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

[Alabama Minnie]

DOLPHIN would be my choice of those 2 by far.
My first choice during the holidays would be Wilderness Lodge but I'm not sure when the are fully decorated. They also may have WL discounts later for Nov.

Also, be sure and add the additional fees at the Dolphin and that there is NO free airport shuttle to the Dolphin. No DDP either. We usually drive down and pay out of pocket for meals so it's not a problem for us.

 

[SDGal]

The Wilderness Lodge looks gorgeous, but I don't think it's in our budget... I read about all you guys staying at the AKL or the GF and it kinda boggles my mind.

Is this place really strict about being on topic? Because I have a few car rental questions ( pertaining to the Swolphin) too. Can someone point me in the right direction?

 

[patty57]

There is a Alamo & National car rental right in the lobby of the Dolphin. I don't know if that answers your question or not. There is also a transportation board on the DIS. Try your question here and see if we know.

 

[RachelTori]

The Wilderness Lodge looks gorgeous, but I don't think it's in our budget... I read about all you guys staying at the AKL or the GF and it kinda boggles my mind.

Is this place really strict about being on topic? Because I have a few car rental questions ( pertaining to the Swolphin) too. Can someone point me in the right direction?

The "transportation" board is a great place to ask questions about rental cars. You can also ask them here if they pertain to the Swan/Dolphin.

There is a car rental pick-up/drop-off at the Dolphin. I've never used it though.

 

[Crazypredgirl]

Stayed at the Dolphin in 2000. Loved loved it!

 

[refinnej]

Maybe I am beating a dead horse, but I can't find the answer.

Do I have in and out privileges for parking at the Swan?

 

[cgattis]

Do you mean if you are staying there, paying and parking in self-parking? If so, then yes.

 

[refinnej]

Do you mean if you are staying there, paying and parking in self-parking? If so, then yes.

Sorry - I could have been clearer. I am staying at the Swan and will pay their resort fee. Can I get out and in without any issues, say if I want to run out for dinner or to the grocery store?

 

[patty57]

Sorry - I could have been clearer. I am staying at the Swan and will pay their resort fee. Can I get out and in without any issues, say if I want to run out for dinner or to the grocery store?

You probably know this, but there is also a parking fee on top of the resort fee. I think it's $15/day. I've never had a car, but would assume that you can get in and out without a problem.

 

[SDGal]

So the resort fee is automatic, but doesn't include parking? We should figure $30 extra a night for hidden fees then?

 

[cgattis]

Yep, unfortunately . Bugs me--wish they'd roll the resort fee in with the room rate since you HAVE to pay it. But still rarely ever find comparable rates for a comparable Disney property, so I tell myself to get over it haha. But yes, if you pay to park, you just come and go in/out of the lot using your room key.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi everyone! I just registered here and am posting for the first time. This coming November, my boyfriend and I will be vacationing at WDW for a week. First time for both of us after a successful trip to Disneyland last year. We have our hotel choice narrowed down to The Dolphin vs. The French Quarter. I'm trying to convince him that the Dolphin would be a more pleasant and relaxing vacation, but he thinks if we are staying at the park, it should be at a Disney resort. I'd really like some suggestions from old pros like all of you

Welcome to the dis, SDGal. With your screen name, you HAVE to stay at the S/D.

You will love the Dolphin, along with the Swan area. No looking back.

 

[refinnej]

Yep, unfortunately . Bugs me--wish they'd roll the resort fee in with the room rate since you HAVE to pay it. But still rarely ever find comparable rates for a comparable Disney property, so I tell myself to get over it haha. But yes, if you pay to park, you just come and go in/out of the lot using your room key.

Thanks. I appreciate everyone's help!

 

[SDGal]

Yes, thanks for the help guys!

 

[mikegood2]

Anyone who has a vacation booked might want to call and see if their rates have dropped!

My parents just booked for 4 days in mid/late June for $169 a night. Last time they checked it was over $200. I called right after them to check on the cost of an executive Suites (same week) and they dropped $30 a night. So I called my brother and he got it changed to the better price saving over $200. now I just have to find a way to charge him a finders fee or something

Sent from my iPad mini using DISBoards

 

[WDWRids]

Can anyone help me with a coffee question?

Staying at the Swan in a few weeks and wanted to know what type of coffee makers do they have in the room? Anyone brought filters and coffee from home and did it work in their makers? I always drink more than they leave in the room.

Thanks

 

[Dan Murphy]

The coffee makers are single cup coffee brewers, with Starbucks, regular and decaf. Photos here

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Location...y_World_Swan_and_Dolphin-Orlando_Florida.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=swa...TtygHku4CAAw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAA&biw=1536&bih=789

You can ask for as many filters as you want from housekeeping. You can catch them in the hallway or write a note with what you want and put it by the coffee maker.

 

[WDWRids]

Thanks, Dan!

 

[SingingMom]

The coffee makers are single cup coffee brewers, with Starbucks, regular and decaf. Photos here

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g34515-d84907-i37305601-Walt_Disney_World_Swan_and_Dolphin-Orlando_Florida.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=swan+dolphin+room+coffee+maker&hl=en&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=y8sOUZnoBKTtygHku4CAAw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAA&biw=1536&bih=789

You can ask for as many filters as you want from housekeeping. You can catch them in the hallway or write a note with what you want and put it by the coffee maker.

Or call guest services and they will send them up for you. Very accommodating staff!!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[hoglund]

Reading another thread about poor bus service from the epcot resorts. Just how bad is the bus from Swan to MK? We will be doing MK for 2 of our 5 days. Another thread on bus service indicates the bus starts at the swan and then stops at every Epcot resort before finally getting to MK 45+ mins later. Is it that bad?

I'm at the Swan now. Our experience with the bus has been good except for once. For the most part we've waited a max of 15-20 minutes. There was one day where we waited for 35-40 minutes and then the bus bypassed the Dolphin stop.

Once we were on the bus, it takes about 20 minutes to get to MK.

This is the first time that we used Disney transportation and we've been pleasantly surprised with the convenience.