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

[Lives4Disney]

Your are going to love the Swan and Dolphin!!! The location is perfect !!! I
have always been able to reserve a Jr. Suite ahead of time. We have a Jr. Suite reserved for 10 nights in February. The view really depends on what you want to see If you want an Epcot view then request a high floor on the East wing. The Pool area as well as MGM is a West wing view. We have always stayed on Club floor they do NOT face directly East you have to look way to your left to see the fireworks. The best Epcot views are in the wings not the "triangle" and are not on the Club floor. You maybe able to stay off the club floor and still have access to the club lounge.

MomPoppins Thanks for the links to the Jr. suite layout. I know you said that the picure online isn't how it is, though. Were the bed layouts the same?


Mompoppins or anyone out there..... Did you reserve the Jr. Suite over the SPG phone number?? Whoever I was speaking to really acted like there was no such thing at the Dolphin & maybe Swan has it, but Dolphin does not....I know Swan has it as I spoke to a gentleman at the Swan front desk regarding it and he advised me that you just request it at check in. That is what I was planning to do at the Dolphin, just take my luck and cross my fingers for it.

What are the sleeping arrangements in a Jr. Suite?? I have a double/double reserved for us, but would a Jr. Suite be any better (one adult, 2 little girls, and one teenage son) We really need 3 beds!! I am bringing my aero, but was wondering what a Jr. Suite is like.

I have read that the Dolphin is so much larger than the Swan and it is a hike to get from anywhere to somewhere....Is the club floor huge? Is there enough seating in the lounge - or is it difficult to find a table? Would it be best to ask for a room near the lounge or does that put you far far away from elevators? I just don't know what to expect at all.

I have stayed 2 times at the Swan and really found that the view made a big difference for me. I preferred our last view which was of the Dolphin, boat dock, YC/BC to the view of MGM/tower of terror. That just didn't do anything for me.

On the club floor, what are the view choices? Do the club floor rooms have balconies? If I opted for a room w/balcony would I be way way away from the lounge?

Thanks for any info. I just want to be prepared so I am not disappointed. We check in around 10:30pm and with my tired little ones, I don't want to be sent up to a room that I really don't want and feel like I want to switch.

Lives4Disney

 

[Disbug]

MomPoppins Thanks for the links to the Jr. suite layout. I know you said that the picure online isn't how it is, though. Were the bed layouts the same?

Mompoppins or anyone out there..... Did you reserve the Jr. Suite over the SPG phone number?? Whoever I was speaking to really acted like there was no such thing at the Dolphin & maybe Swan has it, but Dolphin does not....I know Swan has it as I spoke to a gentleman at the Swan front desk regarding it and he advised me that you just request it at check in. That is what I was planning to do at the Dolphin, just take my luck and cross my fingers for it.

What are the sleeping arrangements in a Jr. Suite?? I have a double/double reserved for us, but would a Jr. Suite be any better (one adult, 2 little girls, and one teenage son) We really need 3 beds!! I am bringing my aero, but was wondering what a Jr. Suite is like.

I have read that the Dolphin is so much larger than the Swan and it is a hike to get from anywhere to somewhere....Is the club floor huge? Is there enough seating in the lounge - or is it difficult to find a table? Would it be best to ask for a room near the lounge or does that put you far far away from elevators? I just don't know what to expect at all.

I have stayed 2 times at the Swan and really found that the view made a big difference for me. I preferred our last view which was of the Dolphin, boat dock, YC/BC to the view of MGM/tower of terror. That just didn't do anything for me.

On the club floor, what are the view choices? Do the club floor rooms have balconies? If I opted for a room w/balcony would I be way way away from the lounge?

Thanks for any info. I just want to be prepared so I am not disappointed. We check in around 10:30pm and with my tired little ones, I don't want to be sent up to a room that I really don't want and feel like I want to switch.

Lives4Disney

Here are a few answers to your questions... hope they help! The Jr. Suites are actually known as PARLOR SUITES, so maybe that would help the CM's find them in their system. I do not believe there are any rooms with balconies on the Club level at the Swan...or the Dolphin due to their high elevation. You should call and add your preferences to your reservation. Try to stick to just one or two. Personally I think non-smoking is number 1! (LOL!) Suite is number 2; balcony is number 3; and Club is number 4. If you REALLY want something, you should reserve it... not wait and hope it will be available when you check in. People who stay in suites can definitely have club privledges put on their room key...

