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

[RobMax]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
but the Valet at the Dolphin is astounding...just wait until you pull-up in the car! It's some of the BEST I've experienced. A True TREAT, worth the $$$.

OK DF - give me a hint - why is it worth it?

 

[Braque]

Robmax:
It is not worth it - unless you need it.

We had a very similar experience to pbhunt two years ago at the Swan. We didn't realize we were being charged $10 a day for leaving the car parked in the lot, originally set there by the valet. Boy, was I "miffed". We had gone through great lengths to save and save, had the resort fee waived (when they were doing that sort of thing) and there we go leaving the darn rental in the valet lot.

If you plan on using it every day, the valets are very nice but the regular self-park lot is like twenty feet away! I played the valet for my family after that and pocketed the $10 per day charge and tips. This is like saving an extra $100 on a seven-eight day vacation.

 

[disnurse]

I believe that the parking at the dolphin isn't as close to the dolphin and often times we had trouble finding a spot so imo the 10$ is well worth it if you infact use the car daily

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by disnurse
I believe that the parking at the dolphin isn't as close as the dolphin and often times we had trouble finding a spot so imo the 10$ is well worth it if you infact use the car daily

I agree 100%, Disnurse.

RobMax...Because of these features:

*1. ESPECIALLY in the SUMMER! One quick call down to Valet from the comfort of our suite, and the vehicle is pulled to the front. This is PRICELESS on a 95 degree afternoon w/100% humidity. Additionally, I ask the Valet to kindly leave the car running, w/full A/C to "Cool it down" a bit! No problem here...they oblige.

*2. When Valet says the car will be ready in Five minutes...IT WILL BE!

*3. It's so nice having the car pulled up UNDER the shelter of the Covered canopy! This is especially wonderful during one of the frequent/daily summertime storms. We merely walk out of the doors, and hop into the car...nice, safe and dry. No dodging/timing the lightening strikes! LOL.

*4. Vacations are about...pampering/relaxation, and TREATING oneself to some LUXURY! I enjoy the wonderful manner in which the Valet smiles and greets us as we exit the Dolphin to enter our vehicle, opening the door for easy access. The same thing is done upon our return, and they even ask us if we had a nice drive, day, etc. (as we sometimes converse and inform them "where" we're headed as we leave). They help to retrieve packages, and assist us with anything else.

*5. Because...we use the rentals more than once per day when we have them. Since we fly to Orlando, when we do rent a vehicle from the Dolphin...we use it! We drive out in the am, and enjoy a breakfast somewhere. We drive out again in the afternoon/eve, to peruse CELEBRATION, see a movie, park, dine, or visit some other destination.

*6. Time is money, and convenience = TIME~! It's so convenient to drive up, drop off the car...and be on our way. No hassles, no searching for a parking spot...no walking, etc. Quick and painless. We use Valet at every resort we stay, and also at restaurants and parks (City Walk, DTD, etc.). It enhances our trip, and adds to the "relaxation" part.

*7. In comparison...it's a veritable BARGAIN! Since we use Valet in Cali, all I need to do is remind myself of the costs around here. In SF, at the Westin St. Francis, we paid $39 (plus tax) per day last Christmas...for 5 eves! That would give us nearly THREE WEEKS of the same privs. at the WDW DOLPHIN! Mind~boggling.

*8. Because...YOU DESERVE IT!

 

[BCVNovember]

Hello - I have reservations at the Poly for the first week of November, but for some reason the Swan stays in the back of my mind. I have 3 dd's (2-7 years old) and it would be a great convenience to me to be on the monorail, but unless I get a Fairytale-like package or discount, I won't be able to justify the $$$$ when the Swan/Dolphin is available.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions. First, just how far is the Grotto pool from the Swan? On a picture posted a while ago, it looked to me like the Grotto was next door to the Dolphin, but a nice little hike from the Swan. Were my eyes deceiving me?

Second, about Club versus Balcony Rooms. I understand that standard Club rooms do not have balconies and with my children, I would probably be safer in a room sans balcony (although, selfishly, the balcony would be my choice). Do any of the Club rooms have resort views at either the Swan or Dolphin? That would be the next best choice for me I guess.

Also, It seems like the Club rooms at the Swan are touted more on this thread than at the Dolphin. Is the Club service at the Dolphin less or different than at the Swan??

I guess I'm leaning toward the Swan because I know the renovations are finished there and I don't want to be staying in the middle of a mess for my long awaited vacation (first in 3 years!!).

That's all I can think of for now!

Thanks!!

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
I agree 100%, Disnurse.

RobMax...Because of these features

Sold - also what do you tip the valet every time?

 

[dreamflight99]

$2-3 on each "Pick-up" (nothing on the drop-off). I've had many friends (during College years) whom "moonlighted" as Valets. This is the "standard" in the industry, and very acceptable/appreciated. Some folks make the error of tipping on both the P/U & D/O. So..remember, "P"ayment on the "P"ick-up!

