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

[tinkerbarb]

I think I'm having a senior moment.. can't remember a few things... Please Help.

I have a few questions that I can't find the answers for.

Is Valet Parking still free for persons with Handicap Tags?

Are floaties and or lifejackets available and free of charge to children (mine are in the 2-3yr old age range) pool side?

I have an executive suite. Have stayed in one several times.. twice with balcony off one room, once with no balcony off any room. There are only two floors avail with balcony off one of the rooms in the executive suites. I can't remember which floors.. anyone know.. I'm thinking it's like 4 and 7, but don't want to request the wrong one for our smokers.

I just tried to read thru this thread and saw something about free 2 hr childcare for dinner at BlueZoo... wow that's new to me.. can you give more info on that.. age limit, advance reservation, etc.

THANKS!!

 

[we1luv1dis]

We have stayed in an executive suite up on the floor where the club lounge used to be, 21????, and there was not a balcony off either room.

We also have eaten an Blue Zoo with the kids and there were other kids there as well, I don't recall childcare being offerred. However, I think the Shula's might be what you are thinking off as they did offer the 2 hour free childcare at the time.

I think I'm having a senior moment.. can't remember a few things... Please Help.

I have a few questions that I can't find the answers for.

Is Valet Parking still free for persons with Handicap Tags?

Are floaties and or lifejackets available and free of charge to children (mine are in the 2-3yr old age range) pool side?

I have an executive suite. Have stayed in one several times.. twice with balcony off one room, once with no balcony off any room. There are only two floors avail with balcony off one of the rooms in the executive suites. I can't remember which floors.. anyone know.. I'm thinking it's like 4 and 7, but don't want to request the wrong one for our smokers.

I just tried to read thru this thread and saw something about free 2 hr childcare for dinner at BlueZoo... wow that's new to me.. can you give more info on that.. age limit, advance reservation, etc.

THANKS!!

 

[monorailsilver]

Woo Hoo, I can finally say I am going to Disney nex year

It will be dh, me & our 3 kids & thier ages then will be 7, 4 (a month shy of 5) & 2 ½.

DH hasn't been to gung ho on it but last night asked my oldest (who will be 6 in May) if she wanted to go to Disney & of course the child is brainwashed & told my dh "we can eat in the castle again".

I really can't plan anything yet because I don't know when we will be going. I know it will be August (yes I am one of the few that loves to go in August because I like to swim when it is 90° & not when it is a chilly 70°, swimming is iffy here in CT when it is 70).

I am leaning towards 8 to 10 days, plus 2 travel days if we fly, 4 if we drive. Normally we go for 8 days which included the 2 travel/non-park days.

I want to enjoy the vacation & not rush, OK rush is not the right word since we just go with the flow & are not planners.

I am leaning towards staying at the Dolphin/Swan for part of the say-4 or 5 days of it.

Which one sleeps 5?

I am a RN so I am hoping to get that discount & my dh has his club membership to Starwood (or whatever it is called).

If I asked for a bigger room vs the standard room (I don't have the room key in front of me but like a 2 bedroom,1 bedroom, etc...) can I still do the RN discount or is that only for a standard room? It doesn't really matter to me if we are all in one room though.

I am assuming they have cribs

We have to pay to park there if we drive, correct?

Does anyone know how much it costs (rough estimate) to get there from MCO? Because what I am debating is to stay at the Pop or All stars on the day we get there & use DME & then move to the D/S & then from there move to the Poly for the remainder & use DME on the way back to the airport (if we fly).

Will they transfer luggage from the S/D to/from a Disney resort?

Will they give me a fridge for medical reasons? My ds is allergic to dairy, tree nuts & peanuts & even though he would love to eat Disney's chicken nuggets the whole week, I'd like to give him something else too.

When I make reservations who do I go thru?

Buses-do they come just like they would for the Disney resorts. I'd only need the bus to AK because I told dh we would go to AK when we were there since we'd only have to take a bus at the Poly to the AK & I told him we'd do MGM too since we could walk or boat it & then we'd do Epcot & if I could wait we'd do the MK once we got to the Poly (we don't like the buses epecially with the stroller & the kids tagging along).

I am sure that these questions have been answered time & time again but I just don't have the patience to go thru 1200+ posts to find them and for some reason I think you are all S/D/Disney nuts & you won't mind answering them again & again & again.

I have swam in the pool though & loved it. My sister was staying there for work in 1990 & we were at the BC & it was our check out day so shame on us we swam in the pool there but we didn't know any better then.

