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

[amcooper]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows why both the Swan and Dolphin are booked for these nights? My family was considering coming down from the 12/29 - 1/5 and it seems odd that 12/30 and 1/2 are the only days booked.

 

[Tribe]

Is there any plan to close the grotto pool for refurb soon. I had heard it will not be in 2012 but what about Jan or Feb? We are coming in February.

 

[LaurenT]

We loved Picabu. Ate bkfst there almost every morning. We would get 4 kids breakfasts: eggs, bacon, toast, potato, DD got a V8, usually a piece of fruit or two. Used the AAA card and the whole thing was around $20. Where else in Disney are you going to get breakfast for 4 for $20?

 

[LaurenT]

Actually, not all levels of the Starwood Preferred Guest Program are eligible for the upgrades...only the Preferred Plus, Gold and Platinum levels.

But you're right, it never hurts to ask. I'm glad it worked out for you. That's another one of the perks of the lower-occupancy September season: less filled rooms means that there is more availability for upgrades such as yours.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip.

FD was awesome with us. They upgraded us to a balcony and comped us a roll away without us even asking! we are spg, not sure if we're plus or not.

 

[bas71873]

We loved Picabu. Ate bkfst there almost every morning. We would get 4 kids breakfasts: eggs, bacon, toast, potato, DD got a V8, usually a piece of fruit or two. Used the AAA card and the whole thing was around $20. Where else in Disney are you going to get breakfast for 4 for $20?

Thanks for this info. It's really good to know. I've been pricing rooms and there is about a $40 difference in price between the AAA rate and the AAA rate with free breakfast. I think we will pay OOP.

 

[WDWRids]

We stayed at the Swan in March 2012 and LOVED it. I will request a different room this time - I think we had an alcove room but the room was wierd. The couch was tucked in the "alcove" which was strange placement - it was like it was L shape part of the room and not comfortable to sit and watch tv. Liked the large room, though.....

Next time I will request an EPCOT view. Some of your photos are fantastic!!

Only through page 20 so lots more to read - back later!
Thanks

 

[JandD Mom]

We stayed at the Swan in March 2012 and LOVED it. I will request a different room this time - I think we had an alcove room but the room was wierd. The couch was tucked in the "alcove" which was strange placement - it was like it was L shape part of the room and not comfortable to sit and watch tv. Liked the large room, though.....

Next time I will request an EPCOT view. Some of your photos are fantastic!!

Only through page 20 so lots more to read - back later!
Thanks

Can you give a little more info about the alcove room at the Swan? We have one reserved for a March trip for my husband and I and our teenage daughters. Did the room have a king bed? How big was the pull out? Did it have a regular refrigerator or was it a glorified cooler?

Thank you for any help!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Can you give a little more info about the alcove room at the Swan? We have one reserved for a March trip for my husband and I and our teenage daughters. Did the room have a king bed? How big was the pull out? Did it have a regular refrigerator or was it a glorified cooler?

Thank you for any help!

We stay in an alcove room at the Swan. It is L shaped, king bed and pull out sofa which would be fine for 2 young children but tight for 2 older kids - fine for one. There is a table and 4 chairs. The refrig is a small one in the cabinet under the tv. We reserve a balcony room and love the east wing because you get 3 windows plus the sliding door to the balcony.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

Just want to give the Dolphin a big ! Had another great visit there and was really glad we switched from BWI and saved the extra $$. The difference easily paid for all our OOP meals + we still got the same boardwalk experience.
I think DH even likes it more than the POLY!

 

[Candycane83]

Just want to give the Dolphin a big ! Had another great visit there and was really glad we switched from BWI and saved the extra $$. The difference easily paid for all our OOP meals + we still got the same boardwalk experience.
I think DH even likes it more than the POLY!

Thanks for this review. DH and I are switching from BWI to dolphin too in November and I was worried we might regret it.

 

[cgattis]

I'm sitting under the Dolphin pool right now, and it's completely awesome. I just don't see us staying anywhere else without some massive discount. Loving it.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

Candycane83:
BWI might be just a little more "fancy" but the rooms at the Dolphin are still VERY nice and maybe a little larger and the beds are GREAT. The bathroom also looked like it had been recently updated. We had a resort-view room in the EAST Tower. IMO you might have a better chance of a better view there. Also, the balconies are really small. (The one we had at BWI was too) Glad we didn't pay extra for one.
You still get the convenience of the water taxi and Boardwalk area for ALOT less. Be sure and check the AAA rate if you are a member. It was less too. Wish we were returning in November (Xmas), it's our favorite time to go!

 

[chattadisser]

I'm sitting under the Dolphin pool right now, and it's completely awesome. I just don't see us staying anywhere else without some massive discount. Loving it.

We are headed down on Saturday. Are there towels at the pool or should we consider bringing some from home? I can't wait to relax around the pool.

 

[SingingMom]

We are headed down on Saturday. Are there towels at the pool or should we consider bringing some from home? I can't wait to relax around the pool.

Yes, there are towels at the cabana stand. Just have your room card. Sometimes they ask to see it. You can also rent/buy floats and buy suntan lotion at that spot. If it s closed, you can get towels at the health club front desk. Have fun!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Candycane83]

Candycane83:
BWI might be just a little more "fancy" but the rooms at the Dolphin are still VERY nice and maybe a little larger and the beds are GREAT. The bathroom also looked like it had been recently updated. We had a resort-view room in the EAST Tower. IMO you might have a better chance of a better view there. Also, the balconies are really small. (The one we had at BWI was too) Glad we didn't pay extra for one.
You still get the convenience of the water taxi and Boardwalk area for ALOT less. Be sure and check the AAA rate if you are a member. It was less too. Wish we were returning in November (Xmas), it's our favorite time to go!

Thanks so much Alabama Minnie! That's great to know as I just cancelled my last 4 nights at BWI. The price difference is just too big so I'm glad to know the rooms are good and bathroom is updated

 

[chattadisser]

Yes, there are towels at the cabana stand. Just have your room card. Sometimes they ask to see it. You can also rent/buy floats and buy suntan lotion at that spot. If it s closed, you can get towels at the health club front desk. Have fun!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thank you! Now I have even more room to pack!

 

[melliej]

I think my husband is catching the fever! He suggested we make a quick stop at Disney on our way down to the Atlantic coast for our Spring Break Beach trip this year. We will be staying at the Swan. Hooray!

 

[ccsmith312]

Checking in at the Dolphin this
Friday and now I'm second guessing myself! I read some online reviews saying the resort is outdated and in need of a refurb. Is the Swan in better condition? Is the Dolphin really looking dated? Help!

 

[bakerworld]

The in-room coffee is a bold roast, Africa Kitamu. Not sure what flavor the decaf pods are.

None of those coffee systems are compatible with the coffee machines at the S/D. They use "pods" which are basically round coffee filter paper filled with coffee...a coffee ravioli, if you will.

They look something like this, but slightly larger in size. I'm not sure if these smaller pods would work in the coffee makers in the room.

Has your husband ever tried the Starbucks Via instant coffee? My DH says it doesn't even taste like instant, and you'd be able to get a mild roast. Might be worth trying before your trip...you can pick them up in Starbucks stores and most supermarkets.

Am just reading thru this thread since we're staying here for the 1st time in a couple of weeks so I apoligize in advance for any redundancy.

1-cup SENSO machines use these pods - packs are available at Wegmans.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

Just returned and we found those Starbucks filters to be too strong. They are really meant for a 4-cup maker. The one cup filters might work better IMO, unless you like REALLY strong coffee.