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

[Dan Murphy]

......The rooms are in the process of being redone per that manager that phoned me and then again the front desk person that I spoke with yesterday. So I was just wondering what the new rooms will look like. Thought maybe somebody here had stayed in one. I heard no more wallpaper, diff linens & drapery, new carpet, new furniture, flat screen tvs etc. Still the heavenly beds, though. Just curious about the rehab.

Lives4Disney

All the rooms and hallways were recently renovated, in both the Swan and the Dolphin, Swan first, then the Dolphin. Started about three years ago, completed about one year ago. Last year they redid both lobbies quite extensively. They were starting on the Swan lobby the day after I left for home after my last trip there, May '06.

Here is a link regarding all the recent renovations.

With the recent complete redo, I would say any renovations would be on specific, more worn rooms, heavily used since the rehab.


http://www.swandolphin.com/aboutus/whatsnew.html

 

[Lives4Disney]

All the rooms and hallways were recently renovated, in both the Swan and the Dolphin, Swan first, then the Dolphin. Started about three years ago, completed about one year ago. Last year they redid both lobbies quite extensively. They were starting on the Swan lobby the day after I left for home after my last trip there, May '06.

Here is a link regarding all the recent renovations.

With the recent complete redo, I would say any renovations would be on specific, more worn rooms, heavily used since the rehab.


http://www.swandolphin.com/aboutus/whatsnew.html

Thanks for that link.....

Yes, that is the style room we were in and have been in in the past several stays over the past couple years. I was told they are in the process of redoing them again and was wondering what was completed.... I thought they had undergone a fairly recent rehab, so I was surprised, but both S/D employees I spoke with said the rooms are now once again currently undergoing rehabs (including paint/vs wallpaper, flat screen TVs, new bedding/drapery & furniture) and referred to our assigned room in May as an "old" room.

When the manager returns my call Monday, I will double check with her about what is being done/has been done and to which building.

Lives4Disney

 

[Dan Murphy]

Here also is a link to the rooms, with links to specific rooms and 360º viewing available.........

http://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/index.html

 

[jeankeri]

I was shocked at the condition of the stairwells when I was at the Dolphin last week. We were 1 level up from the door to the pool (by the health club) and going down the stairwell right by our room was much less of a trek than going to the elevators. But, the stairwells were more disgusting than an inner city parking garage...ick. Anyone thoughts?

 

[MickeyMouse007]

Hello,
I have a 6 night stay at the Dolphin reserved for 2 week in August. I used my SPG points to "pay" for it, but had a couple questions I was hoping you guys could help me out with!:

1. Since I am Platinum level is there any chance of a bump up whn checking in? (I know that technically they will try if something is available, however available is the key word) Anyone have experience with this?

2. Also since I cannot participate in the dining option, what strategy would you use for a family of 4 with 2 kids 10 and 12?

3. Also when I check stay details on the spg.com site it lists my room as "limited view", know this means parking lot or trash dumpster, anything I can do (even paying some $$ to upgrade if needed)

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

 

[TinkOhio]

Welcome MM007!

I can't speak about the crowd levels at that time of the summer, but I would think that you might have a good chance of an upgrade. We are gold and have been upgraded several times. If you want to make sure that you don't wind up with a poor view and you have the points, it's only 1,000 points per night to upgrade to a balcony room. Personally, I think that the balcony makes a world of difference!

As far as your dining options, you can still dine very well without the plan. I would make sure to request a fridge before you check in. August is usually a very hot time of the year in Florida, and your family will need to drink alot just to stay hydrated. You can keep milk and yogurt in it and have breakfast in your room to save time and money. There is a great bakery on the boardwalk, and breakfast out on the balcony is a great way to enjoy the magic! Also, be sure to make your dining ressies asap!

If you do call to upgrade, I would request an Epcot view. It is only a request, but those views are our favorite! Welcome to the Dis, and have fun planning!

 

[jeankeri]

Hello,
I have a 6 night stay at the Dolphin reserved for 2 week in August. I used my SPG points to "pay" for it, but had a couple questions I was hoping you guys could help me out with!:

1. Since I am Platinum level is there any chance of a bump up whn checking in? (I know that technically they will try if something is available, however available is the key word) Anyone have experience with this?

2. Also since I cannot participate in the dining option, what strategy would you use for a family of 4 with 2 kids 10 and 12?

3. Also when I check stay details on the spg.com site it lists my room as "limited view", know this means parking lot or trash dumpster, anything I can do (even paying some $$ to upgrade if needed)

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

When I stayed on points 2 weeks ago I was upgraded at check-in; didn't even have to ask . We also arrived at 1am on a Saturday. I was going to pay the 100pts/night to upgrade, but missed the window to do so (have to do it at least 5 days before check-in.) When I stayed on cash as a SPG member there was no upgrade; I asked and nothing was available.
If you have AAA, be sure to bring your card. You get 20% off most food locations at S/D. And, you can buy staples at the Screen Door at the Boardwalk- more expensive than the grocery store, less expensive than buying at counter service!

 

[we1luv1dis]

Hello,
I have a 6 night stay at the Dolphin reserved for 2 week in August. I used my SPG points to "pay" for it, but had a couple questions I was hoping you guys could help me out with!:

1. Since I am Platinum level is there any chance of a bump up whn checking in? (I know that technically they will try if something is available, however available is the key word) Anyone have experience with this?

2. Also since I cannot participate in the dining option, what strategy would you use for a family of 4 with 2 kids 10 and 12?

3. Also when I check stay details on the spg.com site it lists my room as "limited view", know this means parking lot or trash dumpster, anything I can do (even paying some $$ to upgrade if needed)

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

1. I am a Platinum member as well as we(me, DW, DD10 and DD6) have been upgraded on each of our yearly stays the last 6 years or so. Each trip has been on points and the upgrade has been tremendous - Epcot fireworks view one year during Xmas week and a 2 room deluxe suite one July back when the club floor was open.

