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

[Mouseteacher]

Please everyone lets move on. This thread has lasted a long time helping everyone plan their vacations to the Swan/Dolphin.

Thanks, safetymom, this thread has been around for many years and it helped me when deciding on my first stay at the Dolphin in 2002. I learned so much about spg and its AMEX card and comp upgrades. I certainly want to return the favor and help others in their S/D decisions.

 

[jeankeri]

Just a heads-up from my trip this June- Saturday night 'Dive-In' movies do not happen every week. We went Memorial Day weekend 2005 and this was going on. My boys were so excited to return and planned this Saturday night activity into our schedule. So, we were dissapointed when we asked at the pool Saturday morning what they would be playing. They looked confused and told us nothing was going on. Going through everyone from the Health Club to the front dest, we were told 'Dive-In' movies only occur over holiday weekends. Thought I would pass it on; doesn't hurt to check at the desk if it will be happening, but don't plan it into your week.

 

[disneydoula]

Another question: Can you get an upgrade only if you're a SPG member?

 

[disneydoula]

Just called for Dolphin room rates for the week of January 20th to celebrate my 40th birthday and they're not offering government or nurse discounts that week. So, too bad, but we won't be staying there after all.

Thanks for your help on this board, everyone.

 

[MSC]

I am just curious to hear some opinions about walking from the Dolphin to and from MGM and Epcot.

I have looked on Google earth, and its a little hard to determine where the foot traffic goes. Can someone explain where the two paths are?

I am wondering where you walk to get there and where the paths drop you off at...I am guessing that for Epcot it is a separate entrance, but for MGM it looks like maybe it takes you to the parking lot and the main entrance?

The big question tho, is how feasible the walk truly is for my party. We have four adults in their mid to early thirties, and four boys ages 10-15, that should be no problem. But we also have my mother and her best friend, they are both in their sixties and not very active on a regular basis. Are there benches on the way if they need to rest? Do the paths get crowded, or can they count on taking a nice leisurely pace?

Also, does it actually save time over using the ferries?

Thanks!!!

I don't think anyone answered your questions completely. To walk to either park, you cross the bridge first. Then left to Boardwalk, or Epcot, right to MGM. If you look at the overhead on Google, you'll see the path along the back side of Boardwalk hotel - that's the path that leads to MGM. Goes past the part of the parking lot and boat launch to the front entrance. It is NEVER crowded. To get to Epcot, you can either walk across the Boardwalk, or walk past the BC/YC. That drops you off at the International Gateway, between England and France.

I think generally people are more likely to walk to Epcot (than walk to MGM) because the boat trip to Epcot stops at both Boardwalk and BC/YC on the way to Epcot, whereas the boat to MGM is a non-stop.

 

[MSWint]

Have any of you used the Restaurant Reservations form online at the Swan Dophin website? ... just wondering if it worked well or not?

 

[SingingMom]

Have any of you used the Restaurant Reservations form online at the Swan Dophin website? ... just wondering if it worked well or not?

No, I haven't used the online form, but I have used the direct phone line in the room at the Dolphin - they have always been very helpful and accomodating.

 

[RachelTori]

Have any of you used the Restaurant Reservations form online at the Swan Dophin website? ... just wondering if it worked well or not?

I've used the form for Gulliver's twice recently. They send an email confirmation within a day or 2 and you're all set!

 

[jeankeri]

To add to MSC's reply- there are plenty of benches/ opportunities to rest on the walk to Epcot. My memory is not overwhelmed with visions of benches on the way to MGM. If having a place to rest is a must for your party, I'd suggest waiting for the boat.

 

[BlueFairy]

To add to MSC's reply- there are plenty of benches/ opportunities to rest on the walk to Epcot. My memory is not overwhelmed with visions of benches on the way to MGM. If having a place to rest is a must for your party, I'd suggest waiting for the boat.

Me too. Check out this link for pictures of the walk and detailed description.
http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=52
and here:
http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=44
I don't see benches on the MGM path in her pictures, except at the beginning while still at the MGM entrance plaza. Denise clocked the walk at 12 minutes or 1/2 mile from MGM to the point where you turn left to the S/D. I'd say it's another 3 minutes to the hotel door from there.
Then from MGM to EPCOT via the Boardwalk, she clocked at 1 mile total. So that puts S/D to EPCOT also at 1/2 mile.

