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

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I have always found the buses are great at the Swan. I have stayed when the sequences were a bit different, seems by the season/crowds. I have been picked up for just the S/D, sometimes the S/D/BW, and sometimes the S/D/BW/Y&BC. But never much of a hassle. Always to MK in less than 30 minutes, tops. And on return, I have always been dropped first at the Swan. I do usually have a car, use for resort hopping and DtD, sometimes AK. I find Disney transportation great almost always.
 
We're home and had a wonderful trip!!! We had a beautiful room in the East Wing of the Swan (#634) and we could see the Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach, the Dolphin (of course!) and the top of Spaceship Earth. At night we could see the high fireworks from both Illuminations and Wishes!!!! We were able to upgrade to Club level with points, and still keep our lovely room, and we really enjoyed that too.

We also visited last summer and in our experience the busses were better this trip. We shared with the Dolphin and the Boardwalk for MK but for AK they Yacht & Beach were also part of the trip. Sometimes we were the first stop too. It's really no different from the boats to Epcot and MGM - they're all shared by the 5 resorts.
 
paras4ri said:
We're home and had a wonderful trip!!! We had a beautiful room in the East Wing of the Swan (#634) and we could see the Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach, the Dolphin (of course!) and the top of Spaceship Earth. At night we could see the high fireworks from both Illuminations and Wishes!!!! We were able to upgrade to Club level with points, and still keep our lovely room, and we really enjoyed that too.

We also visited last summer and in our experience the busses were better this trip. We shared with the Dolphin and the Boardwalk for MK but for AK they Yacht & Beach were also part of the trip. Sometimes we were the first stop too. It's really no different from the boats to Epcot and MGM - they're all shared by the 5 resorts.

welcome home, Gail!!

Did you see Thabo or Mama T? :flower:
 
We spent several lovely mornings at breakfast with Thabo, he's such a nice man. No sign of Mama T but we also met Michael.
 

Hi Everyone,
This is my first time here and would like to know if anyone has ever stayed on the club floor of the swan? We are booked for Sept. 25 for a king balcony room and were wondering if we should upgrade to the club floor for the food?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
 
daaamama said:
Hi Everyone,
This is my first time here and would like to know if anyone has ever stayed on the club floor of the swan? We are booked for Sept. 25 for a king balcony room and were wondering if we should upgrade to the club floor for the food?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Waving hello to daaamama! Welcome! Are you a Starwood Preferred Guest member? If you have points you can upgrade to Club while keeping your King Balcony Room. That is what I would do... The food is great on Club, but I adore the balcony! It is so nice to sit outside at night and gaze at a lovely view... Sigh! I wanna go back! :goodvibes
 
Welcome to the DIS, daaamama ! DNeph and I upgraded with points (1,000 per night) to club level in June. It was well worth the points for us just to have a wonderful breakfast before heading to the parks each morning (we never made it back for the early evening fare). Our room was directly overlooking the front entrance and we could watch Fantasmic in the distance in the evening - it was pretty far away, but you could make out some of what was going on if you'd seen it before. We loved our stay at the Swan - not the same 'feeling' as the disney resorts for us, but a wonderful resort for a short or split stay - DNeph (7) LOVED the grotto pool - on the weekend there was a lot going on there - games for the kids, DJ, etc. Taking DH to the Swan for a long F&W weekend next month - can't wait !! Enjoy !
 
paras4ri said:
We're home and had a wonderful trip!!! We had a beautiful room in the East Wing of the Swan (#634) and we could see the Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach, the Dolphin (of course!) and the top of Spaceship Earth. At night we could see the high fireworks from both Illuminations and Wishes!!!! We were able to upgrade to Club level with points, and still keep our lovely room, and we really enjoyed that too.

We also visited last summer and in our experience the busses were better this trip. We shared with the Dolphin and the Boardwalk for MK but for AK they Yacht & Beach were also part of the trip. Sometimes we were the first stop too. It's really no different from the boats to Epcot and MGM - they're all shared by the 5 resorts.


Glad you had a nice trip! We will be at the Swan in Oct. I can't wait to try this resort after all the positive comments I've read. Could you tell me how many points you were charged to upgrade to CL? When I talked to SPG reservations I was told 1500 points per night, but others have said 1000. Thanks!
 
WiscMomof2~Hello! Since I'm Platinum SPG, I always receive CL complimentary (perhaps it's why I seldom use the lounge!). Yet, I am amazed the discrepancies regarding the amount of "points" for this upgrade are still causing questions? :confused3 (LOL).

Thabo is GREAT, as is Germaine, Mama T, and A couple more OT's!

James...is a FAB front desk mgr, along with Keith and Gail (to name a couple GREATS!). James has been there forever, nearly since the Dolphin opened (about 15 years). He's a great guy. Instant awards are things you are able to use your points for, including the amenities he included (health club, CL, etc).

