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

[Blondie]

The Grotto pool is a free form pool that stretches out over a rather large area. That large area only has one lifeguard and his/her perch is right at the bottom of the water slide. If there is a lifeguard at the top of the slide, my boys never told me about him or her. Maybe there is one, that would be nice!

For that reason, you'll see most of the smaller kids in what is called the "spring pool" because it's more shallow and it's sectioned off from the free form pool. It'll be easier to keep an eye on your kiddos.

Otherwise, you could be parked at one end of the free form pool while your kids meandered down the other end and you wouldn't be able to see them.

This is the "spring pool" and as you can see, it's separate from the larger free form pool (it's also warmer too!)

The rest of the pool area:

 

[SingingMom]

The Grotto pool is a free form pool that stretches out over a rather large area. That large area only has one lifeguard and his/her perch is right at the bottom of the water slide. If there is a lifeguard at the top of the slide, my boys never told me about him or her. Maybe there is one, that would be nice!

See the umbrella on top in your photo? That's where the other lifeguard was situated.

 

[warriorboy648]

Great photos!! Thanks...

 

[Dis Ohana]

I'm trying to decide what suite to book. Do any of the Dolphin executive suites come with a balcony? I'm looking at the room layouts and I don't see one.

What are the views from the suites at either hotel? I read somewhere that you can see illuminations from the room balcony, is this at both hotels?

Would you choose the Dolphin Executive or Swan Executive or Swan Grand suite? TIA!

 

[dreamflight99]

Blondie...your photos are the BEST!! Instant transport to the pool with one look. Thanks so much for sharing your incredible eye and talent!

As for the last post/question by Dis Ohana, here's my suggestions and thoughts:

*None of the executive suites come with a balcony at the Dolphin. There is a truly nice junior suite with a balcony (little known) overlooking the pool on an upper floor of the far west wing. Call and inquire with reservations for the exact specs and location. If you require further assistance, pm me for details.

*Illuminations can be viewed from both properties, if facing the Epcot area. The best (IMHO), is from the Dolphin on the upper floors of the far East wing. The views are mostly unobstructed (some rooms do have palms partially blocking the view, so kindly request an "unobstructed" view if this is important to you), and incredibly awesome from the balcony area or even inside the suites. You can actually still hear all the sounds (fireworks actually rattle the glass with the booms) with the windows closed, even the music comes through! It's wonderful witnessing this festive event from the comfort of your suite/room each eve at nine. Truly a magical treat beyond comparison.

*Of the suites you mentioned, I would (and do) prefer to choose the Dolphin two~bedroom suite. There are a couple of different configurations for these (pm me for more details), and all are very nice. I've stayed at the Swan a couple times, and enjoyed it tremendously as well. Yet, I still prefer the Dolphin for some reason. Both are similar, yet the Swan has a more refined and subtle/quiet ambience and the Dolphin is much the opposite. It's all a matter of personal preference.

If you have time, you could always "split" your stay between the two properties, and give them both a try. All the suites & rooms are great in both these resorts, and beds are identical *heavenly* ones (w/exception to size). Beds at the Swan are queen sized (smaller at the Dolphin). The swan also offers a unique "hollywood" sink/vanity area (it's an extra separate sink & vanity area outside the main bathroom), which the dolphin does not offer. Other than that, both offer the same amenities.

Enjoy your planning and upcoming visit!

P.S. dwelch ~I sent you a pm in response to yours. ^_^

 

[dreamflight99]

Thank you SO much, Dorothy!! Just printed it out and will put it in my vacation folder.... we will be returning to the Dolphin in June! yippee!

I know of another option (witnessed engineer adjusting ours inside our room), in case there is a problem with this method. For the feature, feel free to pm me.

*As for the suites (exec) on the ground floor. Yes, there are exec. ground floor suites, and all have the patio as mentioned by the reservation agent. If you check-into the suite and are dissatisfied at all (with any aspect), please call the front desk immediately for a change to an upper floor. Do this before you do anything else, and they will insure you are taken care of accordingly (and taking availability into account). There are usually sufficient suites to accommodate most change requests.

 

[Blondie]

See the umbrella on top in your photo? That's where the other lifeguard was situated.

Well, there ya go!

Great photos!! Thanks...

You're quite welcome! I'll be taking more in just under two weeks! I'll have them up as soon as we we return!

Blondie...your photos are the BEST!! Instant transport to the pool with one look. Thanks so much for sharing your incredible eye and talent!

Thanks again!

Regarding balconies and views of Illuminations fireworks, we've had some incredible views! We loved being able to watch them from our balcony in our pajamas! Such great memories!

