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

[MOM POPPINS]

The water is still left out... I never knew it was free. I can tell you one day I moved it and it was replaced and I did not have a charge for it on my folio. Anyone else ?

Room wave

 

[Mouseteacher]

Yikes - we were on the middle of page 2 -- this won't do!

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
Yikes - we were on the middle of page 2 -- this won't do!

rescuing us from page 2, again.....

am I next to leave? I think I am!!!

 

[jgates]

We were club and there was a price listed for our bottled water (that big one) that was there. I told the kids to only touch it if they did not value their lives. It was NOT cheap. I think it was about $6.75 (that may have been at RPH - that was more than Swan but don't remember which one was how much $).

RobMax, of course we love you!!!

 

[tink44]

Stayed at POR 3 days, very pleasant, good mousekeeping, food court edible but not exciting. DD said what I was thinking upon entering the Dolphin- I think this is going to be my favorite.

Comp upgrade (although not to a corner king), pleasant staff, great view of Epcot fireworks, heavenly bed (awaiting, and I can't let it wait long)-THE DOLPHIN IS GREAT!

On the other hand- I like to decide things for myself and usually take extreme statements with a grain of salt. But let me say that anyone who's stated that this is a huge hotel and the walk to the elevator or other locations can be long, is not exaggerating in the least. Love my room, but what a haul!. My pedometer has already moved a quarter of a mile just going back and forth from the room to the pool (love it) to the Dolphin Fountain, lobby and room. Of course I can stand to expend a few extra calories anyway.

And I remember someone saying that their room wasn't clean by the afternoon. Well the maids I observed in our hall did not seem to be in a hurry for anything, and there were a couple of trays still on the floor. It seemed that my hustling about with things I forgot to have the bellman bring was disturbing them. Made me think about finding myself a nice snake toy for my room.

Didn't have a lot of time to read previous replies but God bless one and all!

Any questions?

 

[kctinkerbell]

Well, we really got back late on Tuesday, but the laundry has me surrounded

We loved the place!!!! What a great hotel and unbeatable location. Why do people say if you have children you should stay on the monorail???? I loved our location and our girls loved riding the boat to MGM and Epcot.

We had a first floor east wing room that looked towards the walkway to the swan and the boat dock. Our girls loved looking out at the ducks in the morning. We had some chairs our on our "patio." It was great. You guys are right the beds are "HEAVENLY." Everyone at the hotel was great to us. We arrived at 2:00 and our room was ready.

We ate at the Dolphin Fountain for lunch great BLT and we also ate at Tubbie's one morning. The pool area is WONDERFUL. This place could not be beat especially for $135. per night. We would not hesitate to stay here again!

Thanks to all of you!!!

kctinkerbell

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Madge ~ The club level lounge at the Dolphin will be located on the first floor at "Sum Chows" from March 10-28th. I have no idea where this is located. Anyone?

Kctinkerbell ~ Welcome Home... The laundry still surrounds me almost a week later. I am still trying to get caught up!

Tink44 ~ Keep the live updates coming Yes your are correct it is a huge resort


Waving to the room

 

[kimmar067]

....wish us luck, cuz' our 3 cheerleading squads are headin' to the finals in Williamsburg, Va. to the Nationals....

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Good luck Kimmar! I was a cheerleader at the university I graduated from here in Texas My DD 14 was a cheerleader this year for her junior high, but has decided not to do it again. She decided she likes basketball instead Good luck at Nationals

Its warm here in Texas going up to 85 today... headed back out to the pool/hot tub this afternoon. A cold front is coming through on Saturday night and will drop us back into the 60's for highs....

I have something on topic to add. I went down to the front desk to personally check out. I used points for 2 free nights out of the 9 we stayed. When I got home I had a charge on my bank debit card for what was equal to 1 nights stay after I left the resort they had charged my debit card. I contacted the Dolphin they said it was a mistake and they would refund it in 5 to 10 business days. I don't have any other complaints about the Dolphin and I realize mistakes happen but.... I find this not acceptable, especially since I went down and checked out in person and made sure our account was settled and they would not use my bank card for any charges. The charge was made while I was at the beach part of our trip. I transferred what money we needed for the beach when we headed to the beach. So needless to say I now have some returned items. I am not happy with the accounting department. I have asked for a manager at the hotel to look over my account and get back with me about their policies. I think the least they could have done was contact me and let me know they were going to make an additional charge, especially since the charge was not owed. Bottom line was they charged me for one of my free nights. I had an award number from Starwood for the 2 nights which I gave them at the front desk after our arrival... I had the money to cover the charge but it was in a different bank account....uhhhh ....don't give out your debit bank card to ANYONE ... lesson learned.... Any thoughts ???

