BlueFairy said:
Dreamflight: Thanks!!! I have some asking to do. Can't wait.
You mention requesting specific rooms. Does that seem to work better than requesting a view? We will definitely stress how much fun mom and baby want to have on the first trip to the world for our little one.
Yes, in my opinion...it always works best for us (as I enjoy knowing in advance which suite we will be occupying when visiting the Dolphin). Another nice aspect about blocking in advance is the opportunity to "block" more than the time you currently intend to visit, (and then ADD a couple days to your itinerary if your schedule permits).
It's so much easier to call and CANCEL days, than it is to ADD them. The rooms GO so quickly, hence they are "reserved and booked" by the time many decide to "extend" their stay or change their dates. I commonly block three consecutive months before selecting the EXACT dates (and do this up to/more than a year in advance). At least I know my suite is SECURE this way.

I've tried it the other way around, and the stress was just TOO much. Besides, it doesn't cost any more whether you reserve one day, or 100 days. So, keep this in mind when reserving your room/dates.
BlueFairy said:
Also, one more question - I assume we get free parking at the parks since we are resort guests, is this true for S/D guest as well as Disney hotel guests? We will not be driving/parking a car at our hotel, but we may carpool with family staying off-property. Could I request a park parking pass and use it in her car on the days we carpool? Or is that a no-no? Great info here! You guys are wonderful.
YES, you may definitely request a FREE parking pass for the days you "car pool" with your FAMILY (Swan/Dolphin are included in this perk). Are you sure you want to DRIVE and PARK? The only parks I would even "consider" PARKING at, would be the MK and AK (as these are the BUS transportation parks). There is NO REASON to drive/park to MGM and EPCOT! The BOATS are the BEST reason for staying at the Dolphin, etc. Your family is welcome to pay to park for the afternoon/day in the Dolphin, and use the BOATS with you (to/from these parks). OR, you could always drive and pick them up (then they could leave their vehicle at their off-property resort). Either way, they would LOVE the boat ride (which is almost an attraction in and of itself) to/from these two parks. If you are going to MGM, it's the FASTEST ride! They pick you up and OFF you go...straight to the park. You are also the first stop on the way back! If you are going to Epcot...you are the third stop most of the time. BUT---this changes from time to time depending upon who is driving.
***NOTE: Here's another little fun tip. When standing at the boat dock...awaiting your transportation to arrive (Friendship #1, 2, 3, or 4, etc), it's truly EASY to predict WHICH BOAT is coming, and WHERE it's going just by watching the approach. Most folks have no idea, but it's not Rocket Science. When the boat comes from UNDER the bridge directly in front of the dock (coming from the large central BAY), this boat is the "MGM" boat. It's on it's way to MGM studios...and is picking up the last passengers at the Dolphin/Swan before heading to this park. This boat originated at Epcot, and has dropped off passengers at the YC/BC, and BWI before heading to the Dolphin/Swan. Each boat does a FULL LOOP before starting over again. Sometimes, there are two boats running. Sometimes, as many as 4 or more may be operating (depending on the time of year, events, etc).
When the boat comes from the bridge to the RIGHT of the dock area, this boat is the "EPCOT" boat. It is coming FROM MGM studios, and will be dropping off all the passengers beginning with the Dolphin/Swan, before heading over to EPCOT. It's just a little bit of knowledge to help you on the days you are running late, etc. If you see a boat coming just as you exit the hotel, you'll know whether to RUN to catch it, or not (if it's your desired boat, etc).

Saves a LOT of anguish, and makes for a lot of FUN too!
Glad you are enjoying this thread and all the wonderful information to be found here.
terryfromhawaii said:
We will be staying at the Swan in a 2 bdrm grand suite (there's 7 of us-me, dh, 4 kids-14,10,10, 4-and dmil) later this year. Can't wait to try out the Swan! Any tips on good restaurants, special things to do while staying at the Swan!
Yes...there is plenty of info to be obtained on such features here on this thread!
The most obvious would be the CHARACTER BREAKFAST served in the Swan's own GULLIVER'S Restaurant! You have children still at a "fun" age for such stuff (esp. the 4 YO).
Both of these properties tout some critically acclaimed restaurant locations, such as the "Blue Zoo, Shula's Steakhouse, Palio's, Kimono's, Fresh, etc." All are fabulous, depending upon what type of cuisine you would prefer/enjoy. Some are more suited for families, some for adults. You also have the "World" at your fingertips (Epcot World Showcase) where the TEPPAN GRILL would prove to be a PERFECT NIGHT OUT for the 7 of you! You would fill a grill table perfectly, thus enjoy an amazing private "show" performed by one of the best TEPPAN CHEFS around (Teppan-yaki). The food here is artistically prepared, and absolutely some of the BEST we have ever enjoyed at WDW. We dine here a minimum of once per week while on property, (sometimes more). Everything is amazing, and the kid's menu also fabulous!
You also have MGM Studios, not to mention all the restaurants located on the Boardwalk, and in the Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts too. The Prime Rib sandwich at "Beaches and Cream" is amazing (Beach Club). The ages steaks at the Yachtsman and Shula's are also notable. The Flying fish and Spoodles are great places for some fine food/service. ESPN is a BLAST for your entire family (as the kids can actually play VIDEO GAMES on a private system at your table/booth, while awaiting for their food, etc. You just "check-out" a few of the wireless controllers (your server will assist you with this), and they are OFF!! The food is also delicious, with the HOT WINGS in a BUCKET being a favorite appetizer (you select the nitro sauce, mild-hot-or rocket fuel!).
There are SO many great places to enjoy while in the Epcot resorts area. It's simply one of the best locations to stay, on the entire WDW property (IMHO).
To further offer assistance, please tell us what type of food you enjoy? Are you looking for "family style" restaurants or a night-out for the adults in your group (or both)? We have dined at every location possible....and the opportunities are overwhelming and endless!
You are going to LOVE the Grand suite at the Swan, truly beautiful accommodations (your children will be thrilled!). The room service is amazing too. They offer a kid's menu, which is surprisingly flexible with ample servings. The breakfasts are incredible (pancakes are big surprise!), and all the selections are delicious. You truly can't go wrong at the Swan.
Hope this helps!
TTFN...DF99
