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

[Dan Murphy]

Way to go, grammy. We celebrated 35 last year, though not at WDW. What day is your anniversary? Ours is 9/11, always mixed emotions now.

I have an AP, so always have the hopper ability. With the close proximity of the S/D to Epcot and MGM, I think the hopper option is a great, low-cost benefit. Many times, on a whim, I will walk or boat to Epcot, boat to MGM, maybe just to have a meal, see a show, kill some downtime, meet somebody. With the recent changes in ticket pricing, not sure where the best is. I would for sure take a look at Mary's info here.....

http://www.mousesavers.com/tickets.html

 

[CindeBella]

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

If you sign up for mousesavers.com newsletter you will be able to click on a link to undercovertourist.com ~ there you will be able to get a better rate than by going to their site. You will save approx $17 (an extra $5 by using the link from mousesavers newsletter) per ticket.

 

[grammy520]

Our anniversary is 9/09 My son will be 30 on 9/11 so i know what you are feeling Thanks again

 

[warriorboy648]

Hi everyone, we are presently at the Swan. We arrived last Sat and we are leaving on Wed. I wanted to let anyone who is worried about the Swan to know that this place is WONDERFUL. Everything is clean, the beds are wonderful and the elevators are super fast. The air has stayed on at night, no musty smell at all.

We received rooms with balconies and then yesterday we were asked if we would move to a 2 bedroom suite so we wouldn't be bothered by noise because they are going to work on our hallway. The 2 bedroom is great, lots of room and now we have aN Epcot fireworks view. They also gave us complimentary breakfst passes.

I'm already thinking about the next trip...

 

[Mouseteacher]

WB648~ way to go!!!

Gent~ no need to apologize, different country, different procedures.

 

[NancyIL]

I bought non-expiring park hoppers from Undercover Tourist when I heard prices were going up: www.undercovertourist.com You will save about $2 per ticket if you access that site through the link in the Mousesavers newsletter. If you don't have one - not a big deal, because not a big savings. Like Dan, I also have an annual pass. I couldn't imagine being limited to only one park per day, especially during low season when some parks close early.

 

[dreamflight99]

Hello All! Hope everyone is enjoying a MAGICAL summer. We are headed to DL this week, for a quick play-date in the original house of the mouse. I just love the old standard MK...and walking in the gates thinking of WALT each time.

We just returned from a weekend at Santa Cruz visiting some friends on the beach. Nice weather and fun times on the pier (celebrating their Centennial). DD has a close friend attending UCSC and they enjoyed catching-up on news, school, etc. We were in DL last month for a week, as DH had a business trip there...and DD & I joined him for company *(although we spent every moment in the parks while he worked, before joining us in the eves!).

DD attended a Bob Dylan and Stevie Nicks Concert w/friends a few weeks back staying in Monterey beach. Can't even believe they listen to this music (as I did so long ago). She called me during some of the show, and held the cell phone so I could listen...("landslide" brought tears to my eyes--always does, just like some Disney music still does too---I know, corny...but I don't care). They grow so fast...she's now one year from her BSc. Hard to believe the time is passing so quickly, and she's already researching schools for her post-grad work. I've asked it a million times, and no one knows. Where does the time go? At least there will always be the echoes of her childhood laughter in the halls and walkways of WDW.

*As for the resort room number comments: I've always received my numbers in advance. Maybe just lucky. We usually request the same room each summer, and reserve it close to a year in advance. Even at Vero Beach, Portofino and the Dolphin, etc.--I've always asked (almost insisted--but in a kind tone) it be blocked with specific notes not to move/change it. We enjoy the feeling of having the same suite, view, etc. It's like "coming home" every time we arrive and open the door.

Well, the Disney Magic is making another trip to the West Coast next summer, and we are already booked in the same suite. We are creatures of habit, if nothing else. We took the last one when DD was graduating HS, so it's only fitting we take this one as she graduates Uni in England. She intends to continue her studies there, as she loves everything about her experience and that lovely Country.

Nice to see so many regulars (mods too) still on this board. It's been too long since I stopped by. Hope everyone is having a great summer, and all of you are in happy spirits and great health!

Cheers! Remember the MAGIC!

DF99

 

[Dislifer]

*As for the resort room number comments: I've always received my numbers in advance. Maybe just lucky. We usually request the same room each summer, and reserve it close to a year in advance. Even at Vero Beach, Portofino and the Dolphin, etc.--I've always asked (almost insisted--but in a kind tone) it be blocked with specific notes not to move/change it. We enjoy the feeling of having the same suite, view, etc. It's like "coming home" every time we arrive and open the door.



Cheers! Remember the MAGIC!


DF99 [/QUOTE]

We are staying at the Dolphin and at Portofino on our next trip. Do you have any room recommendations?
TIA!!!

 

[Blondie]

Hi everyone, we are presently at the Swan. We arrived last Sat and we are leaving on Wed. I wanted to let anyone who is worried about the Swan to know that this place is WONDERFUL. Everything is clean, the beds are wonderful and the elevators are super fast. The air has stayed on at night, no musty smell at all.