Thanks, & I am sure I will be back with more questions as the time gets closer.

 

[LSUmom4kids]

Here's the info. on the Camp Dolphin - copied directly from the Swan/Dolphin website:

Camp Dolphin is a fun-filled place just for kids. Located next to the health club on the lower level of the Dolphin, Camp Dolphin is the perfect night out for children ages 4 through 12. Age-appropriate, supervised activities keep your kids safe and entertained while you enjoy the resort’s adult nightlife or a dinner in one of our restaurants.

Open nightly, Camp Dolphin offers fully supervised programs, including arts, crafts, movies, board games, video and arcade games, nightly themed activities with cool prizes and souvenirs, a Disney movie and even a special dinner program. Camp Dolphin is staffed by a team of caring counselors. Parents can be assured of a safe and fun environment that their little ones will absolutely love.

Reservations are required for Camp Dolphin's evening program. Cost is $10 per hour, per child. Receive two complimentary hours when parents dine at Shula’s Steak House or Todd English’s bluezoo. (Please bring receipt as proof of purchase).

We used it last year when we ate at Shula's. Only we found that 2 hrs. was not enough time - so we just had to pay $30 for the extra hour ($10/hr. for each kid) when we picked them up. And they wanted to stay longer - they had a lot of fun. We will do it again this year when we go back to Shula's - we loved it so much!!!

 

[LSUmom4kids]

Woo Hoo, I can finally say I am going to Disney nex year

It will be dh, me & our 3 kids & thier ages then will be 7, 4 (a month shy of 5) & 2 ½.

DH hasn't been to gung ho on it but last night asked my oldest (who will be 6 in May) if she wanted to go to Disney & of course the child is brainwashed & told my dh "we can eat in the castle again".

I really can't plan anything yet because I don't know when we will be going. I know it will be August (yes I am one of the few that loves to go in August because I like to swim when it is 90° & not when it is a chilly 70°, swimming is iffy here in CT when it is 70).

I am leaning towards 8 to 10 days, plus 2 travel days if we fly, 4 if we drive. Normally we go for 8 days which included the 2 travel/non-park days.

I want to enjoy the vacation & not rush, OK rush is not the right word since we just go with the flow & are not planners.

I am leaning towards staying at the Dolphin/Swan for part of the say-4 or 5 days of it.

Which one sleeps 5?

I am a RN so I am hoping to get that discount & my dh has his club membership to Starwood (or whatever it is called).

If I asked for a bigger room vs the standard room (I don't have the room key in front of me but like a 2 bedroom,1 bedroom, etc...) can I still do the RN discount or is that only for a standard room? It doesn't really matter to me if we are all in one room though.

I am assuming they have cribs

We have to pay to park there if we drive, correct?

Does anyone know how much it costs (rough estimate) to get there from MCO? Because what I am debating is to stay at the Pop or All stars on the day we get there & use DME & then move to the D/S & then from there move to the Poly for the remainder & use DME on the way back to the airport (if we fly).

Will they transfer luggage from the S/D to/from a Disney resort?

Will they give me a fridge for medical reasons? My ds is allergic to dairy, tree nuts & peanuts & even though he would love to eat Disney's chicken nuggets the whole week, I'd like to give him something else too.

When I make reservations who do I go thru?

Buses-do they come just like they would for the Disney resorts. I'd only need the bus to AK because I told dh we would go to AK when we were there since we'd only have to take a bus at the Poly to the AK & I told him we'd do MGM too since we could walk or boat it & then we'd do Epcot & if I could wait we'd do the MK once we got to the Poly (we don't like the buses epecially with the stroller & the kids tagging along).

I am sure that these questions have been answered time & time again but I just don't have the patience to go thru 1200+ posts to find them and for some reason I think you are all S/D/Disney nuts & you won't mind answering them again & again & again.

I have swam in the pool though & loved it. My sister was staying there for work in 1990 & we were at the BC & it was our check out day so shame on us we swam in the pool there but we didn't know any better then.

Thanks, & I am sure I will be back with more questions as the time gets closer.

Although there is conflicting information (AAA says one thing, the hotel says another), we used Dreams Unlimited last year with 3 kids and were allowed to stay in the Swan - reg. room with a balcony. I think all standard rooms are the same size. We brought a sleeping bed/air mattress and had no problems - my youngest was 5. If you bring a pack-n-play or get a crib for your 2 1/2 yr. old and under 3 yr. olds don't need park tickets, you could easily say "4 people are in your party". I recommend Dreams Unlimited; especially since they can make any dinner reservations for you. Last year, I told them when and what times I wanted to eat at a specific place - they handled it and gave me my confirmation numbers - NO PROBLEMS! I'll do it again this year.