Waving to the room

 

[SherGoof]

Need some help - first time Swan guest! Made our reservation yesterday for April 29th thru May 3rd. This is our winning prize package! Fully paid room and tax at the Swan (we got to pick S or D) and luxury car - convertible corvette (got to pick between hummer, navigator and vette). We're using our show tickets and other attraction tickets along with the airfare on our trip in August with the kids. Now for the help, if need...............................1) We're not doing any of the parks (will do with the kids in August) any great ideas on things to do during the day (can you resort hop and check out the other pools, and such?) 2) Are there pool towels available - do you have to pay for them? 3) What are the best restaurants at S & D? 4) Are there any buffets? breakfast? What is included in the $10 resort fee - we don't want a paper or coffee, can this be waived? 5) Is there a charge for self parking? We cannot wait - Will be making a PS for Ohana (DH is very picky, but loves grilled meats, so I though this would be good) 6) Where can I find the times that the fireworks go off - we'll probaly go to a viewing spot and try to see them both. Thanks for any and all help in advance -

 

[liltoot]

I'm thinking of staying at the Dolphin Resort from December 1st thru the 5th. Can anyone give me an idea of how much a standard room with an AARP discount would cost? Right now the discounts only go up to September. Thanks in advance.

 

[Muffy]

Originally posted by SherGoof
Need some help - first time Swan guest! Made our reservation yesterday for April 29th thru May 3rd. This is our winning prize package! Fully paid room and tax at the Swan (we got to pick S or D) and luxury car - convertible corvette (got to pick between hummer, navigator and vette). We're using our show tickets and other attraction tickets along with the airfare on our trip in August with the kids. Now for the help, if need...............................1) We're not doing any of the parks (will do with the kids in August) any great ideas on things to do during the day (can you resort hop and check out the other pools, and such?) 2) Are there pool towels available - do you have to pay for them? 3) What are the best restaurants at S & D? 4) Are there any buffets? breakfast? What is included in the $10 resort fee - we don't want a paper or coffee, can this be waived? 5) Is there a charge for self parking? We cannot wait - Will be making a PS for Ohana (DH is very picky, but loves grilled meats, so I though this would be good) 6) Where can I find the times that the fireworks go off - we'll probaly go to a viewing spot and try to see them both. Thanks for any and all help in advance

SherGoof, Congratualtions on winning such a nice prize! A trip to WDW S/D and a luxury car! Please pick the Hummer!! Although it may be hard to park! Yes, there are pool towels available at the grotto pool for free. The pool is open 24 hrs and great fun at night. BlueZoo is by far the best restaurant at the Dolphin. It is owned by famous Boston chef Todd English and comparable to Emerils. For breakfest I highly recommend FRESH, located at the Dolphin. They serve a fresh breakfest buffet that is great. The lunch buffet at Fresh is quite good too. The $10 resort fee cannot be waivered. You get free high speed internet access and fee admission to the health club, etc. Self parking is free and close by the entrance. O'Hana is great for grilled meat lovers! Everyone is your cousin at O'Hana If you go to the home page of www.wdwinfo.com you will find the park hours along with the times for fireworks. Have a great time!

Muffy

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by tink44
Made me think about finding myself a nice snake toy for my room.

 

[SherGoof]

Thanks Muffy. Will look up the FRESH menus - sounds good.

 

[madge]

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS
Madge ~ The club level lounge at the Dolphin will be located on the first floor at "Sum Chows" from March 10-28th. I have no idea where this is located. Anyone?

Kctinkerbell ~ Welcome Home... The laundry still surrounds me almost a week later. I am still trying to get caught up!

Tink44 ~ Keep the live updates coming Yes your are correct it is a huge resort


Waving to the room

Sum Chows? Lisa....help! I have absolutely NO idea where this is! First floor.....not a clue. We have 2 days in this different location, then back to the usual spot. I hope it isn't a PITA to find

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Madge ~ I thought it was a weird name also, that is why I took the time to write it down... Hopefully Lisa can help...

