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

[Disneytrip]

you say the room service at dolphin/swan is good? excellent! has anyone tried the pizza margherita. we'd like to have a night in

 

[paras4ri]

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?

I've had 3 stays in the Dolphin (and 1 in the Swan) in the past 3 years - our most recent in September - and have never had that difficulty. It is important to follow the instructions by the thermostat and be sure if you have a balcony that the door is always locked. That aids in the system functioning optimally.

 

[luvdisney14]

We stayed at the dolphin and swan a few years back, can someone tell me if there is a mini-frig in each room?

 

[Blondie]

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?

I have many S/D stays under my belt now and we've never had a problem with musty/moldy rooms. We've been in rooms with and without balconies, a studio and 1 and 2 BR executive suites, not a hint of musty smell. I'm not saying it can't happen, it's just never happened to us.

The A/C's are motion sensored, but I think they are at all the WDW resorts, aren't they? I've read there is a way to over ride the system. I've also read that if you have a balloon in your room the slightest bit of movement will keep the A/C running. The A/C has never been an issue for us. It doesn't take long at all to cool down a room or even a suite.

 

[Blondie]

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

It's $9.00 a day.

 

[1st x dis mom]

Has Any One Stayed On The 16th Floor Before? Are The Elevators Fast Or Slow? What Are The Views Like?

 

[warriorboy648]

I have many S/D stays under my belt now and we've never had a problem with musty/moldy rooms. We've been in rooms with and without balconies, a studio and 1 and 2 BR executive suites, not a hint of musty smell. I'm not saying it can't happen, it's just never happened to us.

The A/C's are motion sensored, but I think they are at all the WDW resorts, aren't they? I've read there is a way to over ride the system. I've also read that if you have a balloon in your room the slightest bit of movement will keep the A/C running. The A/C has never been an issue for us. It doesn't take long at all to cool down a room or even a suite.

Thanks, I was so worried that I made a WDW reservation tonight. Maybe I won't need it. I just love the Epcot area and I have an incredible teacher price...

 

[paras4ri]

Has Any One Stayed On The 16th Floor Before? Are The Elevators Fast Or Slow? What Are The Views Like?

The Dolphin elevators are incredibly fast!

 

[mhf]

Anyone used their SPG points to upgrade a Swan room that is already discounted (ie government, teachers, etc)?

And if so, how did you do it? Call how far ahead?

I don't have a enough for a free room, but I have enough to upgrade this May.

Melissa

 

[paras4ri]

Anyone used their SPG points to upgrade a Swan room that is already discounted (ie government, teachers, etc)?

And if so, how did you do it? Call how far ahead?

I don't have a enough for a free room, but I have enough to upgrade this May.

Melissa

I've upgraded at check-in and I believe it's based on availability. If you want to do it in advance I think it can only be shortly before your stay, but I'm really not sure. I'd call the hotel to be sure.

 

[boscoj]

You can use use SPG points for an upgrade 5 days before you check-in...at least that's what I've been told.

 

[elaine and the boys]

Our first stay at the Dolphin is coming up next month. We've only ever stayed at the moderates, where we parked our own car and schlepped our own luggage (we drive and bring LOTS of stuff!)

I don't want to pay for valet service ($16/day?), and I know that self-parking is $8 or $9/day. When you arrive for check in on the first day, if you choose the self-parking option, do you have to bring all your own bags up to your room? Do you get assistance from staff? With a cart? Just wondering how it all works at this hotel.

Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I always have a car. I self park. I pull up to the front entrance, a bit beyond where the doors are. Getting out, I tell the valet I am self parking but want assistance with bags. They'll unload the car, and bell folks will bring bags to the room (tips along the way to whomever handles things). I go to the room, freshen up a bit, head back down to go to the park/s, parking the car at that point before I leave the S/D property.

 

[elaine and the boys]

Thanks, Dan Murphy! Sounds like a great plan!

Now for another question:

We're staying at the Dolphin next month. Knowing that we might not be able to get the usual Starwood Preferred Guest upgrade because it's during Presidents' Week and there may be no available rooms to move to, I was wondering if, at check in, we could use our SPG points to get one of our nights for free (if the upgrade is unavailable). We have enough points to do this, but can you do this at the last minute, or do you have to reserve the "free" night ahead of time?
(I already called the Dolphin and asked about the upgrade, but was told it's based on availability when you arrive.)

Thanks!

 

[RachelTori]

Our first stay at the Dolphin is coming up next month. We've only ever stayed at the moderates, where we parked our own car and schlepped our own luggage (we drive and bring LOTS of stuff!)

I don't want to pay for valet service ($16/day?), and I know that self-parking is $8 or $9/day. When you arrive for check in on the first day, if you choose the self-parking option, do you have to bring all your own bags up to your room? Do you get assistance from staff? With a cart? Just wondering how it all works at this hotel.

Thanks!

I have a little *tip* with regards to the bellmen. When we were there last month, my husband gave a hefty tip to the man who loaded the luggage onto the cart. As we started towards the elevators, while my husband was busy parking the car, I realized it was a different person pushing the cart. It turns out, the 2 work completely independent of each other (the ones who open the car door for you and take your luggage and place it on the cart will not share the tip with the bellmen who, in my opinion, do the lions share of the work!).

Needless to say, I felt obliged to give the bellman an even heftier tip!

 

[elaine and the boys]

Good "tip", RachelTori! Thanks!

 

[francie]

hi everyone, can anyone tell me whether it is a shorter walk to the international gateway from the swan/dolphin or from the bwi? thanks

 

[MOM POPPINS]

BWI is closer

 

[francie]

thanks, mom poppins. approx how long is it a walk from the swan/dolphin?

 

[warriorboy648]

Advice on the Swan verses Dolphin. Originally there were no Swan rooms available when I tried to book the Teacher's rate. Now that the $125.00 a night is out the Swan has rooms for my dates. I am leaning toward the Swan because it's non-smoking and has queen beds. Anyone think I will regret that decision. Not really concerned about the walking. We stayed at POR and walked all over. None of us seemed to mind.