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

[marymrg]

KelliR - dh called into work on Monday.......just to rub it in. When we boarded the plane yesterday, they announced it was in the 40's and rainy. Boos could be heard One of the flight attendants had a layover and said she was hoping to work on her tan and that she had nothing warmer to wear than shorts. I did have to explain that this weather is worse than usual for this time of year. I said we usually have some low 60's and sun! I bet she made a quick trip to the Galleria for some flannel pj's or a pair of sweats!

cherylp3 - you can call the Swan directly for all of those discounts. The Annual Pass usually gives a 50% discount and an upgraded room and late check out. (last time I looked into this rate.......it was around $180) You can also check through Dreams Unlimited right on this website. They don't give AAA though. You should be able to pull up the AAA discount under promotions at the spg website. (spg.com)

 

[simonmunro]

Tell me how to receive tags????? The only hotel I know about is the Dolphin because we've stayed there the last 11 years. Will I never receive a tag because DF99 has all the Dolphin tags????? I'm fixin to put her on a big guilt trip over it, so perhaps she'll share a tag or nominate me for a tiny tag at their next meeting.

 

[AllieBrooke]

Marymrg -- thanks for the report on the Swan vs. Wilderness Lodge! I think we're going to do exactly what you suggested -- stay at the Swan (already got reservations) and check out the other resorts for our next trip.

Like you, I think WL may be a little too much like home. I think it was modeled after lodges in the Pacific Northwest, which is where I live now. I love the trees and wilderness, but on a vacation far from home something tropical will be nice!

 

[dreamflight99]

LOL...You guys make me laugh! You are NEITHER of these things, as anyone whom spends as much time INSIDE the magic as you do...is RICH BEYOND the WILDEST of DREAMS (in more ways than just monetarily)! I too, would not use Valet for 10 eves, as we do not have a vehicle the entire time we are there...and only use it when we rent from National. We prefer valet, as we USE the car frequently when we rent. BUT, if we DROVE there, or had a package with a rental...we would not use the car every day, therefore...we would PARK IT ourselves!

Oh, "J"...that's a true dilemma. But, life has a way of working out for the best. So, if you are meant to take a trip to the Magic...you will! I love the GF, Poly & CR....you would have a WONDERFUL TIME at any one of these resorts.

Emilysmome...PLEASE, ASK! They will more than likely "extend" your stay at the same rate. It has happened with me on more than one occasion at different resorts. It never hurts to ask. I wish you the best, and am pleased to hear you are having so much FUN inside the MAGIC!

hookedup...CONGRATULATIONS!

2002Disneybride...HAVE A MAGICAL TRIP!

RobMax...YES. Perhaps it's really there, yet none of us can SEE it! Have you tried using your imagination? I've imagined mine says about 144 days....but I'm unsure of the hours/minutes~! LOL.

marymrg~What a Nice post! Comp. CL upgrade, Balcony, MAMA T, heavenly bed...what more is there?! I LOVE the Cali Grill, and would love to read MORE of your experience there (what dishes did you try/enjoy, table, etc.). So happy you enjoyed your stay, and are planning to return. It is an amazing place.

simonmunro...I'll put in a good word with the TAG FAIRY for you! I mean...er....well, that would leave you to believe I personally KNOW the TAG FAIRY....and...er.....NOPE, I DON'T!

 

[#1hockeymom]

What is the policy of the Swan and Dolphin concerning smoking in their restaurants and bars? Does someone know which places allow and/or disallow smoking? I know that all Disney restaurants are nonsmoking, but since I know that the swan isn't "really Disney" (laughing) I thought the smoking policy might be slightly, and to my husband's favor, different.

Thank you,
Debbie

PS. Thank you for the beautiful Mother's day gifts we were all part-owners of!

 

[BCVNovember]

I have read several notes/review here and there now that say the public areas, i.e., hallways, etc., at the Swan/Dolphin appear worse for the wear and in need of replacement. Are there any plans for these areas to be refreshed in the near future?

