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

[Mark P.]

(Posted same thread on the main Resorts Board, too)

Hi,
For anyone else staying at the Swan / Dolphin on Easter, this is pretty neat...

Just got off the phone with the House Studio folks at the Swan / Dolphin and scheduled Easter basket delivery for the kids by the Easter bunny.
DW actually called and set it up, and said they couldn't have been more helpful.

Here's what we found out:

The cost is $40 per basket.
Drop off times are between 7-8, 8-9 & 9-10.
Baskets include chocolate rabbit, various candies and toy (boy or girl and age appropriate they said).

According to the staff, this is popular and booking already and they have a 72 hour cancellation policy.

They only schedule 7 visits per hour to allot "ample time" in the room.

To reach the House Studio, call 800-227-1500, option #2 and ask for House Studio.

-Mark

 

[GettinReadyforDisney]

Blondie - thanks for the pics. We haven't been to the Swan/Dolphin in years so it's nice to see some of the changes. We're looking forward to our trip in June!!

 

[lucysdad]

You do go through a very short tunnel - it's not dark and it's not long at all. The slide isn't scary...just fast enough to be fun. How old is your DD? Mine loves the slide - the first time we stayed at the Dolphin was when she was 9.

Thank you for the info. Lucy is 8 years old and now very excited about the slide!
Lucy's Mom

 

[MSC]

I went back to find a picture of the grotto slide, because I knew I had one. But now that I see it, I don't know if it helps. The other poster was correct -- it's only partially covered, and at the end. I thought this picture would help, because it shows that the tunnel is very roomy, so it's not like one of those confining tubes. On the other hand, it does look kind of dark in there!!

 

[dreamflight99]

We travel light, and I do a lot of washes at WDW. I see from the map that the laundry is in the Dolphin (hopefully near the Grotto pool, so I can lounge while the wash goes!). But I read somewhere that the machines don't take change? Something about tokens?

Do you convert your money to tokens right at the laundry, or do I need to go to the front desk to do this?

I have my laundry routine down to a science, and need to know what adjustments I need to make for the Dolphin! LOL! And why doesn't the Swan have its own laundry room!?!?!?!

Gail...do you remember the silly old "laundry" joke? I was waiting for you to answer this one! (LOL...hello btw)! IS Dan aware of this joke too (re: more fun, laundry room or arcade)? Hi Dan!

Yes, the laundry tokens are exactly the same as the arcade ones (as also pointed out by Gail). Another thing, if you EVER wish to do laundry late in the night (i.e.: after hours when the place is locked and closed), the desk associate on duty will summon a maintenance or security person to open it for you. This is the best time, as no one is in there, and you may relax and watch TV or simply leave and return to your room while it spins/dries. Super-convenient!

BLONDIE~You still take the BEST photos ever!! I love all your snaps, and everything looks so crystal clear and vivid (as if we are right there!!). Thanks for sharing your skills/talents.

*Mark~Thanks for the details (including phone # too) on the EASTER BASKET contents and delivery, etc! Someone posted a photo a couple years back, and it was adorable. I have not visited at Easter, but many others on this thread have. Decorations & Festivities are great, and you should have a FAB time! I always knew this was available, but never knew the exact alotment, etc. (only 7 per hour). This makes reserving early critical.

*TinkOhio~Yes, the resort staff confirmed this is still available. Just ask at the front desk when you are ready to receive the "prizes" and rewards for your child. BTW--they do accept report cards with "less than" all "A's" (making it fair for others too, providing incentive to do better). Praise such as this goes a Loooong way (IMHO)! Great program. The ice cream is delicious, even more so when it's complimentary! The proof was when my DD tasted mine, and said, "It's good, but not quite nearly as good as mine. That's because you had to pay for yours, and mine was earned!" (LOL...she's always had a dry sense of humor). She was quite young, and still recalls these times fondly. Enjoy this pastime with your DD!

*GREAT SLIDE PIC BLONDIE!! Wow...that should help Lucy. Maybe if she goes down backwards as this little swimmer is doing, it's less scary. It's good to show her this photo, as the young guest doesn't look much older than 5-7 years of age! Do they permit a parent to "double" up and go down the slide with their younger children? I can not recall, as DD first went down the slide alone at 4-5, and plunged into the water giving me a heart attack! She was fine, but it still freaked me out (as she seemed to small, etc).

Nice to see everyone over here again. Dreaming of the Dolphin and WDW just viewing Blondie's photos....to be there right now. Wishes...

TTFN...DF99

 

[MSC]

Do they permit a parent to "double" up and go down the slide with their younger children?

No, they don't. In fact, the parent is not even allowed to wait at the bottom of the slide. So you "little swimmer" has to be able to swim at least a little bit.

By the way, the little swimmer in that photo is 3!

 

[dreamflight99]

No, they don't. In fact, the parent is not even allowed to wait at the bottom of the slide. So you "little swimmer" has to be able to swim at least a little bit.

By the way, the little swimmer in that photo is 3!

WOW...3? I am super-impressed, and she's doing it backwards too! (To me that's more scary--but perhaps kids think it's better to be on their stomach and not looking to the front, etc)? Our little one was about 4 when she got up the nerve to take her first plunge, and it was at that Castle-pool at CBR (stopped there for three great eves before settling in at the CR). It's actually a nice pool/setting, and she got up the nerve to go down alone (mostly due to the fact she made friends with a little five year old who was going down the slide non-stop!).