Back when the Tapestry of Nations/Dreams parade was around, we could see the top of the parade "puppets" and hear the music as well. Again....great memories!

 

[Hieatt]

*As for the suites (exec) on the ground floor. Yes, there are exec. ground floor suites, and all have the patio as mentioned by the reservation agent. If you check-into the suite and are dissatisfied at all (with any aspect), please call the front desk immediately for a change to an upper floor. Do this before you do anything else, and they will insure you are taken care of accordingly (and taking availability into account). There are usually sufficient suites to accommodate most change requests.

Thanks dreamflight... I figured if anyone could confirm this, you could. By your message, it doesn't sound as though you have stayed in one of these ground level suites. Given there are no exec suites with balconies, the ground floor option seems really appealing to us - I think it would give feel of extra space, and being able to open the door in December for the fresh air and to sit out on the patio would be great.... any reason you have avoided them?

 

[Dis Ohana]

Dreamflight: Thanks for replying to my post.
I really wanted a balcony with our suite too...waiting for your reply to Hieatt's question . I'm assuming the uppper floors are more desirable because of the view of the fireworks?

 

[warriorboy648]

I got more good news about the Swan today. Unlike the Disney hotels, they will guarantee my connecting rooms and even though we won't arrive til about 9:00pm, they will still hold the rooms for us. I was going to stay at the airport and come in early in the am. No need now!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks dreamflight... I figured if anyone could confirm this, you could. By your message, it doesn't sound as though you have stayed in one of these ground level suites. Given there are no exec suites with balconies, the ground floor option seems really appealing to us - I think it would give feel of extra space, and being able to open the door in December for the fresh air and to sit out on the patio would be great.... any reason you have avoided them?

Thanks for the kind comments. I have not truly "avoided" these suites, but simply prefer upper floors for a couple of reasons. I prefer the privacy associated with the upper floors, and enjoy keeping my curtains open to permit the warm and bright Summer sunshine in the windows. Therefore, on the ground floor--I'm much less apt/inclined to do so. People frequently walk past these rooms (heading over from the other nearby resorts and the boardwalk). Although they are not invasive/intrusive in any manner, I just prefer the lack of "eyes" scanning my room, etc. I also find the view on the upper floors to be incomparable.

I have stayed on the ground floor at the Poly, and truly loved it! Although, we did encounter more insects inside the room as a result (of the door being open---near bushes, etc), as well as a rogue "creature" on one memorable occasion (lol). Other than that, there is no particular reason I would avoid the suites on the ground floor. At some resorts, (where these are located in a more private area) I actually prefer it--especially beach front (Vero, Cali). It makes it super convenient to walk in/out to the beach/pool.

warriorboy648~Another reason to love these resorts. These locations surpass most all others, and consistently exceed customer service expectations (IMHO). We too, enjoy such perks (holding rooms, confirming connections, blocking specific room numbers). Most properties are either unwilling, or ill-equipped and unable to provide such customer service in reservations. Thankfully, we always have the Dolphin and Swan!! Kudos to the wonderful staff on both these properties, they deserve accolades galore!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hi DF - and to Warriorboy - we have never checked in before midnight - always take the last flight out to Orlando after working that day - and the Dolphin is excellent about saving the room(s). When I call a few days ahead of arriving, we make sure we remind them of our late, late arrival. As to connecting rooms, I have had no experience at the Dolphin with them.
We'll be back there in a short time. Caroline

 

[Harambe]

I got more good news about the Swan today. Unlike the Disney hotels, they will guarantee my connecting rooms and even though we won't arrive til about 9:00pm, they will still hold the rooms for us. I was going to stay at the airport and come in early in the am. No need now!!!

Yes- they guaranteed our connecting rooms also.

Now, does anyone know if they are more apt to say no to a Starwood upgrade request if you have connecting rooms? I kinda figured if they have connecting rooms set aside for you, they may not be able to find two more connecting rooms on the fly! We have standard rooms, but I'd love some kind of view, or (dare I dream it!) a balcony.

I know . . . greedy, greedy!

 

[Blondie]

Yes- they guaranteed our connecting rooms also.

Now, does anyone know if they are more apt to say no to a Starwood upgrade request if you have connecting rooms? I kinda figured if they have connecting rooms set aside for you, they may not be able to find two more connecting rooms on the fly! We have standard rooms, but I'd love some kind of view, or (dare I dream it!) a balcony.

I know . . . greedy, greedy!

Put on your best cherry ice cream smile and ask away! It can't hurt! If the availability is there, I'm sure they'll do their best to accommodate you!

