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

[peeputt]

that's a great question! I've been wondering that as well, ALSO.....are they the paddle kind where you have to use your feet to move them around?

 

[LexiC123]

HI,

Where do you rent these from and what are the rates? Are they Swan/Dolphin owned or Disney? TIA!

that's a great question! I've been wondering that as well, ALSO.....are they the paddle kind where you have to use your feet to move them around?

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.

 

[ReganlovesWDW]

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 .

 

[melissam2003]

This may sound silly but how do i find the combined rates for 2 rooms? Or the correct term?
Or do you think it may be better going with a suite?

 

[SRUAlmn]

This may sound silly but how do i find the combined rates for 2 rooms? Or the correct term?
Or do you think it may be better going with a suite?

We went back and forth about this too, and we ended up saving a lot more by getting a suite, plus we get a little dining room and living room area and an extra bathroom.

 

[olive]

So far the quotes we have received for a 2 bedroom suite have been quite a bit more than 2 rooms, so we are sticking with 2 rooms for now. When stay connected rates are released for 2013 (since our trip is in 2013), hoping that will change!

 

[melissam2003]

So far the quotes we have received for a 2 bedroom suite have been quite a bit more than 2 rooms, so we are sticking with 2 rooms for now. When stay connected rates are released for 2013 (since our trip is in 2013), hoping that will change!

How do i find the stay connected rate? Is it listed online & i'm missing it or should i call the hotel? TIA

 

[melissam2003]

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

 

[love~disney]

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

We just booked the one bedroom executive suite that will accommodate 6 of us. The bedroom is separate from the living room and dinning area. You can look at their website to see the floor plan.

 

[SRUAlmn]

So far the quotes we have received for a 2 bedroom suite have been quite a bit more than 2 rooms, so we are sticking with 2 rooms for now. When stay connected rates are released for 2013 (since our trip is in 2013), hoping that will change!

It was cheaper for us because we booked a 1 bedroom grand suite with a teacher rate, and then added a second connecting bedroom with a stay connected rate. Like I posted above, not all reservations people we spoke to were "in the know" about doing this, but we finally spoke to someone who could make it happen

 

[SRUAlmn]

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!

 

[RachelTori]

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!

There won't be any debate! Tip whatever you feel is appropriate. How much work does your group create for the housekeeper?

Many guests tip per person in the room (no matter how big the area). Others just do a standard amount (like $5, $10, $15). Do whatever feels right to you.

 

[SRUAlmn]

There won't be any debate! Tip whatever you feel is appropriate. How much work does your group create for the housekeeper?

Many guests tip per person in the room (no matter how big the area). Others just do a standard amount (like $5, $10, $15). Do whatever feels right to you.

Thanks! We're actually VERY neat, but will probably need towels and more COFFEE replenished each day. I'm just thinking....they'll have 3 beds to make, 3 bathrooms to clean, etc... There's a lot more to do than a normal guest room would have. That's why I wasn't sure

 

[olive]

How do i find the stay connected rate? Is it listed online & i'm missing it or should i call the hotel? TIA

It's listed under special offers on the s/d page (you can click on the image at the top of the board). There it says it's only valid for 2012. So far when we have called we have been told the same thing.

 

[olive]

It was cheaper for us because we booked a 1 bedroom grand suite with a teacher rate, and then added a second connecting bedroom with a stay connected rate. Like I posted above, not all reservations people we spoke to were "in the know" about doing this, but we finally spoke to someone who could make it happen

I believe we qualify for the teacher rate, too, as my husband teaches college. We were just told stay connected wasn't available yet for 2013. I assume it will be at some point, though. In the meantime, we have two separate rooms booked.

 

[SRUAlmn]

I believe we qualify for the teacher rate, too, as my husband teaches college. We were just told stay connected wasn't available yet for 2013. I assume it will be at some point, though. In the meantime, we have two separate rooms booked.

You're right...I don't know when it will be available for 2013? I just wanted you to have this info ready for when you're able to book. I think you'd definitely qualify for a teacher rate

 

[RachelTori]

I believe we qualify for the teacher rate, too, as my husband teaches college. We were just told stay connected wasn't available yet for 2013. I assume it will be at some point, though. In the meantime, we have two separate rooms booked.

You're right...I don't know when it will be available for 2013? I just wanted you to have this info ready for when you're able to book. I think you'd definitely qualify for a teacher rate

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.

 

[SRUAlmn]

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.

YES! Although, I did this about 2-3 times and then I stopped because we have such an amazing rate right now that every time I called they acted like I was crazy for thinking I was going to get something better I felt a little embarrassed, but I wanted to be sure!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Two quick questions....

The list of what's included in the resort fee says:

$14 plus tax per night and will include the following:
Up to 60 minutes free local telephone calls, toll free and credit card access calls
20 minutes of Domestic long distance per day
Unlimited access to Resort’s health club facilities
In room High-Speed Internet Access
2 bottles of water daily

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

 

[Dan Murphy]

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.

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