dreamflight99
<font color=deeppink>Princess of THIS Castle!<br><
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2001
- Messages
- 3,388
Baxie8~Thank you for the kind words, glad to be of assistance. 
My FAV treatment is the "four hands" therapy. It's exclusive to Mandara, and is offered by a team of two persons (wonderful experience). Since I have not seen the MENU from the Dolphin, I'm unsure as to the "unique" treatments they are offering. Each property and SPA location offers special treatments which reflect the locale/region.
Sharon~Long time...no see!
Yes, the DIVE-INN Movies are FAB! The films shown were FAMILY style movies, I believe one was Lilo and Stitch. There was a list/sheet at the Concierge. I also recall the dive-inn movies at the Hard Rock (as we always stay at the PBH---but at those LOEWS, guests are permitted/encouraged to share ANY/ALL facilities). Have they stopped this at the HR? Please, call guest services using the 1-800 # I listed a couple of pages back, and ask about this feature. I believe it may be a summer treat/perk (and it looks as if you are just overlapping into the official summer season during your visit).
Mama Twinkles~This question is very common at a property such as the Swan/Dolphin (where a frequent guest program is actively implemented/used). The "chance" of you obtaining an "upgrade" from a limited/standard view to a Preferred or unobstructed view is pretty good...but contingent on many factors. It depends upon everything from hotel capacity, to the CM checking you in at the front desk. Since so much is left to chance, and the possibility of being rejected remains , if the view truly matters to you--you should reserve it in advance.
Yet, a "limited" view is not always that "limited" (LOL). I know of someone who reserved such a room---just to see what this view was like? In the initial room--she was in a corner inside location, and could see the Swan and the rooms/balconies across from her at the Dolphin. In the next room, (she kindly called and requested to be moved, stating she was feeling "claustrophobic"...lol) she could see EPCOT, through the palm trees/fronds (which were obstructing the windows somewhat). Depending on how the wind blew during the storms, she could nearly see ALL of Epcot.
It's all a matter of personal choice.
luvdmouse~The lounge has always been open limited hours/times. I'm not sure of the current hours, but it is open twice per day (morning:7-10:30, afternoon-early eve: 5-7:30pm), and guests may visit for the Epcot Fireworks ILLUMINATION viewing at 9:00 pm.
Yes, they serve soda (assorted coke products, 12 oz. cans), bottled water (8 oz size), and cookies in the afternoon. Water is available in the am/pm. You are permitted to "take" water bottles with you, as well as soda (for later consumption). Guests are also free to take a plate with a few cookies (the Concierge will even wrap these with saran wrap for you upon request) back to your room/suite for an afternoon/evening snack! You may also bring some little cartons of fresh milk, and stock these in your mini-fridge to keep them cold. These make a great late-nite snack, as you are watching the fireworks displays together.
The lounge even offers individual bags of CAPE COD kettle chips! We love these, as they are thick and crunchy...and the bags are the perfect size to toss in your back-pack for a snack in the park (trapped in a long-line somewhere).
Nancy~Great NEWS! Now your son can enjoy non-stop "pop!"
With the cost of soda at a meal, etc.---I fully understand your comment. The mugs are refillable at the SWAN as well, just about anywhere on property. I've never experienced a problem refilling them--not even at the pool (What's the associate going to say--"Go inside an fill 'em at Tubbi's."???). NO. They fill the cup...no trouble. Although, I've never walked up to Shula's in my swimsuit, cover-up, thong sandals and asked, "Could you kindly refill my mug?" LOL...
(Although...it's an IDEA if things get dull...). 
Opal~Wow...that's too bad. Sorry you had to experience such a problem, you should have called to alert the proper department immediately. I can assure you it's not a "Common" problem at this hotel, and not at all rampant. Were you in the same room/area/floor, etc. (?) during these two stays? I have not read of any other similar problems at the Swan or Dolphin (especially since the renovation took place). This is not to say it's not possible--as I know "first-hand" it is/can happen.
If there are complaints about "mold" the hotel immediately contacts the safety and engineering/maintenance department, per state health regulations (Florida is one of those very serious MOLD states). They scour the room, from top to bottom (once a guest alerts the problem to the staff) and do not take the matter lightly. I know this, as we personally experienced a similar problem at the Dolphin AFTER renovations were completed in this part of the hotel property. The inner wall corner was saturated (wall/carpet) and black mold was all over the entire area. They moved us immediately, and had an entire "masked-crew" in the room tearing out the wall, carpet, and reconstructing all the damaged areas. The engineer in charge of the department informed my husband the leak stemmed from a faulty pipe on the roof--which permitted water down between the wall during rainstorms. They found the source, and corrected the resulting problem immediately.
