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

[drew2wdw]

Hi all! I'm booked at the Dolphin for our trip in May. We have requested a king room (as well as a crib for our toddler) but I realize it is just a request, not a guarantee. I was wondering what everone else's experiences were when requesting a king room? How often is that request granted?

 

[dina7]

Is the Disney Dining Plan available to you if you stay at the Dolphin?
Also, what restaurants does the Dolphin currently have, do they have a food court at all?
Thanks!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

The dinning plan is not available at the Dolphin. Last week 2/5 the food court was closed and I did not see a sign about when it will reopen. Without the food court there is no inexpensive food available at the hotel. One night we ended up getting DS a $12 late night hamburger! After that we would be sure to pick up a snack before we left the park or get off the boat at the Boardwalk and get a slice of pizza. Tubbies is great for a quick meal or snack if they are reopened when you are there.

 

[jeankeri]

Which is closer to walkways and Grotto pool? My sons love to swim so I'd like to be closer to the big pool! Also, is the Dolphin more kid/family friendly? Is there a big difference in restaurants, choices of food? Thanks for any info...

 

[MSC]

Which is closer to walkways and Grotto pool? My sons love to swim so I'd like to be closer to the big pool! Also, is the Dolphin more kid/family friendly? Is there a big difference in restaurants, choices of food? Thanks for any info...

The Swan is closer the the walkway to Boardwalk, MGM, YC/BC. (Though there is a sidewalk from the Dolphin, it's a bit convoluted because it traces the outline of the building, and so takes longer. The boat lauch is equidistant between the two.

The Dolphin is definitely more family friendly because of Tubbi's (temporarily closed - I know I've seen other threads with the reopening date, if not this one), and the soda fountain. Otherwise, they both have all kinds of grown-up restaurants, though the Dolphin seems to have the better, with Blue Zoo and Shula's.

The Dolphin is probably closer to the Grotto pool, though I've never walked there from both. But the bulk of the pool complex, with the Cabana bar and the kiddie pool (which is HUGE), is definitely closer to the Dolphin. Depending on the age of your sons, that's more important than the grotto pool, which sounds nice, but is kind of a disappointment in person, if you ask me (except for the slide!)

If you have kids, I would definitely stay at the Dolphin, if Tubbi's will be open. Otherwise, they're a toss up.

And someone else asked about the dining plan - I believe that you can get the dining plan if you book the S/D as a Disney vacation through Disney's website. It's a choice, just like any other Disney property. (Though, I don't know if any S/D restaurants are actually on the dining plan.)

 

[BlueFairy]

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

"Update!

Hello from the Dolphin! Here's the scoop on Tubbi's.

The convenience store is open but there is nowhere near the stuff in there that there normally is. It's like they're trying to sell it all before closing it down. For example, there are cans of pop but only Sprite. A few bags of chips. They have coffee set up. No refillable mugs.

Now, according to my email, refillable mugs would be refilled at any restaurant on property but I've been having some problems. No one in the lobby bar was aware of this. When I went down this a.m., I asked for a Diet Coke and put my mug on the counter. The lady started to get a cup and put ice in it. I asked if I could have it in the mug and then she tried to charge me for it. I explained that I had emailed the resort before leaving and was told I could refill it anywhere. She told me she was a supervisor and she had not heard of anything like that. Luckily, I remembered the name of the woman who had emailed me and mentioned that. THEN, she took the price of the refill off my bill and told me she'd check into it.

It was a bit embarassing to have to argue over the price of a pop while people were waiting behind me in line. I'll probably try it again tomorrow morning but if I have to go through the same thing, I may give it up as a lost cause. I haven't tried doing it at the Fountain yet. Every time I've gone down there, the line has been out the door for their counter service. Sure not as convenient as running down to Tubbi's but we'll get through it and I'm sure Tubbi's will be much improved for our next visit.

Aside from that, we're having a great stay. We got upgraded to the Epcot view--no balcony which my dd is upset about--I usually pay for one because DH really likes it but since he's not with us this time around, I decided to skip it. I'd rather have the view and stated that in my reservation. The staff has been great--we had a couple of minor problems with the room and they were fixed immediately. Just a tv remote that didn't work and a toilet that wasn't flushing properly but the service was impeccable and they've called several times to make sure we're happy. And we are!"

