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

[dwheatl]

Anybody have any "must see" or "must do" with kids at the Swan or Dolphin?

We stayed last summer, and enjoyed the "dive-in movie". You can float around in an inner tube and watch a Disney movie. It's a nice way to relax but still feel that you are in WDW.

 

[Dislifer]

I think it was me! Here they are again:

Blondie:

What does Mini Bar Removal fee mean????
Thanks! Everything looks good in there. I think I'll tell S+D to keep it locked if possible so my kids don't get tempted (who am I kidding---me too!)

 

[MICKEEP]

I'm sure this has been asked at one time or another on these 200+ pages, so here it is again....

We are staying at the Dolphin for the first time and do not know that much about the place. Can you request specific rooms or areas within the building, and if you can what areas of the building would you suggest.

Also how do you go about requesting?

ANYBODY????

 

[SingingMom]

Blondie:

What does Mini Bar Removal fee mean????
Thanks! Everything looks good in there. I think I'll tell S+D to keep it locked if possible so my kids don't get tempted (who am I kidding---me too!)

At check in, they asked us if we might be accessing the minibar... if you say "Yes", they give you the key. So, I'm assuming if you say, "No", you'll receive no key don't have to worry!
(We took the key, but ended up not using anything.)

We had made a grocery stop for water and coke, and just kept the icebucket full. We would place 3 water bottles on top of the ice overnight, and they were cold enough for our start in the mornings... I'm sure you could ask for 2 ice buckets, or you could bring along a collapsable cooler bag if you need more room.

 

[Mouseteacher]

ANYBODY????

If you would like a view of Epcot and Illuminations, ask for the farthest east wing (the one closest to the YC/BC). There is a long walk to the elevator but it was worth it because we loved this view!

If you would like a view of the pool area, Tower of Terror, request the west wing.

 

[MICKEEP]

If you would like a view of Epcot and Illuminations, ask for the farthest east wing (the one closest to the YC/BC). There is a long walk to the elevator but it was worth it because we loved this view!

If you would like a view of the pool area, Tower of Terror, request the west wing.

Thank You

 

[Dislifer]

At check in, they asked us if we might be accessing the minibar... if you say "Yes", they give you the key. So, I'm assuming if you say, "No", you'll receive no key don't have to worry!
(We took the key, but ended up not using anything.)

We had made a grocery stop for water and coke, and just kept the icebucket full. We would place 3 water bottles on top of the ice overnight, and they were cold enough for our start in the mornings... I'm sure you could ask for 2 ice buckets, or you could bring along a collapsable cooler bag if you need more room.

Thanks SingingMom - I get the lock idea but I still don't understand the "Removal Fee" $20 which is on the bottom of the Mini Bar Menu ????

 

[Dan Murphy]

I think if you ask them to empty the frig so you can use for other things, 20 bucks. I have taken a number of things out myself, put them nearby, with a note to housekeeping and mini-bar people, along with a phone call to housekeeping that I did so, so I could put a few of my things in there, never had a charge.

 

[Dislifer]

I think if you ask them to empty the frig so you can use for other things, 20 bucks. I have taken a number of things out myself, put them nearby, with a note to housekeeping and mini-bar people, along with a phone call to housekeeping that I did so, so I could put a few of my things in there, never had a charge.

Thanks Dan! That makes sense!

 

[florep1]

Just back from an eight night stay at the Swan and we're ready to go back! Booked a standard view, didn't have any requests for a particular room, and got an upgrade to resort view on East side with a great view of Boardwalk, BC/YC, and Illuminations! Loved the convenience and the boats! We had 8 day park hoppers and hopped up to 3 parks a day easily.

