The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ April 2012 ~ Please read post #1

[Flews]

I finally found the rate! However it is not available for Oct 4-8th however a One bedroom Suite split (since there's a pull out couch & 1 extra person) would bring our rate down majorly!

Has anyone stayed in the One Room Suite? Is is comfortable for 3? & the living area & bedroom are separate correct?
TIA

Lots of times. Two to a bed (or two to 2 beds); one on the pullout; very comfortable.

Lots of room in the parlour. The little kitchenette area comes in handy. Plus we always got two baths. (Some layouts vary, so check out the room diagrams online for yours.)

Cheers,

 

[Flews]

I have a quick question. I know questions about tipping are taboo, so I'm trying to think of how to ask this appropriately...

We are staying in a 2 bedroom grand suite, but there will only be 3-4 of us staying in it. How have others who have stayed in the suites handled this? I know some people tip per person, but since there are technically 2 bedrooms and the living room/dining room area, I wasn't sure if we should tip as if we were staying in 2-3 rooms? I hope this doesn't cause a debate. I just wasn't sure what the protocol was. Thanks!

As others say, it's what you are comfortable doing. We've stayed in this suite. We generally did $5 per bedroom, per day, leaving the money physically in each room.

We'd add an extra $5 if we were making a special request: ie more coffee/towels.

We'd leave more if we had a day when the kids were especially el destructo...

We also get great service, so we are happy to reward/encourage it.

Cheers,

 

[ImprovGal]

Is the internet access unlimited?

Also, could someone please remind me what the brand of the coffee maker is? We're wondering if we should see if we can buy some of the pod things before we come since we drink a LOT of coffee

The internet access is unlimited, and when you sign in to access it, there is a dropdown menu for which option you want. Be sure to select the option for "included in resort package". There is also a $5.95 per 24 hrs buyup option for those who have the resort package internet but would like to select the higher speed.
(* For those who are SPG platinum, your resort fee gets waived and you are entitled to select that higher speed buyup option without the additional charge.)

I'm at the Dolphin right now (leaving today -- boohoo!) and the coffee maker brand is "Warm Blends". The coffee is packaged in filter packs, and I'm assuming ground for a regular drip brew.

 

[santa's surpriz]

What is your preferred method of transportation to/from MCO to the Swan/Dolphin? Last year we used FL Tours and were very happy, but wondering what others have used, value of service and level of satisfaction. I liked FL Tours because it included a 30 min. stop at the grocery.

Thanks!

 

[NancyC1000]

What is your preferred method of transportation to/from MCO to the Swan/Dolphin? Last year we used FL Tours and were very happy, but wondering what others have used, value of service and level of satisfaction. I liked FL Tours because it included a 30 min. stop at the grocery.

Thanks!

We have used FL Tours and Tiffany Town Car (which also includes a grocery stop). We liked both and had no issues. Very good service. This year we are using Tiffany again because we had great service last year and the round trip was slightly less than FL Tours. I also like the $5.00 internet coupon that Tiffany Town Car gives! Hopes this helps.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Internet use is unlimited. Not sure of coffee maker brand, but the coffee pads, Starbucks, will be given to you, as many as you want, just ask housekeeping. I drink a LOT too.

http://www.sweettmakesthree.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1080021.jpg

Thanks My mom, sister, and I all drink a great deal of coffee, so between the three of us we might need to make the housekeeping folks our new BFFs I was wondering...since our suite will have 2 bedrooms and the wet bar area, does that mean we'll have 3 coffee makers? Oh, to dream ha!

As others say, it's what you are comfortable doing. We've stayed in this suite. We generally did $5 per bedroom, per day, leaving the money physically in each room.

We'd add an extra $5 if we were making a special request: ie more coffee/towels.

We'd leave more if we had a day when the kids were especially el destructo...

We also get great service, so we are happy to reward/encourage it.

Cheers,

Thanks! We normally do $5 per bedroom/day too (but we've only ever had one bedroom, haha!) Your advice helps a lot, thanks

The internet access is unlimited, and when you sign in to access it, there is a dropdown menu for which option you want. Be sure to select the option for "included in resort package". There is also a $5.95 per 24 hrs buyup option for those who have the resort package internet but would like to select the higher speed.
(* For those who are SPG platinum, your resort fee gets waived and you are entitled to select that higher speed buyup option without the additional charge.)

I'm at the Dolphin right now (leaving today -- boohoo!) and the coffee maker brand is "Warm Blends". The coffee is packaged in filter packs, and I'm assuming ground for a regular drip brew.

THANK YOU for the pointer about the drop down menu. Have you found that the included service is really slow? It seems like it would be if they're offering an upcharge for faster service (I never got to use this little guy before!)

Thanks for the coffee maker info too!! Sorry you're leaving That's always the worst!!

 

[jcb]

Have you found that the included service is really slow?

We last stayed in 2010. At times the internet speed was so slow that I just used the wireless card I brought with me. That was the first time I noticed it and I'm sure experience varies. It wasn't a huge issue. I don't go to WDW to use the Internet.

 

[SRUAlmn]

We last stayed in 2010. At times the internet speed was so slow that I just used the wireless card I brought with me. That was the first time I noticed it and I'm sure experience varies. It wasn't a huge issue. I don't go to WDW to use the Internet.

Very true! We've actually never used it at any of the resorts before, but my sister loves her new Ipad, so I thought I'd ask

 

[RachelTori]

We last stayed in 2010. At times the internet speed was so slow that I just used the wireless card I brought with me. That was the first time I noticed it and I'm sure experience varies. It wasn't a huge issue. I don't go to WDW to use the Internet.