We too loved swimming and since the discounted rates of $125/room at the Swan/Dolphin start on 8/5, we chose that to be the first night of our vacation. (But you need to hurry at these rates - I think I read the expiration of this offer was 2/15/07!!!)

I know, people always think we are crazy for wanting to go in August, but for the price, we don't mind a little sweat - everyone carries their own water bottle and the pools are spectacular! Otherwise, we wouldn' be able to afford to go any other time of the year! That's our tradeoff.

 

[BlueFairy]

Woo Hoo, I can finally say I am going to Disney nex year



I am assuming they have cribs

Cribs were smaller than I was led to believe. I will plan on bringing a full sized pak n play for my 2 yo this year. She acted cramped in the crib there at 10 mos. last year.

We have to pay to park there if we drive, correct?

Yes. $9 per day. Parking at the parks is then free.

Does anyone know how much it costs (rough estimate) to get there from MCO? Because what I am debating is to stay at the Pop or All stars on the day we get there & use DME & then move to the D/S & then from there move to the Poly for the remainder & use DME on the way back to the airport (if we fly).

Plan on around $100 plus tips for limo service that includes a grocery stop. You may need to pay for a larger vehicle with 5 in your party, though. Ask this on the transportation board.

[When I make reservations who do I go thru?

We love Dreams Unlimited. Last year we booked direct with the hotel. Great service there, too. Be sure to include your Starwood number when you make your reservation.

Buses-do they come just like they would for the Disney resorts. ]

We drove to AK, but the bus service was great when we used it. better than PO or BW buses in my experience. Bus to MK was fantastic at least twice. Same buses as other Disney hotels. Sometimes shares a route with BW.

 

[SingingMom]

We drove to AK, but the bus service was great when we used it. better than PO or BW buses in my experience. Bus to MK was fantastic at least twice. Same buses as other Disney hotels. Sometimes shares a route with BW.[/QUOTE]



We found the buses much better than when we stayed at PO and Dixie Landing (showing my age!) .... and it is an added treat to have the water launch for BW, Epcot, and MGM.

 

[monorailsilver]

(But you need to hurry at these rates - I think I read the expiration of this offer was 2/15/07!!!)

I know, people always think we are crazy for wanting to go in August, but for the price, we don't mind a little sweat - everyone carries their own water bottle and the pools are spectacular! Otherwise, we wouldn' be able to afford to go any other time of the year! That's our tradeoff.

Thanks for the info everyone.

We aren't going until 2008 though so I didn't miss the cut off, yet!

We take the mid-day break so the heat isn't a big deal.

 

[minnie411]

We are staying at BW the first half of our trip and then to the Swan. Will BW move out luggage for us? Could we borrow a cart and move it ourselves? Has anyone done either?

 

[Dobie]

Woo Hoo, I can finally say I am going to Disney nex year

It will be dh, me & our 3 kids & thier ages then will be 7, 4 (a month shy of 5) & 2 ½.

DH hasn't been to gung ho on it but last night asked my oldest (who will be 6 in May) if she wanted to go to Disney & of course the child is brainwashed & told my dh "we can eat in the castle again".

I really can't plan anything yet because I don't know when we will be going. I know it will be August (yes I am one of the few that loves to go in August because I like to swim when it is 90° & not when it is a chilly 70°, swimming is iffy here in CT when it is 70).

I am leaning towards 8 to 10 days, plus 2 travel days if we fly, 4 if we drive. Normally we go for 8 days which included the 2 travel/non-park days.

I want to enjoy the vacation & not rush, OK rush is not the right word since we just go with the flow & are not planners.

I am leaning towards staying at the Dolphin/Swan for part of the say-4 or 5 days of it.

Which one sleeps 5?

I am a RN so I am hoping to get that discount & my dh has his club membership to Starwood (or whatever it is called).

If I asked for a bigger room vs the standard room (I don't have the room key in front of me but like a 2 bedroom,1 bedroom, etc...) can I still do the RN discount or is that only for a standard room? It doesn't really matter to me if we are all in one room though.

I am assuming they have cribs

We have to pay to park there if we drive, correct?

Does anyone know how much it costs (rough estimate) to get there from MCO? Because what I am debating is to stay at the Pop or All stars on the day we get there & use DME & then move to the D/S & then from there move to the Poly for the remainder & use DME on the way back to the airport (if we fly).

