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

[Dan Murphy]

Which resort is closest to Epcot as far as WALKING distance? They seem almost negligible to me, but my dad had knee surgery recently and asked.

Good to see you, Jennais.

This might be helpful also.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

S/D is in lower left, IG is in upper right. You can drag and rotate, zoom in and out to get better/different views.

http://binged.it/MHwkgF

If using the Dolphin exit mentioned above, you can not reenter there. You need to go to the main entrance under the big peak. If you are staying in the Swan, you can also request east wing (I always do) and exit, and generally reenter, out and into the east wing, walking briefly through entrance area of IL Mulino restaurant. The swan is also much more compact, less walking. However, Picabu 24/7 quick service is at the Dolphin.

Does the Swan/Dolphin have refillable mugs?
How much are they ? Where can they be refilled?
Thanks!

Yes they do. They used to have one for both hot and cold drinks. They now have one for each. I have one from a few years ago that was complimentary when I checked in. I have never used it yet. My understanding is that they are good on subsequent trips (that's what I heard). I know the one I have has all the restaurant names and logos on them I thought it was refillable anywhere. But I also read only at Picabu. Not sure what is correct. They are purchased at Picabu. I do not know the price.

 

[brunette8706]

The concierge level, or Club as they called it, has been gone for several years now. No club level at the S/D.

*
Thank you Dan!

Brunette

 

[Jennasis]

Good to see you, Jennais.

This might be helpful also.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

S/D is in lower left, IG is in upper right. You can drag and rotate, zoom in and out to get better/different views.

http://binged.it/MHwkgF

If using the Dolphin exit mentioned above, you can not reenter there. You need to go to the main entrance under the big peak. If you are staying in the Swan, you can also request east wing (I always do) and exit, and generally reenter, out and into the east wing, walking briefly through entrance area of IL Mulino restaurant. The swan is also much more compact, less walking. However, Picabu 24/7 quick service is at the Dolphin.


Yes they do. They used to have one for both hot and cold drinks. They now have one for each. I have one from a few years ago that was complimentary when I checked in. I have never used it yet. My understanding is that they are good on subsequent trips (that's what I heard). I know the one I have has all the restaurant names and logos on them I thought it was refillable anywhere. But I also read only at Picabu. Not sure what is correct. They are purchased at Picabu. I do not know the price.

Thanks Dan! I've been trying to help my parents plan a long weekend for F&W and the F&W Classic in OCtober with my sister and her DH. Dad just had surgery to repair a torn meniscus two days ago, so he's hoping to be fully rehabbed by then...but juuuuuust in case...

It looks like they will be able to take advantage of at least a decent rate as AAA members (I think it's $197?). Mom has wanted to stay at the Beach Club for some 20 years, but with a price of $400+ a night, it just ain't happening, and the Swan/Dolphin seemed like an excellent compromise!

I think they'll likely only be doing Epcot and enjoying the resort for the weekend too.

 

[brunette8706]

One other quick question.

How do you like the this resort compared to the Yacht and Beach Club? We are currently scheduled to the at the YC for July 4-6. Price is $280.00 per night PLUS TAX, just wondering how this compares? The rooms at this resort look gorgeous, and some of the rates look good too. I know that they charge a $14.00 resort fee and parking though, right? That does add up. Any input would be great appreciated. Thanks so much! Brunette

 

[shebjo]

We will be in our Dolphin room by 6/23, 4:30 PM

I will report our room condition and any thing else we see when my DS lets me use his computer, which he has to bring for an on-line summer college class. DS just does not use his 'mouse', he likes the 'finger pad', so my entry may not be as great, since I never use the 'finger pad'

I will try a picture upload when we get back.

Does anyone need me to check out something at the Dolphin, as long as we can get to it or see it ?

We have a resort view standard double room with a balcony.
We do not plan to eat at the restaurants at the Dolphin or Swan.
Maybe Picaubu's just to buy some snacks.

Have a great trip. We will be staying at the Dolphin in August. Please let me know how you find the size of the standard room at the Dolphin for 4 people -It's me, hubby and twin girls, age 9 who are coming to the Dolphon. We are now booked for a standard room but I am strongly condisering paying for the deluxe alcove room ( i have a decent rate for the standard room and can get a decent rate for a deluxe alcove room)

 

[Dan Murphy]

One other quick question.

How do you like the this resort compared to the Yacht and Beach Club? We are currently scheduled to the at the YC for July 4-6. Price is $280.00 per night PLUS TAX, just wondering how this compares? The rooms at this resort look gorgeous, and some of the rates look good too. I know that they charge a $14.00 resort fee and parking though, right? That does add up. Any input would be great appreciated. Thanks so much! Brunette

Parking is $15. Both parking and resort fee are plus tax, so a total of $29 a night, plus tax.

I have not stayed at Y&BC but have stayed at the Swan many times, the Dolphin a number of times. Both are exquisite deluxe resorts.

