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

[MOM POPPINS]

I am happy to report we will be staying at the Dolphin in March for 5 nights in a Jr. Suite. Now if they would just open up the club lounge again we would be set

We will be staying at Boardwalk Villa's for the first 5 nights of our trip then moving to the Dolphin for the next 5 nights. I had checked with the Dolphin a few months back and they were booked up with a convention. I was watching an video of our stay there a few years back today. I thought .. maybe I should call them back and see if anything opened up and sure enough a jr. suite was available!

This trip will be the first to WDW for my inlaws. I hope they like the accomodations we have planned for all of us. They keep saying it does not matter where we stay, but to me it does matter it's all about location location location.

I just wanted to share our excitement to be going back to WDW and the Dolphin!

 

[tnkrbell]

I just returned two weeks ago from a TERRIFIC stay at the Dolphin!!! I would stay again in a heartbeat!! At check in they gave all the kids in our party free icream cards!! The kids thought this was just cool!!! I have become a swan and dolphin Cheerleader!!!

 

[Trekker]

Hey All

Long time no see!

I'm finally getting back to the Dolphin - I'll be heading down for a few nights in the beginning of December - cannot wait.

It has been over a year since I was there - can you all fill me in on what has changed and if it si for the better or not?

 

[rie'smom]

I've booked the Dolphin execuitive suite for 11-19 through 11-24. Any info.,pictures,reviews,tips,etc. would be appreciated. Travellers are:Me(48),
DD(12), her friend(13) and possibly DD's nanny,Natalie(25) and her son,Christian(4) and autistic.

 

[marvin12]

HI, I was just able to make a ressie at the dolphin, It is our 30th ann, we we're suppose to stay at the wilderness lodge, but things happen and we did'nt think we would be able to get to disney,Could you tell me why this hotel is special and if we will love it, as we have never stayed here.We are so happy to be able to go away for our special day. And we would be grateful for any help.

 

[marvin12]

Also I guess I should have told you our dates ...dec 18-dec 25. our ann is dec 24. Thanks again.

 

[bab31]

Here is a great rate from allears for December


http://swandolphin.com/offers/allears/

 

[marvin12]

Thanks bab32, that is the rate we used.

 

[dwheatl]

HI, I was just able to make a ressie at the dolphin, It is our 30th ann, we we're suppose to stay at the wilderness lodge, but things happen and we did'nt think we would be able to get to disney,Could you tell me why this hotel is special and if we will love it, as we have never stayed here.We are so happy to be able to go away for our special day. And we would be grateful for any help.

Great spa. Great pool area. Great restaurants. Walking distance or ferry boat to Epcot and MGM. Comfy beds. Have a great time.

 

[pooh2001]

OK- a few questions...
I could not find all my answers going through this thread...

Picabu refillable mugs - what do they look like ? Can anyone post a picture ?

Does the S/D do any type of Easter activities ?

We have an AAA rate of $189/night for 14 great days at the Dolphin.
We asked for a pool view outside wing side.
The last time we stayed at the Dolphin, we had a great EPCOT/ Yatch Club/Baordwalk/fireworks view with a balcony. Our kids looked at the fireworks the first 2 nights and then did not care. They want a shorter walk to the pool and Picabu's (Tubbie replacement).

Thanks !

 

[dreamflight99]

OK- a few questions...
I could not find all my answers going through this thread...

Picabu refillable mugs - what do they look like ? Can anyone post a picture ?

Does the S/D do any type of Easter activities ?

We have an AAA rate of $189/night for 14 great days at the Dolphin.
We asked for a pool view outside wing side.
The last time we stayed at the Dolphin, we had a great EPCOT/ Yatch Club/Baordwalk/fireworks view with a balcony. Our kids looked at the fireworks the first 2 nights and then did not care. They want a shorter walk to the pool and Picabu's (Tubbie replacement).

Thanks !

