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

[ChloeChipper]

Staying at the Swan for 2 nights. Got the teacher rate. How common are complimentary upgrades to the std. view rooms, if you're using a discount rate? Does this hotel have a nice pool area? Does it get really crowded? What about laundry facilities, are they packed all the time? Looks like a gorgeous hotel, cant wait to try it out.

 

[paras4ri]

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!

LOL - I took that same walk on that same night in December and yes, I also observed that the Swan is a bit closer to the Boardwalk.

We stayed in a resort-view room at the Swan in August and our room also didn't have the curved shower curtain. I missed it only because I've loved it at the Dolphin.

ChloeChipper - I can't help with your question about upgrades but I can about laundry. The laundry facilities for both hotels is at the Dolphin and it's huge! We've used it different times of the day with no wait. It's right next to the game room and I learned from a fellow guest that if the token machine in the laundry room isn't working you can get tokens in the game room and they'll work in the washers & dryers - and the did! The walk from the Swan is no farther (and possibly closer) than walking from the far east wing in the Dolphin. We spent the time while our clothes were washing at the pool (very close) and also the pool bar!

 

[Kitty 34]

Staying at the Swan for 2 nights. Got the teacher rate. How common are complimentary upgrades to the std. view rooms, if you're using a discount rate? Does this hotel have a nice pool area? Does it get really crowded? What about laundry facilities, are they packed all the time? Looks like a gorgeous hotel, cant wait to try it out.

That's what I love about the Grotto pool!! No matter how crowded it gets and we go in June, the pool never seems super crowded. The pool area is awesome....great music; lots of chairs; some nice drinks!

 

[magical memories]

We are booked for a non-balcony room with an EPCOT view for April. I went back and fourth a million times in my head as to whether I should give up a balcony room (without an EPCOT view, since they were not avail.) for an EPCOT view (but without a balcony) I have ALWAYS had a balcony wherever I have stayed and would never imagine not having one but I thought a resort/EPCOT view would be really beautiful so I decided to give up the balcony. So do you think I will be disappointed? Any tips on staying at the Dolphin? It will be my first time and I cannot wait! Is Tubbi’s closing for good? I wasn’t aware that they were closed at all.

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!"

 

[drew2wdw]

Does the Dolphin offer turn down service? And if so, do have to request it? And again, if so, do you have to request it each day or only at the beginning of your stay?

Thanks!

 

[cindyfan]

We currently have ressies for Swan in June.
Can we pay the balance due ahead of time?
We have always done it this way at the Disney reosrts, so that it makes it a lot easier.
I assume they have card keys too......
And is there anything that can be charged to the room using the card key?

 

[Blondie]

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. :

The sink was on the inside, and no curved shower rod.

Here's where the mini-bar aka "refreshment center" was located:

 

[BlueFairy]

Dreamflight and MagicalMemories -
I think you misunderstood my post. I was relaying information that I read on a different thread, not my own experience. See http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1023313 to discuss with the OP. Sorry for the mix-up.

 

[we1luv1dis]

We are booked for a non-balcony room with an EPCOT view for April. I went back and fourth a million times in my head as to whether I should give up a balcony room (without an EPCOT view, since they were not avail.) for an EPCOT view (but without a balcony) I have ALWAYS had a balcony wherever I have stayed and would never imagine not having one but I thought a resort/EPCOT view would be really beautiful so I decided to give up the balcony. So do you think I will be disappointed? Any tips on staying at the Dolphin? It will be my first time and I cannot wait! Is Tubbi’s closing for good? I wasn’t aware that they were closed at all.

Don't worry, the best view we have had at the Dolphin was an Epcot view with the balcony but the rooms on either side had the same view without a balcony. Being able to watch the Epcot fireworks at night from your room is simply the best!!

 

[paras4ri]

Does the Dolphin offer turn down service? And if so, do have to request it? And again, if so, do you have to request it each day or only at the beginning of your stay?

Thanks!

The Dolphin does provide turndown service...with wonderful chocolates!!! We usually call Housekeeping when we arrive and request it for entire stay.

 

[BlueFairy]

YIPEEEE!!!!

I can't believe we already have some pixie dust. Just called to confirm our reservation and request at the Dolphin for next Friday and spoke with Matt. I explained that I wanted to confirm our reservation - done. Then that we emailed with our SPG # and didn't get a response - yes he has it in the system along with our requests - crib, corner king, non-smoking, EPCOT view - YEA. So then I say that the crib is essential and we would really LOVE if we could have an EPCOT view since we will be in the room with her so much. "Yes, maam, we already have you pre-assigned with a lake view and that room has a balcony."
I'm so excited. I can even live without Tubbis! Now what are the chances that will change and we won't get it? I'd be so disappointed now.
Can someone tell which rooms these are likely to be?

Finally, we've decided to get groceries ahead for breakfasts. Will the mini-fridge be cold enough for milk and yogurt not to spoil? Or do I need to find a way to get a cooler with ice?

 

[we1luv1dis]

YIPEEEE!!!!

I can't believe we already have some pixie dust. Just called to confirm our reservation and request at the Dolphin for next Friday and spoke with Matt. I explained that I wanted to confirm our reservation - done. Then that we emailed with our SPG # and didn't get a response - yes he has it in the system along with our requests - crib, corner king, non-smoking, EPCOT view - YEA. So then I say that the crib is essential and we would really LOVE if we could have an EPCOT view since we will be in the room with her so much. "Yes, maam, we already have you pre-assigned with a lake view and that room has a balcony."
I'm so excited. I can even live without Tubbis! Now what are the chances that will change and we won't get it? I'd be so disappointed now.
Can someone tell which rooms these are likely to be?

