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

[paras4ri]

using the amenities at the Dolphin when staying at the Swan? I have read numerous posts recently listing the positives and negatives of the two resorts. Most list the laundry or restaurants as a factor in their decision. Since my plans include using the laundry facilities, fitness center, pools, and restaurants at the Dolphin during our trip will I be committing a faux pas? I thought that the amenities were for both resorts. Am I mistaken? There is so much wonderful advice and experience on this board, I'm sure someone can set me straight.
Thanks

The amenities are indeed for both resorts!!! Each hotel has a lap, or quiet pool, and you're welcome to use either. The Grotto Pool stretches between both properties, as does the beach. It's true that more restaurants are located at the Dolphin and the laundry room is also there. The funny thing is because the Dolpin is so large, it's possible to have a shorter walk from the Swan to the Dolphin than it is from the East Wing of the Dolphin to the laundry room or Grotto Pool!

We stayed at the Dolphin last summer and this year we'll be at the Swan. Can't wait!!!!

 

[#1hockeymom]

You most certainly may use the amenities at either resort! They are for both resorts.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I have no idea why the Swan does not have it's own laundry facilities but it doesn't. Of course it would be easier to just go downstairs but it's a short walk so I don't mind. I've never stayed at the Dolphin but can tell you it's a very active hotel whereas the Swan is a bit more intimate and quiet. There are alot more restaurants in the Dolphin and alot of conventioneers stay there because of that convenience so it's just a matter of taste. Either way, you'll enjoy it.

 

[Hieatt]

using the amenities at the Dolphin when staying at the Swan? I have read numerous posts recently listing the positives and negatives of the two resorts. Most list the laundry or restaurants as a factor in their decision. Since my plans include using the laundry facilities, fitness center, pools, and restaurants at the Dolphin during our trip will I be committing a faux pas? I thought that the amenities were for both resorts. Am I mistaken? There is so much wonderful advice and experience on this board, I'm sure someone can set me straight.
Thanks

The amenities are very much for both resorts, you can charge at both resorts on your room account... and you wouldn't feel awkward whatsoever in taking advantage of everything no matter what side you stay on. All I was saying is that more of the amenities are located within or nearer the Dolphin building, and I suppose it could be slightly awkward to carry a laundry basket from the Swan across the walkway to the Dolphin...

 

[ozziewags]

By all means, use amenities at both resorts! We love Tubbies, and use when at the Swan and the Dolphin. I think your confusion just may be why someone would choose to stay at one over the other.....convenience. Amenities are for both. Enjoy.

 

[mikki]

Thank you for the replies and reassurance. The DH has traveled so much this past year that I am probably over stressing about making this trip go smoothly and comfortably for him. Hopefully I can work into the schedule a nice massage and arrange something special. The tip on requesting turn down service was great. You are the best!

 

[JESW]

Wow! What a wealth of information on this thread! I have been looking through it and trying to find some answers.

We have been trying to book a last-minute trip to the world for June 22nd - 30th and have been having a tough time. We were able to find availability at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for the first 3 nights but when we tried to find an EPCOT resort for the last 5 nights we had no luck! We could stay the entire time at the AKL but we don't want to be so far away from things for so long. We LOVE the EPCOT area and have stayed at the BC, YC & BWI but have never stayed at the Dolphin or Swan. Should we give them a try?

Here are my questions:

Would we notice a big difference after spending so much time at the Disney (deluxe) resorts? (We have also stayed at the CR & Polynesian)

If we stay club level can they make PS's like the concierge level does at Disney resorts?

Not Disney resorts so no AP rates, right? (we also have AAA)

Does the Dolphin/Swan give you room keys like Disney resorts so you can have all your charges on one card??

If we want to go to Sea World one day can they help us with that? (Anyone know how much transportation would cost?)

If we stayed the first 3 nights at the AKL would Disney transfer our bags like they do between Disney resorts?

Do you think we would have a chance of getting in there on such a short notice?

Anything else I should know??

Thanks for any help you can give!

Jill...who hasn't COMPLETELY given up on getting there in June, altho it looks like it will be BUSY!

 

[Mouseteacher]

The S/D will do everything a Disney resort does except charging to your room (you can charge within the 2 resorts to your room).

They do have AP, AAA and government/teacher/nurse rates. Disney will transfer your luggage to the S/D. CL will make PS and arrange for you to go to Sea World.

The S/D are deluxe resorts and right in the heart of Epcot (the magic is all around you and within you! ).

Good luck! We love the S/D resorts and have been going every summer since 2002 - once we discovered these great resorts there was no turning back.