 

[Mouseteacher]

#1hockeymom ~ You can smoke in the lobbies of the S/D. In Shula's, you can smoke in the lounge. I believe the restaurants are non-smoking. We only ate at Shula's and the Coral Cafe which makes me unsure if they provide a smoking section of the restaurant.

NonDisney/not really Disney!

 

[#1hockeymom]

The Disney park policy has never bothered him. It was actually fun when it went into effect since we ended up finding some really nice areas (especially in MK) that were tucked out of the way, yet had a special charm to them.

Eating out is another matter, and if I am going to have a nice dinner I hate being rushed because someone is in freakout mode! This is even a better reason to stay at the *shuddering* non disney hotels.

It will be nice to have our "happiest place on Earth" turn into some happier and slower paced dinners!

On a different subject. If anyone is contemplating Europe this Summer, there are some fantastic rates out there according to an MSNBC article I have just recently read. This might be a great way to see Disneyland Paris!
<a href="http://www.msnbc.com/modules/exports/ct_email.asp?/news/911581.asp">budget Europe article</a>

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
RobMax...YES. Perhaps it's really there, yet none of us can SEE it! Have you tried using your imagination? I've imagined mine says about 144 days....but I'm unsure of the hours/minutes~! LOL.

SO its just me??? Where is the counter page again???

 

[Piper]

Anyone staying at the Swan or Dolphin ever done the Visitana tour thing? How is it----hard sell or OK? Does it really only last 90 minutes?

I got the call last night----not sure if I will do it or not, but 10,000 Starpoints sure sounds good!

 

[Piper]

Rob, I just noticed that my counter is gone all together! Boo hoo!

 

[Mouseteacher]

hockeymom~ My DH is a smoker (to my and DSs dismay and constant urging to quit) and I, too, found the smoking areas tucked in the corner,quiet places in the parks to be very nice, when I took the break with my DH. He has no problem with the policy since he is sensitive to nonsmokers dislike of smoke. DH and I always dine at the sit-down restaurants since this is an important part of our vacation (we love California Grille). Even if a smoking section is an option, we always dine nonsmoking since I can't handle the smell of smoke. DH has learned to manage and not hurry our meals. (DH cannot smoke in our house - he is allowed to smoke outside and in the winter in our boiler area of the basement)

 

[happytrails2u]

Hi all,

...just returned from NYC and stayed at the Westin Times Sq. for a few nights (room & CL-upgrade). I saw a few posts on the Dolphin's "Shulas." There is a Shulas here as well, so I decided to give it a try last night - - filet mignon with all the trimmings. Fantastic! For no particular reason, we've never dined at Shulas in the Dolphin, but this year we will for sure. Must catch up on the posts/pms. Happy to hear good reports from the inside and see all of the high expectations/anticipation of those preparing their journeys soon.

 

[simonmunro]

Are all the Swan Suites remodeled now? I have never stayed at the Swan, (only the Dolphin) but want to stay at the Swan next.

 

[dreamflight99]

Mmmmmm...you have my mouth watering for a Shula's Steak! My DH is a Three-time member of the 48oz club! He has his name on some fancy~schmancy plaques...and a signed photo of congrats from Don...LOL. Not that he's even come CLOSE to finishing this "side of beef" on a plate.

That MENU is pretty Snazzy, too!

Nice, comfortable seating...ahhh...I'll begin w/Beefsteak Tomatoes & Gorgonzola Salad...please.

Feel free to "light~up" in here, even pipes and cigars!

You may smoke in Shula's and several other places/restaurants. Many in Florida have "smoking" areas, whereas Calif. is completely "smoke-free"...even bars!

BCVNovember...I'm not worried or preoccupied with the interior hallways, as I do not spend too much time there (just "passing-through"). I do not feel these are as delapidated as some believe/perceive. In fact, I think they are well-cared for...considering all the foot-traffic these halls experience. Yet, I believe they will be refurbishing these areas as well, after they are finished with the rooms.