This manager in charge of the engineering department also informed us of the seriousness of the MOLD issue, and how they (hotel corp.) would happily cover any "tests" we needed or desired via area hospitals/doctors. We declined the offer, as we didn't stay more than a couple of days in the suite before noticing the trouble. They did offer to comp a night, due to the inconvenience and trouble associated with the problem, and even sent a gift basket to the new suite (thanking us for alerting them to the problem). They handled the problem proficiently, and satisfactorily. I trust they will do the same at the Swan, should it ever arise in the future.
This reminds me of a common complaint among guests visiting the POLY some years back. Once someone "read" about another guest's complaint of "mold" on a BB, and how the guests who experienced the problems were either moved to a BETTER room...compensated by a complimentary evening, or great upgrade, etc---suddenly "everyone" began to experience the MOLD problem at the POLY (LOL). I'm not at all implying this is the case with you and your family, I'm just saying these things have a way of spreading like wildfire.
The hotel management of each property is fully aware of which rooms have been deemed to have a problem in the past, etc. They also keep a close tab/files on all guests, and records of each one (including every/all complaint ever logged---even with a basic phone call from a room). Hotels must be savvy to stay one step ahead of SOME guests! You would be surprised at the length some guests will go to, to receive a free night, better view/room or complimentary upgrades. They go to the hotel, with these things in "mind" *(hence notes in each room on the illegal nature of intentionally "defrauding" hotel properties. These facts are clearly reflected on the tariff sheet (usually displayed in the closet area, or behind a closet door, etc).
This is also why Hotel management still "reserves the right" to refuse business/patronage at their discretion. YES---it has actually occurred at a WDW property (as we actually stood BEHIND someone denied a room years ago, at the former DIXIE LANDINGS). It had to do with something about their PAST stays, and recurrent complaints, etc. The associate who came out of the office area even went so far as to make the comment aloud, "we're ON to you Mr. so and so." My DH and I were stunned, as everyone else within earshot appeared to be! There's a first for EVERYTHING, and this one definitely took the cake.
tojesahajj~Yes, Nancy is correct in regards to the parking fee. If you are just visiting, it is much better to use Valet--as you are only charged a "flat rate" for the entire 24 hour period (and may come/go as many times as you wish). This is why the parking is a flat rate, otherwise--it would not make any sense (as the price of self-parking would exceed that of VALET). I am unsure as to the current price of a fridge rental.
Momof-3~Rooms are never truly "sold-out" (not in a literal sense of the word), even during a conference. Rooms must always be available for last-minute VIPS, and also Platinum SPG guests guaranteed a room, etc. Therefore, if you ever detect MOLD, or anything else which makes the room dissatisfactory to you---alert the front desk immediately. They will take care of the problem, and most likely begin by relocating you to a room which is free of any reported problems. I hope you do not encounter any problems, and am pleased to see you are not anticipating any.
ericafny~Yes, Valet will help you facilitate the transfer of your luggage between any Disney Property. The reservation associates are not familiar with the BELL services of any of the properties. Your best bet is to ASK the bell associates IN PERSON. As RamonaB reported, they will be able to arrange and assist you with this transfer. Please, tell them well in advance. Ask for the BELL CAPTAIN when you go to speak with someone in person. This person should be able to assist you fully (with all the details). We have used this service both to/fro other properties. Of course, tipping accordingly ($1 per bag minimum) is the proper thing to do for such a service/amenity. Please, tip the bellman in advance at the ALL STARS, after he loads all your bags for transport to the Dolphin. You will also be expected to tip the same to the Dolphin Bellman on the other end---for taking care of your bags on the receiving end. It's the least you can do, considering the convenience of this transfer (saving you from lugging the bags all over the place~!).
A cab from the ALL STARS to the Dolphin will run you between 10-15 dollars. A cab from the Dolphin to MCO would run you about $80-100 or more---plus tolls and other airport parking fees. It is not advisable. A town car, directly from the Dolphin to MCO is only $55, and can be reserved at the desk for anytime...day or night. This price includes all fees (except gratuity). It's the best deal, much better than mears (much nicer RIDE too).
It's nice to read you are finishing your stay at the Dolphin, (deluxe property), over the ALL STARS (Value). There is a huge difference...and you are not going to want to stay anywhere else after you sleep in the heavenly bed--and experience all the DELUXE has to offer!
It's a perfect way to "cap" your vacation/visit! 
My FAV treatment is the "four hands" therapy. It's exclusive to Mandara, and is offered by a team of two persons (wonderful experience). Since I have not seen the MENU from the Dolphin, I'm unsure as to the "unique" treatments they are offering. Each property and SPA location offers special treatments which reflect the locale/region.Sharon~Long time...no see!
