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

[ms_mckenna]

Curious will the Dolphin release new dates in summer 07 for Dec 08 like Disney will? Also am I correct in understanding that when the new dates to book are released the teachers discount will be avaible immediately? If not can I book the dates now and go back later and call and get the discount if it is offered at a later date?

 

[paras4ri]

Also does the S/D have any Disney theming?? Will I know I am on Disney property if I stay there? Are there refillable mugs?

While the hotels don't have actual Disney themeing (in decor) you can just look out your window and see Epcot or the Boardwalk or MGM or even AK & MK in the distance and for me that's all I need to know I'm at Disney World!

They do offer refillable mugs, at Pikabu, the 24-hour cafeteria in the Dolphin. You can refill them with soft drinks or coffee and they offer Starbucks coffee there.

 

[momshark]

While the hotels don't have actual Disney themeing (in decor) you can just look out your window and see Epcot or the Boardwalk or MGM or even AK & MK in the distance and for me that's all I need to know I'm at Disney World!

They do offer refillable mugs, at Pikabu, the 24-hour cafeteria in the Dolphin. You can refill them with soft drinks or coffee and they offer Starbucks coffee there.

Perfect! Thanks!! I have a "thing" for those refillable mugs. Obsessive might be a accurate word.

 

[Dan Murphy]

...They do offer refillable mugs, at Pikabu, the 24-hour cafeteria in the Dolphin. You can refill them with soft drinks or coffee and they offer Starbucks coffee there.

Can you use them on multiple trips, Gail?

 

[jeankeri]

Go to the S/D discount thread to ask the date release question. If I remember correctly the discounts for 2007 were released during the summer of 2006. Bob from dreamesunlimited is great about answering posted questions quickly.

 

[dreamflight99]

Hi Everyone,

Have a question -- does anyone know which resort Dolphin or Swan has the better view of EPCOT and MGM?

I plan on staying there during my anniversary this year and would love to get a room that overlooks either or both parks.....or does anyone have a suggestion on a view?

I would love to sit in a balcony and be able to see a firework show or something -- is that possible from S/D?

TIA,

Jodi

Yes Jodi, just as Blondie wrote...the FAR EAST WING of the Dolphin is best for doing this, (preferably an upper floor which offers the best possible view). This wing consists of 9 floors. Anything above the 5th is highly recommended.
MGM would be the far WEST WING at the opposite end, overlooking the pool (again, upper floor for best unobstructed view).

GREAT POOL PICS Kimmar!! That Grotto pool is one of the most beautiful on property (IMHO), and open 24/7, making it even more appealing. Also, just the fact you can sit/walk or relax under that waterfall is such a cool feature. During the hottest time of day/summer, it's a cool, shaded misty haven for refuge from the direct sun rays/humidity and heat. The staff also permits items which Disney pools usually restrict/prohibit (pool noodles, floats, beach balls, etc). You can play water games and toss items to one another (carefully) without fear of being whistled-at or made to leave the pool! Once we bring a water/beanie bag into the pool, we make an instantaneous 10-20 friends who begin to slowly integrate themselves into our family game (catching it when it's tossed wildly and then returning it for another go)! It's always great fun, and a wonderful way to enjoy an afternoon in the Florida sunshine.

I'm w/you 100% Gail on the "Disney theming" inquiry! All I need to do is look out the window at 9:01 pm each eve and see/hear the fireworks of Illuminations over Epcot to know I'm in the MIDST/HEART of WDW! Even before this happens, I can see the spaceship earth from the window/balcony of our suite (one of the best sights next to the Castle, IMHO).

Yes, all-you-wish-to-enjoy STARBUCKS Coffee with "complimentary flavor syrups" of your choice are available for the refillable mugs too! Mmmm...french vanilla, hazelnut, etc. The resort just gets better and better with every little feature/perk. The home-made chicken-noodle soup is some of the best I've ever had (still available too). They are known for offering this little bit of heaven. mmm. Pizza's not that bad either!

*Since the mugs do not change, you are permitted to use them on multiple trips at either property (if so desired). The staff and management have both confirmed this to be true. But, at the meager cost of only $10 each, it's nice to buy a new one/two each summer (they make great souvenirs). Unless you are being facetious Dan, and this is a humorous stab at the age-old "REFILLABLE MUG" subject...lol. (from the mere presence of the teeth smiley at the end of your sentence...I believe it is).

Some new members to the DIS have no idea what a HOT-BUTTON TOPIC "any" refillable mug question truly represents on these forums. They quickly get out of hand, before most are subsequently LOCKED and closed. If anyone is curious, just do a little search using the words "refillable mug" and you will see what I mean.

 

[RachelTori]

Some new members to the DIS have no idea what a HOT-BUTTON TOPIC "any" refillable mug question truly represents on these forums. They quickly get out of hand, before most are subsequently LOCKED and closed. If anyone is curious, just do a little search using the words "refillable mug" and you will see what I mean.

How true! I always CRINGE when I see a thread with those words in the title!

 

[Dan Murphy]

There may be some pictures in this thread, not sure........

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=545805

Can someone describe the slide at the Dolphin to me. The kids saw the pic at CSR and now want to swim at that pool!!! Anyone know how long it is. I haven't been able to find any pics.