 

[DisneyFans4]

The Swan/Dolphin will take care of anything for you. During our stay we stayed club level and they did all our PS's for us. We also went to SeaWorld and they called a cab for us and the price wasn't bad for 4 of us, I think $20.00. No problem getting one back because when you go in the parking lot they are all waiting there for customers like us who need rides back to our hotels.
You can use all the amenities at Swan/Dolphin. Yes, you can charge on your room key but ONLY at facilities and restaurants of the Swan/Dolphin.
My DH and I had our first massage at the spa and it was wonderful.
It was a bit hard carrying my laundry over to the Dolphin (the only part I hated and I still wish the Swan would get their own laundry room) because it was heavy. But I planned ahead and bought the foldable laundry bag from my local supermarket and brought them with me since I knew I would have to walk. At times I would just call my DH on the phone and tell him to walk over to help me carry them but I didn't mind because I did the laundry maybe every 3 days so it was something I just beared with and did.
You will just love it. As you can see, we're going back!!

 

[ozziewags]

What they said!
Plus, as to whether you will notice a difference.....I have stayed at the Poly and the Yacht Club....also the Swan and the Dolphin....I love them all. Every resort at Disney has it's own ambience. A deluxe resort spoils you and it is hard to go back to a moderate, but they have thier own positives as well. Level of service at S/D is as good, if not better, than the other Disney deluxes.
Be sure to call them directly and ask for your dates, and for any special rates that may be available at the time. They also honor entertainment rates, as well as those mentioned by Mouseteacher. You could even try Dreams Unlimited. Sometimes they can get dates that the rest of us can't.

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

Can someone tell me what the deal is with the club level room views. I'm upgrading to club level using my spg points. When I phoned the Dolphin directly to upgrade I asked about getting a nice view. I was told that the only view on club level was either the parking lot or a lake view. Huh?????? Shouldn't these rooms have the best view since basically they are the most expensive rooms??? I asked if I could get a view of Epcot and was told the club level rooms don't have resort views. Ok, so then I asked if I could get a balcony/resort or just a resort room view and have club level priviledges. I was told that they don't do that anymore. We did this in 2003 at the Swan.

Can someone shed some light on this. I'm hoping that the CM I talked to just didn't know what she was talking about. All I want is to be able to view the Epcot fireworks from our room with my family after returning from the club lounge. Too much to ask?

Andy

 

[DisneyFans4]

That doesn't sound right. I can't speak for the Dolphin because I haven't stayed there but last year I stayed club level at the Swan and had a beautiful Epcot view from the balcony. I do know that some club level guests were on the opposite side of the Swan so they would have had a view of the parking lot so it's probably a matter of what room your in.
I remember looking to my left and seeing the front of the Dolphin and I'm sure from that view they see Epcot so I can't understand what that CM is talking about unless something changed and moved club level guests to the other side of the hotel which may face the parking lot.
I would call again and speak to someone else and if that CM says the same thing then I would ask to speak to the manager.

 

[paras4ri]

Can Disney Dollars be used at the Swan & Dolphin???

 

[Docsknotinn]

I just returned from the Dolphin and I'd be happy to answer any questions. We did stay on the CL. Our room was on the 14 th floor, lounge is on 12. We could easily see the fireworks at Epcot every night. I do not think that would be possible from any room in the Swan. The room was very nice and a real bargain compared to the Disney deluxes. The heavinly bed is just that. The only complaint we had is the motion sensor attached to the AC. At night the AC kicks off and the room gets warm. Housekeeping was average. Foodservice was very good. Great access to MGM and Epcot but easier to drive everyplace else except the boardwalk. I would think all the CL rooms have a decent view but I can also understand why they do not promise a specefic view.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I don't know about the Disney Dollars but you could call them and ask. I usually put mine towards park tickets.

 

[madge]

Can Disney Dollars be used at the Swan & Dolphin???

Gail--

they can't. Just as you can't charge back to your room (other than at the resort) the same applies to the Disney dollars....they can't be used at the S/D. That is, unless something has changed since last year....

 

[paras4ri]

Gail--
they can't. Just as you can't charge back to your room (other than at the resort) the same applies to the Disney dollars....they can't be used at the S/D. That is, unless something has changed since last year....

Thanks Madge, that's what I suspected. I just got some Disney Dollars for Mother's Day and I was planning how to spend them.

 

[zipster]

WOW! So much info on the Dolphin in such a small space! We are staying there next June for our honeymoon and we are so excited! Does anyone know if there is an e-mail address for the reservations team at the Dolphin so I can e-mail a room request over? Thanks all x

 

[cbird]

WOW! So much info on the Dolphin in such a small space! We are staying there next June for our honeymoon and we are so excited! Does anyone know if there is an e-mail address for the reservations team at the Dolphin so I can e-mail a room request over? Thanks all x

You will love the Dolphin Im sure. We have stayed a few times and it is my favourite place to stay in Disney. The staff are wonderful and the location cant be beaten.
If you go into the swandolphin site (swandolphin.com) I think there is a special room requests option to request your room. There be some other method also.

 

[disneypalgal]

I just got back from a 7 day stay at the Dolphin and we had used their web site to send questions. Our room requests were made through the online booking system through Starwood and were met - we had requested a view of Illuminations and we received a beautiful view I was not expecting it as I knew the hotel was full. We were very pleased.

We had a great time at the hotel and hope that we will stay there again!

p.