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

[dtuleya]

When is your trip? The Club level is being discontinued as of May (?) 1st.

Sorry forgot to mention we're checking in July 27 through August 4. Guess that option is out. What about the suites?

 

[luvdmouse]

Bluefairy and dreamflight,
When I called two days ago, they extended CL privileges to my immediate family but not to my mom and brothers. (which seemed pretty strange)When I asked them about my mom and brothers, who needed it more than my kids, they said they couldn't do anything else. So I took your advice and calmly spoke to Carly at the front desk, who could not have been nicer or more accomodating! They said that CL was the least they could do for my family. I know concierge is only open limited hours, but it makes my mom feel better. Thanks for your advice and support! Lisa

 

[luvdmouse]

Bluefairy-
Just looked over some menus from neighboring locations. Here's some ideas:
Beach Club marketplace (has yogurt)
Hurricane Hana's (Y/BC pool) -fresh fruit
Boardwalk Bakery

These seem to be easy carry out choices.
It seems that Fresh at the Dolphin is pricier than I'd like, but would work with dietary issues.

We may have to look outside Tubbi's to fulfill our families needs. Have a great trip. We'll be there at the same time. Have fun.

Lisa

 

[BlueFairy]

Bluefairy and dreamflight,
When I called two days ago, they extended CL privileges to my immediate family but not to my mom and brothers. (which seemed pretty strange)When I asked them about my mom and brothers, who needed it more than my kids, they said they couldn't do anything else. So I took your advice and calmly spoke to Carly at the front desk, who could not have been nicer or more accomodating! They said that CL was the least they could do for my family. I know concierge is only open limited hours, but it makes my mom feel better. Thanks for your advice and support! Lisa

Luvdmouse- That's great news for you. I will definitely call on Monday. Maybe she can help us too. I'd be happy with a free fridge, but CL would be fantastic. Didyou ask for CL or did she offer it first without your mentioning it? Thanks for the helpful hints re: other locations and the encouragement. I'm sure it will all work out. Just have to focus on the wonder in my DD's face and all will be forgotten. Maybe we'll see you in the lobby lounge sometime for breakfast. Tell me the dates of your trip?

BTW - here is the very quick response I got to my email. Too bad the other thread indicates we can't buy mugs then.
"Hello,

The convenient store will be open till the 21st of February. You can get lunch and dinners are the Fountain, Splash Terrace, Cabana Bar and Grille, Fresh Mediterranean Market, and Garden Grove Café. The Lobby Lounge and Lobby Court Lounge sell yogurts and such in the mornings and can possibly heat up different food items. Actually all of our outlets can heat up any food item. If you have any further questions or comments please contact us at the information below.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

WDW Swan & Dolphin Dining Reservations
(407) 934-1609
dining@swandolphin.com"

 

[luvdmouse]

Bluefairy-
We'll be there from 3/27-4/3. I asked about CL and she was able to oblige. My mom and my reservations are different but linked, so they could pull up either one with one number. I'm sure by the time we get there,the kinks will be worked out. We have had a great vacation there before, and I expect the same this time!

 

[dreamflight99]

Momof-3~Five is the max in a standard room at the Dolphin. They will be able to bring in a rollaway, as Nancy wrote. But, the beds with two doubles do not have sofas. The only rooms with Sofa Sleepers, are suites.
Sorry to read about your DS, hope his brace arrives soon. One of my friends has this condition, and had surgery (again) recently to lesson the stress/pain. She too, wears a brace.

Nancy~Thanks for the informative link! Since the cups/mugs at the Swan/Dolphin never change *(and are very different from the annual ones offered at the other official WDW Resorts), guests are "legally" permitted/encouraged to bring the mugs with them upon return visits to use. I inquired about this when the mugs were initially offered. I bring ours with us on each visit.

Baxie8~Yes. Of all the SPAS in the greater Orlando area, the MANDARA Spa is my favorite!! There is one at the PBH, where we stay each summer before visiting the Dolphin. The offerings are incredible, many Indonesian, all rejuvenating! You will LOVE IT!! http://www.mandaraspa.com/locations/north_america/orlando_swandolphin.htm

luvdmouse~You're welcome! So happy to read everything worked out with respect to the inconvenience! Your stay will be markedly different with the wonderful convenience of CL. Just wait until you see all you have available for you and your family. I am so happy you followed my advice, and called to kindly ASK for CL! Sometimes, you must be direct, and ASK for what you want. All is well, that ends well. You are all set now!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Baxie8]

...for your quick reply! Which treatments have you experienced so far? There are so many to choose from, and with only one during my stay, I want it to be the BEST!! Thanks so much for all the great information you offer at this thread!!

 

[hightown]

Morning! Have been a frequent reader and enjoyed this thread (or it's predecessor) over the years. Wanted to pop in for a quick question...