 

[dreamflight99]

Magical Express (as such) doesn't provide transportation to the Swan or Dolphin. Sometimes a ME bus will be used to transport Mears paying passengers between the Swan/Dolphin and the airport, as that was my ride back to the airport in December. I also paid Mears for a one-way ride on the ME bus to the Yacht Club, and then walked from there to the Dolphin. I had one rolling suitcase and a tote bag so I was fine, but I wouldn't suggest that for people with lots of luggage.

I'm sorry your stay at the Dolphin was disappointing. I have stayed at the Dolphin 6 times and at the Swan 8 times, and I've never had a room with mold or mildew. I can see how having a family member in a wheelchair or young children desiring meals at Tubbi's could affect one's perception of the services and facilities at the Swan/Dolphin. I go to WDW solo most of the time, and since I've been staying at the Swan most recently, I rarely go to any of the eateries at the Dolphin. For my situation, the resort fits me perfectly.

Ditto...except I travel mostly w/DH & DD.

 

[dreamflight99]

j_rgonz~Although I've never used this form of transportation before, they should have OFFERED a car seat for your young child. The laws in Fla are pretty much like the rest of the country when it comes to child/adult seat restraints. Perhaps they try to get away with these restrictions as they are mostly traveling between the WDW property. Still...NOT OKAY in my book. You should have refused to place your child in the Van W/O a car seat (they would have found one FAST). I do know they have these available, as I've seen others use them (in similar vans, etc). Therefore, next time...insist.

drew2wdw~More often than not! The only times you truly run-into trouble with requests, is when you get "specific" by requesting a certain room number, wing, etc. If you merely request a KING, you will more than likely receive it. The best KINGS on property *(IMHO) are the "CORNER KINGS with TURRET BALCONY" in the Dolphin. They are the king rooms available at the rounded ends of the wings, one on either side from ground one to 9. If you go take a look at Blondie's new thread/post with photos..you will see the Dolphin across from the Swan (obligatory photo!), and these TURRET rooms on the end of the wings.

These are all kings with a sofa, and some have TWO balconies (one facing forward, a secret one which is semi-private and covered). This is the TURRET or rounded balcony, and is wonderfully romantic to sit out there and relax while "the world goes by" below! They are decorated and set-up nearly exactly as the photos of Blondie's KING room in the Swan. So, you can get a "feel" for the place by viewing her pictures.

jeankeri~Request the far WEST wing at the Dolphin, to be closest to the GROTTO pool.

BlueFairy~I am with you 100%, and would never wish for this kind of STRESS while vacationing...period. This is an easy-fix (the soda refill dilemma). Go to or phone the front desk, and ask to speak with the woman who sent you the email regarding the soda refill. Do not take "no" for an answer---telling the front desk associate this person sent you an email pertaining to an important matter, and you MUST speak with her and no one else!!

Explain to her EXACTLY what you wrote---about the hassle, and the embarrassment. Explain to her that you will NOT go through this again. She is either to GATHER THE MASSES (Associates) and INFORM them of the new rules regarding REFILLS...or walk around and hand-out photo copies of the UPDATE. IF...this happens again, you will merely have the soda placed on your bill. The day prior to leaving the resort, you will CALL her---and have her REMOVE all the subsequent charges for soda you have received on your folio. Simple...and no stress. As long as you get the "ball rolling" you should not have this problem again. Yet---you must call and/or speak directly with the person who sent the email---this is IMPERATIVE.

Also...while you're speaking with her, ask about the availability of a BALCONY room on either side of where you presently are situated (or...somewhere on the same wing, up or down the hall...or up another floor, etc? Tell her how much this would mean to your DD, and in light of all the trouble and inconvenience--it would be a wonderful offer of recompense which would be greatly appreciated! Explain you are willing to "move" your own belongings from your room to the other (no need for a bellman), and would do this asap. I'm sure they have one available---and could give you a new key "pronto" (especially after you confront her over the beverage refill mess).
Let me know how this pans-out.

As for the two minor problems you mentioned, did service express call you back to insure the problems were fixed? Did they offer you any compensation per the SHERATON PROMISE *(ie: free movie, Spg points, chocolates, $$)?
I have not heard anyone mention this, yet the program was still in full-swing in August.

Thanks again...for the GREAT REFILL update!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

I've been reading all these S/D posts to try to fiqure out the best way to get from MCO to the Dolphin (well actually the best and CHEAPEST!). We have stretched our budget staying at the Dolphin but could not resist the $129 rate!!!