In general, it's a flat, leisurely walk. However, as with everywhere else at Disney, I would say anyone who has trouble walking a normal pace for ANY distance at all should consider the ECV vehicles that you can rent from area companies or at the parks. ALL walking at Disney eventually takes it's toll on a person of average fitness. Someone who tires easily or has trouble walking just may become overwhelmed and miserable at Disney without some assistance.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Don't forget the AAA dining discount, if you are a member.

I have taken the boat/walked to Epcot, probably 50/50. I have never walked to MGM.

 

[logpey]

Hello Everyone!

I've had ressies for a couple of weeks now(switched from PORS) at Dolphin for 3 nights and Swan for 4 nights because at time of booking that's all they had available, I thought no big deal, I would just try everyday and see if I could be moved to just one resort for entire stay. Well now its only 5 days away and I haven't been able to yet!
It's odd because when I call they dont ask for CF # just dates of stay, Do you think they just have a lot of of rooms blocked for conventions or do you think their all booked up? They say the 11th is the only reason for my split stay, Its booked ( wednesday). Is anyone else in the same situation or have you been placed at just one? (recently)
The dates are July 8-15th. Does this also mean check out and back in again? I just hate to waste time doing this when I'm at Disney!! (I know I should of booked earlier and this would not have been a issue)

I usually stay at WL or the moderates. First timer at Swalphin! Thanks for yalls help and all wonderful info on these resorts! I'm AAA and SPG.

 

[jeankeri]

logpey, I had a split stay between Dolphin & Boardwalk. It's true I never really 'unpacked' until we got to the Boardwalk, seemed like a lot of settling in if we weren't staying. However, I have to say the process of moving was flawless! I called the bellman in the morning (after everything was packed, approx 30 min before we wanted to leave for the parks) and they got the bags, no problem!! They were waiting for us at the Boardwalk when we returned later in the day to check-in. So, even if you cannot change your ressies, you will still have a great trip. You will not 'waste' a whole day with the move. Here's some pixie dust ...hope you get your wish!!!

You could send your crew to Picabu to eat while one of you waits for the bellman.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

We often walked to Epcot and Studios. It was not bad at all and often we'd beat the boat because of other stops it made. It was convenient for us.

 

[SingingMom]

Hello Everyone!

I've had ressies for a couple of weeks now(switched from PORS) at Dolphin for 3 nights and Swan for 4 nights because at time of booking that's all they had available, I thought no big deal, I would just try everyday and see if I could be moved to just one resort for entire stay. Well now its only 5 days away and I haven't been able to yet!
It's odd because when I call they dont ask for CF # just dates of stay, Do you think they just have a lot of of rooms blocked for conventions or do you think their all booked up? They say the 11th is the only reason for my split stay, Its booked ( wednesday). Is anyone else in the same situation or have you been placed at just one? (recently)
The dates are July 8-15th. Does this also mean check out and back in again? I just hate to waste time doing this when I'm at Disney!! (I know I should of booked earlier and this would not have been a issue)

I usually stay at WL or the moderates. First timer at Swalphin! Thanks for yalls help and all wonderful info on these resorts! I'm AAA and SPG.

We were booked June 22 to June 30 - I wanted to check in June 21, but was told 'all sold out", so we just stayed at the Hyatt Regency at the airport that night and had the towncar pick us up first thing in the morning... we arrived at the Dolphin at 9:45 am - and the ROOM WAS READY!
I thought that was odd - I guess someone checked out very quickly! I had been trying up until a few days prior to our arrival to see if we could get in that day earlier! I never would have expected the room to be ready that early - we were all set to leave our bags and come back later. Nice surprise. But, I wonder if the hotel really was "all sold out"?

 

[Dislifer]

We were booked June 22 to June 30 - I wanted to check in June 21, but was told 'all sold out", so we just stayed at the Hyatt Regency at the airport that night and had the towncar pick us up first thing in the morning... we arrived at the Dolphin at 9:45 am - and the ROOM WAS READY!
I thought that was odd - I guess someone checked out very quickly! I had been trying up until a few days prior to our arrival to see if we could get in that day earlier! I never would have expected the room to be ready that early - we were all set to leave our bags and come back later. Nice surprise. But, I wonder if the hotel really was "all sold out"?

Sure!!! I have had to leave hotel rooms very early due to early flights. I'm sure when I have checked out of rooms early, my room was ready for 8:00 AM!!!

 

[Dizzle]

How much do the Swan Boats cost?

 

[SingingMom]

How much do the Swan Boats cost?

$12 for 1/2 hour for the boat that holds two people...

 

[Dizzle]

Thanks..

 

[Dizzle]

If you had to pick a floor at the Dolphin which would it be? Also do they have Miami Dolphins merchandise available for purchase there?