Yes, the DIVE-INN Movies are FAB! The films shown were FAMILY style movies, I believe one was Lilo and Stitch. There was a list/sheet at the Concierge. I also recall the dive-inn movies at the Hard Rock (as we always stay at the PBH---but at those LOEWS, guests are permitted/encouraged to share ANY/ALL facilities). Have they stopped this at the HR? Please, call guest services using the 1-800 # I listed a couple of pages back, and ask about this feature. I believe it may be a summer treat/perk (and it looks as if you are just overlapping into the official summer season during your visit). Mama Twinkles~This question is very common at a property such as the Swan/Dolphin (where a frequent guest program is actively implemented/used). The "chance" of you obtaining an "upgrade" from a limited/standard view to a Preferred or unobstructed view is pretty good...but contingent on many factors. It depends upon everything from hotel capacity, to the CM checking you in at the front desk. Since so much is left to chance, and the possibility of being rejected remains , if the view truly matters to you--you should reserve it in advance.
Yet, a "limited" view is not always that "limited" (LOL). I know of someone who reserved such a room---just to see what this view was like? In the initial room--she was in a corner inside location, and could see the Swan and the rooms/balconies across from her at the Dolphin. In the next room, (she kindly called and requested to be moved, stating she was feeling "claustrophobic"...lol) she could see EPCOT, through the palm trees/fronds (which were obstructing the windows somewhat). Depending on how the wind blew during the storms, she could nearly see ALL of Epcot.
It's all a matter of personal choice. luvdmouse~The lounge has always been open limited hours/times. I'm not sure of the current hours, but it is open twice per day (morning:7-10:30, afternoon-early eve: 5-7:30pm), and guests may visit for the Epcot Fireworks ILLUMINATION viewing at 9:00 pm.
Yes, they serve soda (assorted coke products, 12 oz. cans), bottled water (8 oz size), and cookies in the afternoon. Water is available in the am/pm. You are permitted to "take" water bottles with you, as well as soda (for later consumption). Guests are also free to take a plate with a few cookies (the Concierge will even wrap these with saran wrap for you upon request) back to your room/suite for an afternoon/evening snack! You may also bring some little cartons of fresh milk, and stock these in your mini-fridge to keep them cold. These make a great late-nite snack, as you are watching the fireworks displays together.
The lounge even offers individual bags of CAPE COD kettle chips! We love these, as they are thick and crunchy...and the bags are the perfect size to toss in your back-pack for a snack in the park (trapped in a long-line somewhere). Nancy~Great NEWS! Now your son can enjoy non-stop "pop!"
With the cost of soda at a meal, etc.---I fully understand your comment. The mugs are refillable at the SWAN as well, just about anywhere on property. I've never experienced a problem refilling them--not even at the pool (What's the associate going to say--"Go inside an fill 'em at Tubbi's."???). NO. They fill the cup...no trouble. Although, I've never walked up to Shula's in my swimsuit, cover-up, thong sandals and asked, "Could you kindly refill my mug?" LOL...
(Although...it's an IDEA if things get dull...). Opal~Wow...that's too bad. Sorry you had to experience such a problem, you should have called to alert the proper department immediately. I can assure you it's not a "Common" problem at this hotel, and not at all rampant. Were you in the same room/area/floor, etc. (?) during these two stays? I have not read of any other similar problems at the Swan or Dolphin (especially since the renovation took place). This is not to say it's not possible--as I know "first-hand" it is/can happen.
If there are complaints about "mold" the hotel immediately contacts the safety and engineering/maintenance department, per state health regulations (Florida is one of those very serious MOLD states). They scour the room, from top to bottom (once a guest alerts the problem to the staff) and do not take the matter lightly. I know this, as we personally experienced a similar problem at the Dolphin AFTER renovations were completed in this part of the hotel property. The inner wall corner was saturated (wall/carpet) and black mold was all over the entire area. They moved us immediately, and had an entire "masked-crew" in the room tearing out the wall, carpet, and reconstructing all the damaged areas. The engineer in charge of the department informed my husband the leak stemmed from a faulty pipe on the roof--which permitted water down between the wall during rainstorms. They found the source, and corrected the resulting problem immediately.
This manager in charge of the engineering department also informed us of the seriousness of the MOLD issue, and how they (hotel corp.) would happily cover any "tests" we needed or desired via area hospitals/doctors. We declined the offer, as we didn't stay more than a couple of days in the suite before noticing the trouble. They did offer to comp a night, due to the inconvenience and trouble associated with the problem, and even sent a gift basket to the new suite (thanking us for alerting them to the problem). They handled the problem proficiently, and satisfactorily. I trust they will do the same at the Swan, should it ever arise in the future.
