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

[chell]

sign up for stuff at the swan dolphin website to
thats how i won my 3 day trip there in august

 

[disneywithfive]

Just returned today from a two night stay at the Dolphin and can say that we had a great time. On Saturday nights they have a fire by the beach and a movie. We enjoyed being close to the Boardwalk as we walked over and sat by Jellyrolls and watched the Epcot fireworks. When we went back to the room, (we had a room on the 7th floor facing the parking lot) we watched the Magic Kingdom fireworks at 10pm. I originally wanted to face the Boardwalk/Epcot area but since we have a 2, 3 & 4 year old, facing the parking lot and watching the MK fireworks worked better. They don't like the loud bangs. Just wish that music was piped in at the Boardwalk or the rooms. The rooms were nice and ours was clean each time. The pools were ideal for the kids and the pool bar/grill worked great for lunch. An big convention was checking-in today so I'm glad we were leaving and that might have been to many people but the hotel is large enough that we may not have noticed except in the restaurants. The only thing that I wish they would improve on was the parking fee. I understand why they have it - that's not the issue - it just took us a bit to get out since our room key wouldn't open the gate and we had to stop and have a conversation with the guard. He was okay, didn't give us any trouble, but seemed overwhelmed with the key issue. By the way, we ate at the Fountain twice and it was good. Had ice cream from the walk-up counter. It was crowded there but they worked really fast. Didn't try Picabu but wish we had. We'll do it next time.

 

[AndyMcV]

...When we went back to the room, (we had a room on the 7th floor facing the parking lot) we watched the Magic Kingdom fireworks at 10pm.....

Hey DisneyWithFive

You know I've always been petrified of a parking lot view room at the Dolphin. I've never thought though that could/would mean a view of the nightly fireworks from MK. That's cool. Thanks for the info.

Andy

 

[jeankeri]

Loved the movie at the pool!! My kids thought floating on the tubes to watch was the best (gave me plenty of time to make myself LOTS of s'mores- yum) .

 

[Kaybee]

Does anyone know if they got their refillable mugs back yet? We were at the Dolphin May 13 to 20th and they were all sold out of refillable mugs. The CMs thought they might be changing the logos on them that is why it was taking so long to get them in stock. I was just wondering if they were available again?

 

[aimee11621]

Definately not worth the extra money. View was the reaaallllllllllllllly bad. Could not see beyond the trees....

 

[aimee11621]

Definately not worth the extra money. View was reaaallllllllllllllly bad. Could not see beyond the trees....

If the hotel wants to charge an extra fee because of the beautiful view and the balcony tell the no!!!! Save your money and take a different room!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just a follow up to a question I asked a couple weeks back, AAA card discount. I did use my AAA card quite a few times at various restaurants there at the Swan and Dolphin, 20% off every bill.

 

[disneywithfive]

Just a follow up to a question I asked a couple weeks back, AAA card discount. I did use my AAA card quite a few times at various restaurants there at the Swan and Dolphin, 20% off every bill.

I didn't even think to ask about that - could you list the restaurants that allowed the discount. We ate at the Fountain and the pool bar but didn't get to any others. Thanks!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I ate at Gullivers Grill/Garden Grove Cafe, Fresh Mediterranean Market, The Fountain and Picabu. I know Shula's did not accept the Disney Club or Magic Kingdom Club cards in the past, I assume it does not accept AAA. I do think all other eating places do accept it.

 

[goofy64055]

Great view of the Boardwalk, Epcot fireworks and could see MK fireworks!

 

[jeankeri]

Arrrgh!!! Totally forgot to show my AAA card...

 

[we1luv1dis]

Arrrgh!!! Totally forgot to show my AAA card...

Right there with ya ... kickin myself now thinkin about how many meals we have eaten on property and I NEVER once thought to show my AAA card ....

 

[jeankeri]

At least now I can adjust amounts for food on my budget for next year's trip. I'll just have to glue to card to my forhead so I don't forget to use it... .

 

[NancyIL]

When I stayed at the Swan in March - I asked about the AAA discount at the Dolphin Fountain. The woman who took my order knew nothing about it, but when she checked with someone else, I DID get the 20% discount!

 

[dreamflight99]

Definately not worth the extra money. View was the reaaallllllllllllllly bad. Could not see beyond the trees....