 

[kimmar067]

...my story on my last post:

I returned to the store where my DH purchased the flatware. I brought BOTH boxes (just in case) so I could decide on which pattern I liked best. Well, the store helped me make my decision. There wasn't a 2nd box of one pattern and there was only ONE box left of the other; too bad one of the soup spoons was BENT IN HALF!!!. So, I returned both boxes and bought a brand new set.....

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher

DF ~ I can't wait for your posts from inside the magic - your posts are so descriptive and well-written. I agree with disnurse - it only seemed like yesterday we were reading about your daily Disney-doings and that was a year ago!

Didn't intend to overlook this..."Thank you" for the nice compliment. I write so those of you at home may live "vicariously" through my posts! I'm pleased to know you enjoy them, even look forward to them. It won't be too long now....

Jgates...have you found any DEALS for this summer? Are you thinking of a trip to the MAGIC?

WOW...did you see the cost of the RT airfare from JFK to MCO on Mousesavers? $150 RT! Now...that's a STEAL!

BCVNovember...Grotto pool is VERY close to the Swan. It's closer to the Dolphin, but not far if you're staying in the Swan. Both Club rooms in the Swan & Dolphin offer resort views. The only difference between the Swan & Dolphin Club...Is MAMA T (she works at the SWAN!). She's an ANGEL. Hope you enjoy your time in WDW, wherever you kick-off your shoes!

madge...it is my understanding, SWA offers the "companion" fare year-round. You must always "ASK" for it, but it usually applies to most every fare. It's not a real/true "2 for 1" deal, but it's pretty darned close! Good luck with this, & let us know when you reserve your seats.

Kimmar...sounds as if it all worked out for the BEST!

 

[Emilysmome]

Hey all! We are on day 3 of 5 of our stay here at the Dolphin. We are loving it!

Just thought I'd report in quickly before hitting the sack tonight.

First, the checkin people couldn't have been nicer. Never was anything said about this being a PL ressie... they did all they could to honor my requests. I even got so bold as to ask politely if there were any Epcot view rooms available, and they spent several minutes checking, but to no avail. They did upgrade me to a nice pool view though!

I could go on and on, but it's been a long day at the Magic Kingdom..... but we are loving it here! It's been quite a treat for us "cheapskates" to stay in such a nice place.

That brings me to my question...We've decided to stay at WDW for 2 extra nights. Would they even consider extending our stay at our PL rate or am I being ridiculous even to consider asking? I'm perfectly content to PL us a cheap room for those last two nights, but if there was some way to stay where we are, we'd certainly jump at it.

So, whaddya think? I'm just not a pushy kind of person so I hate to even ask for fear of being laughed at.

To those others who have PL or Hotwire stays upcoming, I'll "leave the light on for you".

Christine

 

[jgates]

I'm a tightwad at heart.....At the Swan I still won't go valet. We were in 1262 which is close to the center facing the parking area & back of Boardwalk - you can see MGM, Epcot ball, etc and it is a Club level room (in response to BCVNovembers question). So yes, on our last trip we spent 10 nites and saved $100 for something else! The lot at the Swan is just sooooo close. We headed down the elevator - down the hall by the convention center and out the door to the lot. Normally every day we used it we were able to park underneath a tree for at least moderate shade the next day so it was never toooo hot.

Really want to book one of those specials Disney has right now. I know its not Swan, but would probably be my only opportunity to stay at GF, Poly or one of the deluxe Disney resorts. I even have about $800 saved so far (I know - that sounds pathetic but remember - I'm still funding that Civil Engineering student!) so I would dare to go. But the gal who is my primary co-worker is the #1 donor for her brother for a liver transplant. They were scheduled for early Aug (I thought maybe a late July vacation), but he started having complications this weekend and is down being evaluated right now. They could have to do a transplant within the next few weeks - they just don't know. That means she could disappear on me in a week or two & Dr. tells her 10 to 12 weeks off work for recovery, so I can't easily be off then. Kind of cancels any vacation plans all together until September by which time kids are back in school. But that IS more important than my vacation. It's just one of those things that if they end up not doing it till August, I will be sitting there kicking myself. Know what I mean?

 

[hookedup]

Well, I am so excited to be able to post my news! We booked a week at the Dolphin beginning of August today! I was so bummed after we had to cancel our trip for April due to the war and SARS affecting my work so this is the best news I have had in 3 months!!!
Yea! I am starting to do all my planning and researching again! Hooray!!

 

[2002Disneybride]

I am leaving tomorrow afternoon! I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that helped me and gave advice!

 

[Mouseteacher]

hookedup and disneybride ~

 

[BCVNovember]

Dreamflight 99 and JGates - Thanks for the information!

 

[RobMax]

All of my clocks are appearing blank!

Is anyone else having this clock problem?

 

[marymrg]

We checked in on Mother's Day (my birthday) around 1:00. We were assigned room 527 - East Wing, non-smoking King room with balcony. I explained that I originally had club level but must have been upgraded to the balcony room. I then asked if I could use points to upgrade to Club privileges. I was told yes and that the CM (is that what they are at the non-Disney hotels?? lol) would call to verify point status. Then she said........"oh, it's only for one night, I'll upgrade you - no charge!" (let the magic begin) I, of course, thanked her profusely.