 

[pooh2001]

Have a great trip. We will be staying at the Dolphin in August. Please let me know how you find the size of the standard room at the Dolphin for 4 people -It's me, hubby and twin girls, age 9 who are coming to the Dolphon. We are now booked for a standard room but I am strongly condisering paying for the deluxe alcove room ( i have a decent rate for the standard room and can get a decent rate for a deluxe alcove room)

This will be our 3rd time in a standard room.
Room is 360 sq ft.
2 over sized double Heavenly beds with lots of pillows and a comfy blanket.
Lots of drawer space.

We have a teen DD and an 'adult' age 20 DS.
A cot can easily fit between the 2nd double bed and the window/sliding glass doors. Our DD & DS do not and can not sleep together.

We do like a better view than a roof top or parking area - so we book a resort view and sometimes are upgraded to a water view (the pool).
I hope that helps

 

[kandb]

Can anyone comment on where to get breakfast when staying in the dolphin. How is picachu? How is their children's breakfast? Thanks

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

I have searched several pages and even the S/D website and did not see an answer to my question. I know parking is 15 for self parking or 20 for valet. Do they offer free parking for handicap parking permit?

 

[SRUAlmn]

We arrived at the Dolphin today around 2:45 and I am thoroughly amazed with the staff (cast members?) here! There was a maintenance issue with our suite and we walked in on the workers ( after we were told our room was ready.) After about 40 minutes of standing in the hallway with bell services, unloading the bell cart into one room, reloading the bell cart and being moved to another room, we were finally all settled. Everyone was so nice and soooo apologetic! I am also so glad we used bell services because Cary was right on top of everything and spent all his time getting it figured out for us. He's incredible!!!
We also got 2 calls from someone named Gail about switching rooms and she was so sweet and even called us back later to thank us for being so sweet. Loved her!!!

We just toured the resort and went to DTD tonight. Let me know if anyone has any questions while I'm here

 

[MBELSANTI]

We arrived at the Dolphin today around 2:45 and I am thoroughly amazed with the staff (cast members?) here! There was a maintenance issue with our suite and we walked in on the workers ( after we were told our room was ready.) After about 40 minutes of standing in the hallway with bell services, unloading the bell cart into one room, reloading the bell cart and being moved to another room, we were finally all settled. Everyone was so nice and soooo apologetic! I am also so glad we used bell services because Cary was right on top of everything and spent all his time getting it figured out for us. He's incredible!!!
We also got 2 calls from someone named Gail about switching rooms and she was so sweet and even called us back later to thank us for being so sweet. Loved her!!!

We just toured the resort and went to DTD tonight. Let me know if anyone has any questions while I'm here

Glad they finally were able to get your room sorted for you! We had maintenance issues with our room as well. Our tub was blocked and we had to stand in 3" of water and black particles came up from the drain We called down and they took care of it while we were at the parks.

We did also have a snafu with the housekeeping. We signed up at check in for the extra SPG points in leiu of cleaning the room daily. Well the 2nd day the room was cleaned and beds made(sheets weren't changed as DS chocolate stain from eating cake in bed was still there. We called down because I had left my sleep machine attachments on the bed and they were moved and a part was missing I freaked because it was late and I wanted to go to sleep and knew I couldn't without this part. Anyway we finally found it behind the night stand thank goodness, but they did assure us that no one would be coming to clean the room until the 4th day. When the 4th day came (yesterday) and we came back to the room at 3, the room wasn't cleaned. We had piled all of our bags of trash and old newspapers in a neat pile near the door. ( I didn't see any place that we could throw the trash in without taking it downstairs. and all of our towels that we had used since Tuesday were piled in the bathroom. They had brought our waters, however. Anyway I called down again and set it up that they would come to clean it after we left for the evening. When we returned last night, all was good. I have found the staff to be wonderful.

The boats are awesome and hardly a wait. The buses to MK and DTD have been quite a wait. I know one day the boats weren't running due to the weather and people were waiting for buses to DHS for quite some time until someone told them how close of a walk it was.

We have hardly enjoyed our balcony and view I am sad to say. We are only in the room to sleep at night or in afternoon, or to shower and go back out. We hope to watch the fireworks tonight though.

Starbucks in the room is great! I love waking up to making it. I wish I would've bought some creamer though. The first day a great guy at Garden Grove gave us a to-go cup of cream which got me through 3 mornings and the rest of the time I am using DS milk.

I would have to say the proximity to the parks and BW are by far the greatest perk. We love walking to the parks and since DS took 2 early morning classes at DHS, we were able to just stroll over. Even with my bum ankle, I was still able to walk it in about 15 mns and it was a lovely walk with all of the wildlife. There were many joggers out at 7am too. I will post pictures later. Oh and I wanted to comment that it appears that the hallway carpets are new...the color scheme doesn't really flow with what's in the rooms though. But it is bright and colorful.

 

[MBELSANTI]

Thanks Dan! I've been trying to help my parents plan a long weekend for F&W and the F&W Classic in OCtober with my sister and her DH. Dad just had surgery to repair a torn meniscus two days ago, so he's hoping to be fully rehabbed by then...but juuuuuust in case...

It looks like they will be able to take advantage of at least a decent rate as AAA members (I think it's $197?). Mom has wanted to stay at the Beach Club for some 20 years, but with a price of $400+ a night, it just ain't happening, and the Swan/Dolphin seemed like an excellent compromise!

