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

[SingingMom]

Hi Everyone,
Been reading, and here and there mentioned are "problems" with the grotto pool and a pending refurb.
Just was wondering if anyone has any info. as to a refurb. is scheduled. Is it in major need of a refurb?

Heading to the Swan on May 15th...Can't wait!

Thanks,
Mark

Stayed at the Dolphin this past week. Didnt hear anything about refurb, but I must say, the Grotto pool looked fine. I just used a hot tub and dipped in the round pool near the Cabana Bar, but DD19 and I sat at the Grotto pool on Monday and enjoyed the atmosphere!

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[Mark P.]

Hey thanks all for the quick replies!

Glad to hear you had a nice trip, SingingMom...Could use some of that Florida warmth here in NJ this upcoming week, eh? We've been lucky thus far, though...

Thanks again,
Mark

 

[sarga]

We booked the Dolphin for October - Epcot view! We are super excited. Never stayed at Swan or Dolphin before, but have stayed at Yacht Club and LOVE the Epcot resort area. It'll be our first trip during F&W, and first trip to the Dolphin. We can't wait!

 

[SingingMom]

Hey thanks all for the quick replies!

Glad to hear you had a nice trip, SingingMom...Could use some of that Florida warmth here in NJ this upcoming week, eh? We've been lucky thus far, though...

Thanks again,
Mark

Don't ya know it, Mark!! DD19 spoke to a few of our CM friends this trip and she's seriously considering the Disney College Program. If she ends up working for Disney after graduation, I think DH and I may leave NJ and move to Florida for good! This past week of sun and warmth really convinced me I need to be in the south!

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[SRUAlmn]

Alas, the Stay Connected rate is not available for our dates. Still happy with the rates, though!

We found out that the Stay Connected rates don't apply to the peak times. My parents will likely be at the SD for part of our stay and that's what they were told.

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Sorry! I wasn't aware. We always go in the summer and have used it with no problem. Once was even the week of July 4, which I would assume is a 'peak time?' Hopefully you can still get a good rate

 

[Mark P.]

Don't ya know it, Mark!! DD19 spoke to a few of our CM friends this trip and she's seriously considering the Disney College Program. If she ends up working for Disney after graduation, I think DH and I may leave NJ and move to Florida for good! This past week of sun and warmth really convinced me I need to be in the south!

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Awesome program, isn't it? Our son thought about it for a while, as he's graduating H.S. this year. Instead, he's leaving for Marine Corps. boot camp in July instead. (his dad did the same thing 20 some years ago

And yes Florida's on our radar, too! We're looking around Sarasota (a tad south to be exact) when I retire in 7 years!

Take care!

 

[Roo2]

For those who have stayed recently- were the 4 fountains on the Dolphin roof working, or lit up at night? When we stayed this past August, they were not on. Then we got a surprise trip in Oct for husbands conference- roof top fountains still weren't on or lit up! Front desk had no idea why. I love seeing those fountains lit up at night- almost as much as watching the friendship boats from our balcony! Anyone know what's up with them? Thanks!

Roo2

 

[OKW Lover]

Under some conditions the fountains won't be on so the spray won't bother people coming and going.

 

[hoglund]

Thanks for everyone who provided valuable info on my questions (looking for a bakery and delivery questions)!

Looking forward to our trip next week!

 

[SingingMom]

For those who have stayed recently- were the 4 fountains on the Dolphin roof working, or lit up at night? When we stayed this past August, they were not on. Then we got a surprise trip in Oct for husbands conference- roof top fountains still weren't on or lit up! Front desk had no idea why. I love seeing those fountains lit up at night- almost as much as watching the friendship boats from our balcony! Anyone know what's up with them? Thanks!

Roo2

They were lit last week, but for the life of me, I can't remember if they were spraying. Lol. There were a few conference gatherings and the lights on the walkway were purple and pink - really neat!! I just love the Dolphin. FYI - the Swans on the roof were being worked on - some scaffolding a few days, but I believe that was completed before we left.

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[bltman]

What is the selection of baked goods at the Java Bar in the Swan like? Any muffins and bagels or just danish and other similar pastries?

 

[amberpi]

They always have a selection of bagels and muffins - towards the end of service they might sell out of the particular type you want, but the offerings are pretty inclusive.

I love the Swolphin!

 

[ahutton]

For those who have stayed recently- were the 4 fountains on the Dolphin roof working, or lit up at night? When we stayed this past August, they were not on. Then we got a surprise trip in Oct for husbands conference- roof top fountains still weren't on or lit up! Front desk had no idea why. I love seeing those fountains lit up at night- almost as much as watching the friendship boats from our balcony! Anyone know what's up with them? Thanks!

Roo2

We were there in December and they were on a couple of the nights. The nights the fountains were not flowing were windy, so maybe that had something to do with it?

 

[blackacex2]

Is it worth an extra 1,500 starpoints for a deluxe alcove room? They are 11,500 vs 10,000 for a standard room.

Thanks!

 

[Roo2]

We paid out the extra 1,500 points per night for a balcony room with resort view, which we thought was very worth it! We loved sitting out on the balcony with views of the friendship boats going to and fro, plus the Boardwalk views- even the top of the Eiffel tower in France and a bit of the fireworks at night! But my understanding is that the deluxe alcove rooms do not have a balcony- although they do have extra space. Hope some experts can give you more info- someone posted great photos/info about the deluxe alcove room on this thread, awhile back- maybe a search of this thread will turn up that great info. Good luck!
Roo2

 

[Mouseteacher]

Some alcove rooms have balconies at the Swan. We really enjoy staying in one and like the extra room with the small "dining area" - round table and 4 chairs. We particularly request the east or west wing. We have been lucky and have been assigned the east wing many times with the last room at the end of the hall. It has so many windows and terrific views.

 

[phillytwins]

How long is the walk to DHS from Swan? We have to be there at 7:45am, and the park opens at 9am, so I don't think the boats will be running yet. I just hope the kids can survive the walk without too much complaining!

 

[Mouseteacher]

The walk at a good pace is about 20 minutes. The boats should be operating an hour or so before the park opens.

 

[Marthasor]

How long is the walk to DHS from Swan? We have to be there at 7:45am, and the park opens at 9am, so I don't think the boats will be running yet. I just hope the kids can survive the walk without too much complaining!

The boats should be running to accommodate people with breakfast reservations. If not, you can also take a cab.

 

[phillytwins]

Thanks for the quick replies. The kids have a YES class at 7:45am, and the info said we'd have to get there on our own. As long as the weather is ok, we'll plan on walking. I'll woo the kids with a Gatorade