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

[jeankeri]

You have access to Disney transportation; boats to Epcot and MGM, busses to the other destinations. Parking is $8 per day, but parking is free in the park parking lots.

 

[BlueFairy]

Hi kTink!

We will be at the Swan at the same time. I'm not 100% sure we'll stick with those dates, but it is a great time to be at WDW.

We've stayed at the Dolphin once, last year. Parking is $8 or $9 per day (you can come and go as much as you like in that time and you get free parking at the parks).

As for perks, the main thing we liked was the proximity to EPCOT and the Boardwalk. With all the dining at the hotels and these areas, we just couldn't eat a bad meal, really. Also, service is TOP notch, according to most, though we did find the park ticket agents at S/D very difficult to deal with. Beds and noise level were fantastic. And we were accomodated with every request, resulting in a fantastic view, even though we were conventioneers. Transportation (bus) was near perfect. Way better that our experience at BW and POFQ. Doormen, bellmen, housekeeping, and front desk, bartenders, waiters, ALL were great. Add the great deal on the room (I mean, you can barely get a moderate Disney hotel for $125) and it is a bargain to me. We'd love to stay at WL, but just can't justify the extra $$. We also used the on-site laundry, and it was super clean and worked perfectly.

I'm sure others will tell you about the 24 hr food court, the boats, the pools, 5 star food, and the spa, but we weren't able to use these much. This time will be a different story.

Oh, and DH loved the internet access, though I find it a bit pricey.

Have fun!!

 

[Blondie]

All of Westin did go non-smoking.

I got confused about the Dolphin too - recently when I went on their website to book, in big bold letters it said "Dolphin is a non-smoking resort" (or hotel - I can't remember the words exactly).

Swan = Westin

Dolphin = Sheraton

Maybe that's why the Dolphin still has designated smoking rooms.

 

[Blondie]

You have access to Disney transportation; boats to Epcot and MGM, busses to the other destinations. Parking is $8 per day, but parking is free in the park parking lots.

Parking is up to $9.00 per day now.

 

[ktink]

Thanks jeankeri & Bluefairy! I've gotten some quotes on WDW website and added up and unless they come up w/ the free dining we can't beat this price. It's less than $150 difference in price of value.

I really thought we would be booking a value, just because of the penny pincher in me but I think I'll bite the bullet.


Thanks again and I'll get back to reading the thread.

 

[jeankeri]

Parking is up to $9.00 per day now.

Thanks Blondie

 

[Blondie]

You're welcome!

 

[Liltx]

I booked a king room at the Dolphin for my family. I have one in a crib and a 3 year old. Does the couch fold out? Or can you rent a cot? If not we will bring the air mattress for her.

TIA
Monica

 

[turning40withMickey]

I rented a rollaway bed for 25 per night, still a great rate and families of five are hard to accomodate CHEAPLY at WDW! Doesn't that seem strange? It is a family place but all is catered to four in a family.

 

[MickeyNicki]

DH sprang a last minute weekend trip for me...leaving this Friday and coming home on Sunday. I got a rate of $159 for the Swan and we are super excited about staying there.

Quick transportation questions. We have 8 am reservations at CP in MK. If we are at the bus stop by 7am do you think we will get to MK in time or are there cabs out front for us to catch?

 

[Blondie]

I booked a king room at the Dolphin for my family. I have one in a crib and a 3 year old. Does the couch fold out? Or can you rent a cot? If not we will bring the air mattress for her.

TIA
Monica

Yes, the couch does fold out.

 

[Blondie]

Here's a few photos from our king room at the Swan a year ago:

 

[Mouseteacher]

DH sprang a last minute weekend trip for me...leaving this Friday and coming home on Sunday. I got a rate of $159 for the Swan and we are super excited about staying there.

Quick transportation questions. We have 8 am reservations at CP in MK. If we are at the bus stop by 7am do you think we will get to MK in time or are there cabs out front for us to catch?

A 7 am bus to MK may get you there on time. However, what if the bus isn't there at 7:OO? The bus does stop at the Dolphin, too. And at times can make stops at BC/YC and/or BW. Then, there would be a problem. I would ask what time the earliest bus arrives at the Swan and if it will stop at YC/BC and BW.

I am anal about being on time...so I would catch a cab at the front entrance. The cabs are lined up and waiting!

 

[Kaybee]

I was thinking of booking the Dolphin for a quick trip in May with the nurses discount. I decided this trip not to rent a car. Can someone tell me what is the best transportation to use to and from MCO? There will probably be 4 adults in my group. Thanks

 

[paras4ri]

I was thinking of booking the Dolphin for a quick trip in May with the nurses discount. I decided this trip not to rent a car. Can someone tell me what is the best transportation to use to and from MCO? There will probably be 4 adults in my group. Thanks

Mears is most economical but since there will be 4 adults you may want to consider a town car.

 

[Dislifer]

I think I used Tiffany town car company. I know that they have a web site so just google it. They were very good and not to expensive. Have fun!

 

[jodistar]

Does anyone happen to know if you are able to ship items ahead of time -- to the Dolphin? I know you are able to send ahead to Disney owned resorts but was not sure about Dolphin.

I'm not looking into shipping anything crazy but I will be going there for Halloween and wanted to ship my costume ahead.

 

[SingingMom]

I think I used Tiffany town car company. I know that they have a web site so just google it. They were very good and not to expensive. Have fun!

We used Southern Elegance last year and they were FABULOUS!
http://www.selimo.net/ Will use them again this June!

 

[minijeanie]

staying at CS for few days beginning of my vacation then transferring to Dolphin.

I know they are not Disney owned but I heard that they will transfer luggage for you.

Is this true?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Does anyone happen to know if you are able to ship items ahead of time -- to the Dolphin? I know you are able to send ahead to Disney owned resorts but was not sure about Dolphin.

I'm not looking into shipping anything crazy but I will be going there for Halloween and wanted to ship my costume ahead.

Yes you can. Just address it to yourself, % of the hotel. Make sure you put your arrival date on the label and maybe (guest) after your name.