Finally, we've decided to get groceries ahead for breakfasts. Will the mini-fridge be cold enough for milk and yogurt not to spoil? Or do I need to find a way to get a cooler with ice?

Haven't had the corner / king room but have had the same Epcot view with a balcony / 2 double beds. It was the best view we ever had , simply amazing to watch the Epcot fireworks from your room (9:30 on the button each night for us). I have to say it was quite a walk from the lobby so be prepared just in case you have the same walk ( never knew there were that many hallways in the Dolpohin LOL).

Our DD8 has severe food / milk allergies so we always have the fridge issue because we need to keep her medicine and soymilk cold. We always get another fridge because the mini bar fridge never seems cold enough. I also become a master of the "run to the ice maker and fill the cooler" as well, just don't want to take any chances.

 

[cindyfan]

we1luv1dis.....We always get another fridge because the mini bar fridge never seems cold enough.

So you CAN request another frig?
I think that would be best for my DD with an infant and a toddler.

Also, anyone with infants......
Are the elevators big enough for double strollers?
Is there shade by the pool to park a stroller for the baby to nap?
and....for the parks....
how did you work it on the rides.... did one of you carry them on your lap?

 

[drew2wdw]

YIPEEEE!!!!

I can't believe we already have some pixie dust. Just called to confirm our reservation and request at the Dolphin for next Friday and spoke with Matt. I explained that I wanted to confirm our reservation - done. Then that we emailed with our SPG # and didn't get a response - yes he has it in the system along with our requests - crib, corner king, non-smoking, EPCOT view - YEA. So then I say that the crib is essential and we would really LOVE if we could have an EPCOT view since we will be in the room with her so much. "Yes, maam, we already have you pre-assigned with a lake view and that room has a balcony."
I'm so excited. I can even live without Tubbis! Now what are the chances that will change and we won't get it? I'd be so disappointed now.
Can someone tell which rooms these are likely to be?

Finally, we've decided to get groceries ahead for breakfasts. Will the mini-fridge be cold enough for milk and yogurt not to spoil? Or do I need to find a way to get a cooler with ice?

BlueFairy - YAH for you! Sounds like your going to be getting a great room! I was curious what category of room you had actually reserved when you made your reservation? I would love to have a room w/ either an Epcot view or a balcony since, like you, we will be traveling w/ a little one and therefore will also be spending a lot of time in our room (naps and early bedtimes). We also have requested a king bed and a crib but due to budget limitations only reserved a standard view. I'm guessing the only way we would get an upgrade to one of these is with a LOT of Pixie Dust!

 

[drew2wdw]

The Dolphin does provide turndown service...with wonderful chocolates!!! We usually call Housekeeping when we arrive and request it for entire stay.

Thanks!!! That's what we'll do!

 

[Blondie]

we1luv1dis.....We always get another fridge because the mini bar fridge never seems cold enough.

So you CAN request another frig?
I think that would be best for my DD with an infant and a toddler.

Also, anyone with infants......
Are the elevators big enough for double strollers?
Is there shade by the pool to park a stroller for the baby to nap?
and....for the parks....
how did you work it on the rides.... did one of you carry them on your lap?

I can answer two of your questions....yes the elevators are big enough for a double stroller.

Under the Grotto Pool waterfall is where I've seen a lot of people take their little ones for a nap. The sound of the waterfall is hypnotizing. I can see why people do it. It lulls people to sleep! It's all under cover there too, lots of shade and the bathroom is right there as well.

With the rides, I'm of no use. My kids are taller than me now!! I'm sure someone else can answer that question for you.

One thing you'll love at the S/D is the boat transporation to and from Epcot and MGM because you can just roll your stroller right on without having to fold it up like you have to do on the Disney busses.

 

[dreamflight99]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=11586699#post11586699

Blondie...and everyone else!! ~Please, kindly follow the above link, and post any photos you wish to share (Of DOLPHIN WATER VIEWS). Thank you. I know some of you have some amazing photos..and due to a couple pm's recently received, I thought I would add a PHOTO THREAD for the DOLPHIN and SWAN. Thank you in advance, for any/all submissions!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Alicnwondrln]

looks like i have some reading to do

 

[AnnB]

If I split my stay between AKL and the Dolphin, will the resorts automatically move my luggage for me? I did this last year from AKL to BC and it was great, however, is the Dolphin eligible for this?

Thanks,
Ann

 

[5starmom]

We'd really like to go to WDW the first week of October this year and are considering the Swan or Dolphin. BUT, I've read in this loooooong thread more than a few times that Oct. is a big convention time for the Dolphin.

In your opinion, those with experience, is the convention thing something that will affect our stay enough that we should choose either different dates OR go to the Swan over the Dolphin OR just choose a different on-site resort? We can be pretty flexible with dates but want to go when it's warm enough to swim outside a lot.

We're looking at either the Dolphin or Swan, Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside or Coronado Springs all in a similar price range when park tickets are added. (We could do a value resort like Pop Century, too, but that's not my first choice over these other resorts!)

Opinions?