I think they'll likely only be doing Epcot and enjoying the resort for the weekend too.

Tell your Mom that the S/D are just as nice as BC and have better beds IMHO. I have stayed at BC in the villas before. BC might have stormalong bay, but S/D does have their own cove pools and it's quite nice.

 

[MBELSANTI]

We also love that they have lemonade set up near the front desk for guests. It was nice to come back in the afternoon from the parks and have a quick drink. This seems to only be available during the early afternoons as it was gone by the evening.

 

[patty57]

We got back last week from a 5 night stay at the Swan...our first ever. We usually stay at Beach Club or Boardwalk, although I've also stayed at Bay Lake and Wilderness Lodge as well. We all (me, husband, 2 sons 18 & 20 and son's friend, 17) loved the Swan, and my husband (not a Disney fan) preferred the lack of what he calls "in your face Disney". We spent quite a bit of time at the grotto pool, which was lovely. It isn't as good as Storm Along Bay, but it's a good pool and you could actually find seats! The pool bar drinks were far superior to anything at Disney. I would definitely stay at either the Swan or Dolphin again if it were a better price than the other deluxe Disney resorts, and would be happy to do so.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Getting hit pretty hard by Debby today, but making the best of it! Got room service breakfast and enjoying our suite. We are quickly becoming Swan & Dolphin converts! The level of service and kindness has been far above any of the deluxe Disney resorts we've stayed in. Plus, we paid half the price!

Quick question, what is the deal with the slippers in the closet? Are they to wear to the spa? Are they complimentary to wear during your stay like the robes? Do you just leave them in the closet when you check out?

 

[The Pluto People]

I am about to book the Dolphin for 5 nights in March. I am using points (Yeah!!!) so I can book a room with 2 doubles or a King room for the same amount of points. We are SPG Gold so I'm hoping for a little upgrade. Do you think an upgrade would be more likely with a double room? Another question: The double room says "limited view" the king room does not. Do you think we would have a better view with the king room? Thanks to all the experts!

 

[MBELSANTI]

Getting hit pretty hard by Debby today, but making the best of it! Got room service breakfast and enjoying our suite. We are quickly becoming Swan & Dolphin converts! The level of service and kindness has been far above any of the deluxe Disney resorts we've stayed in. Plus, we paid half the price!

Quick question, what is the deal with the slippers in the closet? Are they to wear to the spa? Are they complimentary to wear during your stay like the robes? Do you just leave them in the closet when you check out?

You have robes and slippers in your room? We don't have either of those.

Yesterday despite Debby we toured the entire World Showcase until 6PM and then headed back to our room until about 10PM. We finally watched the Epcot fireworks from the balcony. Then we headed to MK for the extra magic hours and ended up staying until 2AM. The rain had stopped and there was a nice breeze going, plus the park was empty. We rode the Buzz Spaceranger ride 5 times in a row LOL! We are pretty beat today..just got up and we are going to head to Epcot for lunch at Le Cellier and then a little shopping and back to the room to relax. Hoping it will not pour like yesterday, but since we are used to coming here for hurricane season, we just put our ponchos on and keep going!

 

[TaraPA]

Can anyone comment on where to get breakfast when staying in the dolphin. How is picachu? How is their children's breakfast? Thanks

Sorry had to chuckle - Picachu is an yellow anime character from the Pokemon series - PicaBU is the counter service at Dolphin!

We LOVE Picabu, and their childrens breakfast is quite large. I usually get the adult breakfast platter and a donut, and 2 of us split that. They do give a 20% AAA discount, so if you're a member, don't forget your card (they do ask for it).

 

[TaraPA]

You have robes and slippers in your room? We don't have either of those.

Robes & slippers are in suites only. SRU is in a suite. Glad to hear you're not letting Debby get the best of you!

 

[SingingMom]

We got back last week from a 5 night stay at the Swan...our first ever. We usually stay at Beach Club or Boardwalk, although I've also stayed at Bay Lake and Wilderness Lodge as well. We all (me, husband, 2 sons 18 & 20 and son's friend, 17) loved the Swan, and my husband (not a Disney fan) preferred the lack of what he calls "in your face Disney". We spent quite a bit of time at the grotto pool, which was lovely. It isn't as good as Storm Along Bay, but it's a good pool and you could actually find seats! The pool bar drinks were far superior to anything at Disney. I would definitely stay at either the Swan or Dolphin again if it were a better price than the other deluxe Disney resorts, and would be happy to do so.

Getting hit pretty hard by Debby today, but making the best of it! Got room service breakfast and enjoying our suite. We are quickly becoming Swan & Dolphin converts! The level of service and kindness has been far above any of the deluxe Disney resorts we've stayed in. Plus, we paid half the price!

Quick question, what is the deal with the slippers in the closet? Are they to wear to the spa? Are they complimentary to wear during your stay like the robes? Do you just leave them in the closet when you check out?

We LOVE the poolside cocktails lol

I thought we had robes in our regular room ? Maybe recent vacations are getting mushed together in my head. . Slippers and robes are for your use while you are there, not just for spa visits.