Will they transfer luggage from the S/D to/from a Disney resort?

Will they give me a fridge for medical reasons? My ds is allergic to dairy, tree nuts & peanuts & even though he would love to eat Disney's chicken nuggets the whole week, I'd like to give him something else too.

When I make reservations who do I go thru?

Buses-do they come just like they would for the Disney resorts. I'd only need the bus to AK because I told dh we would go to AK when we were there since we'd only have to take a bus at the Poly to the AK & I told him we'd do MGM too since we could walk or boat it & then we'd do Epcot & if I could wait we'd do the MK once we got to the Poly (we don't like the buses epecially with the stroller & the kids tagging along).

I am sure that these questions have been answered time & time again but I just don't have the patience to go thru 1200+ posts to find them and for some reason I think you are all S/D/Disney nuts & you won't mind answering them again & again & again.

I have swam in the pool though & loved it. My sister was staying there for work in 1990 & we were at the BC & it was our check out day so shame on us we swam in the pool there but we didn't know any better then.

Thanks, & I am sure I will be back with more questions as the time gets closer.

The only way to get the nurse/teacher discount is to call the hotel directly. You can get their number for their website.

They have different discount prices for different rooms--I think they are posted on mousesavers.com

 

[dwheatl]

I think I'm having a senior moment.. can't remember a few things... Please Help.

I have a few questions that I can't find the answers for.

Is Valet Parking still free for persons with Handicap Tags?

Are floaties and or lifejackets available and free of charge to children (mine are in the 2-3yr old age range) pool side?


THANKS!!

The valet parking was the same price as regular parking if you have the handicap placard. I know there were lifejackets available for little ones, but I'm not sure if they were free.

 

[LSUmom4kids]

They are free to use by the pools. They are available by the pool cabanas. After hours, we were able to get one in the fitness center by the pools

 

[jeannie1962]

We are thinking of booking for the rate in August (by Thursday). Are there any other fees other than tax?

I read that there is a parking fee? Is that true? I am surprised they would charge you to park your car there if you are staying at their hotel.

Thanks for the clarification.


also is this considered a mod or a deluxe?

 

[NancyIL]

We are thinking of booking for the rate in August (by Thursday). Are there any other fees other than tax?

I read that there is a parking fee? Is that true? I am surprised they would charge you to park your car there if you are staying at their hotel.

Thanks for the clarification.


also is this considered a mod or a deluxe?

The Swan and Dolphin are deluxe resorts. The parking charge is $9.00/day plus tax. There will be fees for phone and internet use.

 

[turning40withMickey]

"Enjoying" another snow day in PA, dreaming of hot, hot summer at Disney. I have a Dolphin reservation at the 125 rate with a rollaway bed (25 extra per night), and wondered if I could just take an air mattress for the eight year old instead of pay that for a crummy rollaway. I emailed the hotel to ask, and they said the rollaway is optional (even with five of us)! It is the happiest news of my snowed in "house arrest" so far!

 

[LSUmom4kids]

"Enjoying" another snow day in PA, dreaming of hot, hot summer at Disney. I have a Dolphin reservation at the 125 rate with a rollaway bed (25 extra per night), and wondered if I could just take an air mattress for the eight year old instead of pay that for a crummy rollaway. I emailed the hotel to ask, and they said the rollaway is optional (even with five of us)! It is the happiest news of my snowed in "house arrest" so far!

We took one of those combination sleeping bag/air mattress for my son last year. Blew it up once and stood it up against the wall during the day. Worked out perfectly! It would have probably fit under the bed during the day, but we put suitcases under the bed.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

10 more weeks until our romantic anniversary trip! I am soooo excited! I have a picture from earlier in this thread as my screen saver. It is an aerial of the BW/BC area, and you can see the Dolphin in the upper corner. It got me wondering...which is the quickest path to walk to Epcot WS? Is it by the BC/YC or BW? I am sure you Swalphin vets will know!

 

[Blondie]

We like to take the Boardwalk route. Some say the other way is quicker, we think the Boardwalk is quicker, although we've never officially timed it either way.

 

[Dan Murphy]

...which is the quickest path to walk to Epcot WS? Is it by the BC/YC or BW?...

I would say the BW; at least that is the way I most often take. And Happy Anniversary.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Thanks Blondie and Dan! Maybe I will bring a pedometer with me to do some scientific research on this question! If it is truly the same distance, we will do both for the change of scenery.

Thnaks for the well wishes, too! Dan, I believe it is an aerial view that you posted that is now my screensaver!