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

[wildernesslodgelover]

I would be interested in knowing that, too. Maybe I will try to check that out while there.

Dumb question that I am SURE is answered in this thread several times...are there coffee pots in the room and are they the mini ones that require mini filters? I like making my own coffee in the room, not those little packets, if I can.

Also, is there resort tv channel?

Only ine more sleep!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Never noticed those, Andy, maybe suite balconies?

Yes, there are coffee pots, they use the 4 cup packs.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Thanks Dan!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Ok, in just a few weeks we'll be there too - you have peaked my curiosity about those rooms too - I'll try to find out. Getting psyched about the low countdown. Caroline

 

[ozziewags]

Hi Gang

I've never noticed this before. Does anyone know what this is? It looks like these rooms are pushed out on part of that floor. Are these special rooms?

Just curious,
Andy

I once had a Disney bus driver tell us that the monorail was planned to go through the Dolphin in that space, then the plans were changed and you can still see where it was supposed to be. I don't know what is there right now.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I had heard the monorail thing was just a myth...apparently WDW bus drivers like to "pull peoples chains" so to speak! But what do I know? Anything is possible.

We are leaving in about an hour. I am so excited I can barely stand it.

Thanks to everyone on this thread for being so helpful.

 

[ddawg]

That is the balcony for one of the presidential suites.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yes, the blackened square, along with a similar one on the Swan, lives on as a myth that the resorts were designed for, but did not have completed, a pass through monorail, ala The Contemporary Resort. It simply is a design from the designer/architect,

http://starofthenorth.home.att.net/swananddolphinphoto.htm

http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=ww060726ws

 

[tinkermamaof2]

My family will be heading back to Disney in
feb. 08. I am considering the Swan or Dolphin. I was just curious how the transportation to and from the parks is. Do they drop you right at the entrance like the other resorts or do you have to transfer from the TTC?

 

[Waltsfriend]

.

 

[shellbelle1971]

All you SPG gurus out there...
We're not sure how this happened, but DH was given gold SPG status without ever staying in any Starwood hotels. Anyway, we've never used the program before because he's also a Marriott Platinum, and with our big family Residence Inns are usually the best choice. This summer we'll be staying at the Dolphin, though, and I'm wondering whether the SPG gold status will have any benefits? Does it make a room upgrade more likely? Anything else I should know? TIA!

 

[jeankeri]

I got a special 'limited gold status' on my card this year, I think it is for Jan-June. Not sure what this actually gets me, but it was a special being given out at the end of last year.

 

[SingingMom]

My family will be heading back to Disney in
feb. 08. I am considering the Swan or Dolphin. I was just curious how the transportation to and from the parks is. Do they drop you right at the entrance like the other resorts or do you have to transfer from the TTC?

as previously mentioned - the transportation is great! just to add, that a boat launch is also available to MGM Studios from the Swan & Dolphin.

 

[legalsea]

Just back from the Swan, with a hint about taking the Disney bus to Animal Kingdom: walk over to the Boardwalk Hotel and catch the bus at that spot; it is then a straight, none-stop ride to AK.

My wife and I caught the bus at Swan and sat in it for 15 minutes as we first went to the Dolphin, then the Yacht Club, then finally to the Boardwalk hotel, and finally to AK; all the while we could see the Swan out of our window.

From AK back to Swan: the Swan is the first stop.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

You might want to consider having the SPG program "matching" your husbands Platinum Marriott. The top level SPG is also Platinum and with that you would get an upgraded room (we have always gotten a jr. suite) and instead of club level you get coupons to use at the lobby bar downstairs for a pastry, piece of fruit and a beverage. I cannot remember what the "Gold" card gets you but I believe it is an upgraded view.

As for walking over the to the Boardwalk. We have done this and if it's early or not a busy time of day it works fine, but if its crowded then you would have to stand up on the bus to get to the parks. By the time the bus gets to the Boardwalk during busy times it is standing room only. Just something else to consider. We love the Boardwalk and have stayed there many times.

I can't believe we leave 2 weeks from tomorrow. My DH and my kiddos are clueless. I want to share soooo bad but I know how much fun a surprise trip will be for them.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Here is a rundown on the various SPG benefit levels, Preferred, Gold, Platinum.....

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/benefits/index.html

 

[tinkermamaof2]

Thanks soo much to everyone for the replies. Everyone on this board seems so knowledgeable about the Swan and the Dolphin that it's almost comforting. Any other information would be greatly apppreciated. One other question, how child friendly is the Swan/Dolphin? I have two daughters who will be aged 10 and 11 at the time of our next visit, mind you, they are extremely well behaved. Thanks again.

 

[SingingMom]

One other question, how child friendly is the Swan/Dolphin? I have two daughters who will be aged 10 and 11 at the time of our next visit, mind you, they are extremely well behaved. Thanks again.

My daughter was 13 last year - she LOVED the Dolphin - that's why we're returning next month! Lots to do - great location - good food.

 

[Dislifer]

My daughter was 13 last year - she LOVED the Dolphin - that's why we're returning next month! Lots to do - great location - good food.

Do you have any room # or food advice to share? We are going in December and I started to have second thoughts about staying there...but the price is good (teacher discount).

 

[Dan Murphy]

Do you have any room # or food advice to share? We are going in December and I started to have second thoughts about staying there...but the price is good (teacher discount).

Food advice....if you are a AAA member (or, maybe reason to join) you have a 20% discount on all the food places there, other than the 'signature' restaurants (currently three I think).