We received rooms with balconies and then yesterday we were asked if we would move to a 2 bedroom suite so we wouldn't be bothered by noise because they are going to work on our hallway. The 2 bedroom is great, lots of room and now we have aN Epcot fireworks view. They also gave us complimentary breakfst passes.

I'm already thinking about the next trip...

Thanks for checking in!

Wow on the upgrade to the suite! Good for for you! When you get home, would you mind posting your room numbers and some photos?

 

[NancyIL]

Hey, DF99 - so nice to see you again! Your daughter finished her 2nd year of college already? Wow - the time DOES fly! Are Universities in the UK for only 3 years, or did DD go an extra term in the summers?

Bob Dylan AND Stevie Nicks...together? I'm not a BD fan, but I like Stevie Nicks. It's funny how some of OUR music from 30+ years ago is enjoyed by our kids.

Were you on the DCL Med cruise this summer? That's great that you'll be on the Mexican Riviera cruise again next year. I initially booked the westbound Panama Canal cruise for May 2008, but cancelled it because I would've gotten home the day before my son's high school graduation, and I thought it might be a good idea for me to be home those last two weeks of his high school career! I'll finally get a taste of DCL in January on a 4-day cruise with my mom. Then I'll be at WDW 4 days afterwards to recover from 4 days of cruising with my mom.

I'll be at the Swan for a week in October, then at the Dolphin for Thanksgiving with my husband and all 3 kids. My DH hasn't been to WDW since our family trip in 2001.

 

[grammy520]

I have finally booked the dolphin for our 35th wedding anniversary. My husband has no idea yet. With all your help I choose the hotel with 2 balconies,I now need a really nice restaurant to make reservations at. I am waiting until the day before we leave to tell him. So I want everything to be perfect because he is that special to me. Thanks again for all your help

 

[Blondie]

I think you made a great decision! I think it's a wonderful place to spend an anniversary!

Do you want something romantic within the hotel, or at one of the parks?

 

[grammy520]

Either We have never been there before so whatever you can suggest. Thanks

 

[SingingMom]

Either We have never been there before so whatever you can suggest. Thanks

If you like steak, Shula's has a very nice atmosphere. If you like seafood, Blue Zoo is very chic. And then, my all time favorite is Chef de France in Epcot. Happy Anniversary!

 

[dreamflight99]

Hey, DF99 - so nice to see you again! Your daughter finished her 2nd year of college already? Wow - the time DOES fly! Are Universities in the UK for only 3 years, or did DD go an extra term in the summers?

Bob Dylan AND Stevie Nicks...together? I'm not a BD fan, but I like Stevie Nicks. It's funny how some of OUR music from 30+ years ago is enjoyed by our kids.

Were you on the DCL Med cruise this summer? That's great that you'll be on the Mexican Riviera cruise again next year. I initially booked the westbound Panama Canal cruise for May 2008, but canceled it because I would've gotten home the day before my son's high school graduation, and I thought it might be a good idea for me to be home those last two weeks of his high school career! I'll finally get a taste of DCL in January on a 4-day cruise with my mom. Then I'll be at WDW 4 days afterwards to recover from 4 days of cruising with my mom.

I'll be at the Swan for a week in October, then at the Dolphin for Thanksgiving with my husband and all 3 kids. My DH hasn't been to WDW since our family trip in 2001.

Thanks for the kind comment (welcome back)! Yes, DD is already one year from her BSc. In England, it's straight to the major (no Gen-ed), which was one of the reasons behind choosing such a school and locale. She is also looking into a one-year international law program for post-grad. Things are moving so fast...she's still only 19.

I laughed at the oddity of the music (mid-state fair here in Calif), and Stevie played the first eve, Bob the following. She told me he "mumbled every word" to his songs. I told her it's nice to know some things never change.

We were booked on that med-cruise this summer, but also canceled (conflicting schedules and flights). Also, everyone was leery of taking the first of such voyages, until the "kinks" are all worked out (lol). It's the main reason we never booked the Magic until it had taken a few voyages and worked through all the usual issues of such a new venture. The med trips look so fun, I was sad to call and cancel. But, next summer we'll be on the Magic again down the coast. DD never got off at any port (does not like the areas), but DH and I did. Something in particular happened at one port which was not too inviting, so we may opt to stay onboard the entire time also!!

Wow...your son is already graduated from HS too? Time is going too fast for us. I'm so happy to see you are still taking trips w/your mom. She must enjoy the blessings of having you for company (you're an angel for doing such things together). As I recall she has ambulatory difficulty--as most folks her age tend to have--and can not get around too easily. You are so kind and accommodating, it must mean the world to her. I hope my DD is as close and loving as you are to your mom (when I'm aged....wait, I'm already there--ahem!). JK!!


