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

[paras4ri]

Hi cbird! We'll be at the Swan from August 6-11 and are looking forward to it. We stayed at the Dolphin last summer and had a wonderful time.
I'm hoping to use Starwood points to upgrade to Club level if it's available.

maui2k5 - I think you can submit a special request at any time on the website. Not sure if they confirm it's received though. Maybe other experts can answer that one.

Goofy's Muse - I echo what Mouseteacher said about the Grotto pool. I sat under the waterfall many times to get out of the sun for a while. My kids were 9 & 12 last summer and loved the pool - they can't wait to get back in August!

 

[Tiffany]

Hi All,

I was able to get a good rate at the Swan for our June17th through the 21st trip (project X). $159 for a standard view room at the Swan through Dreams with no discount code. Infact using the code gave me a more expensive rate.

Is there self parking at the Swan? We self parked at the Dolphin on our last trip there in Sept 2004.

I remember reading that the standard view rooms at the Swan offer better views than the standard view rooms at the Dolphin. Do any of you agree or disagree with this?

 

[dreamflight99]

Hi cbird! Thanks for the UK weather report. DD is planning to attend university in the UK, (just received another acceptance through UCAS--From the University of York!).

Do you "recall" what the VIEW was like from your balcony? Perhaps I can help you with the WING location if you're able to dredge~up a few details. Did you take any photos you can review? Was it facing MGM and the TOWER of TERROR, or EPCOT and ILLUMINATIONS, or perhaps more of the SWAN and the WALKWAY~? How long are you staying on holiday this August?

 

[Mouseteacher]

cbird~I know that the east wing at the Dolphin has the Epcot, Boardwalk, B/Y Club views. The last wing on the outer end of the building has superb views! However, the walk to the pool is a loooong one! The walk didn't bother us (we were on the 8th flooe) since we were thrilled to receive such a great view.

 

[cbird]

Hi cbird! Thanks for the UK weather report. DD is planning to attend university in the UK, (just received another acceptance through UCAS--From the University of York!).

Do you "recall" what the VIEW was like from your balcony? Perhaps I can help you with the WING location if you're able to dredge~up a few details. Did you take any photos you can review? Was it facing MGM and the TOWER of TERROR, or EPCOT and ILLUMINATIONS, or perhaps more of the SWAN and the WALKWAY~? How long are you staying on holiday this August?

That is sooooo amazing. BOth my daughter and son went to the University of York. They did History and Chemistry respectively. Daughter still lives in York now a Special needs teacher. She and her partner are still involved coaching the university basketball team . I go there lots to visit. It is a beautiful city and a safe city. Our holiday is from 27 July until 11 August and we plan to spend a few days in the middle in Fort Lauderdale.

Our last room there kind of faced the Swans beach area and we could see the walkway but not the fireworks in Epcot. That was way to our left and behind.

If you have any questions about York email me on cbird@manx.net. and I will do my best to answer them.

 

[Twigs]

Just got back from the Swan today, we had a great time and we all loved those Heavenly beds. DS's were complaining that they will not be able to sleep well anymore . I brought my laptop and thanks to this thread was able to use it very easily. We did have a few problems, but they were all resoved. When checking in we had an e-mail comfirmation and a direct mailing from the Swan saying we were to have 2 queen beds, resort view with balcony, but they had us for a king and sleeper sofa with no balcony in their computer. We were told they were booked up and could not change it. DH was not happy and asked for a manager, and they did end up giving us a room with 2 queen beds, with a balcony. ( We did think that the King bed room might have been larger, but we really wanted DS's to have a bed and we were really looking forward to the balcony, and we ended up with an Epcot view!) On our first full day the carpet just down the floor from us was flooded and maintenance was trying to figure out where it was coming from. The next day after a full day in the parks and staying in the MK until closing at midnight, we got back to the room about 12:45am it smelled like mildew in the hall and in our room. There was a message to call the front desk, and they told us they had to move us immediately as it was a health issue to stay there ( so at 1am we packed up and moved), they also said they were upgrading us to a room with 2 queens and a balcony, DH said that is what we have already and they ended up giving us a free night and a voucher for breakfast for two. Then on our bill, they kept charging us each day for valet parking when we only used it for one. They did correct this, but each time DH checked the bill on the TV, it was added on and he had to call each day to correct it. Also, they did inform us that starting March 1st they would be charging for self parking, and they were busy installing gates in the parking lot while we were there. Everyone in the Swan is very nice and the people at the Disney desk were very helpful too. Our friends were staying at the Swan too and had 2 rooms booked and they didn't have any problems at all. In spite of the things that happened, we really enjoyed staying here, and we had a great time, the kids loved the pool.

 

[dreamflight99]

What a WONDERFUL post! I'm so happy to read about your stay, and the great experience enjoyed by all in your family. I'm actually HAPPY they are finally installing gates and charging fees for self-parking at these resorts. I truly do not mind the minimal cost, for the convenience. Eventually, after the initial costs are covered by the fees, they may reassess the situation and offer complimentary/inclusive parking permits, etc., for paying (overnight) guests. I'll contact Starwood Corp. to express my concerns and ideas with regards to this matter.

Those beds are amazing, and the most comfy! I have one in a guest room, with all the pillows/bedding as well. Every guest comments on the wonderful attributes of this sleep set.