As for October, the entire resort is sold out from what I am hearing and there are no rooms, let alone suites available! (This is from a real person, not only the website.) This stands to reason as October is a BIG convention month for them... I have been in October and I have seen it firsthand! Wow!

Hope that helps some... I wouldn't worry too much about the Suite layouts, other than... the Dolphin Parlor suite is bigger than the Swan and has TWO bathrooms. I'm sure dreamflight will be checking in soon and SHE will tell you the "411" on what is what at the Swan and Dolphin! Have a nice evening!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Disbug - thanks for the info!! I already have a club floor reservation for August. I sure agree about nonsmoking!! I have that specified. As for October, we have been there (at YC) for the Gartner Conference. It is usually the second week of October and I know it is BUSY as 30,000 or so people come to attend.

How is the lounge in the Dolphin?? Is it decent size, or is there a problem finding a table? I really find the convenience of bfast in a concierge lounge just great. My daughters and I can get up and go and my son can sleep in (he's 15) and eat when he wants. I have met Thabo (who everyone seems to know and really enjoy) and found the staff in the lounge to be so nice!

What views are available from the club floor??


Do you think I should request a room near the lounge - in the Swan the lounge was at the end of the hall right near the elevators and that was handy! Are the elevators near the lounge in the Dolphin??

Thanks for any more info!! I appreciate it!

Lives4Disney

 

[madge]

Disbug - thanks for the info!! I already have a club floor reservation for August. I sure agree about nonsmoking!! I have that specified. As for October, we have been there (at YC) for the Gartner Conference. It is usually the second week of October and I know it is BUSY as 30,000 or so people come to attend.

How is the lounge in the Dolphin?? Is it decent size, or is there a problem finding a table? I really find the convenience of bfast in a concierge lounge just great. My daughters and I can get up and go and my son can sleep in (he's 15) and eat when he wants. I have met Thabo (who everyone seems to know and really enjoy) and found the staff in the lounge to be so nice!

What views are available from the club floor??


Do you think I should request a room near the lounge - in the Swan the lounge was at the end of the hall right near the elevators and that was handy! Are the elevators near the lounge in the Dolphin??

Thanks for any more info!! I appreciate it!

Lives4Disney

the lounge in the Dolphin is also near the (very, speedy) elevators. It is in the central bank of elevators, if I'm remembering correctly....the lounge is larger than the one at the Swan. I haven't stayed on the CL at the Dolphin, so I can't comment on the views. There are no balconies, as Disbug said.

 

[Lives4Disney]

the lounge in the Dolphin is also near the (very, speedy) elevators. It is in the central bank of elevators, if I'm remembering correctly....the lounge is larger than the one at the Swan. I haven't stayed on the CL at the Dolphin, so I can't comment on the views. There are no balconies, as Disbug said.

Thanks, Madge!! Sounds like a room near the lounge would be VERY convenient! That is what I will requst. I hope I get a good view. That is important to me, too!!

Lives4Disney

 

[Disbug]

Thanks, Madge!! Sounds like a room near the lounge would be VERY convenient! That is what I will requst. I hope I get a good view. That is important to me, too!!

Lives4Disney

Lives4Disney! (Love that name!) Just mention (ever so nicely) to the CM's at the desk when you check in, what view you would LIKE to see. They will usually do their BEST to make sure you are happy, so just trust them and all will turn out well! I have NEVER been disappointed at either the SWAN or the DOLPHIN!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Hello again... Hi Disbug and Madge You should be able to find a table at Club level without a problem. As Madge stated the lounge is right off the elevator. Our Jr. Suite was located on the 14th. floor the lounge is on the 12th. floor. It was also quite a hike to the elevators. So if you want to be close to the elevators and the lounge... I would request a room on the 12th. floor near the elevators with a water view otherwise you will face the parking area... So I would definitely reserve a water view room...