This summer, we seemed to have a vehicle more than any other in memory. The rates for weekly are just SO much better than a couple of days, I found myself renting by the week...and just extending it (up to a month at the secured rate). I found some incredible rates, which would make your hair fall~out!! LOL. With Emerald Aisle membership, I was also afforded a car class upgrade (comp) from a full size to an SUV!! :banana:

YET--in the same breath, please let me say we are NEVER disappointed in the bus service. We love the ease of use, the covered walking path and large pick-up/drop-off area. The STOPS *(as posted below) change according to a myriad of reasons. Sometimes, the driver actually ASKS how many people are going to which resort? They take the largest number to their resort first, then down the line. It's just a method I've noticed they use. :confused3
They have their techniques, and use them as needed (or desired).

Disbug~Hi Denise!! YES: There has been a CHANGE in toiletries in the Dolphin executive suites for VIP/PLAT members, which include all CRABTREE and EVELYN SOAPS, LOTIONS, SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, BODY WASH, and then a little miniature bottle of SCOPE mouthwash as well. I also received the old amenities (as you listed), but much prefer the C&E line!! I have been enjoying these for more than five weeks :cloud9: now at the Dolphin!

Only once during this visit have we encountered any trouble in the grotto pool, and this was during a tupperware convention. Teens were jumping and diving (if you can picture this) off the top of the rock waterfall, as their mom's sat across from them yelling encouragements...("you have to jump out farther, or dive more shallow). Having a RC cert, EMT cert, etc.--I had to exit the area and alert someone before disaster struck. I just did not wish to spend my evening resuscitating a young person... :earseek: UGH. The security officers (several) immediately responded and cleared the pool. ;)
As I wrote, this is the first and only time we've experienced such problems in the pool in the late eve (it was about 12:45 am).

gm~Just to let you know, in the nearly 6 weeks we've been here--the bus has changed routes and locations several times. Even stops are frequently altered at the MK, etc. When I questioned the bus driver, he informed me it was to be FAIR to all the resorts. Therefore, there is truly no set route or schedule these drivers follow. :goodvibes

Both the Swan and Dolphin are top-rate resorts, with a stellar staff, fabulous restaurants, and soon-to-open NEW MADERA SPA, and all-around world class service. If you desire something different, feel free to try any of the other Epcot resorts. As for me? I'll take the DOLPHIN anytime...and I've stayed at ALL the others!! (w/exception to AKL and the values).

:dog2: :dog: :pug: :paw: WOW...new smilies!! It's been a while since I've been here!

TTFN...DF99 :wave2:
 
WiscMomof2 said:
Glad you had a nice trip! We will be at the Swan in Oct. I can't wait to try this resort after all the positive comments I've read. Could you tell me how many points you were charged to upgrade to CL? When I talked to SPG reservations I was told 1500 points per night, but others have said 1000. Thanks!
We were charged 1500 points per night, even though I did say others had been charged 1000.
 
dreamflight99 [b said:
James[/b]...is a FAB front desk mgr, along with Keith and Gail (to name a couple GREATS!). James has been there forever, nearly since the Dolphin opened (about 15 years). He's a great guy.
TTFN...DF99 :wave2:

Hey Lisa,

I spoke with James on Saturday. I told him that you refered me to him, and asked him to tell you, HI! from me. Thanks again for all of your help.

Ken
 
We'd like to eat breakfast at Boma's before heading to the AK in the morning, but I'm not sure how we can get there easily from the Dolphin. The bus service probably isn't going to work for us in this situation. I guess taking a cab is our best option, but we're a party of 6.

Does anyone have ideas on this? What is the best way to go from one resort to another early in the morning? We'd like to get an early (7:30 a.m.) AR so the kids can see the sites at AKL and so we have time to eat and get to the AK for the 9:00 a.m. opening.

Any advice would be appreciated!
 
Hello, Ken!

You're welcome! Hope you enjoy the Dolphin. It's a top-rate resort property, with all the amenities synonymous with a world-class location. :cloud9:

:wave2: Jen...this is an easy one! Just hop over to MGM via the boat and hop the AKL bus (which will take you directly to AKL with no other stops). I've done this myself! Also...you could easily hop in a taxi (request a van) which will take you to AKL for a small amount of $$$. I have also driven to AKL, and it's VERY close to the DOLPHIN! ;) It's truly a mile or two up the road.

Boma's is #1, and you will LOVE breakfast~! The offerings are so diverse and tasty! Enjoy this early morning gathering. Afterward, just hop the bus to AKL for a great day. I love breakfast at Ohana's on a MK morning. We take the bus from MGM to the POLY (seems the fastest) and then the monorail to the Kingdom! There are so many ways to get around. Have a fabulous time. :banana:

TTFN...DF99 :wave2: :sunny: :goodvibes
 
dreamflight99 said:
Just hop over to MGM via the boat and hop the AKL bus (which will take you directly to AKL with no other stops).