This reminds me of a common complaint among guests visiting the POLY some years back. Once someone "read" about another guest's complaint of "mold" on a BB, and how the guests who experienced the problems were either moved to a BETTER room...compensated by a complimentary evening, or great upgrade, etc---suddenly "everyone" began to experience the MOLD problem at the POLY (LOL). I'm not at all implying this is the case with you and your family, I'm just saying these things have a way of spreading like wildfire.
The hotel management of each property is fully aware of which rooms have been deemed to have a problem in the past, etc. They also keep a close tab/files on all guests, and records of each one (including every/all complaint ever logged---even with a basic phone call from a room). Hotels must be savvy to stay one step ahead of SOME guests!
You would be surprised at the length some guests will go to, to receive a free night, better view/room or complimentary upgrades. They go to the hotel, with these things in "mind" *(hence notes in each room on the illegal nature of intentionally "defrauding" hotel properties. These facts are clearly reflected on the tariff sheet (usually displayed in the closet area, or behind a closet door, etc). This is also why Hotel management still "reserves the right" to refuse business/patronage at their discretion. YES---it has actually occurred at a WDW property (as we actually stood BEHIND someone denied a room years ago, at the former DIXIE LANDINGS). It had to do with something about their PAST stays, and recurrent complaints, etc. The associate who came out of the office area even went so far as to make the comment aloud, "we're ON to you Mr. so and so." My DH and I were stunned, as everyone else within earshot appeared to be! There's a first for EVERYTHING, and this one definitely took the cake.
tojesahajj~Yes, Nancy is correct in regards to the parking fee. If you are just visiting, it is much better to use Valet--as you are only charged a "flat rate" for the entire 24 hour period (and may come/go as many times as you wish). This is why the parking is a flat rate, otherwise--it would not make any sense (as the price of self-parking would exceed that of VALET).
I am unsure as to the current price of a fridge rental. Momof-3~Rooms are never truly "sold-out" (not in a literal sense of the word), even during a conference. Rooms must always be available for last-minute VIPS, and also Platinum SPG guests guaranteed a room, etc. Therefore, if you ever detect MOLD, or anything else which makes the room dissatisfactory to you---alert the front desk immediately. They will take care of the problem, and most likely begin by relocating you to a room which is free of any reported problems. I hope you do not encounter any problems, and am pleased to see you are not anticipating any.
ericafny~Yes, Valet will help you facilitate the transfer of your luggage between any Disney Property. The reservation associates are not familiar with the BELL services of any of the properties. Your best bet is to ASK the bell associates IN PERSON. As RamonaB reported, they will be able to arrange and assist you with this transfer. Please, tell them well in advance. Ask for the BELL CAPTAIN when you go to speak with someone in person. This person should be able to assist you fully (with all the details). We have used this service both to/fro other properties. Of course, tipping accordingly ($1 per bag minimum) is the proper thing to do for such a service/amenity.
Please, tip the bellman in advance at the ALL STARS, after he loads all your bags for transport to the Dolphin. You will also be expected to tip the same to the Dolphin Bellman on the other end---for taking care of your bags on the receiving end. It's the least you can do, considering the convenience of this transfer (saving you from lugging the bags all over the place~!). A cab from the ALL STARS to the Dolphin will run you between 10-15 dollars. A cab from the Dolphin to MCO would run you about $80-100 or more---plus tolls and other airport parking fees. It is not advisable. A town car, directly from the Dolphin to MCO is only $55, and can be reserved at the desk for anytime...day or night. This price includes all fees (except gratuity). It's the best deal, much better than mears (much nicer RIDE too).
It's nice to read you are finishing your stay at the Dolphin, (deluxe property), over the ALL STARS (Value). There is a huge difference...and you are not going to want to stay anywhere else after you sleep in the heavenly bed--and experience all the DELUXE has to offer!
It's a perfect way to "cap" your vacation/visit! 
I will be celebrating my mid-century birthday during our visit. Do you think that would have any pull in getting a decent view?
We check out on a Saturday and have a late flight back that day, so we're planning on still hitting a park for a while that day. From what I understand we can just check out that morning and leave our luggage with bell services, is that correct? (I've never done this before) If so, do we just go down to the front desk, checkout, and tell them that we'd like to leave our luggage there until its time for our flight? (We'll be using a towncar service for transportation to/from the airport) How about when we're ready to retrieve it that evening -- go to the front desk? I'm sure I could figure this stuff out once we got there, but I like to already know the details before I get there! 
Thanks!