The room was gorgeous, the bed....heavenly and the view was of the back of the boardwalk(waterway to MGM) and Spaceship Earth and the left side view was of the Dolphin and the Yacht and Beach Club. We weren't in our room for Illuminations, but I assume that the high fireworks could be seen from this location. After lunch at Beaches & Cream (we split a double cheeseburger, fries, two drinks and a brownie Sundae.........all free from one lunch voucher leftover from our last trip) we headed to the pool. The quiet pool was closed (not sure why) so we walked over to the Grotto Pool. (we cut through the beach sand area........but returning to the Swan, we used the walkway). The Grotto Pool was great but *warning*, the surrounding concrete was HOT. It wasn't overly crowded and we had no problem scoring lounge chairs. The hot tub looked very inviting but since the temp was in the mid 90's with high humidity, I just couldn't bring myself to try it out.

After getting ready for dinner, we stopped by the Royal Beach Club Lounge for some snacks. I had some cheese and crackers and one pepper popper.........all very tasty. It was so hard bypassing the scrumptious cookies, but we had a 6:30 PS at the Cali. Grill to go to. I asked the attendant at the Club to see if we could change it to 7:30 - but it was not to be. Really, I knew the answer.......afterall, it was Mother's Day and I had made my PS months in advance. The only reason I wanted to do this...was so that I could take full advantage of the offerings and not spoil my dinner

When we returned later (after our scrumptious dinner and after watching the Electrical Water Pageant from a hammock at the Polynesian.....all in the name of research for a future trip ) we returned to the Swan and our lights were turned on low, the bed was turned down and two chocolates were waiting for us. I was also surprised by a waiting bottle of wine and a cheese and fruit platter(surprise for me.......score one for the hubby). We were too full from dinner to eat anything else.......but ended up nibbling on these items for the next two days!

The next morning, we met Mama T at the Club lounge. She is a sweetie. I think she was disappointed that we were leaving......but we promised to return with our kids next time. The feast was plentiful. They had some very tasty pastries in addition to cereal, bagels, toast, yogurt and fruit, etc.

Regrets: Instead of staying at the Airport (Sheraton Suites) on Saturday, we should've stayed at the Swan. Don't get me wrong........the suite was nice, the breakfast buffet really good......it just wasn't Disney. Our flight got in so late (11pm) that I made the executive decision to just stay there (and also acquire a few extra Starwood points). Since we were wired from the trip anyway, the drive to the Swan would've been pretty quick. And, I'm sure the Room Service Night Owl Menu would've been a little more substantial.

p.s. - we self parked........but only because we had only two carry-on bags. If we were traveling with the whole family, we probably would've used Valet at least initially. Even when we stay at one of the DVC properties where it's free Valet parking (because we are members) we often do a few days valet and a few self park if we need to use the car a lot.

MaryG

 

[cherylp3]

I have a question. I am planning on staying at the at the Swan for 1 night from Nov. 2 -3 (before my DVC stay) currently I can't pull up any rates other than normal ones. ( Whch are a tat too high) I have AAA, and plan to have an AP will I get any discounts with these? ( I also have a 50% off certificate that I can use )

Any advice..

Thanks Cheryl

 

[KelliR]

Mary ... great report ... I loved reading about your short getaway. And you didn't miss any great weather here in WNY while you were away!

 

[marymrg]

I asked Mama T about the Swan renovations and she said that all of the regular rooms are done but that some of the executive and presidential suites have not been redone yet. I also noticed that the hallway carpet wasn't replaced and maybe it's just me........but I think some of the murals on the walls need a little face lift too. The room we had was awesome though.

AllieBrooke: Wilderness Lodge vs. Swan - this is a toughie. They are about as opposite in theming as you can get. We stayed in a Studio at the Villas. It is smaller than the Swan, but the bonus is that you get a small kitchenette. (this is only for the DVC villas though.....not the regular rooms) The main pool at the WL is nice......comparable to the Grotto pool but a lot smaller. I imagine it would be harder to retain a pool chair. But, we used the quiet pool and Hot Tub at the Villas......which we really loved. (without our kids.........we are definitely quiet pool people) If we had the family, we would split our time between the two.

As far as transportation goes, we only took the boat to MK one afternoon (stopped at Fort Wilderness) and then the Bus back from Epcot. Both modes of transportation came right away.

To be honest, I didn't think I would like the Wilderness Lodge. It is very similar to where I grew up (at the edge of the Adirondacks) and when I go on vacation, I want tropical/beach accomodations. However, I was pleasantly surprised. We had a woods view and it was so tranquil. My suggestion would be to visit there on your next trip (eat lunch or dinner there) and if you like it, then book it for the following trip! Or, split the trip up and use that as your base for your Magic Kingdom visits.