Aimee, there is a quick solution to this, which was remedied when my friends called a week ago with a similar problem at the Dolphin. I had them call the front desk, and speak with someone I know (but, it could have been anyone), and be MOVED to another room! There was nothing available in the catagory they reserved, so they were upgraded to CL, at no extra charge (in a jr. suite, btw)!! They were beside themselves with glee. I would NEVER settle to stay in a room, I am not pleased with...for any reason. I have never had a problem getting the trouble ameliorated. Just be reasonable, and kind. I wish you would have called, and not stayed in such a room. Hopefully, you will pen a quick note to management in regards to this matter. They will, in the very least, insure you receive a complimentary upgrade and better view on your next visit. Feel free to pm me with any questions regarding this. Sorry again, for your problems with the room/view. There's simply no excuse for this--especially when it's regarded as a premium view room (?). This should be reserved for business and convention people ONLY.

Nancy~I recall discussing the AAA discount with you on a previous occasion. I always use it, at the fountain too (and other places like the splash cafe, etc). I always receive the 20% too...no trouble. They are all aware of it, and there is a KEY on the register pad specifically for this purpose. ^_^

Dan~Shula's has confirmed they never accept any other discount cards (other than their own Shula's card, which I always top-off and bring). It doesn't matter, lack of a discount would never keep me away from this awesome restaurant.

Andy...actually, there are some lovely "hidden" secret rooms overlooking the end past the far East Wing, which face westward. These rooms have their own little wing, and cool architecturally designed windows and coves. They overlook the walkway to the convention center (used to be parking lot) and towards the Yacht Club area. Yes, the views of the Fireworks over the MK are beautiful from these rooms. Many people actually prefer and request these rooms, as they love to watch the sunset...and the view of the horizon from the upper floors is astounding. They can also see CSR from the top floor.

disneywithfive~You would not have even noticed the conventioners...as they are completely separated from the rest of the patrons most all day. They usually dine via buffets, and do not fill/overflow the restaurants. They are sometimes in the lobby bar, (between seminars), but we bypass the area to go to our suite. We have stayed with massive conventions from tupperware to Dodge, and never experienced a problem. If anything, we have benefitted from them!

Hello to everyone!! Glad to see those recently back from the Dolphin and Swan posting positive (and negative) comments. It's a special place, one I truly feel "at home" when visiting. Can't beat those heavenly beds!

DF99

 

[Blondie]

Long time no see Dreamflight, how goes it?

DH and I had a beautiful Jr. Suite at the Swan in early May with gorgeous vistas of MGM, Expedition Everest and the pools. I think I liked this room more than the 2 bedroom executive suite we had in September! I thought the beds were a tad more comfortable than the beds at the Dolphin, but it could've been that I was extra tired! We were exented a late check out of 5PM on our departure day. We had a late flight out and wanted a place to crash before heading off to the airport. We received top notch service once again! It'll be hard to stay anyplace else while at WDW!

Can't wait to go back in late November to see the decorations, it'll be a first for us!

I posted photos of the former Tubbi's (Picabu Buffeteria) and you can see them here!

Dig the carpeting and the painted ceilings. Very calm and serene!

 

[ericafny]

Hi dreamflight! Your posts always make me so excited to stay at the Dolphin!

I have a few questions that I posted a while ago on here but didn't get an answer...

I reserved the internet rate room with the *free* upgrade to resort view. We are going end of July-Aug. First question is, what specific area should I request with that category? I don't really care if I have a specific view, only criteria is that it isn't of the parking lot. And second, being an SPG member, is it OK to ask for an upgrade (I'd really like a balcony room!!!)...any opinions/thoughts you would have are greatly appreciated!

 

[LSUmom4kids]

~Shula's has confirmed they never accept any other discount cards (other than their own Shula's card, which I always top-off and bring). It doesn't matter, lack of a discount would never keep me away from this awesome restaurant.​

WHAT IS THE "SHULA'S CARD"? What is is good for? (what does "top-off" mean?) Where do you get the card? I heard that they recently opened a Shula's Steakhouse in New Orleans but we haven't tried it...

Can we get SPG points by dining in Shula's?

Can we get SPG points and/or AAA discount by dining in Blue Zoo?

If we charge everything possible to our room, will we get SPG points (including our parking fee)??

We, too, upgraded our Swan reservations through Dreams Unlimited's website from "standard view" to "courtyard view" (although the website said "lake view" was the upgrade!). What type of view from the Swan can I expect? Please tell what I will see from all directions - North, South, East & West views from the Swan - so we will know what to expect and perhaps what to ask for!

My reservations note that I am a SPG member AND an AAA member, although we only have about 1,280 SPG points right now. We have a 7 night stay at the Swan in August - what can I do with my points during my stay? (Am I correct in thinking that the points I earn from our 7 night Swan stay and room service and restaurants ... won't do me any good this trip? How fast will we receive the points to our account?

Please share your thoughts on this...

Thanks - 56 days 9 hours...

 

[snels]

Dan Murphy
Did you use your AAA card at Picabu's? We eat there every morning when we stay at the Swan.