Hello pooh2001,

*I have the original Dolphin/Swan refillable mugs, and use them on each visit. We have not experienced any problems with this. I do not believe they have changed the design since then. They still had an abundance of available (old) stock on our past visit and since they were not "restaurant" specific (more resort specific) I'm confident they still do. They are cute, and whimsical in design with a montage of photos including both the Swan and Dolphin covering the entire exterior.

*I have never visited at Easter, but do recall others writing on this thread about experiences. These included a character breakfast in the main restaurant (now in the Swan), and also an Easter egg hunt of some type (outside near the playground adjacent to the pool). Other people wrote about bringing baskets, and purchasing Disney park items to fill them with--and placing them in the room on Easter morning, etc. I would suggest calling the resort directly and inquiring specifically about Easter.

*Last time you were on the far EAST wing, which is a long walk to the pool and restaurant. I agree, for families using the pool and other facilities often, the West Wing is much closer. That's a fabulous rate for your stay (especially during such a busy time of year), for 2 entire weeks!! Are you a member of the SPG program?

I'm sure you will all enjoy a fabulous vacation together, and come away with many happy & treasured memories!

 

[we1luv1dis]

We were there for youngest DD, now 5, 2nd birthday so that would be 3.5 years ago. I recall there being special menus for Easter Sunday as well as Easter Egg hunts, one of which I believe was in the lobby. Enjoy!!!

 

[VAgal76]

Hello pooh2001,

*I have the original Dolphin/Swan refillable mugs, and use them on each visit. We have not experienced any problems with this. I do not believe they have changed the design since then. They still had an abundance of available (old) stock on our past visit and since they were not "restaurant" specific (more resort specific) I'm confident they still do. They are cute, and whimsical in design with a montage of photos including both the Swan and Dolphin covering the entire exterior.

Very cool! I had no idea that S/D had refillable mugs like Disney properties and it's not "illegal" to use them over and over for years like the Disney mugs. Of course, I've not asked the other gals that have stayed there. I'll keep this in mind should I ever stay at one of these resorts. I know you've stayed at this resort for many years, DF. That's quite a bit of use of those mugs. Shhhhhhh...don't tell the mug patrol.

 

[dreamflight99]

The Dolphin only introduced the mugs a couple years back, after so many people *(I believe many posters on the CB and other forums were "asking" the Resort Staff and Management for years) kept inquiring.

I have a mug from every other resort we've visited, even cruise ships--just as a souvenir. I think people purchase them with this basic reason in mind. The mugs at the Dolphin were purchased for the same intent. I really never made use of them while there, as we always had beverages in our fridge and never wanted to walk all the way back to the old Tubbi's or Pica's for a simple soda. We actually get better use out of them at home.

That's what is most frustrating about these things at any resort. You practically have to tie it around your waist to get any usage, LOL. I never had one with me when I was thirsty---and I always go for the bottled H2o anyway. I dig deep beneath the ice-packed coolers and grab a frosty one. (Much more thirst-quenching/healthy in the heat/humidity).

 

[VAgal76]

The Dolphin only introduced the mugs a couple years back, after so many people *(I believe many posters on the CB and other forums were "asking" the Resort Staff and Management for years) kept inquiring.

I have a mug from every other resort we've visited, even cruise ships--just as a souvenir. I think people purchase them with this basic reason in mind. The mugs at the Dolphin were purchased for the same intent. I really never made use of them while there, as we always had beverages in our fridge and never wanted to walk all the way back to the old Tubbi's or Pica's for a simple soda. We actually get better use out of them at home.

That's what is most frustrating about these things at any resort. You practically have to tie it around your waist to get any usage, LOL. I never had one with me when I was thirsty---and I always go for the bottled H2o anyway. I dig deep beneath the ice-packed coolers and grab a frosty one. (Much more thirst-quenching/healthy in the heat/humidity).

But in your other post you stated that you bring your mug on every trip and use them over and over again. It seems to lead on that you've used these mugs for years now. In fact, you also said you've never had a problem using your very old mug. So which is it? Do you bring and use them or not? Why bring a mug with you with no intent of using it?

