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

[Blondie]

Does the Swalphin offer transportation to/from the airport or to the nearby shopping center? Is it complimentary?

There are always the white towncars sitting at the entrance to both the Swan & Dolphin to take you where you might want to go, but it's not complimentary.

Transporatation to the parks is complimentary via the WDW transportation system.

This may be a dumb question but I'm putting it out here...

We were able to snag the great $125 rate for a few days in August. I'm considering bringing my DSs girlfriend with us. Will I just have to pay the additional $25/night for her or will it mess up my good rate?

I'm not sure about that, but I don't think it would change your rate, just the addition of the nightly $25 rollaway bed fee. You could also bring your own aerobed.

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

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I'm not sure about that, but I don't think it would change your rate, just the addition of the nightly $25 rollaway bed fee. You could also bring your own aerobed.

Thanks for replying. I thought we might take the airmattress. Do you think the $25 would still be applicable if we didn't get a cot?

Edited to add: I think I have answered my own question. I went to the Swan website and looked at rates for 2 adults and then 3 adults and the rate was $25 higher. The $25 must be for the third adult regardless of the cot. Oh well, it's still a good rate! We will have fun and it will be worth the $25 a night for her to go. She is soooo excited!

 

[SingingMom]

Another suggestion if you just want a continental type breakfast:
We used the lobby bar where you can purchase coffee and assorted pastries, etc. I purchased coffees and croissants to bring back to our room before heading out to the parks or to eat at small sitting areas in the lobby.
This saved us time in the morning as we are always excited to start our day in the parks!

We also enjoyed room service on our last morning... had breakfast on our balcony as we got the last minute things packed and talked about our NEXT visit!
ps: the waffles came covered in fresh strawberries & blueberries.. YUM!!

 

[SingingMom]

The south american kidney convention i think if i remember!!

The conventions were not a problem, in fact the busier it seemed the more impressive it seemed, i loved the vibe of a busy hotel, would worry me if it was quiet, i would want to know why people dont use the facilites!!

When we were there it was a VERY large pharmacutical convention.
I'm with you - I "loved the vibe of a busy hotel", too!! There was an "excitement" in the air!

 

[Keikai]

When we were there it was a VERY large pharmacutical convention.
I'm with you - I "loved the vibe of a busy hotel", too!! There was an "excitement" in the air!

Were you there when the dancers turned up? about the 30th June? they were all over the place, overdressed kids with pushy mothers!!

They were ok though, we never had to wait for anything, no problems with it being busy, i prefer it that way.

 

[madge]

Since we go in October, it's prime convention season - it's something we've grown accustomed to over the years. The only time I can say I was ever bothered was 2 or 3 years ago - we had a room on the 3rd floor of the Dolphin, overlooking the pool area. One night, there was a loud party, complete with fireworks... at 11pm. Right out from our room. Startled the heck out of us all... woke the kids... it wasn't a good thing

I also have to admit that it's a little awkward coming through the lobby, all sweaty and grungy or post-pool, when it's convention cocktail hour.

But overall, they aren't an issue for us.

 

[danjoan14]

I sent an email to the hotel asking a question about what drinks can be put into the mugs - a poster a few weeks back was told only soft drinks and no coffee. I mentioned that on prior stays we were able to use them for both coffee and soft drinks. I got a reply from the manager of Pikabu, who confirmed that the mugs can be use for coffee or soft drinks and also welcomed me to bring back the mugs we purchaed on our earlier stay.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the update to that question. DW was concerned about being able to get hot tea in her refillable mug.

 

[NJOGRE]

i Never stayed at the Dolphin or Swan, but I am coming up this September. I have a few questions about the buses. When I was there in November last year we took some time to check out the broadwalk area and the Swan & the Dolphin, we then wanted to go to AK, So we jumped on a bus at the Dolphin and it proceed to go to every Hotel in that area. Do all the buses do that?

 

[Dan Murphy]

......we jumped on a bus at the Dolphin and it proceed to go to every Hotel in that area. Do all the buses do that?

I have stayed at S/D quite a few times and have seen every combination I think. I have been on a Swan only bus, a S/D bus, a S/D/BW bus and a S/D/BW/Y&BC bus. I think it varies by the season and loads. In any case, bus service has always been great for me.