Your comments bring it all back, as we had to stay back from the exit, and wait for her to rocket out the end like a pebble from a slingshot! She went under immediately, and it seemed like "forever" before she surfaced. She looked excited and scared all at the same time! She told me she could see bright lights (she went down at night for the first time, of all times?!), and it felt like she would never get to the surface...etc. Yet, after she had time to think about it all, she decided she wanted to go again with her new friend--and never looked back. She goes down just about every slide now, but has a bit of claustrophobia over some of the extended "enclosed" ones! Thanks for the answer and info.

 

[TinkOhio]

Thanks, DF99! We can't wait to go back!

 

[MSC]

WOW...3? I am super-impressed, and she's doing it backwards too! (To me that's more scary--but perhaps kids think it's better to be on their stomach and not looking to the front, etc)? Our little one was about 4 when she got up the nerve to take her first plunge, and it was at that Castle-pool at CBR (stopped there for three great eves before settling in at the CR). It's actually a nice pool/setting, and she got up the nerve to go down alone (mostly due to the fact she made friends with a little five year old who was going down the slide non-stop!).

Your comments bring it all back, as we had to stay back from the exit, and wait for her to rocket out the end like a pebble from a slingshot! She went under immediately, and it seemed like "forever" before she surfaced. She looked excited and scared all at the same time! She told me she could see bright lights (she went down at night for the first time, of all times?!), and it felt like she would never get to the surface...etc. Yet, after she had time to think about it all, she decided she wanted to go again with her new friend--and never looked back. She goes down just about every slide now, but has a bit of claustrophobia over some of the extended "enclosed" ones! Thanks for the answer and info.

She was a big (tall) three, and the peer pressure of her big (5yo) sister helped her gain the courage. But she had that same experience as yours - she came up sputtering and terrified looking............. and then ran right back up to the top to do it again!!

We're going back in August and can't wait!!

 

[dreamflight99]

She was a big (tall) three, and the peer pressure of her big (5yo) sister helped her gain the courage. But she had that same experience as yours - she came up sputtering and terrified looking............. and then ran right back up to the top to do it again!!

We're going back in August and can't wait!!

How adorable...and with very similar stories behind the compelling urge for these girls to take the plunge!

The frightened look and sputtering must be truly universal...and you and I were fortunate enough to be "right there" to witness it firsthand on their faces as they emerged from the depths of the water world~! She told me later that night before bed, she thought she was "drowning" for a moment or two--as she was momentarily disoriented as to which way was up (I think she flipped over when she hit the water from the slide).

I assured her I was standing right there, and reaching for her as she surfaced. It was only a couple of seconds, but seems much longer when it's you trying to make heads or tails. I explained this type of thing happens to adults too. I've even had this happen to me, when I've been surfing and knocked around by waves. Sometimes, I just hold my breath until I'm sure of the direction of the surface (as I do not want to waste time, energy and breath). I told her the most important thing to do is never, ever panic (easier said than done...but always worth repeating).

I'm sure she had a renewed faith & respect in Ariel the mermaid and how she made swimming under the sea look so effortless and simple! The rapid recovery of the kids is the most puzzling, as it completely belies the initial facial reaction/emotions, etc. But...who are we to question progress?

My 4 year old is now 19, and still doing the "firsts" as she goes through life. I pray the magic and wonder never end...nor the funny reactions!

Enjoy your time there this August!! We are heading to DL soon as well. Any visit to the Magic is a cause to CELEBRATE!!

 

[Blondie]

For all of those who were so gracious with their comments about my photos, thanks!

I "aim" to please! (no pun intended)

I'll have more to share when we return in just over a month! Ofcourse, we're staying at the Swan!

 

[GettinReadyforDisney]

Blondie, we're staying at the Swan in June so I'd love to hear about your trip when you get back!!

Have a great time!

 

[Blondie]

Blondie, we're staying at the Swan in June so I'd love to hear about your trip when you get back!!

Have a great time!

You know I'll report when we get back!

Thanks! Praying for nice weather and low crowds! I love the Flower and Garden Festival, it's a beautiful time of year to go to WDW!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Yes, Blondie, take lots of pics for us!

 

[pooh2001]

We plan on giving $20 to Make-A-Wish foundation
What if we won the envelope with the "two cocktails or domestic beers" - could we then select another envelope ?

I called the S/D - they said to tell the front desk we do not drink alcohol. They said the drink envelope will be taken out of our envelope selection.

We are hoping for a free upgrade or free meals

 

[nurse.darcy]

I'm gonna do this just because. I LOVE make-a-wish. They have granted two of my patients wishes and they have been wonderful.

 

[Harambe]

For all of those who were so gracious with their comments about my photos, thanks!

I "aim" to please! (no pun intended)

I'll have more to share when we return in just over a month! Ofcourse, we're staying at the Swan!

Yes - those were wonderful pictures of Picabu! Altho the WDW restaurants are my "rides" since I don't do coasters and such, my family needs a good quick place when hunger strikes!

Someone on the restaurant board said that Picabu will give a 20% AAA discount. True? How about at Splash and The Fountain?

This thread is so helpful!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I think the only ones that do not give the 20% AAA are these four........

http://www.swandolphin.com/dining/signature.html

They are 'outside' restaurants, with space at S/D

 

[Harambe]

Thanks, Dan. Every little bit helps, right?

I was so leary about booking at the Swan, and now I'm just so excited to try it! Lots of perks!

 

[SingingMom]

I called the S/D - they said to tell the front desk we do not drink alcohol. They said the drink envelope will be taken out of our envelope selection.

We are hoping for a free upgrade or free meals

I wasn't able to find the "Make a Wish" information... can someone direct me to the right place? We are staying at the Dolphin June 22-30.. Thanks!