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

[CindeBella]

We came close to renewing our vows at the Polynesian. However, we were told if it were to rain we would be standing under something... the wedding specialist said May gets quite a bit of rain so I didn't want to risk being out of $3,000 if it could. Once your 15 minute renewal time passes you're out of luck.

Whatever you decide to do, have a great time! For 10 years we said we would renew our vows on the beach in Maui. When it came time to make the reservations I couldn't leave the kids for a week. lol. We wanted them with us and Disney was something we would all enjoy.

 

[Hedy]

I don't know if this is the place to ask, but can government retirees get gov't discounts at the S/D?

 

[Blondie]

That's a really good question Hedy. I'm curious myself!

 

[paras4ri]

Here is another question for you knowledgeable people....if we book a Segway Tour...will we be able to enter the IG while Epcot is still closed? I would hate to have to drive to the front of the park when I am staying so close. Thanks.

You can definately enter by the IG for a Segway tour or an ADR before park hours. After you pass through the turnstiles and walk past the gift shop up the small hill there will be a rope across the entrance to WS. There you'll also find a CM or two with a list of folks who can enter for their planned activities.

We celebrated our 20th anniversary at the Dolphin in September - hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[PirateFan]

I don't know if this is the place to ask, but can government retirees get gov't discounts at the S/D?

I would also like to know this. My dh will be retiring next year and I'm starting to panic that we'll lose that great discount at the Dolphin.

 

[LoveMyBoys]

I just wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this thread, you guys are awesome. We just got back from our stay at the Dolphin and had a great time. I felt really prepared because of all the great info I read here. Thanks again

 

[T-i-double-g-err]

Well, I am happy to say I just made my reservations for my first ever stay at the Dolphin for May 3, 4 and 5! It will be our 10 year anniversary, and I made sure to mention that to the friendly gal who was taking my reservation. She confirmed a king bed for me, but also noted on the reservation that if a complimentary upgrade became available, that the guests (DH and I) would like to have the option of switching to double beds in order to get the upgrade. I also asked for an upper floor.

Congratulations on the anniversary!

Our youngest was still too young and new to us to feel right about going away for our 10th last year. We did our 11th two weeks ago at the Swan. The anniversary was noted on the reservation, and we did get a corner room with a water view (see pictures in trip report link below). We were also staying on points rather than $$$, so I guess all bets are kind of off with regard to the room selection.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[joey's mom]

I've reading this thread for about 50 pages and haven't seen this question: what about the extra magic hours? Do these hotels participate? That would be more of a deciding factor for me than the dining plan.

 

[LoveMyBoys]

I've reading this thread for about 50 pages and haven't seen this question: what about the extra magic hours? Do these hotels participate? That would be more of a deciding factor for me than the dining plan.

Yes, they do. You just need your Dolphin/Swan room key, just like you would use Disney resort key.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Thanks Para and Tigger! Tigger, i am going to your trip report in a sec, can't wait to read it!

Para-Thanks for the tip about IG. Also, you reminded me...i need to book that tour!

 

[my3girls]

I just booked a room at the Dolphin for our July trip. I was given a Deluxe balcony resort view room with a teacher discount. What exactly is this view, and what does deluxe mean?-bigger etc.. I'm obviously a newbie at this. Have stayed on Disney property many times- first time at S/D.
Thanks

 

[CindeBella]

We have a deluxe room reserved at the Dolphin and I, too, am wondering what the difference is. What are the chances of receiving a good view of the BW or lake? Do I need to request this?

Edited to ask... Is it better to go through a t/a to reserve the room? Since I don't purchase a package I thought a t/a wouldn't be interested...

Thanks!

 

[Blondie]

I just booked a room at the Dolphin for our July trip. I was given a Deluxe balcony resort view room with a teacher discount. What exactly is this view, and what does deluxe mean?-bigger etc.. I'm obviously a newbie at this. Have stayed on Disney property many times- first time at S/D.
Thanks

I'm thinking it'll be a view of the grounds, looking towards the Swan, the courtyard that connects the S/D and/or the Boardwalk resort area.