 

[dreamflight99]

"I" rarely travel solo, and have never done so to WDW or the Dolphin.

So "technically" the mug has traveled with me for possible use by others in my party, (AND never claimed to be used "over and over" again either. Merely...used). This is how so-called "facts" become easily distorted/twisted (through someone changing them to suit their own version). The old childhood "campfire game" at work, (as I also never used the term "very old mug"---merely original, and the exact words "I've" never encountered problems---but rather "WE'VE" never encountered problems--as in OTHERS in my party).

I also never designated exactly "how" the mugs were being used. They could have been used for water, soda from our room, etc.?! They were merely used. Perhaps only once, I am not the mug patrol--therefore can not be sure...lol.

Everyone posted on this site after the mugs became available for purchase, and confirmed the CM's in the old tubbi's assured them they are "good for life" (which is contrary to other resorts, where the designs change from year to year). I am unsure of the exact date of their arrival, but believe it's been a good four years (perhaps longer).

 

[Happy05]

"I" rarely travel solo, and have never done so to WDW or the Dolphin. So "technically" the mug has traveled with me for others in my party,

For the life of me, I have never understood why anyone would pack a used mug to re-use at a resort. We buy new ones each trip to add to our collection!

 

[dreamflight99]

For the life of me, I have never understood why anyone would pack a used mug to re-use at a resort. We buy new ones each trip to add to our collection!

At all other resorts...you must, (although I've read enough of the "mug threads" for my fill...lol). The Swan/Dolphin mugs are different, and never change in design. Therefore, most people enjoy bringing their mugs back. I've read many a post where they have reported doing so, without hesitation. To each, his/her own. I do not pass judgement on others for something I may/may not choose to do. If it "floats their boat?" -- so be it. I'll leave the "policing" up to the CM's at the respective resorts. I'm on vacation..and worrying about "others" is the LAST thing on my mind.

P.S. So, you collect refillable mugs?

 

[Happy05]

At all other resorts...you must, (although I've read enough of the "mug threads" for my fill...lol). The Swan/Dolphin mugs are different, and never change in design. Therefore, most people enjoy bringing their mugs back. I've read many a post where they have reported doing so, without hesitation. To each, his/her own. I do not pass judgement on others for something I may/may not choose to do. If it "floats their boat?" -- so be it. I'll leave the "policing" up to the CM's at the respective resorts. I'm on vacation..and worrying about "others" is the LAST thing on my mind.

P.S. So, you collect refillable mugs?

You are so right. To each his/her own. No policing or passing judgement here. And, yes, as a matter of fact, I do have quite the "collection" of WDW mugs. I use them quite often! Wondering why that would confuse you of all people.

 

[VAgal76]

For the life of me, I have never understood why anyone would pack a used mug to re-use at a resort. We buy new ones each trip to add to our collection!

Oh, they've confirmed that the design hasn't changed so need to buy a new one for a souvenir if there really is no difference in them.

*I have the original Dolphin/Swan refillable mugs, and use them on each visit. We have not experienced any problems with this. I do not believe they have changed the design since then. They still had an abundance of available (old) stock on our past visit and since they were not "restaurant" specific (more resort specific) I'm confident they still do. They are cute, and whimsical in design with a montage of photos including both the Swan and Dolphin covering the entire exterior.

Not distorting any words. They were your words and that's exactly how it read. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought that. Good for S/D to have a slight advantage of Disney resorts if they are lifetime mugs. You never indicated you were a mug collector before until recently and so nice to share them while on vacation with people in your party. I didn't know if it would ever be worth it to us, but others are right about one thing. It would've made a nice keepsake for around the house. Truth be told I've never purchased a mug. Personally when I'm poolside I prefer an icy cold bottle of H2O or an adult beverage anyway. I should pick one up next time I'm in town. How silly of me to not think of purchasing one as a souvenir.

P.S. So, you collect refillable mugs?

Are you knocking the other poster for collecting mugs or are you looking for a kindred spirit? You stated you collected mugs from all over including Disney, S/D and DCL also.