Are you a Starwood member? If so then this will usually get you a nice view without paying extra... As for our Jr. Suite we reserved by phone directly to the resort by asking for reservations. Our layout was a King room connecting to a parlor which had the living room area, another bathroom and a murphy pull down bed (which we leave down) .. The area is equal to the size of 3 regular rooms I believe since there are 3 seperate a/c controls... just a thought.

 

[Lives4Disney]

DISBUG & MOMPOPPINS THANKS SO MUCH!! You guys are great!

I really appreciate the info you've given me. I am a starwood preferred member, but I don't have a lot of experience at these resorts, obviously!! I usually stay at Disney deluxes, but I am getting a fabulous deal and using points, also, so I couldn't pass it up. I will definitely request a water view and room near the lounge. I don't think it will be too crowded when I am there (Aug 13-20) so I shouldn't have too much of a problem getting a great room. (I hope!! ), but you never know when those conventions will take over the hotel, I guess.


Thanks again for your help!!

Lives4Disney

 

[Deweysgirl]

We booked the Swan for 7/1 - 7/3 back in February using the allears code for 1 free room cat. upgrade and late check-out. Does anyone know what the late check-out time is?

TIA!

 

[paras4ri]

We booked the Swan for 7/1 - 7/3 back in February using the allears code for 1 free room cat. upgrade and late check-out. Does anyone know what the late check-out time is?

TIA!

It will depend on occupancy, and unfortunately it's not guaranteed. In my experience last July we were told to call the night before checkout and they'd give us an idea if it was possible and even then we had to call on check-out morning to get a definite answer. We were allowed to stay in our room until 2 p.m.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[bjakmom]

We just checked out on Monday with the same sort of rate, but from Mousesavers. I called the night before to confirm our late check-out (I had been told possibly as late as 4PM for spg members - 2 PM was the time noted on my confirmation for the special rate). At first I was told that the hotel was overbooked for the next day and that noon was the best they could do - I asked to speak to a manager and he said he would check with his supervisor and put me on hold - he came back and said 2 PM was the best he could do. The only reason we had hoped for such a late check out was that our flight had been moved back almost 4 hours - from 3 - 7 PM. We checked out at 2, put our bags in the car and went back to the Dolphin Fountain for late lunch/early dinner before heading for the airport. The late check out was a huge benefit for us that day !

 

[Deweysgirl]

Thank you both for your responses. I thought 4pm is what I remembered but I would even by happy with 2. I will ask when we check-in just to be sure. Thank you again for your replies!

bjakmom-just wondering what view did you end up getting with your upgrade? Were you pleased with the room and the view? Thanks!

 

[gm]

I am also starwood gold and hope I get a 4 pm late checkout on the great government rate I got for July. Our flight is at 8pm and we sure could use late out.

I really wanted the Dolphin but got the Swan instead. I have stayed at both but prefer the Dolphin for easy access to Tubbi's, laundry, etc but it is sold out for our dates.

 

[dreamflight99]

It never hurts to "ask" for anything at this wonderful resort, even a late check-out! 2~pm is better than a "sharp stick in the eye!" (and I believe much better than what you would receive at a Disney resort too). We have actually had a similar situation happen with an airline change! We received a 4pm check-out, and asked for a little "stretch" on the end with no problem *(the hotel was VERY quiet during this period). We left the room about 4:45 to visit the CL lounge and relax a while before heading to MCO. It worked out perfectly, and I stopped by the desk on the way out to thank the person responsible for the extra PD & MAGIC!!

bjakmom~I hope you enjoyed a wonderful time at the Dolphin!

*It's so good to see this thread over here, and all your familiar faces as well. Take care, and enjoy the summer!

TTFN...DF99

 

[paras4ri]

Nice to see you DF!! When do you check into the Dolphin so you can be our eyes and ears?????

 

[bjakmom]

Deweysgirl - actually, we upgraded our upgrade to CL with spg points - the breakfast was wonderful and CL staff delightful - made our mornings sooo much easier and DNeph is a great b'fast eater - so at least I knew he was getting a good meal each morning. Our view was on the MGM side of the building, directly over main entrance with ToT just off to the right and Fantasmic stadium just ahead. I was told at check in that it was the same view I was assigned before moving up to the top floor for CL. On the first night we sat by the window and watched Fantasmic, but it wasn't much to see IMHO from that distance and vantage point. At the end we could see Sorcerer Mickey standing on top of the mountain and that was cool.