 

[lucysdad]

We will be staying at the Dolphin from May 11 through the night of the 19th. We will get in early evening on the 11th and have booked a standard room. Originally, we were going to stay at the Hyatt in the airport, but we are getting in earlier than we thought. So, we are just heading over to the Dolphin. We will move to a King balcony room the next day for the rest of our visit. We thought we'd just get a standard room the first night because we won't be in it long enough to really make it worth the extra expense. I am an AAA member and a Starwood member. Do you think I should call them and tell them about my memberships and maybe they will upgrade us to the king room on the first night? Do people just ask outright for a free upgrade? I feel funny about doing that, but I would love to have an upgrade offered to me! I have immune system disorders and need a refrigerator for my medication. The hotel said I would get a complimentary ref. to keep my meds in. Maybe they will think it's too much trouble to set up two rooms for me and just put us in the king room right from the start? Did I mention that I did ask for an EPCOT fireworks view? Should I call and tell them that I want an unobstructed view? Gosh, I'm sounding demanding! I do know that the hotel will be having some kind of convention when we are there, so maybe they are so full that they can't grant any of my requests. I just want this trip to be wonderful. It's all I can think of.
Lucy's Mom

 

[Hieatt]

We will be staying at the Dolphin from May 11 through the night of the 19th. We will get in early evening on the 11th and have booked a standard room. Originally, we were going to stay at the Hyatt in the airport, but we are getting in earlier than we thought. So, we are just heading over to the Dolphin. We will move to a King balcony room the next day for the rest of our visit. We thought we'd just get a standard room the first night because we won't be in it long enough to really make it worth the extra expense. I am an AAA member and a Starwood member. Do you think I should call them and tell them about my memberships and maybe they will upgrade us to the king room on the first night? Do people just ask outright for a free upgrade? I feel funny about doing that, but I would love to have an upgrade offered to me! I have immune system disorders and need a refrigerator for my medication. The hotel said I would get a complimentary ref. to keep my meds in. Maybe they will think it's too much trouble to set up two rooms for me and just put us in the king room right from the start? Did I mention that I did ask for an EPCOT fireworks view? Should I call and tell them that I want an unobstructed view? Gosh, I'm sounding demanding! I do know that the hotel will be having some kind of convention when we are there, so maybe they are so full that they can't grant any of my requests. I just want this trip to be wonderful. It's all I can think of.
Lucy's Mom

I always book a standard room and have always gotten a nice upgrade, although not always a balcony. As a matter of fact, ironically, the worst room I ever had was when I paid for Club Level (when they still had it). I say this because you may want to just change your entire reservation to a standard room. However, if you have your heart set on a balcony room, you probably don't want to take your chances.

Either way, I definitely would call to confirm that your SPG number is noted in your reservation - I do believe this helps. In addition, I would ask the reservation agent to make sure that your two reservations are linked to one another. My educated guess is that they will want to save themselves the trouble and please you by simply keeping you in the same room for your entire stay. In any event, when you arrive just ask if it is possible to have your king balcony room immediately to avoid changing rooms - I would put your odds of having your request met at about 90%.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Blondie, I have been upgraded in connecting rooms at the Dolphin. All the way to Club! DH is plat though so I am sure that made a difference. Just wanted you to know it can happen.

It has been awhile since we stayed at the Swan. The last 3 trips were the Dolphin. This July we are at the Swan both before and after our cruise. Is there a better view to request? Thanks!

 

[Blondie]

The view we had last May in a studio suite was of Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest & the pool area, it was beautiful! It was on the west side of the buidling.

We had something like 4 windows of gorgeous views! To be able to look out a window and actually see Expedition Everest in motion (and with our video camera zoom in and see the people on the ride) was priceless! It was room number 976.

For those not caring about an Epcot view, I highly recommond any room in the vicinity of 976. Epcot views are great, don't get me wrong, but there's a lot going on via the west views!

 

[m_kasch]

DH and I will be arriving at the Dolphin either the night before or on thanksgiving. I am thinking of signing up for the SPG Amex card to get points to use. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how the points work regarding free nights or upgrades? I know that it is 10,000 points for a free night, but what about upgrades? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[souper]

Yes, sorry to bring up the subject of laundry on vacation. It is my understanding that the Swan/Dolphin hotels have some coin-op laundry facilites located in the Dolphin. Could anyone give me some additional infromation on this?

1. Are there coin-op laundry facilitlies in both hotels or just the Dolphin?
   
2. What is the cost?
   
3. Will the washing machine be "locked" during the cycle~or must one babysit the machine?
   
4. Best~Worst times of day to try for a machine? Or is it all just luck?
   
5. Anything else I should know?

(I'll even do laundry on vacation to squeeze in a few extra days!)

Thanks in advance to for the replies to this question! Souper