I think "deluxe" is having the balcony and a better view than say of the loading docks and parking lot.

 

[Blondie]

We have a deluxe room reserved at the Dolphin and I, too, am wondering what the difference is. What are the chances of receiving a good view of the BW or lake? Do I need to request this?

Edited to ask... Is it better to go through a t/a to reserve the room? Since I don't purchase a package I thought a t/a wouldn't be interested...

Thanks!

I don't think it'll matter if you book through a t/a.

A few days before check in give them a call and ask if there's any possible way of getting the view you'd prefer. If it's available and the resort isn't sold out, I'm sure they'll be more than happy to grant your requests.

 

[ohMom]

thanks for all the great info -- i'm trying to process it

i'll be at the swan for marathon weekend, my first stay here and i'm really looking forward to it. It's my Mom and I; we have deep tissue massages at 1 p.m. after the 1/2 at the spa, really REALLY looking forward to that!

will the pool be open? i was thinking of relaxing by the pool for lunch before our appts. weather-wise it's a forecast of failry warm days so just had this idea. does the pool bar at the Swan have decent food?

are the rest. comparable between the S and D or do you find yourself crossing over for a specific one?

 

[lulugirl]

I just booked a room at the Dolphin for our July trip. I was given a Deluxe balcony resort view room with a teacher discount. What exactly is this view, and what does deluxe mean?-bigger etc.. I'm obviously a newbie at this. Have stayed on Disney property many times- first time at S/D.
Thanks

May I ask what room rate you got w/ the teachers discount?
We are hoping to stay at the Swan or Dolphin Jan. 08 using Dh's teachers discount and I'm curious as to what the rates will be.
-Elisabeth

 

[lulugirl]

I have several questions I hope you Swan/Dolphin experts can help me with!

* Which hotel is closer to Epcot?
* Regarding the Jr.suites at the Dolphin, is the pull out sofa comfortable, how about the sico bed?
* I hope to utilize the teachers discount, any idea what the rate may be for the Jr. suite?

A bit more info...Our tentative travel dates are Jan 1st- Jan 10, 2008- our party will include Dh, myself, Dd 8yrs, Ds 3 yrs and my mother, who will be in her own room.
I am leaning toward staying at the Dolphin versus Swan. The Jr. suites look appealing for Dh, the kids and I, we like space! My concern is that whoever sleeps in the living room area may not be comfortable, if we got a standard room at least we get two beds...

Any feed back is appreciated!
-Elisabeth

 

[paras4ri]

I have several questions I hope you Swan/Dolphin experts can help me with!

* Which hotel is closer to Epcot?
* Regarding the Jr.suites at the Dolphin, is the pull out sofa comfortable, how about the sico bed?
* I hope to utilize the teachers discount, any idea what the rate may be for the Jr. suite?

A bit more info...Our tentative travel dates are Jan 1st- Jan 10, 2008- our party will include Dh, myself, Dd 8yrs, Ds 3 yrs and my mother, who will be in her own room.
I am leaning toward staying at the Dolphin versus Swan. The Jr. suites look appealing for Dh, the kids and I, we like space! My concern is that whoever sleeps in the living room area may not be comfortable, if we got a standard room at least we get two beds...

Any feed back is appreciated!
-Elisabeth

I can help with some of your questions!!! We've stayed at both the Dolphin and the Swan. If you're walking the Swan is just a bit closer to Epcot (and MGM) because it's closer to the bridge that takes you to the pathway to either park. If you're planning to take the boat they're equal distances from the boat dock.

On our first Dolphin visit we had a suite arrangement that included a room with 2 double beds and a second room that had a Sico bed and a sleep sofa. Our kids were 9 & 12 at the time and my DD's godmother also shared the second room with them. The Sico bed was king-sized and very comfortable. The couch was fine for them too.

Our kids prefer the Dolphin to the Swan because it's larger...it has Pikabu, which is the 24-hour cafeteria (and refillable mugs) and it's closer to the pool.

Good luck planning!

 

[huey578]

suscribe

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

Can someone confirm for me that you can NOT charge to your room merchandise from any of the theme parks?

Thanks in advance!