I got a nice email from the Swan and Dolphin today and they have now resolved my "issue" to my satisfaction. My money returned and 5,000 Starwood points and will pay my bank fees. I am happy that this resort is still in the business of offering Excellent customer service. I was beginning to wonder after a few phone callas and no response. Finally today my email reached the correct person who could help me. Thank you Swan and Dolphin for your excellent customer service. It probably did not hurt that I added we promote their resort on a daily basis

 

[madge]

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS
Madge ~ I thought it was a weird name also, that is why I took the time to write it down... Hopefully Lisa can help...

I got a nice email from the Swan and Dolphin today and they have now resolved my "issue" to my satisfaction. My money returned and 5,000 Starwood points and will pay my bank fees. I am happy that this resort is still in the business of offering Excellent customer service. I was beginning to wonder after a few phone callas and no response. Finally today my email reached the correct person who could help me. Thank you Swan and Dolphin for your excellent customer service. It probably did not hurt that I added we promote their resort on a daily basis

glad everything worked out Mom Poppins!! I learned a long time ago not to use a debit card at a hotel....I always plop down the Amex

can't wait to hear from Lisa where this place is.....

I ordered 2 vouchers for RFC today, too. yummmmm....

 

[jgates]

Originally posted by tink44
On the other hand- I like to decide things for myself and usually take extreme statements with a grain of salt. But let me say that anyone who's stated that this is a huge hotel and the walk to the elevator or other locations can be long, is not exaggerating in the least. Love my room, but what a haul!. My pedometer has already moved a quarter of a mile just going back and forth from the room to the pool (love it) to the Dolphin Fountain, lobby and room. Of course I can stand to expend a few extra calories anyway.

That's why I choose the Swan!!! I would get lost SOOO fast in the Dolphin. But walk straight across, hang a left and you can't miss the Fountain, Tubbis or the Laundry! So we pick the Swan!

 

[madge]

Originally posted by jgates
That's why I choose the Swan!!! I would get lost SOOO fast in the Dolphin. But walk straight across, hang a left and you can't miss the Fountain, Tubbis or the Laundry! So we pick the Swan!

LOL...if I am at the Dolphin, I try to orient myself with regards to the central elevators. last fall we were in the west wing, but that elevator is just around the corner from the central elevator bank, so I was ok. The time we stayed in the East wing was a disaster, LOL....lovely view, but I had no clue where I was

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by MOM POPPINS
Madge ~ The club level lounge at the Dolphin will be located on the first floor at "Sum Chows" from March 10-28th. I have no idea where this is located. Anyone?

YES...I know RIGHT where this is located!! Just follow my instructions:

(*MADGE...LOL, "PITA" it is not! )

Sum Chows: Disney's Dolphin Resort, Walt Disney World; (407) 934-4000; dinner at varying hours Thursday-Monday; full bar; $25-$27; AE, MC, V.

*TO GET THERE...GO DOWN to the bottom of THE ESCALATORS, MAKE A "RIGHT" AND GO PAST THE DOLPHIN FOUNTAIN restaurant, MAKE ANOTHER "RIGHT" AND THEN YOU WALK TO THE END OF THE HALL(dead-end & wall)...MAKE ANOTHER "RIGHT" IN THROUGH THE GLASS DOORS OF "SUM CHOWS" (IF YOU MADE A "LEFT" HERE...YOU WOULD END UP AT TUBBI'S!). Everyone got this? BTW...SUM CHOWS has FAB chinese fare! (MMMmmmm).

Thanks for letting us know MP! Also, glad to read the Dolphin smoothed everything out (regarding the trouble you experienced). Superior Customer Service is one of their STRONG points!

SherGoof~Congrats on a WONDERFUL package!! Your DH would also probably LOVE Shula's steakhouse! They have some of the BEST steaks (next to the Yachtsman at the YC) on Property. Take some time to go to DTD and explore all the shops, take in a movie, relax & people watch. Perhaps play mini-golf across the street at Fantasia, check-out different resorts and restaurants, rent a paddle boat or water sprite, take a spin in BREATHLESS...etc. Be sure to drive the vette over to CELEBRATION, and cruise around this little piece of AMERICANA. They have wonderful shops, ice cream and a cute little theater. We always visit each summer. You'll never be at a loss of things to do/see. ENJOY your PRIZE!!

TTFN & TGIF (Again Already!!)....DF99