We look forward to our stays at the Dolphin, and truly love these resorts/staff.

Thanks again, for taking the time to post the details of your fabulous stay at the WDW Swan.

TTFN...DF99

 

[shortcake_smurf]

Hi Everyone - We're leaving for our first trip to the Dolphin in 3 weeks. Can anyone tell me how much it is for valet parking? Also someone mentioned that they are now going to charge for self-parking? Does anyone know how much? Thanks - MaryAnn

 

[beehive123]

I have a question regarding discounts. Has the Swan/Dolphin in the
past given out discount codes the same as the other Disney resorts?
I am looking to go the first week of October and torn between\
Swan/Dolphin or the YC/BC. I would prefer the Swan/Dolphin but
I'm not familar if they have good discounts. I am a AAA, AP holder
and a government employee. Is it possible to get a room for
2Adults, 2 kids for around $200.00 value season?

 

[Twigs]

We are just back from the Swan and the valet parking was $14 a day. DH was told that self parking would be $7 for the day and $7 for the night, which comes out the same as valet parking so we are not really sure if this is correct.

 

[madge]

I have a question regarding discounts. Has the Swan/Dolphin in the
past given out discount codes the same as the other Disney resorts?
I am looking to go the first week of October and torn between\
Swan/Dolphin or the YC/BC. I would prefer the Swan/Dolphin but
I'm not familar if they have good discounts. I am a AAA, AP holder
and a government employee. Is it possible to get a room for
2Adults, 2 kids for around $200.00 value season?

Discounts the first week of October will be few and far between, I'm afraid. The resorts are already nearly full--there's a couple of large conventions scheduled.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Definitely will be crowded first 2 weeks of Oct. My DH is going to one of those conventions, he goes every year

 

[howtrace]

Anyone know which floor/room numbers have the best view in the "Standard " Category?

Also, do they really honor your requests - even if requesting a particlular room very early??

Thanks

 

[Keokagal]

Please would someone confirm self-parking is fee-based now. I will be there in April w a rental. Certainly did not expect to pay to park. I don't have to pay at the other Disney resorts.

 

[howtrace]

Yes. Starting in april 7.00 per day - confirmed with hotel 2 weeks ago.
A Sham

 

[Lorix2]

We are just back from the Swan and the valet parking was $14 a day. DH was told that self parking would be $7 for the day and $7 for the night, which comes out the same as valet parking so we are not really sure if this is correct.

Does this mean that the total charge for day/night for our 3 day stay will be $14.00 a day for parking

 

[NancyIL]

Does this mean that the total charge for day/night for our 3 day stay will be $14.00 a day for parking

I highly doubt the fee is $14 for self-parking. I've read it is $7 plus tax.

 

[Twigs]

I don't see how they could charge $14 for self parking as that is the same as the valet parking, I think that the person at the desk my husband was talking to, must have had it wrong. He had to make a call each day as they kept charging us for valet parking and we only used it one night, and that is when the person at the desk said "starting March 1 you will have to pay $7 to park during the day and $7 at night for self parking".

 

[dreamflight99]

I don't see how they could charge $14 for self parking as that is the same as the valet parking, I think that the person at the desk my husband was talking to, must have had it wrong. He had to make a call each day as they kept charging us for valet parking and we only used it one night, and that is when the person at the desk said "starting March 1 you will have to pay $7 to park during the day and $7 at night for self parking".

Yes, I called to confirm the parking fees. DAY PARKING will be the same as overnight (initially), which is $7.00 plus applicable state tax. Of course, these are all subject to change at any time, which includes increases in fees and/or promotions. Once again, I am actually pleased they are implementing this system, as it will cut-down on parking abuse from non-guests, and also improve the security of the hotel property (always a concern). I do not find $7 to be unreasonable, especially since the parks still charge MORE than this to park in their lots.

If the parking fee truly bothered someone...they could go to other lengths and methods. There are always other options for the truly adventurous. They could drive their car to Epcot, park for FREE using an AP, and then take the boat back to the Dolphin/Swan. As long as they return and move the car around in the lot each day, it will be okay. When ever they need to use it...they could take the boat over, obtain the car...then drive to the Dolphin/Swan and pick up the family!! I'm truly only kidding here...but there may be some people whom would go to such lengths to save a few bucks!

It's only a matter of time, before WDW does the same with all of their resorts.

TTFN...DF99

 

[dreamflight99]

Anyone know which floor/room numbers have the best view in the "Standard " Category?

Also, do they really honor your requests - even if requesting a particlular room very early??

Thanks

Your question seems to have been buried under the PARKING issue! Welcome. The "standard" rooms do not offer much of a view, other than some on the ends/side of the building. I would definitely join SPG (if you have not already done so) @ www.spg.com. After this, I would visit the website with your reservation number and information, (www.swandolphin.com) and fill out the special request form. Be sure to be specific, and ask for what you would like (ie: preferred view of the parks/water area), etc. Mention your SPG membership as well.

As for the requests for particular rooms, the staff certainly does their BEST. Nothing can be guaranteed, but they seem to try to accommodate everyone as proficiently and expediently as possible.

*cbird~Thanks for the wonderful email! You have set my mind at ease.

TTFN...DF99