DF99 - we had a wonderful stay at the Swan !! - lovely resort - fabulous pool area - I know the hotel was booked, but it was incredibly quiet - we never heard a single sound or door from another room in 4 days. It was a bit weird to me to be sharing the hotel with the convention guests - we always came schlepping in to the lobby all hot and sweaty from the parks and everyone else was so dressed up and professional looking - no problem, just a different 'feel' than I'm used to. As soon as we checked in and rounded the corner for the elevators - there stood Mickey all dressed up in his tux, waiting to go out the door for a wedding. It was exciting to be greeted by Mickey with a wave and a 'thrown' kiss - wished we could have grabbed a pic, but the Main Man was busy making 'magic' for some lucky couple - DNeph thought he was really 'lucky' to have seen Mickey as soon as he arrived! I think we've found our new 'weekend' resort when staying DVC - going back in October with DH - hope our second stay is as lovely - thanks for the advice on making our Swan stay so much fun !

 

[dreamflight99]

paras4ri~Hi Gail...
Actually...I'll be outta here in a day, but I won't be at the Dolphin until July! I'll be sure to post, and let you know what's happening at the resort. Also, I am making a trip to the BAB store, for the new Flamingo (as a gift for a neighbor). Have you seen it? I thought of you, DD and her FROGGIE!

bjakmom~ Your post is so uplifting, and inspiring with the touch of MAGIC you experienced after checking~in!! Wow...MM in a TUX! I'll bet Minnie was close~by in her white gown. Your nephew must have been in shock. The "thrown kiss" description is heart-warming!

Funny you should mention the "quiet" of these resorts. We have always marveled at the sound-proofing inadvertantly caused by the superior building codes & standards exceeded when this property was built. Tishman Corp. insisted on surpassing certain "storm/wind" building standards, thus rendering these two properties as MAIN hurricane shelters in an emergency. In fact, during last summer's hurricanes *(we braved two while staying in the Dolphin), both were full of locals, as well as guests from "other" neighboring properties/resorts. Both resorts opened their lobbies, rooms and hearts to these folks. Associates affected (adversely) by the storms were permitted to bring their families to the resorts and "stay" as long as necessary. We heard of this from a CM, whom had to relocate her family to the Dolphin. The kids did not want to move home, even after the damage was repaired!! LOL.
FYI: The safest areas in both buildings, are in the "stairwells" (located in the WINGS).

I'm so happy you enjoyed a MAGICAL time during your stay. You are the sweetest Aunt, insuring your DN received a proper breakfast each am in CL, watching Sorcerer Mickey rise above the view over MGM from your window together, etc. I'm pleased to know something I may have posted helped you in some manner. I wish you a FABULOUS RETURN experience in OCTOBER!! BTW...isn't the SPG program the BEST?!? Upgrading with points to CL...wish Disney offered such a program!

TTFN...Enjoy your weekend!!

DF99

 

[Tiffany]

Hi All,

I am posting live from our room in the Swan. We have stayed at the Dolphin three times in the past but this is our first stay at the Swan. It is great. If anyone has any questions ask away.

 

[paras4ri]

Hi All,

I am posting live from our room in the Swan. We have stayed at the Dolphin three times in the past but this is our first stay at the Swan. It is great. If anyone has any questions ask away.

Hi Tiffany! Glad to hear you're enjoying the Swan. We'll be there in August and we had a great stay at the Dolphin last summer. We can't wait to get back to that pool! Where's your room located??? We're hoping for an Epcot view.

Lisa (a/k/a DF) - I remember your hurricane experiences last summer. Hope none of us get to experience them this year! Have a safe journey east, we're looking forward to your posts.

 

[Deweysgirl]

Tiffany-how exciting! We'll be at The Swan in less than 2 weeks~our first visit as well. Where are you located? What is your view? Do you have a balcony? Have you tried any of the restaurants yet? Also wondering about Atlantic Dance...I've heard it's open, but not all the time.

Thanks for offering to take questions and hope you are having a magical time!