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

[Alabama Minnie]

ccsmith312:
We just got back from a stay at the Dolphin. We really didn't think our room looked that bad. They aren't as "fancy" as BWI but ours was VERY nice, roomy and clean. Our room also had a updated bath (very nice). Didn't smell anything that others are complaining about either. We were in the East Wing/8th floor.

 

[bakerworld]

If our Tampa-based DD visits can she park somewhere close that doesn't charge $15?

 

[SRUAlmn]

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.

They're actually not the same as the SENSEO pods. They're the same shape, but they're much larger. If you picture the size of the filter compartment on a regular drip coffee maker, the pods are the entire size of that compartment.

 

[Dan Murphy]

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.

You can get as many one cup pods as you want from housekeeping. I always ask for more, decaf. Excellent coffee.

If our Tampa-based DD visits can she park somewhere close that doesn't charge $15?

Not that I know of, unless it were to just run into the hotel for a few minutes and out again.

 

[becky11]

We stayed at the Swan for the first time this weekend, and I know it's personal preference, but we like the Dolphin better. Can't put my finger on an exact "why", but we do. The only thing I liked about the Swan is the closer walk to Epcot.

Here's my biggest pet peeve for both of these hotels: I cannot, for the life of me, understand why there is NOT ventilation in the bathrooms!!!! I've stayed in lower-end hotels in much less humid states that have fans so loud they scare the bejeesus out of you, but at S&D - nothing!!! I've never seen a situation where it's needed MORE than S&D bathrooms!! I wish they'd fix that. It's my only suggestion.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Here's my biggest pet peeve for both of these hotels: I cannot, for the life of me, understand why there is NOT ventilation in the bathrooms!!!! I've stayed in lower-end hotels in much less humid states that have fans so loud they scare the bejeesus out of you, but at S&D - nothing!!! I've never seen a situation where it's needed MORE than S&D bathrooms!! I wish they'd fix that. It's my only suggestion.

SAME here!! We stayed at the Dolphin in June and it drove me crazy!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Likewise here. I never understood why no exhaust fans in the bathroom. After a good shower, it takes several minutes to get the steam out and mirror usable.

 

[kandb]

The coffee in the room (starbucks) for both regular and decaf, is very strong. I would slant the coffee pod so it wouldn't go thru as much coffee. I agree, the pods are probably more for 2-3 cups, not just 1.

 

[jnfr2424]

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!

Those rooms were just refurbished in the last 2-3 years
I am sure you have nothing to worry about just go and have a great time

 

[jmasgat]

If anyone is interested.....Sniqueaway.com is having a "Secret Snique" hotel room sale which looks like it may be Swan/Dolphin--based on the descirption as a "non-Disney resort on Disney property". Some dates are available for $109/nt. This is a fully prepaid rate,and you don't find out the actual hotel til after you book, but where else could it be?

Maura

 

[LexiC123]

If anyone is interested.....Sniqueaway.com is having a "Secret Snique" hotel room sale which looks like it may be Swan/Dolphin--based on the descirption as a "non-Disney resort on Disney property". Some dates are available for $109/nt. This is a fully prepaid rate,and you don't find out the actual hotel til after you book, but where else could it be?

Maura

You're right...it does sound like the S/D. My guess is the Swan, based upon the max occupancy of 4 per room.

A great deal for anyone who can commit to a prepaid rate.

 

[PNO4TE]

If anyone is interested.....Sniqueaway.com is having a "Secret Snique" hotel room sale which looks like it may be Swan/Dolphin--based on the descirption as a "non-Disney resort on Disney property". Some dates are available for $109/nt. This is a fully prepaid rate,and you don't find out the actual hotel til after you book, but where else could it be?

Maura

Could it also possibly be Bonnet Creek? Either way, I agree it is a great rate!

 

[becky11]

Do you get EMH privileges at Bonnet Creek?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Do you get EMH privileges at Bonnet Creek?

No, you do not.

 

[SideshowBob]

No, you do not.

Howdy, Mr. M.

Not Swan/Dolphin ... and mentions hotel shuttle so I think not part of Disney transportation, etc.

"hotel shuttle and let your Disney adventure begin"

 

[Tribe]

I may have jumped the gun. I just booked it thinking it was Swan or Dolphin. It does say within WDW, so how could that be "off-property" like a pp just said. Can anyone else can offer an opinion using clues?

 

[jcb]

My guess is the Hilton on Hotel Plaza Blvd. Their website claims "The Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista hotel in the Walt Disney World Resort is an exceptional hotel."

Note the description of the Hilton's double bed rooms:

Relax after a full day of excitement in one of our guest rooms located on the top floors of the hotel with a spectacular view of the DOWNTOWN DISNEY Area. These accommodations with two double beds are perfect for those attending a meeting or on vacation with family or friends. Each room includes special amenities like a chair/ottoman, a work station with ergonomic chair, 37" LCD high definition TV, iron/ironing board, MP3 clock radio, coffee maker, mini-bar, mini-refrigerators, dual-line telephones, in-room movies, high-speed internet access and an oversized in-room safe large enough to fit a laptop computer. For your convenience, our bathrooms feature vanities with granite countertops and a hair dryer. As a guest of the Hilton, take advantage of Disney's exclusive EXTRA MAGIC HOURS benefit featuring extended time in a selected park each day as well as complimentary transportation to all WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort theme parks and attractions

The S/D says their HDTVs are 32".

Compare to sniqueaway's description:

From 340 square feet

1. 2 Double bed(s)
2. Bathroom with granite vanities
3. High-thread-count linens
4. Luxury bath amenities
5. High-speed Internet access
6. 37-inch flatscreen HDTV
7. MP3-ready radio
8. Coffee maker
9. Minibar
10. Rollaway bed available; see Policies for details
11. Maximum occupancy: 4 guests
12. Rates quoted are for up to 4 people
13. Accessibility options: Yes

But it is just a guess.

 

[Tribe]

Can I really not cancel?! I definitely leaped before I looked (dummy).
It does sound like a nice hotel and a good deal but we have plans in the Epcot area on the 2 days I booked.

 

[RaySharpton]

Howdy, Mr. SideshowBob; and Howdy, Mr. Dan Murphy.

I am getting so excited about my very first vacation at the Disney Swan Resort this December.

I hope to be able to see you two guys many times during my visit, and get a photo op with you two and me around the beautiful Disney Swan Resort surroundings.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could get Towncrier to meet us at the same time?

You just have no idea how excited I am getting now.

 

[SingingMom]

Howdy, Mr. M.

Not Swan/Dolphin ... and mentions hotel shuttle so I think not part of Disney transportation, etc.

"hotel shuttle and let your Disney adventure begin"

Sideshow Bob!!!!!!! How ARE you?! . We are coming back to the Dolphin in January, instead of our usual June visit, and after a two year hiatus! Last year we took a cruise ( non-Disney, what WERE we THINKING?!?) and this past year we enjoyed an Adventures By Disney London/Paris extravaganza!

SO looking forward to returning to our beloved Dolphin and my espresso martini on the lobby "comfy couches". ;-). Hope to see you then!

Renee

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