I recall reading last summer that Swan/Dolphin had 'dive-in' movies. Was this a regular thing and does anyone know if they will be doing again this summer? Anyone recall what movies were shown or what type?

We'll be over at Universal too this trip but will miss the weekend there. DD and I loved the 'dive-in' movie thing at the Hard Rock!

We'll be at the Dolphin 5/30-6/4. Staying on points (gotta love it). If fact was suprised when I booked my room on line and found that it was actually 'resort' view instead of the standard. As always hoping for the balcony too.

Thanks! Sharon

 

[Mama Twinkles]

Hi, all. Wondering if the experts here would choose "limited view" (at AAA rate) at the Dolphin over upgraded view (at AP rate) if the lesser view meant a savings of $179 over 5 nights. I'm less concerned about the money per se than whether the upgrade would feel worth it. I do realize the AP would save money on some meals, but am just looking at resort costs right now. Balcony is not important to me as long as windows open. Thank you!

While we're at it, here are a couple additional questions: Can the Disney Dining Experience cards be used at the Swan and Dolphin restaurants? Also, I have a Starwood Preferred card. Have not earned any upgrades or anything, but if I note my membership at the time of booking, are they likely to offer me a complimentary upgrade (precluding the need to purchase an AP)? Many thanks in advance once again for all your help.

 

[jabead]

Have two rooms reserved at the Dolphin for 2 adults/4 kids in March and am wondering how much their 2BR suites run? I can't seem to find rates for their suites anywhere. Also do they give any discounts on the suites, like AP or AAA?

 

[terryfromhawaii]

Have two rooms reserved at the Dolphin for 2 adults/4 kids in March and am wondering how much their 2BR suites run? I can't seem to find rates for their suites anywhere. Also do they give any discounts on the suites, like AP or AAA?

For an Executive 2 bdrm suite it's $769/nite AAA rate. For a Grand 2 bdrm suite (slightly larger than Executive-larger dining table) it's $869/nite. This is for mid to end of November 2006.

 

[luvdmouse]

Just a quick question about CL at the Dolphin. What hours is it open? What is served there? Are soft drinks, water bottles, or cookies available throughout the day or only certain times? Thanks

 

[NancyIL]

Newsflash...looks like Swan/Dolphin guests WILL be able to buy the refillable mugs at Tubbi's during the refurbishment! Good thing, cuz I told my son I WASN'T paying for "pop"..unless it came with his meal (for instance, at a buffet)!

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1023313

 

[opal]

The mold and mildew problem at the Swan is alive and well. We experienced it during both our trips in November 2005 and January 2006. Both times there was a distinct odor and in January there was visable mildew on the wall all around the window. If someone in your party has allergies or asthma, this is a very real issue for them. Next trip we will insist on being moved if the we can either see it or smell it.

Too bad.....Swan was our favorite resort prior to this smelly problem.

 

[tojesahajj]

does the swan charge for parking? Is it really 8 dollars for every entry? so if i come and go several times it will cost 24 dollars?
how much does it cost to rent a fridge?

 

[NancyIL]

does the swan charge for parking? Is it really 8 dollars for every entry? so if i come and go several times it will cost 24 dollars?
how much does it cost to rent a fridge?

If you are a hotel guest, it is $8 per day (plus tax, I believe) with in and out privileges. If you are just visiting the Swan or Dolphin, you will pay $8 each time you exit the lot.

 

[Momof-3]

The mold and mildew problem at the Swan is alive and well. We experienced it during both our trips in November 2005 and January 2006. Both times there was a distinct odor and in January there was visable mildew on the wall all around the window. If someone in your party has allergies or asthma, this is a very real issue for them. Next trip we will insist on being moved if the we can either see it or smell it.

Too bad.....Swan was our favorite resort prior to this smelly problem.

Does anyone know if they have a problem at the Dolphin with that. My son has mold in his lungs...got it from a surgery at a hospital..bad stuff..cant get rid of it.....there is no way in heck I will let him stay anywhere like that. We are going in April. If rooms are sold out becuase of a conference...and we encounter a problem...what happens then? Im not expecting a problem but just wondering what I do if there is?

 

[ericafny]

Question about luggage transfer...

I read that the S/D will transfer your luggage from their hotel to another resort, however is the reverse true? We are staying at one of the all stars first before we transfer to S/D...when I asked the woman at reservations she said they wouldn't transfer but I am beginning to think she doesn't know what she is talking about...anyone know?

OK thought of anothe Q:

Anyone know how much a cab is from the All Stars to S/D and then also from S/D to MCO???

Thanks!

 

[jt493]

Can you tell be about the parking fees?

 

[RamonaB]

I called the Pop directly and asked if they would transfer my luggage from there to the Swan while I was at the parks. I was assured that they most certainly would and that I just needed to make arrangements early that morning and that my luggage would be at the Swan by 3:00 p.m. that same day.