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

[robinbutterfly]

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.

Thank you! Can anyone verify if the mugs can be used all over or just at Picabu? Also, how much are they?

 

[hsmamato2]

seriously considering the dolphin for our early december stay.... what does limited view room mean? do all the rooms have a balcony? I love balconies... is there anything I could request while reserving?

 

[patty57]

seriously considering the dolphin for our early december stay.... what does limited view room mean? do all the rooms have a balcony? I love balconies... is there anything I could request while reserving?

No, they don't. A balcony is a separate room category that you can pay for, or you could hope for an upgrade if the hotel isn't full.

 

[shanemc921]

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

Please, please take a lot of pictures of your suite! We have the same suite booked for a stay during Christmas and New Years and can't wait to see what it looks like!

Thanks!

 

[Stini228]

Hello everyone,

Has anyone taken the Swan/Dolphin town car service to/from the airport? Any idea on rates? Considering a stay here next month and trying to figure out my airport transportation options.

 

[olive]

We have used Tiffany towncar. I don't remember perfectly, but I think the rate was around $100-110 RT. We used a coupon on their website. Everything went smoothly and we plan on using them again for our next trip. A grocery stop was included. They met us in baggage claim a the airport. We had done a split stay with Poly, and preferred to use Tiffany for the return trip rather than ME, which we have had some nightmares with in the past getting to the airport.

Good luck!

 

[Stini228]

We have used Tiffany towncar. I don't remember perfectly, but I think the rate was around $100-110 RT. We used a coupon on their website. Everything went smoothly and we plan on using them again for our next trip. A grocery stop was included. They met us in baggage claim a the airport. We had done a split stay with Poly, and preferred to use Tiffany for the return trip rather than ME, which we have had some nightmares with in the past getting to the airport.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info!

 

[Mouseteacher]

We have used Tiffany Town Car on our last 5 trips to the S/D. Service is terrific. We are using them again for our late July trip to the Swan.

 

[Stini228]

We have used Tiffany Town Car on our last 5 trips to the S/D. Service is terrific. We are using them again for our late July trip to the Swan.

Awesome, thanks! Do you usually use the grocery stop? We'd like to pickup a few things. I noticed the S/D pantry service...guessing that would be much more expensive than a grocery stop.

 

[olive]

We didn't use the grocery stop last time because we used Garden Grocer. I think the pantry service was pretty new then. The prices look okay for the pantry service, at least compared to where I live in NYC, but the selection isn't broad enough for our needs. Otherwise I would use it. We are planning on using the grocery stop this time around with Tiffany.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Awesome, thanks! Do you usually use the grocery stop? We'd like to pickup a few things. I noticed the S/D pantry service...guessing that would be much more expensive than a grocery stop.

Yes, we stop at the Publix which is equivalent to my supermarket at home.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hey Karen - you don't have that much longer to go!!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hey Karen - you don't have that much longer to go!!!!

Hi, Caroline! I know... we leave at the end of July. Part of me can't wait and yet...I don't want to rush the summer.

How are you? I hope your time in WDW was wonderful.

 

[mbh106]

In the description of the pools at the beginning of this thread is says the Grotto pool has a waterslide. I haven't been able to find photos anywhere of a waterslide at the Dolphin, so I just wanted to confirm that it does indeed have one, right? Also, does anyone have any photos or links to photos of what it looks like?

 

[ReganlovesWDW]

I searched hard to find a picture of the waterslide and was unsuccessful but I can tell you it was AWESOME! Both my kids and I thought so. It is monitored by staff so there is no line jumping and it keeps everyone safe. You end in the 3.5 feet end so smaller kids are okay getting to the ladder. My kids thought it was better than the one at Wilderness Lodge (that is all we have to compare it to).

 

[MOM POPPINS]

I posted a picture on the first post on this thread.

Waving to Caroline, Dan and Karen!!!! I hope your summers are going great!

 

[MBELSANTI]

We didn't use the grocery stop last time because we used Garden Grocer. I think the pantry service was pretty new then. The prices look okay for the pantry service, at least compared to where I live in NYC, but the selection isn't broad enough for our needs. Otherwise I would use it. We are planning on using the grocery stop this time around with Tiffany.

Hi there, we just returned and sadly the S/D no longer allows Garden Grocer. I loved using this service in the past at WDW resorts, but they are not allowed at S/D any longer.

 

[mbh106]

I searched hard to find a picture of the waterslide and was unsuccessful but I can tell you it was AWESOME! Both my kids and I thought so. It is monitored by staff so there is no line jumping and it keeps everyone safe. You end in the 3.5 feet end so smaller kids are okay getting to the ladder. My kids thought it was better than the one at Wilderness Lodge (that is all we have to compare it to).

Thanks for the info. That's just what I needed to know.

I posted a picture on the first post on this thread.

Waving to Caroline, Dan and Karen!!!! I hope your summers are going great!

Thanks so much for the picture. Looks like fun. I'm sure my kids will love it!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Back at you Robin!

staying OT: The photo of the Cabana Bar is our first stop upon arrival for a light lunch. Our room is not usually ready because we arrive at MCO at 9:30 am.

 

[tina.tina]

Yes, you can do that. I booked my next stay just like that. You need to book the points part first, as the hotel staff cannot do that, then call the hotel and ask to add the stay connected room.

My parents just booked 2 rooms for 5 nights for next June with points. It would work out better for all of us if we did the stay connected & we pay cash for our room. Can we book that for next year now? Or have the rates for next year been released?

TIA!! My parents are new to SPG & none of us have stayed at the Swan before. We're all excited!!!