Very true! We've actually never used it at any of the resorts before, but my sister loves her new Ipad, so I thought I'd ask

The past 3 years, I've stayed at Dolphin 4 - 5 times a year (yes, I'm hooked!! ) Although others may complain about the internet speed, I've never had an issue with it.

 

[LexiC123]

The past 3 years, I've stayed at Dolphin 4 - 5 times a year (yes, I'm hooked!! ) Although others may complain about the internet speed, I've never had an issue with it.

Likewise. Last year, I used my Ipad in the room and at the pool, and had no problems whatsoever with the internet speed.

And yes...it was slightly weird to be reading DIS while at the World, but it was a good way to kill time while waiting for the chai/coffee to be ready.

 

[olive]

And even after you book (whether it's teacher rate, stay connected or some other), keep checking from time to time to see if a better rate is offered. If you find one, all you've got to do is call Swan/Dolphin and they will adjust your reservation.

We have definitely not been shy about calling for possible rate adjustments! And I can also report that we have always had such polite and helpful folks on the other end of the line. We even called a week or so ago to see if it was possible to change our dates under the superbowl promotion, booked awhile back. Although the promotion isn't available anymore, as long as we were staying at the same resort (instead of switching the reservation from Swan to Dolphin, which I did ask about) they honored the promotional rate. I thought that was very kind, and more than I was expecting.

We will definitely be asking about nurse/teacher/AAA for the suite when we check prices once Stay Connected comes out for 2013. It's great to know that is available.

 

[pooh2001]

arrival on a Saturday - when should I mail a package to myself ?
Should I mail on the Monday before - then arrives on a Friday the day before we arrive ? or mail the Saturday before arrival day?

Using a pay-one-price box from USPS.
Suggestions ?

I have our names, res # and arrival date on the sides of the box.
Please suggest a day for me to mail our box to the Dolphin.

Thank you !

PS - I promise a trip report when we return.

 

[SRUAlmn]

arrival on a Saturday - when should I mail a package to myself ?
Should I mail on the Monday before - then arrives on a Friday the day before we arrive ? or mail the Saturday before arrival day?

Using a pay-one-price box from USPS.
Suggestions ?

I have our names, res # and arrival date on the sides of the box.
Please suggest a day for me to mail our box to the Dolphin.

Thank you !

PS - I promise a trip report when we return.

Are you so excited!?!?!? We'll be there in 13 days!!

I feel bad because my questions and posts have monopolized the last couple pages, but I think it's because our date is quickly approaching and I'm getting so excited!

 

[RachelTori]

Are you so excited!?!?!? We'll be there in 13 days!!

I feel bad because my questions and posts have monopolized the last couple pages, but I think it's because our date is quickly approaching and I'm getting so excited!

No feeling bad -- that's exactly what this thread is for and everyone benefits from the questions you've asked!

 

[mlwolcott1]

Whatis the code to enter for the teacher rate?)

 

[SRUAlmn]

No feeling bad -- that's exactly what this thread is for and everyone benefits from the questions you've asked!

This is why I come here! Everyone is SO NICE!! Thanks!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Whatis the code to enter for the teacher rate?)

Here's the link
http://swandolphin.com/offers/teachers/index.html

 

[MBELSANTI]

You can rent the Swan paddle boats at the Cabana Beach Hut (the kiosk where you get towels, etc.). The rate is $15 for half an hour.

You'd have to go to the marina at the Yacht Club to rent the sea racers. Not sure what the rates are...maybe someone on the Y&BC thread would have that information. You can also rent sea racers at the resorts in the MK area - Poly, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge - and at Port Orleans, Old Key West, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach and at Downtown Disney.

Let me caution you! You can rent the Sea raycers from the Yacht and Beach Club. It is a quick walk over. We rented 2 boats for 30 minutes each and it came to $68.10 with tax.

That being said...THEY ARE REALLY, REALLY SLOW! I cannot emphasize this more. My children were totally bored and they usually love it. There is little wate to actually cruise around in which is the problem. I asked the gentleman at the dock when we returned if something changed with the horsepower because when we have rented at the Wilderness Lodge, they were much faster. He did say that they modify the boats to make the a lot slower than the ones at WL, GF and CR because there is less water space.

If I am correct, it is the same price at the other resorts because they are all owned by Sammy Duvall. So, if you want to do it, head over to another resort. It will be a lot more fun and you can cruise by MK .

Thank you both! I am going to check the YC thread and see if they have price info.

 

[MBELSANTI]

Boats run approximately 1 hour prior to park opening. You will have to make the short 15 minute walk to be there at 7:45 am.

I believe you are correct about the bakery, though they were able to put Disney figurines on a cake I asked for a few years back.

Thank you for the information. I called WDW cake hotline and I am working with the YC bakery to get a cake delivered to Captains Grille. I am so excited to surprise my son next week. I will take pics and let you all know how it turns out!

 

[mayaflysmama]

A couple of questions.

We are staying at the Dolphin in December. Are there safes in the room? Are they big enough to hold an IPad?

If you decide not to have your room cleaned each day (we carry a lot of medical supplies and equipment/IV medication so this works out better/safer for us) can you go to the desk and just get your two bottles of water and coffee? How about towels? Won't need new towels every day, but we will be there 10 days.

Last year we stayed at POP and were able to just bring out own trash out and drop it in the housekeeper cleaning carts. Is there somewhere we can take out trash (we always have a lot of trash with my daughters medical care.)

Also, for those of you who have used town car service, how long before your trip did you book this? We were going to do a van and not a town car due to the volume of stuff we have, but not sure if that would make a difference.

Thanks in advance. Sorry for so many questions.