Piper...the Vistana thing is definitely worth the points. I recall "Muffy" took this tour during her last visit to the Swan/Dolphin...and reported it wasn't too bad.

Mouseteacher...how considerate of your DH to "think about" non-smokers, etc. Especially since you do not share this habit. Neither myself, nor my DH smokes, yet plenty of our friends are smokers. When they visit, they always step outside to light-up. They have recently informed us they also do this at home, even though Both the husband and wife smoke. They do this for their children & pets, which we find endearing and responsible. You are fortunate to have such a kind DH. I too, am glad the smoking is not "banned" in the parks (with certain areas set aside for this purpose instead). I feel for those whom smoke, (especially when they wish they didn't), as it is not an easy habit to kick.

P.S.~Ca. Grille...one of my TOP FAV places to dine!

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
Mmmmmm...you have my mouth watering for a Shula's Steak! My DH is a Three-time member of the 48oz club! He has his name on some fancy~schmancy plaques...and a signed photo of congrats from Don...LOL. Not that he's even come CLOSE to finishing this "side of beef" on a plate.

Guess who our new coach is!!! Hopefully he will stay away from the strip clubs!

 

[marymrg]

BCVNovember - I can only speak to the 5th floor East wing carpet.......It was not worn......just dirty in some spots. The carpet is a cream/tan background with a design on it. I just think it probably shows the dirt more. I also noticed this same thing at the BCVillas last month.......and that resort is less than a year old. (near the elevator - 2nd floor) The Swan has a really beautiful carpet on the ground floor (I think near the concierge and ticket desks) Maybe they'll eventually use this color throughout the rest of the common areas. Or maybe I'm just a carpet snob/purist and notice more picky things like this. Which reminds me.....I need to get my family room berber carpet Spring cleaned too. I should talk!

California Grill - This was probably the BEST meal I ever had at Disney. We had seats by the window.......MK view. Even though there were no fireworks that night, we saw an awesome sunset! We started out with a glass of Merlot for dh and a vodka and cranberry for me. It was very strong, but tasty......I eventually asked for a half glass of OJ to mix it with as I still needed to be able to walk out of there. (I'm not much of a drinker) Then dh ordered the asparagus soup and I had the Boston Bibb Salad. The dressing was fantastic....just a hint of sweetness. I sampled the asparagus soup......which was also very good. Next up was the Filet for dh (scrumptious) and I had the Pork. It melted in my mouth. I was too stuffed for dessert but dh had the sorbet - three scoops - guava, mango and mandarin lime (now that had some zing) As we were ready to leave, I mentioned to the server that it was also my bday (part of my therapy.....the more I discuss it........the better I learn to deal with it ) She said........"wait a minute".....and brought me a huge piece of chocolate cake with raspberry sauce - to go. That was really sweet of her. And when I sampled some of the cake the next morning for breakfast - it was no ordinary chocolate cake....let me tell you.

Bonus Oh and one more thing........Just in case the Swan hadn't convinced us to return someday (which they had) - they also stapled a 50% coupon to our check out statement.

I'd like to go back next month.........but I don't think my family would let me

MaryG

 

[Kapp]

Called the Dolphin and they said that their renovations (i.e. Swan) have started and would be complete by early next year. Was just wondering if anyone had a first hand experience with this? They said that there was no set schedule (bottom to top, top to bottom, suites first, etc.) in the renovations but they were trying to get them down as soon as possible. They also said that we can request a renovated room. We are going mid-November so hope to get one.

Anyone see any renovations there lately?

Thanks and best wishes!

Kapp

 

[cherylp3]

Has anyone had problems with a checkin after 7pm ish??

Cheryl

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by cherylp3
Has anyone had problems with a checkin after 7pm ish??

Cheryl

Won't be a problem cheryl - but if you have a request make sure you let them know so they can hold it for you if need be.