2. We used to just wing it when it came to dining and just ate wherever we happened to be that day. The last few times we have gone with a family that has been on the DDP and now we make ADR's for each day. We just pay OOP wherever they are using the DDP or just split the check when we go somewhere that is not part of the DDP.

3. The first couple of trips we got upgraded to a 2 room suite but the view was "limited" which turned out to be looking out to the front over the back of the convention hall and there was a dumpster!!! We were "rookies" back then but the extra room for the girls made it worthwhile. If you can get the suite then I would lean to just leaving the drapes closed but if it is just one room then keep pushing for a resort view.

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Quick question:

The Swolphin discount sticky thread lists the teacher discount for October as $169- does anyone happen to know if this is before or after tax?

Thanks!

 

[SavvyMom]

I just booked 6 nights in June of 2008 at the Dolphin using the educator discount. The rate was 179.00 plus tax. The deposit was 201.38 (one night plus tax).

 

[RachelTori]

Quick question:

The Swolphin discount sticky thread lists the teacher discount for October as $169- does anyone happen to know if this is before or after tax?

Thanks!

The $169 rate comes to $190.13 total with tax.

 

[MickeysFan]

Hello! I have read through as many pages as my eyes could handle (28!) and I will return and pour over more each day, but for now, I have some specific questions and am wondering if anyone can direct me where to look for answers or if someone just has answers?

1. I've heard there are a lot of restaurants at the Swan/Dolphin...is there a place I can find a complete list and some reviews?

2. How can I learn more about the pools and/or hot tubs?

3. Is there a way to find out what are the best rooms to request?

4. Are there game rooms/arcades?

5. I heard something about soda refills?

Any help is much appreciated, the actual Swan/Dolphin web site doesn't have a lot of specific info about the amenities.

 

[pooh2001]

1. I've heard there are a lot of restaurants at the Swan/Dolphin...is there a place I can find a complete list and some reviews?
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/SwanDolphin/dining.htm

2. How can I learn more about the pools and/or hot tubs?
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/SwanDolphin/recreation.htm

3. Is there a way to find out what are the best rooms to request?
DOLPHIN
East Wing upper floor resort view - you will see fireworks everynight
West Wing upper floor resort view - you will see the pool, Tower of Terror and Mt.Everst in the distance. 1st floor of the West wing is Picabu's open 24 hours and has the refillable mugs. Also the laundy and game room are in the West wing.

4. Are there game rooms/arcades?
Yes - on the small size - but fun for kids while you do laundry next door

5. I heard something about soda refills?
Refillable mugs available at Picabu's. Good for soda, lemondae, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.


Complete info from:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/SwanDolphin/sdmainpage.htm

 

[TinkOhio]

If you scroll up to the top of the page and click on "Dining," there will be information on the Swan/Dolphin. There is a great site at allearsnet.com where you will find tons of information about the resorts, reviews, menus, etc. Happy planning!

 

[yourgoingagain?]

I called last night & today to check on the rate for an executive suite at either the Swan or the Dolphin for May 2008. They quoted a price of 679.00 plus tax last night and $709.00 plus tax when I called today. I really enjoy the resort but having stayed in those rooms I think it is waaay overpriced.


Has any else got a quote or stayed in an executive suite recently? If so what was the rate?

 

[Colleen27]

Has anyone ever shipped a package down to be there at arrival at the Dolphin? Do they handle it the same as Disney resorts and hold it for you to pick up at check in? I'm planning to send welcome gifts ahead to the resort for the kids, and I'm wondering if I should be concerned since we're not staying at a Disney resort this time...

 

[leahvonleah]

after much research, we have decided to reserve 2 rooms at the Swan for our May 2008 trip for 7 nites--we are a family of 6. We were originally planning for the All star suites, but we opted for the Swan. I am a nurse so the discount was nice.
Do you know if they honor connecting rooms if requested. I am concerned about this, b/c our children are only 10, 5, 3 and 9 months.
Also, what does the SPG membership get you?

 

[ozziewags]

Has anyone ever shipped a package down to be there at arrival at the Dolphin? Do they handle it the same as Disney resorts and hold it for you to pick up at check in? I'm planning to send welcome gifts ahead to the resort for the kids, and I'm wondering if I should be concerned since we're not staying at a Disney resort this time...

Yes, I have shipped a Christmas tree, decorations and presents to the Swan. They hold it for you and deliver it when you check in. I also shipped it back and just handed it over and they took care of it. Make sure to mark it well with your name and confirmation number and Hotel on it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

An additional item to add to the address label is your date of arrival. I have shipped a few times, from online site, to there, again, making sure to have my arrival date as part of the shipping address.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

after much research, we have decided to reserve 2 rooms at the Swan for our May 2008 trip for 7 nites--we are a family of 6. We were originally planning for the All star suites, but we opted for the Swan. I am a nurse so the discount was nice.
Do you know if they honor connecting rooms if requested. I am concerned about this, b/c our children are only 10, 5, 3 and 9 months.
Also, what does the SPG membership get you?

I am not sure about how they honor the connecting rooms for families with children, but I feel quite sure it should be no problem. We just returned a few days ago from 5 nights at the Swan and we loved it. We were given a free upgrade to a balcony view of the Dolphin which was very nice. I just asked at check in if there was a free ugrade available since I was a Starwood member and they said yes! We got 3 nights at the teacher discount rate of $149 and had 2 free nights we earned using our Starwood Amex card.
Here are some pictures from room 409 and some from around the resort.

View from balcony

View straight below our room

I loved the view at night!

The pool was absolutely fabulous!