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

[el_tigre]

So excited but I know absolutely nothing about the Dolphin. I will have a car. Is valet parking worth the extra money? I'm worried that self parking will be far, far away and it will just be me and three kids checking in. Also, I am planning on getting to the hotel early and just hanging around the resort until check in on our arrival and leaving the car in the lot until 6 or 7 pm on our check out date. Is this going to be a problem?

My standard answer to valet parking being worth it is almost always no, but your case, it probably is. The difference is only $5 per day and even if you get the best self-parking spot, you're looking forward to at least a 100 yard walk. Not usually a big deal, but in the relentless Florida sun, trying to drag three kids and luggage to the entrance - I'd pass - especially for only a difference of $10 (plus tips).

And you're only going to get charged for two-nights of parking, even if you get there at 10 am for check-in and depart at 8 pm on check-out.

 

[OKW Lover]

Using self parking does not mean you have to drag your luggage from there to the entrance. Instead, pull up to the entrance and leave your bags with a bellman. Then drive to the self parking lot and walk back unencumbered.

 

[Tess]

e.

I was hoping to go into Epcot to see the fireworks because I have an AP, but my friend is form out of state and I couldn't ask her to pay over $150 for a 2 hour visit to Epcot. Although I am considering having her wait by the bridge while I run in and grab us some Grey Goose Slushies!!

That plan won't work since you can't exit the park with alcohol in hand. They make you dispose OR consume. I long for the good old days when you could enter or exit with your adult beverage. Unfortunately, that has not been permitted for many, many years.

 

[Dan Murphy]

My standard answer to valet parking being worth it is almost always no, but your case, it probably is. The difference is only $5 per day and even if you get the best self-parking spot, you're looking forward to at least a 100 yard walk. Not usually a big deal, but in the relentless Florida sun, trying to drag three kids and luggage to the entrance - I'd pass - especially for only a difference of $10 (plus tips).

And you're only going to get charged for two-nights of parking, even if you get there at 10 am for check-in and depart at 8 pm on check-out.

Upon arrival at the resort, you pull car up to the entrance. Bellman will assist you with luggage into the hotel (tip at you discretion). Just tell the valet folks at the front entrance if you are valeting or not. You can leave your car there at the entrance for a reasonable amount of time. I have left car there for an hour, not valeting. If kids are old enough, you could leave them at the entrance and then park. If not, take them with you to parking. It is a 1 or 2 minute walk back to entrance.

You can view here......

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=nq...resort~pg.1~rad.0,211882399940413&form=LMLTCC

If you park overnight, check in in the morning, check out the next day, one night charge, not two, so $5 (plus tax) more if doing valet.

 

[el_tigre]

Upon arrival at the resort, you pull car up to the entrance. Bellman will assist you with luggage into the hotel (tip at you discretion). Just tell the valet folks at the front entrance if you are valeting or not. You can leave your car there at the entrance for a reasonable amount of time. I have left car there for an hour, not valeting. If kids are old enough, you could leave them at the entrance and then park. If not, take them with you to parking. It is a 1 or 2 minute walk back to entrance.

You can view here......

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=nq...resort~pg.1~rad.0,211882399940413&form=LMLTCC

Actually, I agree that this plan makes a lot more sense.

If you park overnight, check in in the morning, check out the next day, one night charge, not two, so $5 (plus tax) more if doing valet.

The OP said she will be staying two nights, so she will get charged for two nights regardless of what time she checks-in/out.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yes, two nights, two nights' charge.

 

[robinbutterfly]

Using self parking does not mean you have to drag your luggage from there to the entrance. Instead, pull up to the entrance and leave your bags with a bellman. Then drive to the self parking lot and walk back unencumbered.

This is one of the reasons I got married... me and the kids get dropped off at the door while DH has to do the parking!

 

[peaches00]

I never thought about staying here but it looks like you get disney perks in a much nixer hotel room. Do the swan or dolphin have concierge club and what can you tell me about the pools...specifically how deep are they? Thanks

 

[peaches00]

I never thought about staying here but it looks like you get disney perks in a much nixer hotel room. Do the swan or dolphin have concierge club and what can you tell me about the pools...specifically how deep are they? Thanks

 

[Dan Murphy]

No club level, discontinued a number of years ago.

Pools are great, not sure the depth.

Here are lots of photos..

https://www.google.com/search?q=swa....,cf.osb&fp=9493638ebd8c4104&biw=1536&bih=789

 

[jedi jen]

I know there is a parking charge for the hotel. Is there also a parking charge to park at the parks, or is it like other on-site hotels--parking at the parks is free? Thanks!

 

[LexiC123]

I know there is a parking charge for the hotel. Is there also a parking charge to park at the parks, or is it like other on-site hotels--parking at the parks is free? Thanks!

Parking is free at the theme parks for S/D guests.

 

[MommyPoppins]

I heard on the podcast this week that they were in the process of rehabing the rooms. Anyone seen a rehabed room?

 

[Dan Murphy]

With the size of the two resorts, I think there is a constant state of rehab of rooms going on.

 

[NancyIL]

I heard on the podcast this week that they were in the process of rehabing the rooms. Anyone seen a rehabed room?

I just returned from the Swan yesterday, and saw/heard nothing.

 

[peaches00]

Ok; I like what I'm seeing and plan to book for next spring (when able) but have some questions. Can I book disney dining plan because I couldn't add it on disney website and can I use disney gift cards at swan or dolphin restaurants or stores? Thanks for any help!

 

[Dan Murphy]

No Disney dining plan. You can use Disney gift cards at either of the Disney gift shops.

 

[pooh2001]

Pool depth - from what I remember - towards the edge is is 4 feet and towards the middle it is either 6 or 7 feet, especially near the slide exit. No zero entry. There are ladders to get in and out - but we have always just get in and out from the edge of the pool. It's an in-ground pool - easy to do.

 

[peaches00]

thank you dan and pooh...awesome!! heres another one that i posted on main resort board...by booking through starwood and buying tickets online am i really going to save $500 than if i bought through disney vacation package? you guys rock!

 

[budmonster]

DH just book the the Swan for us for the 3rd weekend in May to celebrate our 19th Anniversary. I usually stay at the value resort so I hope this will be a worthwhile splurge. Thanks for the great review. Does anyone know of a nice restaruant in S/D where we can dine at on Saturday...one fancy enough that I can wear my little black dress?