NANCYIL--- you mentioned paying for MEARS to ride a ME bus to the Yacht Club then walking to the Dolphin. Can you tell me how far it is to walk and how to arrange that please. I've used ME before and thought it was great and this might be the perfect solution. I'm only concerned about the walk depending on how much luggage we end up taking. Also, we'll be arriving at 8:30 am so the ME buses shouldn't be too crowed, they weren't last time at the same arrival time.

Thanks!

 

[NancyIL]

I've been reading all these S/D posts to try to fiqure out the best way to get from MCO to the Dolphin (well actually the best and CHEAPEST!). We have stretched our budget staying at the Dolphin but could not resist the $129 rate!!!

NANCYIL--- you mentioned paying for MEARS to ride a ME bus to the Yacht Club then walking to the Dolphin. Can you tell me how far it is to walk and how to arrange that please. I've used ME before and thought it was great and this might be the perfect solution. I'm only concerned about the walk depending on how much luggage we end up taking. Also, we'll be arriving at 8:30 am so the ME buses shouldn't be too crowed, they weren't last time at the same arrival time.

Thanks!

The reason I took the ME bus was that there was about a 40-minute wait for the Mears shuttle to the Dolphin. I paid the person at the Mears desk the $17 (now $18) fee, and got on the ME bus to the Yacht Club. The walk from the YC to the Dolphin took maybe 5-10 minutes. The ME bus was nice, but you won't save any money over taking a Mears shuttle. Depending on how many people you're transporting, it might be less expensive to rent a car at MCO from National or Alamo for drop-off at the Dolphin.

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

Thanks. I really don't want to rent a car, one reason we're flying is so we won't have to drive anywhere but it is a good suggestion. I think we'll end up taking the MEARS shuttle, I wonder how long it will take at that time in the morning (8:30 am). Surely it won't take 2 or 2 1/2 hours like the stories I've heard. Last year we arrived 8:15 , took ME to ALL STAR Music, checked into our room, rested and headed to the bus stop by 10:30!

Kinda got off topic, sorry. Maybe I'll start a new thread just for the MEARS shuttle and see what responses I get.

 

[MSC]

Depending on how many people you're transporting, it might be less expensive to rent a car at MCO from National or Alamo for drop-off at the Dolphin.

Amen to that. With my family of four, I find it much easier to rent at National for $30-40 a day for a one-way trip from MCO to Dolphin (and another one way trip on your last day.) You just drive the car to the front door, give the keys to the valet, and they take care of it. (And make sure you rent another car on your last day for the return trip!)

That way, you can go to and fro on your schedule, and not have to crowd onto a shuttle with other people, making who knows how many other stops.

Oh, and if you want or need to make a grocery stop (or, like we did, stop at World of Disney @ DTD on the way to the airport for last minute shopping), you can do so at your leisure.

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks. I really don't want to rent a car, one reason we're flying is so we won't have to drive anywhere but it is a good suggestion. I think we'll end up taking the MEARS shuttle, I wonder how long it will take at that time in the morning (8:30 am). Surely it won't take 2 or 2 1/2 hours like the stories I've heard. Last year we arrived 8:15 , took ME to ALL STAR Music, checked into our room, rested and headed to the bus stop by 10:30!

Kinda got off topic, sorry. Maybe I'll start a new thread just for the MEARS shuttle and see what responses I get.

I can understand not wanting to drive when you're on vacation, but I also don't like to WAIT! I once had a reservation for a rental car for the drive to the Swan, but being cheap, decided to save a few bucks and take the Mears shuttle. Well...by the time the shuttle left the airport - I would've been at the Swan had I kept the rental car reservation!

The drive from MCO to the Dolphin is very easy, especially if you take the SOUTH airport exit to Highway 417 - the central Florida Greeneway. Much better in my opinion than taking 528 to I-4. It takes 25-30 minutes max and 2 tolls if you exit at State Road 536. Then follow the signs to the Epcot Resorts, and then to the Dolphin.

 

[kaylajr]

We have a two bedroom exec suite booked for DEC
we have what they call a "lake View"
can anyone tell me what Exactly I will see
or does anyone have pictures

thanks

 

[groomtb]

is it possible to request ADR from their concierge service days PRIOR to check-in?
or best to do that first thing upon arrival?

trying to book a large group for dinners but places we want are all booked.