Thanks, Dreamflight! As always, you are so quick with great advice. What would we do without you? :grouphug:

So, I can catch a bus at MGM to AKL that early in the morning (7am)? I guess I need to check the bus schedule to be sure. Since it's so early, we may just catch some Zzzzzs and get a taxi anyway. :rolleyes:

Thanks again! :wave2:
 
dreamflight99 said:
James...is a FAB front desk mgr, along with Keith and Gail (to name a couple GREATS!). James has been there forever, nearly since the Dolphin opened (about 15 years). He's a great guy. Instant awards are things you are able to use your points for, including the amenities he included (health club, CL, etc).

Since we are both Platinum, what Instant Awards do they offer you? Do you have any examples? I am guessing you use your points for something. :)

dreamflight99 said:
Disbug~Hi Denise!! YES: There has been a CHANGE in toiletries in the Dolphin executive suites for VIP/PLAT members, which include all CRABTREE and EVELYN SOAPS, LOTIONS, SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, BODY WASH, and then a little miniature bottle of SCOPE mouthwash as well. I also received the old amenities (as you listed), but much prefer the C&E line!! I have been enjoying these for more than five weeks :cloud9: now at the Dolphin!

When you say " VIP/Platinum" members get C&E toiletries...what exactly do you mean? The toiletries are different depending on the room/suite type or the member status?

dreamflight99 said:
gm~Just to let you know, in the nearly 6 weeks we've been here...

Out of curiosity, what sort of deal do they work with you for points for a stay that long? :earseek: Do you have to have special arrangements for a ressie like that?
 
Im sure this has been asked a million times but.......
Heres the set up. We are a family of four who will be staying at the Pop century from 12/27/05 to 12/31/05. We have decided to come a day early and instead of adding another day to the POP we would like to discover another Hotel. The Swan/Dolphin have a great rate for nurses I have discovered thanks to this board. We now want to spend our first night at one of these wonderful hotels. I know that the dolphin is bigger and has more of the conviences centrally located. The Swan is more quiet and less hectic. Are there really any differences in the rooms? Size wise? I read that the Swan has two sinks? Are they decorated and set up the same? Forget about the differences of a view or a balcony because we will be booking a standard room. So what is your recommendation for one night to get an idea if we like these resorts? Thanks ahead of time! :sunny:
 
Autumn Sun! Welcome to the FAQ thread! You have done your homework! The main difference I see with the Swan and Dolphin is the Swan is more intimate and easier to get to your room. It is a smaller resort after all. I usually recommend that people go to the Swan first (if they are going to try both) to get acclimated. They are both decorated very similarly, with slightly different themes, but the same color palette. The Dolphin (which I personally prefer) is much larger and has a "higher energy" atmosphere. I think the circus tent lobby sets the stage for fun... The sink layout is also different, which you've already heard and the beds are slightly larger at the Swan. Can you add your extra day to the end of your vacation, instead of the beginning? I think once you've stayed at these resorts, it will be hard to go to the value resort! lol!

Enjoy your holiday there! It really is the most magical place on earth... :teeth:
 
I would love to stay CL for my first stay at the Swan, but we need a King size bed more than anything. Are there King bed in Swan CL? And if I'm really greedy, are there rooms in CL that have king size beds and views of fireworks from MK/Epcot? :rolleyes1 :teeth:

Thanks :sunny:
 
Disbug said:
Waving hello to daaamama! Welcome! Are you a Starwood Preferred Guest member? If you have points you can upgrade to Club while keeping your King Balcony Room. That is what I would do... The food is great on Club, but I adore the balcony! It is so nice to sit outside at night and gaze at a lovely view... Sigh! I wanna go back! :goodvibes

Hmm.. I tried the "go to the first unread post" thing before, but somehow I missed this until I re-read the whole thread now. I could have written daaamama's post and I'll be there the day after you! Thanks Disbug for inadvertently answering my question too!
 
Disbug said:
Autumn Sun! Welcome to the FAQ thread! You have done your homework! The main difference I see with the Swan and Dolphin is the Swan is more intimate and easier to get to your room. It is a smaller resort after all. I usually recommend that people go to the Swan first (if they are going to try both) to get acclimated. They are both decorated very similarly, with slightly different themes, but the same color palette. The Dolphin (which I personally prefer) is much larger and has a "higher energy" atmosphere. I think the circus tent lobby sets the stage for fun... The sink layout is also different, which you've already heard and the beds are slightly larger at the Swan. Can you add your extra day to the end of your vacation, instead of the beginning? I think once you've stayed at these resorts, it will be hard to go to the value resort! lol!

Enjoy your holiday there! It really is the most magical place on earth... :teeth:
Thanks for your response. LOL, I may not want to leave the Swan/Dolphin thats for sure. Cant add to the end of the trip d/t a cruise following our stay at WDW. Im leaning tword the Swan. Another question.......Our first night I was thinking about dinner at the Swan in Gullivers for the character dinner. Would you recommend this or going to DTD or the Boardwalk for dinner? Thanks again. :sunny:
 
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