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

[imlazar]

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.

Hmmm, i'm in the dolphin now in a non-smoking room with two queen beds, it si for a conference so I don't know the room rate.

it's a really nice hotel, maybe the nicest I've stayed in so far at Disney, but I wouldn't stay here with kids. This is a business hotel with thousands of conference attendees but I can count on one hand the number of children I've seen in the last three days.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

We love the Dolphin! Although we have seen many business travelers over the years. We also have seen families as well. That being said I don't think you will mind staying at the Swan it is also a beautiful resort.

By the way the walk to Epcot is approx. 15 minutes? I'm guessing but that sounds about right anyone else know for sure?

 

[DashMom]

Hmmm, i'm in the dolphin now in a non-smoking room with two queen beds, it si for a conference so I don't know the room rate.

it's a really nice hotel, maybe the nicest I've stayed in so far at Disney, but I wouldn't stay here with kids. This is a business hotel with thousands of conference attendees but I can count on one hand the number of children I've seen in the last three days.

We just checked out of the Swan yesterday afternoon. DH, me and our 7 yo son. We've stayed in both the Swan and Dolphin many times. During conferences, there aren't many kids there because the conference takes over most of the resort (including the pool area last Sunday night!)

We were there last week before the conference and although it was quiet, there were plenty of families and kids around. They are very friendly towards kids and the pool area is fun for children.

I like that these hotels are very convenient and have some Disney amenities but aren't "too" Disney.

 

[imlazar]

We love the Dolphin! Although we have seen many business travelers over the years. We also have seen families as well. That being said I don't think you will mind staying at the Swan it is also a beautiful resort.

By the way the walk to Epcot is approx. 15 minutes? I'm guessing but that sounds about right anyone else know for sure?

I don't know, but there is a boat that leaves from between the resorts and goes to Epcot.

 

[Dislifer]

Can you get the teacher rate at the Dolphin or is it just at the Swan???

 

[RachelTori]

Can you get the teacher rate at the Dolphin or is it just at the Swan???

That rate is offered at both the Swan and Dolphin, based on availability.

 

[DashMom]

We have stayed in both the Swan and Dolphin many times, but not for the past 2 years. I have mixed reviews.

I was sorry to see that the concierge lounge is gone (thanks to this board, I was warned!) I miss Mama T!

They do make a concession to Starwood platinum members though and offer a continental breakfast complimentary at the lobby bar. Yummy chocolate chip muffins, bagels, croissants, fruit and beverage.

I am not crazy about the redecoration. To me, a lot of it clashes with the parts of the decor that are leftover from before the remodel.

I was also sorry Palio is gone. Il Mulino looks poised to open (the concierge told me they were having a staff dinner there this past weekend) It sounds like it will be a great place though.

Other than that, we still love the Swan and Dolphin. I love the location so close to Epcot and MGM. I like that we could walk or take the boat. The staff is very friendly and the rooms are very nice. We had a very roomy Jr Suite.

I like being close to the Boardwalk too.

In the Dolphin, I do like the remodel of Tubbi's into Picabu and also the Fountain.

We ate at Gullivers one night and it was just so so.

 

[DashMom]

I don't know, but there is a boat that leaves from between the resorts and goes to Epcot.

You walk along the Boardwalk and then over a bridge.

We walk because it is faster than the boat.

It is also about 15 minutes walk to MGM.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would say 15 minutes to Epcot is correct. The difference from the Swan vs the Dolphin is about a minute. And I would say very nice for th kids, especially the amazing pool area, really has to be seen to appreciate.

 

[paras4ri]

Our kids are 12 & 15 and they love both the Swan and the Dolphin - we've had 2 magical stays and look forward to our next trip in August.

 

[mhf]

If I want to hop the monorail to the Contemporary or another monorail resort for dinner, how do I/can I get to the Epcot stop without actually going through Epcot? We do not have the park hopper on our short stay tickets so we can't zip in thru the International Entranace and out the other side. Would prefer not to do the bus thing, changing somewhere along the way.

thanks bunches, you all have been so great!

Melissa

 

[paras4ri]

If I want to hop the monorail to the Contemporary or another monorail resort for dinner, how do I/can I get to the Epcot stop without actually going through Epcot? We do not have the park hopper on our short stay tickets so we can't zip in thru the International Entranace and out the other side. Would prefer not to do the bus thing, changing somewhere along the way.

thanks bunches, you all have been so great!

Melissa

The easiest/fastest route is to take a bus to MK and then either walk or monorail to the Contemporary. There is no way to get to the Epcot monorail without going through the park - and it's also a long walk from the Dolphin & Swan.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We just booked the Swan on the teacher discount and I was just wondering a few things since this will be our first stay there. I booked standard, but joined SPG and have the SW Am Ex card. Will we get an automatic upgrade (noted this on DU ressie) or do I have to ask at check-in. Also, what do I ask for when asking for the upgrade. Also can you have them empty the mini bar?
We are so excited about staying here.
Anything else we need to know?

 

[DisneyDotty]

Also can you have them empty the mini bar?
We are so excited about staying here.
Anything else we need to know?

The teacher's rate is a great rate, isn't it?!
Re: the mini bar--there have been conflicting reports on this thread about emptying it. I was told by the receptionist that they would charge me whether they did it or I did it. (And I was.) Others on this thread have said they were able to leave a note for housekeeping and weren't charged. Guess it depends on who you talk to?
Have a magical trip!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I always empty the mini bar (well, not empty, but take some out). I call housekeeping, telling them I am doing so and put all the items taken out on top the dresser that the bar is in. Never been charged, and have done many times.

 

[RachelTori]

We just booked the Swan on the teacher discount and I was just wondering a few things since this will be our first stay there. I booked standard, but joined SPG and have the SW Am Ex card. Will we get an automatic upgrade (noted this on DU ressie) or do I have to ask at check-in. Also, what do I ask for when asking for the upgrade. Also can you have them empty the mini bar?
We are so excited about staying here.
Anything else we need to know?

Gotta love that teacher rate!! Make sure they have your SPG # listed on the reservation - that should ensure the upgrade. I'd also make sure they're aware it's your 15th Anniversary! I always request an Epcot View. (or you might prefer an MGM view or pool view!) At check-in, they've always had that information noted and we've gotten some awesome views for the "standard room rate"

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

3 months til our first stay at the Dolphin...does this mini bar issue apply there? I am confused...why would they charge you if you do not eat or drink anything from the mini bar and replace everything? Is there some sort of automatic charge just for opening it?

I am assuming you want the mini bar empty so you can put your own items in, correct? We will probably bring some wine and beer, and would want to use a fridge. I never even thought about the fact that the only fridge is the mini bar, which will be full. hmmmm.....

 

[Blondie]

Wildernesslodgelover, what we often do is bring a collapsable cooler, or buy one of those cheap styrofoam ones. Fill with ice and place the items you want to keep cold in there. It'll eliminate the need to bother with the mini-bar.

 

[MSC]

Will we get an automatic upgrade (noted this on DU ressie) or do I have to ask at check-in.

You have to ask at check-in. And it's not "automatic" it's if there are upgraded rooms available. And if you are going at a busy period, you can pretty much assume that an upgraded room won't be available. That's been my experience, anyway.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Wildernesslodgelover, what we often do is bring a collapsable cooler, or buy one of those cheap styrofoam ones. Fill with ice and place the items you want to keep cold in there. It'll eliminate the need to bother with the mini-bar.

Thanks Blondie! But I still don't understand why others are asking about emptying it. And if nothing is eaten...if everything is put back into the mini bar before check out...what would the problem be?