 

[jjjbennett]

I just used the $129 email rate to book the Swan for aug15-23. Two rooms for my family which includes me, DH, DD17, DS14, DD10, DS4. I originally asked for the Dolphin but was told that the availability of the connecting rooms was greater at the Swan and that it was smoke free and had the queen beds. I also read in this post that the Swan was a bit easier to navigate than the Dolphin and had the extra sink. Will I miss anything at the Dolphin. I am pleased with the location and love deluxe hotels. My other choice was CSR with the dining plan but it was going to cost more and I think the dining plan might turn out to be way too much food for my family and thus stressful to me as I don't want to overeat.
That being said do you think the Swan was the correct choice for a family of 6? I would assume that we would want to eat some lunches at Tubbis (or whatever it is renamed) but I'm assuming that accessing it will not be a problem. Let me know if you think I should change to the Dolphin as there was availability. I did like the fact that the connecting rooms were gauranteed at the Swan.

 

[NancyIL]

I just used the $129 email rate to book the Swan for aug15-23. Two rooms for my family which includes me, DH, DD17, DS14, DD10, DS4. I originally asked for the Dolphin but was told that the availability of the connecting rooms was greater at the Swan and that it was smoke free and had the queen beds. I also read in this post that the Swan was a bit easier to navigate than the Dolphin and had the extra sink. Will I miss anything at the Dolphin. I am pleased with the location and love deluxe hotels. My other choice was CSR with the dining plan but it was going to cost more and I think the dining plan might turn out to be way too much food for my family and thus stressful to me as I don't want to overeat.
That being said do you think the Swan was the correct choice for a family of 6? I would assume that we would want to eat some lunches at Tubbis (or whatever it is renamed) but I'm assuming that accessing it will not be a problem. Let me know if you think I should change to the Dolphin as there was availability. I did like the fact that the connecting rooms were gauranteed at the Swan.

You will be very happy to have the extra sink in each room - so stick with the Swan. It's my favorite!

 

[dreamflight99]

You will be very happy to have the extra sink in each room - so stick with the Swan. It's my favorite!

Nancy...you have a very valid point here. If not for the "Suite" I reserve at the Dolphin, I'd be at the SWAN. The TWO QUEEN beds have always been a strong point to me, as well as the "Hollywood" sink/vanity in the bathroom area. Also, the profound "quiet" of the place, lobby and grounds...makes for a much more romantic stay. When DH and I visit alone, I'll reserve the Swan. Also, my DS is asking to visit together---another SWAN opportunity. I know you have always loved the Swan, and can easily "rattle-off" the reasons for your preference. For me, it's the points listed above. Queen beds, are larger and more comfy for large families...(even for a husband and wife) than doubles! LOL. Without the option for the Suite/King, DH and I would be at the Swan with BELLS-ON!!

 

[Blondie]

I also read in this post that the Swan was a bit easier to navigate than the Dolphin and had the extra sink. Will I miss anything at the Dolphin.

Our king room at the Swan just last weekend did not have the extra sink, I thought all the rooms had it, but evidently not. Just wanted you to know so that you can request it ahead of time if you really need it. Since it was just DH and I, it wasn't an issue.

The Swan is definitely easier to navigate with less walking to/from the elevators. Other than that, I don't think you'll miss a thing!

 

[NancyIL]

Our king room at the Swan just last weekend did not have the extra sink, I thought all the rooms had it, but evidently not. Just wanted you to know so that you can request it ahead of time if you really need it. Since it was just DH and I, it wasn't an issue.

The Swan is definitely easier to navigate with less walking to/from the elevators. Other than that, I don't think you'll miss a thing!

Blondie - was the sink inside the bathroom or outside? Did your bathroom have the curved shower rod? I usually stay in a Swan studio, and those don't have the curved shower rods - but they do have two sinks.

dreamflight - my first four Starwood stays were at the Dolphin, and I loved it there. My last two December short stays (2004 & 2005) were also at the Dolphin, and it was a great place to be at holiday time. I will gladly rest my head at the Dolphin any time!

Still, my slight preference is for the Swan. Another advantage to the Swan...the WDW busses pick-up and drop-off at the Swan before the Dolphin. The Swan is also a tad closer to the Boardwalk - something I really noticed when going back to the Dolphin after an evening at Jellyrolls in December!