 

[ms_mckenna]

K thanks so much I will go and ask that there now.
We stayed at the Dolphin in November and I will agree it is not very "disney themed". This is the most Disney like thing in the hotel :

But it has so many other great things. My kids adored it. Plus being in walking distance to Epcot and MGM is such a plus!

 

[sppunk]

Trying to decide between Dolphin and Wilderness Lodge (such differences, I know!) and have a hard time.

So, I am asking for help. I understand the basics - no DME, no charging park buys to the room, etc., but I honestly don't care about those too much. We get points for purchases so I would use my cc anyway.

What few things would sell you to stay at the Dolphin over WL? I'm thinking the proximity to all the Boardwalk dining options suffices - but am I playing that up too much? Having never been to DW, it's hard to visually imagine everything. I see us spending a bit more time at Epcot (won't be visitng MGM).

 

[Ronald Duck]

Trying to decide between Dolphin and Wilderness Lodge (such differences, I know!) and have a hard time.

So, I am asking for help. I understand the basics - no DME, no charging park buys to the room, etc., but I honestly don't care about those too much. We get points for purchases so I would use my cc anyway.

What few things would sell you to stay at the Dolphin over WL? I'm thinking the proximity to all the Boardwalk dining options suffices - but am I playing that up too much? Having never been to DW, it's hard to visually imagine everything. I see us spending a bit more time at Epcot (won't be visitng MGM).

Well, I'll take a stab at this one...and, BTW, in the end I'd pick WL over Dolphin (and have several times)...BUT it's a win/win choice, IMO!

Here are two things about Dolphin (or Swan, which I prefer) that are winners over WL (you didn't ask for WL winners, so I won't offer ):

-The amazing choices of places to eat (and shop) within walking distance...in the D-S itself, at Y/B, around BW, AND in Epcot's World Showcase (that's the biggest attraction for us).

-The (outdoor) visual variety in D-S's "neighborhood"...each resort is beautiful in its own way, and the walks/boat rides to both Epcot and the Studios are just visually terrific. For a photography-lover like me, there are more pic-worthy spots per square foot in that general area than anywhere else on Disney property, IMO.

 

[sppunk]

Thanks, Ronald. I see you've recently been to WL, so I might as well ask why you would chose WL over Swan/Dolphin!

I can see the theming is far better - and the keys all in one would be nice, too. However, we will likely eat dinner every night outside of WL - is getting to other dining choices (like on the BW) and back to WL at night a major issue? I know some resort-to-resort issues are alive and well, but not sure about how this plays into WL.

Thank you. And your name makes me smile.

Chris

 

[paras4ri]

Thanks, Ronald. I see you've recently been to WL, so I might as well ask why you would chose WL over Swan/Dolphin!

I can see the theming is far better - and the keys all in one would be nice, too. However, we will likely eat dinner every night outside of WL - is getting to other dining choices (like on the BW) and back to WL at night a major issue? I know some resort-to-resort issues are alive and well, but not sure about how this plays into WL.

Thank you. And your name makes me smile.

Chris

I've stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin, as well as the BC and POR. It's been my experience that traveling resort-to-resort can be difficult, especially at night. If there's a theme park still open you can bus to that park and jump on another resort's bus. If you bus to MGM you can even take a boad to the Boardwalk. Otherwise you're forced to bus to DTC and make the same bus switch. THat means that if you're going from WL to the Boardwalk area you actually drive by it to DTD and then double back as you make the bus switch.

 

[#1hockeymom]

S/D have so many restaurants and entertainment options at such a close distance. Between WL and S/D I'd pick S/D. I do have to add that WL doesn't do a thing for me, though. (I'm a die hard AKL lover)

My last trip I didn't do a split stay with the S/D. I really missed NOT being there for part of my trip!

 

[jodistar]

Thanks Everyone for your advice/help on rooms at the Dolphin.....I just reserved for 2 nights in October! My husband will be so suprised .

 

[restful urchin]

I know this has been addressed elsewhere but I can't remember where..

What is the current price for self parking at the Swan?

thanks so much

 

[warriorboy648]

I was just reading reviews on All Ears about the Dolphin and there were a bunch about the rooms being musty and the air conditioning only going on with movement. I have a son with asthma and both of these problems couldn't be tolerated. Anyone been there recently and have these problems?

 

[jodistar]

One more question, although I'm sure as time goes on I'll have more.

I just booked for a balcony room in the Dolphin.....hopefully good enough to have a nice view of Illuminations -- my question is during our stay there we will be celebrating our anniversary, is it possible to eat on the balcony maybe have a glass of wine, etc. ?

It's not a huge anniversary, only our second but we've been together for 10 years before we were able to marry.

TIA,

Jodi

 

[#1hockeymom]

Sitting and having a glass of wine, no problem. Eating a full dinner? There really isn't enough space. That being said, room service at the S/D is about the best or THE best on Disney property. Have a nice romantic dinner indoors in your room, then go out on the balcony for drinks!

 

[jodistar]

Sitting and having a glass of wine, no problem. Eating a full dinner? There really isn't enough space. That being said, room service at the S/D is about the best or THE best on Disney property. Have a nice romantic dinner indoors in your room, then go out on the balcony for drinks!

Thank you! I had no idea how big the Balcony was.....couldn't picture it. So excited this is my first stay at the Dolphin.