 

[Blondie]

I have stayed at S/D quite a few times and have seen every combination I think. I have been on a Swan only bus, a S/D bus, a S/D/BW bus and a S/D/BW/Y&BC bus. I think it varies by the season and loads. In any case, bus service has always been great for me.

I was about to post the same thing. We've experienced a mix bag of combinations.

On a ride back from AK last year there was only a few of us on the bus, maybe 8 people total. The driver asked if anyone was getting off at the Swan and when nobody raised their hand or spoke up, he skipped stopping there and went directly to the Dolphin! None of us seemed to mind, it shaved a few minutes off our travel time.

 

[BlueFairy]

i Never stayed at the Dolphin or Swan, but I am coming up this September. I have a few questions about the buses. When I was there in November last year we took some time to check out the broadwalk area and the Swan & the Dolphin, we then wanted to go to AK, So we jumped on a bus at the Dolphin and it proceed to go to every Hotel in that area. Do all the buses do that?

We went in February - the week of Mardi Gras - and had only an S/D bus. Have been to BW in May where it was S/D/YC/BC/BW (not necessarily in that order). That was in 1999 in value season. I think the season definitely will have an effect. You are going in Sept., so technically it's value season and they're more likely to share. But with free dining potentially filling up the resorts, you may get lucky.

 

[madge]

I find myself in an interesting position... after all our stays, I have a question, LOL!

Is there a charge if I receive a package at the Dolphin? There hasn't been in the past, but it's been a while since I've sent anything to myself

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hi, Swan/Dolphin Experts!

Will be celebrating a couple of big birthdays staying at the Swan for 3 nights early December. Have AARP and AAA SPG Membership which offer an upgrade at check-in. if available.

Tried to read through this entire thread, but began getting lost ...

So these questions may have been answered, but did not come across them yet..

Could anyone tell me about the views at the Swan and what and how to request a nice view? Would rather not be toooo high as do not want to see the highway or local roads, but just around the Swan/Dolphin/Boardwalk area.

Also, any hints, suggestions (both positive/not so positive) most welcome!

Thanks so much!!

 

[TinkOhio]

Hi Christine

I'm no expert, but my favorite views from the Swan have been 5th floor balcony rooms with Epcot views. From there we have had great views of Spaceship Earth, the canals, the Boardwalk and Illuminations. The friendship boats go by right under your balcony! Oh, yes...you're not going to see highways and main roads from that view.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hi Christine

I'm no expert, but my favorite views from the Swan have been 5th floor balcony rooms with Epcot views. From there we have had great views of Spaceship Earth, the canals, the Boardwalk and Illuminations. The friendship boats go by right under your balcony!

Thank you!

That sounds perfect! Can that view be requested?
TIA

 

[TinkOhio]

I would request a balcony room with an Epcot view. We have been upgraded to this room several times because of our SGP membership. This year, we reserved a balcony room with a "resort" view and requested an Epcot view in order to better our chances. Unfortunately, specific resort views are just a request. (This was told to us by several Swan employees.)

Hope this helps!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh, yes, I figured it was by request, but good to know there is actually a 'resort view' Have AARP and AAA SPG membership which usually offers a free upgrade, if available.

Last time we stayed at the Dolphin in the early 90's (several times when it first opened) the rate was the same for any view and/or balcony, so it was easy to just request a balcony and view. Everything sure has changed - but it must be easier for the Resort.

Good idea to reserve a resort view room and request EPCOT view - and since the windows are so large and balconies small, could live without a balcony this trip!

Thanks so much!!

p.s. Has the Swan recently finished refurbishing the rooms? Was reading this thread and it sounds like it is in the process, so might be complete by December I had thought it was done 2005/2006, but maybe the Resort has been working on it for awhile. Would take quite a long time for such a large resort!

 

[DISshopkeeper]

I find myself in an interesting position... after all our stays, I have a question, LOL!

Is there a charge if I receive a package at the Dolphin? There hasn't been in the past, but it's been a while since I've sent anything to myself

When we stayed there in Dec 06 there was no charge. It did take a while for them to find the package, tho! And we tipped the guy who brought it up.

 

[even1]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know if the sico beds are "heavenly"?

Just curious........

Thanks.

Eileen

 

[even1]

bump