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

[kandb]

We are going in Sept and already ordered our tickets thru undercover tourist. My niece might be joining us on the trip but won't know until the last week before we leave. We are staying at the dolphin. Where would be the most convenient place for us to purchase a 6 day pass for her? Anywhere on dolphin property? Thanks

 

[SingingMom]

We are going in Sept and already ordered our tickets thru undercover tourist. My niece might be joining us on the trip but won't know until the last week before we leave. We are staying at the dolphin. Where would be the most convenient place for us to purchase a 6 day pass for her? Anywhere on dolphin property? Thanks

There is a Disney desk right in the Dolphin lobby, near the car rental desk. We have used them in the past.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Doing my happy single digit dance until the Swan --- checking in one week from today!

This will be our 8th stay at the WDW S/D.

 

[NancyIL]

Doing my happy single digit dance until the Swan --- checking in one week from today!

This will be our 8th stay at the WDW S/D.

I'll check out one week from today!

 

[mayaflysmama]

Has anyone ever rented a car, drove to the Dolphin, turned it in then did the same thing in reverse when they checked out? Just wondering if this would be an option to compare to town car service.

 

[appplel]

Has anyone ever rented a car, drove to the Dolphin, turned it in then did the same thing in reverse when they checked out? Just wondering if this would be an option to compare to town car service.

I was wondering about this also. Would be interesting to see how cost compares to town car or can, and how time compares to ME

 

[NancyIL]

Has anyone ever rented a car, drove to the Dolphin, turned it in then did the same thing in reverse when they checked out? Just wondering if this would be an option to compare to town car service.

I was wondering about this also. Would be interesting to see how cost compares to town car or can, and how time compares to ME

The only way to compare costs is to check rates with National or Alamo for two one-way rental cars. I have rented cars both ways, but usually travel to WDW solo and take Mears. When I visit this week with 2 of my kids, we'll take a towncar. Renting a car would be much faster than Magical Express.

 

[mayaflysmama]

I was wondering more about convenience (or lack of) than cost. Cost looks about the same depending on deals and time of year. Just wondering how easy it would be and if less rushed than a town car for a grocery stop and getting things to the hotel. We travel with a lot of medical supplies and since Dolphin charges 12 dollars for each 50# box you ship I thought about bringing more with us and shipping less. Wasn't sure how the town car company would be with the volume of stuff we will have including a wheelchair... By town car I was looking at a van or SUV, not an actual town car. This is our first time not on Disney property so working out these details has been a bit more challenging due to the cost of deliveries and trying to clarify how deliveries will be handled during our stay.

 

[mbh106]

They now have individual enrollment. The classes are 3 hours and the fee is $28. A parent has to attend as well. Go here for more info: http://www.disneyyouth.com/individual-enrollment/. On the budget board there's a thread about it as well. I'm so excited for my dd - she will love it (as will her dad).

Sounds great! Our annual passes are still good until November. Can you just register for classes for $28 without buying the park tickets? Also, are the multiday tickets you get with the YES program the same as regular multiday tickets? I'm wondering if we do it next year if we would be able to use these tickets to upgrade to annual passes again.

 

[appplel]

Sounds great! Our annual passes are still good until November. Can you just register for classes for $28 without buying the park tickets? Also, are the multiday tickets you get with the YES program the same as regular multiday tickets? I'm wondering if we do it next year if we would be able to use these tickets to upgrade to annual passes again.

Sadly, no you cannot just pay for the class without buying the park tickets We also have AP's and wanted to do a YES class this trip. The YES tickets work like regular tickets for park admission, but YES program staff told me that they are not upgradable. Also, yes tickets expire 14 days after issue regardless of If you have used them or not ( we thought about just saving the YeS tickets to use next trip).

Apple

 

[Mouseteacher]

I'll check out one week from today!

Oh, I am sorry we are missing each other. It would have been nice to meet you. We expect to be checking in around 11:00 am.

Nancy, how are the crowds in the park? Has it been busy at the resort pools? Thanks in advance for any info you can give.

 

[olive]

I was wondering more about convenience (or lack of) than cost. Cost looks about the same depending on deals and time of year. Just wondering how easy it would be and if less rushed than a town car for a grocery stop and getting things to the hotel. We travel with a lot of medical supplies and since Dolphin charges 12 dollars for each 50# box you ship I thought about bringing more with us and shipping less. Wasn't sure how the town car company would be with the volume of stuff we will have including a wheelchair... By town car I was looking at a van or SUV, not an actual town car. This is our first time not on Disney property so working out these details has been a bit more challenging due to the cost of deliveries and trying to clarify how deliveries will be handled during our stay.

From MCO we have only done towncars or Magical Express; of those two, the towncar is MUCH more convenient. We have rented cars when flying into other airports, and the experience have been mixed. The line my be very long, or they may be out of the type of car you reserved (this happened once and the only models they had left were convertibles! Not always the best choice, depending on your need). It could also - of course - go without a hitch. I would suggest the car service. They meet you at baggage claim and can assist with your items. The only wait should be for the actual baggage. We really preferred that experience.

Good luck!

 

[NancyIL]

Oh, I am sorry we are missing each other. It would have been nice to meet you. We expect to be checking in around 11:00 am.

Nancy, how are the crowds in the park? Has it been busy at the resort pools? Thanks in advance for any info you can give.

We won't arrive until tomorrow late afternoon, and we'll check-out just before 11 on Monday. I plan to be sitting at a booth at Beaches and Cream when they open at 11:00, because our our pick-up time to go to the airport is at 12:20.

I expect the parks will be crowded...and HOT! I normally try to avoid FL in the summer, but my nephew is getting married there this weekend.

 

[Mouseteacher]

We won't arrive until tomorrow late afternoon, and we'll check-out just before 11 on Monday. I plan to be sitting at a booth at Beaches and Cream when they open at 11:00, because our our pick-up time to go to the airport is at 12:20.

I expect the parks will be crowded...and HOT! I normally try to avoid FL in the summer, but my nephew is getting married there this weekend.

Thanks for the reply.
We usually go this time of year because it works for me and my work schedule (shhh a school principal). And we are there for our anniversary. I was hoping that this year it might be a bit less crowded...wishful thinking, I guess.

Have a great time!

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks for the reply.
We usually go this time of year because it works for me and my work schedule (shhh a school principal). And we are there for our anniversary. I was hoping that this year it might be a bit less crowded...wishful thinking, I guess.

Have a great time!

Thank you. Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful trip, too!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hey Karen - mouseteacher - I hope you and the family have a wonderful, magical trip!!! Happy Anniversary!!!

 

[mayaflysmama]

From MCO we have only done towncars or Magical Express; of those two, the towncar is MUCH more convenient. We have rented cars when flying into other airports, and the experience have been mixed. The line my be very long, or they may be out of the type of car you reserved (this happened once and the only models they had left were convertibles! Not always the best choice, depending on your need). It could also - of course - go without a hitch. I would suggest the car service. They meet you at baggage claim and can assist with your items. The only wait should be for the actual baggage. We really preferred that experience.

Good luck!

Thanks! It does sound like that might be the best direction to go, with the car service.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hey Karen - mouseteacher - I hope you and the family have a wonderful, magical trip!!! Happy Anniversary!!!

Thanks, Caroline.

We are very excited and getting ready. DS and DD-i-L fly in on Tuesday. It will be wonderful to spend quality time with them in our favorite magical place. It brings back the memories of all our trips when they were young and we are still making memories.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Happy Anniversary, Karen, have a great trip. You also, Nancy.

 

[NancyIL]

Happy Anniversary, Karen, have a great trip. You also, Nancy.

Thanks, Dan!