Spent one whole day just lounging around at the pool. Never had to show hotel key card to get towels, my kids just asked the staff and they were happy to oblige. Dropped them off when we got done, no one checked either to make sure we dropped it off. Heavenly beds were indeed heavenly. What could have been better? Fitted sheets! My sheets kept getting undone. Just a minor inconvenience. Loved the turndown service, my kids couldn't wait for the chocolate. A fridge would have been nice too, but when I asked, it was an extra $10 or $15/day, not sure which one. I figured, it was more cost efficient to get the refillable mugs from Picabu.

Ate at Picabu twice. Breakfast was okay. I preferred Fresh's breakfast better. Had the chicken dinner meal at Picabu one time, it was good. Kids had pizza, hard to mess that up. just don't order sausage pizza, as they used breakfast sausage (that was weird). We walked to Spoodles at BW 3 times for breakfast as my dh preferred that. Ate a few meals at ESPN also as my dh really liked it. Personally, it was just okay. Ate most meals at the Parks. My fave meal was at Marrakesh. Least fave was Garden Grille although the children loved the interaction with the characters.

 

[MICKEEP]

Just back from an eight night stay at the Swan and we're ready to go back! Booked a standard view, didn't have any requests for a particular room, and got an upgrade to resort view on East side with a great view of Boardwalk, BC/YC, and Illuminations!

Great report..thank you.

BTW, Are you a Starwood Member?

 

[MICKEEP]

I know there is a walkway from S/D, over the bridge, to BW but is there a walkway to YC/BC?

 

[Dislifer]

Okay; this is probably a dumb question but....
We are staying at the Dolphin, now if I want to leave early in the AM to get something at the bakery on the boardwalk, where in the Dolphin do I want to stay?
I'm not going until December, but could I call and request a particular location now?
Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I know there is a walkway from S/D, over the bridge, to BW but is there a walkway to YC/BC?

Yes, instead of turning to go to BW, just keep on same walk to get to Y&BC.

 

[spartanfan72]

Just back from an eight night stay at the Swan and we're ready to go back! Booked a standard view, didn't have any requests for a particular room, and got an upgrade to resort view on East side with a great view of Boardwalk, BC/YC, and Illuminations! Loved the convenience and the boats! We had 8 day park hoppers and hopped up to 3 parks a day easily.

Spent one whole day just lounging around at the pool. Never had to show hotel key card to get towels, my kids just asked the staff and they were happy to oblige. Dropped them off when we got done, no one checked either to make sure we dropped it off. Heavenly beds were indeed heavenly. What could have been better? Fitted sheets! My sheets kept getting undone. Just a minor inconvenience. Loved the turndown service, my kids couldn't wait for the chocolate. A fridge would have been nice too, but when I asked, it was an extra $10 or $15/day, not sure which one. I figured, it was more cost efficient to get the refillable mugs from Picabu.

Ate at Picabu twice. Breakfast was okay. I preferred Fresh's breakfast better. Had the chicken dinner meal at Picabu one time, it was good. Kids had pizza, hard to mess that up. just don't order sausage pizza, as they used breakfast sausage (that was weird). We walked to Spoodles at BW 3 times for breakfast as my dh preferred that. Ate a few meals at ESPN also as my dh really liked it. Personally, it was just okay. Ate most meals at the Parks. My fave meal was at Marrakesh. Least fave was Garden Grille although the children loved the interaction with the characters.

Thanks for the update!

We leave tomorrow for 7-days at the Swan.

 

[even1]

Spartanfan72,


Have a wonderful vacation!!!

 

[danjoan14]

Which is colder, the fridge or the mini-bar?

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Thanks for the update!

We leave tomorrow for 7-days at the Swan.

We will just miss each other. I check in on the 10th.

Have a great vacation!

 

[florep1]

BTW, Are you a Starwood Member?

Yes

 

[jayandstacey]

We stayed last summer, and enjoyed the "dive-in movie". You can float around in an inner tube and watch a Disney movie. It's a nice way to relax but still feel that you are in WDW.

OK - this is a new one on me! We leave monday AM and this sounds cool - is it still offered? Where? What do we need to know?