where MAGIC LIVES...even though it's NOT a DISNEY RESORT! (For the ga-zillionith time!!)...LOL.

I have ENJOYED reading all the wonderful posts, and the level of "tolerance" with which most all of you deal with "issues" while on vacation. WDW is a most magical place for me. I seem to only see the "BIG PICTURE" while there...and do so with the same "ROSE~COLORED" glasses Ms. Mouseteacher wears (Ahem... ) I've experienced MANY different variations of "customer-service" over the decades of travel, and just try to "go-with-the-flow" while on a sojourn. I do not wish for ANYTHING to disrupt the Beauty, relaxation and experience of my stay. And, since I am in charge of "moi", this is an easy task to accomplish. Like the song..."When there are clouds in the sky...you'll get by...if you Smile...through your pain and sorrow, smile, and maybe tomorrow...you'll see the SUN come shining through...if you, just...SMILE."

I agree with each one of you. We are all "blessed" to be able to travel to such a MAGICAL place, and enjoy such a WONDERFUL vacation. Your thoughts are all eloquently expressed, (Rav, #1hockeymom, jgates, mouseteacher, Athena, & madge) and a true "pleasure/delight" to read. Thank you.

m.pots...Steph, I have been eagerly awaiting your return and post! WELCOME BACK! So happy to read the MAGIC is ALIVE and WELL, and your DD felt like the PRINCESS she is. Such is the stuff DREAMS are made of! Post more when you are rested.

Muffy...I was SURE your DS would be pleased with the accomodations you secured for him & his GF. I'm sure he also loved the PBR & FOTLA to the parks! Wonderful news. Thanks for the day-brightener.

madge...LOL, Been there, done that too (Over at another MOD, CHEER/DANCERS! LOL). You would have thought they were had NEVER stayed in a resort before! Running up and down the stairs...shrieking, etc. I much prefer a bit of quiet to "unwind", after a day IN THE MAGIC!

mouseteacher...my calendar also says "VICTORIA DAY", and the following: "Sow Good Services; Sweet Remembrances Will Grow From Them." Mde. de Stael. How VERY TRUE! Enjoy your day.

 

[GoofyinNY]

Just catching up on some of the posts.

Csmommy, sorry to hear that the Swan was not magical for you. We just got back, and found everything to be wonderful.

Mouseteacher, I forgot to thank you for all your wonderful posts on the Swan and Dolphin. Your posts along with others helped to convince us to go to the Swan. This vacation was absolutely magical for us.

 

[hookedup]

What is the difference between the Club Level at the Swan and Club Level at the Dolphin?

 

[Mouseteacher]

GoofyinNY ~ You're very welcome!

 

[disnurse]

Hi everyone
I'm still checking in but have been very busy lately. Just an FYI, went to NYC to see the play Hairspray and highly recommend that you try to see this play, it was incredible.
CSmommy sorry to hear about your experience at the swan. My check-in the dolphin was the complete opposite sometimes it just takes one grouchy frontdesk CM to give the hotel a bad rep.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by hookedup
What is the difference between the Club Level at the Swan and Club Level at the Dolphin?

LOCATION! They are basically the same, offering the same food-service-lounge & concierge. The views are different, and the persons working these CL lounges are different as well. The SWAN CL has "MAMA T", a genuine treasure! Other than that...these two CL's are pretty much the same.

Disnurse...Thanks! I've heard nothing but RAVE reviews on this play. I'm hoping it will make it's way WEST...(LA), where I can catch a show. I remember when director John Waters produced the original movie, with Ricki Lake (Tracy Turnblad), Divine, Jerry Stiller...etc. Great Music (Good morning Baltimore, Welcome to the 60's, Run and tell that!) One of my favorite JW productions.

The broadway production looks great....and makes me want to grab a flight to NY!

 

[Mouseteacher]

OMG ~ disnurse and DF, I remember seeing the movie Hairspray! I'd forgotten all about it til I read your post.

Hi to you, disnurse.

 

[maggiew]

How much would it be to upgrade to Club Level at the Dolphin at arrival? Is this possible to do with a Hotwire reservation?

Thanks, we are soooo excited about our stay!

Maggie

 

[zurgswife]

What floors are CL at the Dolphin???