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

[A fat english gent]

No am not driving over there i think i'll just get them a taxi can't come to too much can it?...

Nancy fancy sharing the rose in your siggee for my friend Nancy to use,PM it to me if you don't mind,thanks...

 

[SingingMom]

I wish,the food and wine bill is about $450 for the two of them while me and the twins will be having $30 total for chicken strips in one of the parks....

What a gem you are! Your "girls" are lucky ladies!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Chris~ let me clarify. The Contemporary, the GF, and the Polynesian are all in the same loop - MK resorts. I guessed that a cab ride to GF would be about the same as to the CR. The cab fare was $16 (IIRC) plus tip from the Dolphin.

Many years ago, I had dinner at V&A. It was really something special. I would suggest that everyone should do this at least once.

 

[A fat english gent]

Thanks for all the help lady's...

 

[Cinderellafifi]

Hello Swan/Dolphin Fans! My first stay at the Dolphin is now in less than two weeks - arrive Aug. 31st! I would like to know what you would recommend for a first-timer? I am traveling with my two small children and grown sister. By the way, I go to WDW often but have yet to stay at any of the resorts along the Boardwalk.

I have booked a standard room through the Dis Boards when it ran the $125.00 special. Thanks to advice on this thread and I have signed up for the Rewards program because, like everyone else, I would love an upgrade, but I am not worried about not getting one (and I won't pay to upgrade because I want to keep my budget for food and fun). I am going to call the hotel directly to advise them of the rewards number - should I at that time make a room / building request?

We are driving, so I am prepared for the parking fee (groan). Any other quick tidbits for a first-timer would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Cinderellafifi~ The location of the S/D gives you many options for a first-timer. If you are not planning on heading to a park right away, exploring the resort is fun. Take a walk to the grotto pool, explore the restaurants on the lower level. Or, walk over to the Boardwalk to explore the restaurants and shops. During the evening, many actiivties are happening on the BW. Fun entertainment to watch or rent a surrey bike for a trip around the lake using the walkway that circles the BWI, YC and BC.

 

[SingingMom]

Cinderellafifi~ The location of the S/D gives you many options for a first-timer. If you are not planning on heading to a park right away, exploring the resort is fun. Take a walk to the grotto pool, explore the restaurants on the lower level. Or, walk over to the Boardwalk to explore the restaurants and shops. During the evening, many actiivties are happening on the BW. Fun entertainment to watch or rent a surrey bike for a trip around the lake using the walkway that circles the BWI, YC and BC.

Even though we are from NJ and very familiar with the "Jersey Shore" and the "Boardwalk", we still enjoy a jaunt around Disney's Boardwalk. I think it is a very relaxing break from the lines and crowds that sometimes can get on your nerves. We especially like it for a late night dessert - we order coffee & pasteries from the Boardwalk Bakery or ice cream from candy shop, and sit at an outdoor table and "people watch".

 

[Dan Murphy]

..........We especially like it for a late night dessert - we order coffee & pasteries from the Boardwalk Bakery or ice cream from candy shop, and sit at an outdoor table and "people watch".

Sometimes, on my way back to the Swan, after an evening at Epcot, I will stop by the bakery, pick up a 'crustless' no sugar (Splenda I think) cheesecake (low carber here). I will bring it back to the room and enjoy a late night snack before retiring for the night. And yes, sitting there at the tables with the same and coffee is so relaxing too.

 

[bytheblood]

Is the Starbucks a "full" Starbucks or do they do fresh brewed coffee only? In other words, can you get frapps, lattes, etc?

 

[paras4ri]

Is the Starbucks a "full" Starbucks or do they do fresh brewed coffee only? In other words, can you get frapps, lattes, etc?

Pikabu, the 24-hour cafeteria located in the Dolphin, serves brewed Starbucks coffee. There is not an actual Starbucks outlet in the hotels so no special drinks.

 

[anbouk]

Is the Starbucks a "full" Starbucks or do they do fresh brewed coffee only? In other words, can you get frapps, lattes, etc?

Yeah, just have two large thermal stainless containers with the brewed coffee in there. Nothing special....just your regular cafeteria serving already brewed Starbucks brand coffe.

 

[SingingMom]

Pikabu, the 24-hour cafeteria located in the Dolphin, serves brewed Starbucks coffee. There is not an actual Starbucks outlet in the hotels so no special drinks.

But, if I do recall (?) you may be able to get those types of drinks at the Boardwalk Bakery... I think my daughter had a latte one day.

 

[Cinderellafifi]

Thank you all for some great suggestions so far! We will not be going to Epcot until the next day, so we have plenty of time for pools and touring the boardwalk. Can't wait!

 

[A fat english gent]

Any idea as to when we'll get our room number please?

 

[anbouk]

Any idea as to when we'll get our room number please?

Of course, when you check-in. Have you ever received your room # prior to arriving at a hotel...can this be done? Now, I am wondering if I shall call them as we are arriving in a couple of days. Unfortunately, no hope of upgrades for us as they have HUGE convention going on next week and a half and all the upgraded rooms have been accounted for At least, that is what I was told from spg. Fortunately, I have a Paid for a SECURED Balcony View Room, otherwise I would be REAL disappointed.

 

[SingingMom]

Any idea as to when we'll get our room number please?

At check in.
The only time we have ever received a room number ahead of time is at a small ranch resort we go to each Memorial Day Weekend, and we request "our regular room". lol And even THAT isn't actually "guaranteed", but after eight return trips, they do everything they can to grant the request.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I have never received a room number before check in anywhere, WDW or not. then again, I will admit I am not a world traveller!

SingingMom...I am going to PM you about the resort. We have talked about doing a "ranch" type vacation with our daughter one year, but would like a word of mouth referral rather than just checking places out online. Thanks.

5 more weeks until I am swimming in the grotto pool again!

 

[Blondie]

Of course, when you check-in. Have you ever received your room # prior to arriving at a hotel...can this be done? Now, I am wondering if I shall call them as we are arriving in a couple of days. Unfortunately, no hope of upgrades for us as they have HUGE convention going on next week and a half and all the upgraded rooms have been accounted for At least, that is what I was told from spg. Fortunately, I have a Paid for a SECURED Balcony View Room, otherwise I would be REAL disappointed.

Those large conventions block the Studio and Executive suites and rooms with balconies sometimes up to a year in advance. It's a good thing you paid for a balcony view room upfront rather than hope for an upgrade.

 

[A fat english gent]

Sorry your right,however in Europe often you do get your room number on booking...Am a Muppet please forgive me....

 

[grammy520]

I finally booked at the Dolphin First time in Disney celebrating 35th anniversary. I have gotten so much help here about the rooms now I need help with park tickets Leaving 9/10-9/16. Where is the best place to purchase them? Also do you feel park hopper is necessary. No children Just me and the Groom(That sounds funny after all these years) Thanks everyone for any and all your help. I cannot wait I am so excited. I am already packed