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

[NancyIL]

We were there 7/30-8/4. The bus route was Swan, Dolphin, BW, YC, BC. I can't remember the sequence for BW, YC, BC. I know that the Swan was first then Dolphin then the other 3 resorts.

We historically have our vacations that last week of July into early August. This is the first time the bus route included the other 3 all time we were there. I only remember Disney including BW on previous year's trips but that was not often.

Even with the other 3 resort stops, we were at MK in about 20 minutes.

My experience has usually been Boardwalk, Swan, and Dolphin to the MK. However, there's a thread on the resorts board about a disappointing stay at the Beach Club. Much of the discussion is about the bus service from the Epcot resorts: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2979782

 

[nostalgic4disney]

We will be staying at the Dolphin in Dec. We are scheduled for the train tour at the MK. We need to be there at 7am. Any recommendations on how to get there? Thanks

 

[NancyIL]

We will be staying at the Dolphin in Dec. We are scheduled for the train tour at the MK. We need to be there at 7am. Any recommendations on how to get there? Thanks

Taxi - unless you have a car.

 

[SRUAlmn]

We were there in June and the Dolphin was the last pick up on the way to the MK. Good that we didn't have to stop at all the other resorts, but it was usually bad because by the time the bus got to us it was PACKED (or in a few cases, it couldn't even pick us up because it was so full!)

Going to DTD was the worst. The order was Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk, and then DTD. It took FOREVER!

 

[2bliss]

We just retuned from the Dolphin yesterday, and the bus to MK picked up at the Boardwalk, Swan and then the Dolphin. There was one day when it took over an hour for a bus to come, because they would fill up at the other 2 hotels and go straight to MK. A lot of people were complaining and this didn't happen again during our 10 days, but we did have to stand a lot. Being able to walk to the other 2 parks makes waiting for a bus all worth it! Have a great trip!

 

[SingingMom]

We just retuned from the Dolphin yesterday, and the bus to MK picked up at the Boardwalk, Swan and then the Dolphin. There was one day when it took over an hour for a bus to come, because they would fill up at the other 2 hotels and go straight to MK. A lot of people were complaining and this didn't happen again during our 10 days, but we did have to stand a lot. Being able to walk to the other 2 parks makes waiting for a bus all worth it! Have a great trip!

I agree! Having the ease of reaching Epcot and Studios (both of which we spend most our time), it doesn't feel as bothersome to wait for the bus for MK and AK. I will say, however, the DTD bus is a pain. Lol. I think we will do a taxi in January!

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[bas71873]

So, rates are pretty good right now for NEXT (as in 2013) December (early), so should I go ahead and book my room and then wait and see if better rates are released? What's the best people have received for the first week of December. We are currently looking at Dec 2 - 8 at the Dolphin and w/AAA the rate includes breakfast for around $209ish I think it is with all the fees & taxes. Might I get a better rate?

 

[TaraPA]

So, rates are pretty good right now for NEXT (as in 2013) December (early), so should I go ahead and book my room and then wait and see if better rates are released? What's the best people have received for the first week of December. We are currently looking at Dec 2 - 8 at the Dolphin and w/AAA the rate includes breakfast for around $209ish I think it is with all the fees & taxes. Might I get a better rate?

I stayed that exact week at Dolphin in 2008 & paid $225/nt including fees. You can book it now & they will apply any discounts you find at a later date.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Going to DTD was the worst. The order was Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk, and then DTD. It took FOREVER!

Same for going to AK - add in a stop at BB in addition to the above resorts and it was slow going!

But with all that, I never mind - I am at WDW and staying at the S/D a great location and resort.

 

[*Belle*]

The Swan&dolphin are showing no availability the 1st week in Dec. Is there a conference sceduled that week?

 

[NancyIL]

The Swan&dolphin are showing no availability the 1st week in Dec. Is there a conference sceduled that week?

I know that quite a few DIS Podcast cruisers are staying at the Swan and Dolphin the 3 days prior to the cruise (Dec. 8-15).

 

[ahutton]

We will be staying at the Dolphin in Dec. We are scheduled for the train tour at the MK. We need to be there at 7am. Any recommendations on how to get there? Thanks

If MK is having Extra Magic Hours you *might* be lucky enough to get a bus, but even then, I would be worried about missing one, it being late or being too full and not making the tour. Taxi is the very best way - we would probably Taxi to the Contemporary and walk from there.

 

[disneyaway]

Do you find the CM's at the Swan pretty helpful and knowledgable about discounts, etc? We are going in feb for the princess half weekend. We are AAA and SPG gold. My in-laws, who are coming along, as AARP members. Trying to figure out if I just call reservations and book rooms will be enough or if it's better to book online.

 

[NancyIL]

Do you find the CM's at the Swan pretty helpful and knowledgable about discounts, etc? We are going in feb for the princess half weekend. We are AAA and SPG gold. My in-laws, who are coming along, as AARP members. Trying to figure out if I just call reservations and book rooms will be enough or if it's better to book online.

I would check rates online - then call the Swan or Dolphin directly to see if they have any better discounts.

 

[*Belle*]

I know that quite a few DIS Podcast cruisers are staying at the Swan and Dolphin the 3 days prior to the cruise (Dec. 8-15).

Thank you Nancy. I went back and checked again and it appears to be unavailable starting 12-6. Thanks for the Info.

 

[Flews]

We have 10 nights coming up in six weeks or so. Kids are pretty excited. Both aged 4, their fifth WDW visit. My daughter has taken to buying (cheap) ceramic 'Swans' at local flea markets & yard sales!

Cheers,

 

[amberpi]

Do you find the CM's at the Swan pretty helpful and knowledgable about discounts, etc? We are going in feb for the princess half weekend. We are AAA and SPG gold. My in-laws, who are coming along, as AARP members. Trying to figure out if I just call reservations and book rooms will be enough or if it's better to book online.

Online is always the best place for star woods members to get the best deals. Login and see what's available. I'm platinum and they give the same deals to my dh who is gold and the discounts are way better than the other deals ive found. If you areuncomfortable with online, call spg direct, they should be able to assist you in the same way.

I love the s/d.

 

[RachelTori]

Hello from the 7th floor of the Dolphin! Weather was very rainy this morning, but stopped 3 or 4 hours ago. Not a pretty weather day, by any means, but it's a great day to be at the parks!

The hotel is full - there's a convention here till Wednesday. They're tied up in meetings all day, but the lobby is hopping around 5pm!!

My room is very clean, in good shape and no mustiness or dust!

 

[nessz79]

Just made our reservation for 10/19 and 10/20 for the Food and Wine Festival! Woohoo! We were able to get a good teacher rate and I gave them my Starwood Preferred Plus #. With SPP, do I ask at check in if they have any available upgrades or will they automatically offer it if they have it?

We're very excited- Dh and I have been alone but the kids and grandparents have not been yet.

 

[SingingMom]

Hello from the 7th floor of the Dolphin! Weather was very rainy this morning, but stopped 3 or 4 hours ago. Not a pretty weather day, by any means, but it's a great day to be at the parks!

The hotel is full - there's a convention here till Wednesday. They're tied up in meetings all day, but the lobby is hopping around 5pm!!

My room is very clean, in good shape and no mustiness or dust!

I know I might be a little goofy lol, but I enjoy that "hopping lobby" whenever we stay at the Dolphin! Great place to " people watch"!!

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