Your schedule is full of plans and trips, mine is too---but closer to home and then Europe (for obvious reasons). I know your DH is not a lover of WDW, so you will have to let me know how he fares on the next venture! Great seeing you here again.


DISLIFER: PM me for the room numbers and info if you are still interested. Thanks~!

Now everyone is talking about food and the great restaurants at the Dolphin, etc! Making my mouth water...each place is amazing and unique. I do agree, the Chef de France is quite a romantic spot to dine, especially late in the eve during illuminations. Enjoy your secret plans!

DF99

 

[kimmar067]

[.......... Lisa.....]

 

[Mouseteacher]

I have finally booked the dolphin for our 35th wedding anniversary. My husband has no idea yet. With all your help I choose the hotel with 2 balconies,I now need a really nice restaurant to make reservations at. I am waiting until the day before we leave to tell him. So I want everything to be perfect because he is that special to me. Thanks again for all your help

DH and I celebrated our anniversary a couple of years ago at the California Grille. The waiter was fantastic once he knew it was our anniversary. He told us to take our time and enjoy the dinner. After our main course, he came over and told us to take a walk out onto the rooftop walkway to view the "world" while he got our dessert and coffee. When we returned to our table, there was lovely chocolate dessert with Happy Anniversary written around the rim of the plate.

It was a very special evening, made special our waiter at the CG.

 

[Kelly25]

So im getting ready to book 6 nights from starting dec 9th. We will be there for our honeymoon and havent been to disney since we were little. We will have a lot to do and see, so i am wondering with the amount of time will we be spending out of our room, is it worth it to upgrade from the standard room? Is the balcony worth it? Everyone keeps saying how great the fireworks are from the balcony..and my brain keeps going...uhh wouldnt they be better from the park? I do like having extra space, but it doesnt seem as though the room is any different, it just has the balcony. For those who have stayed in the studio or junior suites, what is the difference between them? Have any pics of them to post? I am like a disney sponge right now, tryin to take it all in!

 

[BlueFairy]

So im getting ready to book 6 nights from starting dec 9th. We will be there for our honeymoon and havent been to disney since we were little. We will have a lot to do and see, so i am wondering with the amount of time will we be spending out of our room, is it worth it to upgrade from the standard room? Is the balcony worth it? Everyone keeps saying how great the fireworks are from the balcony..and my brain keeps going...uhh wouldnt they be better from the park? I do like having extra space, but it doesnt seem as though the room is any different, it just has the balcony. For those who have stayed in the studio or junior suites, what is the difference between them? Have any pics of them to post? I am like a disney sponge right now, tryin to take it all in!

Personally, I don't think I'd pay for a balcony upgrade. I would probably pay for resort view, because the views of the resort areas are spectacular. If you haven't been to WDW in forever, you will probably being going like gangbusters to see everything, especially in the evenings. I personally didn't care for the standard balconies because they have no cover or shade and no privacy. You could probably see the fireworks through a window from the same room without much difference in the view. And you can't hear the music.
Now, since it is your honeymoon, what I would suggest is making a special request for a king corner turret room at the Dolphin, and have them mark "honeymoon" all over your vacation. We were got a free upgrade to a corner king, and those turret rooms have a second covered balcony that is very nice (although we weren't around much so we only used it once).
Finally, join Starwood Preferred Guest program (spg.com, it's free) and have them note your SPG number on the reservation as well. The S/D has a great reputation for doing SPG upgrades whenever there are rooms available, and you often only need to have a membership (a not necessarily redeem credits). This might clench a balcony for you, but you won't know until you arrive.

(I was able to add our SPG number and all our requests via phone ahead of time. The week of our vacation I called the Dolphin directly and asked for the room assigner. I explained our need for our requests, and the guy assured me that they had been taken care of. I knew we were probably getting a great room even before we arrived.)

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I have finally booked the dolphin for our 35th wedding anniversary. My husband has no idea yet. With all your help I choose the hotel with 2 balconies,I now need a really nice restaurant to make reservations at. I am waiting until the day before we leave to tell him. So I want everything to be perfect because he is that special to me. Thanks again for all your help

My recommendation would be at a restaurant I haven't actually eaten at yet. I would go to Bistro de Paris in Epcot. It's the upscale version of Chefs de France. They don't have a kids menu, so the atmosphere should be more romantic. Try for a table by the window to watch Illuminations, while you dine.

Chefs is our favorite 1 TS restaurant at WDW, so we've been wanting to try the Bistro for a long time. I once read that it had a 16 & up age limit, & we have a child. I don't know, if that is still the case. Since our DS was younger, I didn't bother checking into it again. He'll be turning 16 in Feb., so we'll be celebrating my 40th there in May. I hope it's worth the wait.

My other suggestion would be Artist Point. The food is great, & the atmosphere is nicer (quieter) than most WDW restaurants. If you enjoy wine, try the pairings. After dinner, watch Wishes from the beach at WL. You could see if you could get a bottle of champagne & glasses to take to the beach with you. If the times work out, stay at the beach to watch the Electrical Water Pageant.