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

[chan3bbb]

You have to do what is right for your family and budget.

But.... Remember there is also a "value" placed on your time, too! I didn't like the busses for Port Orleans or the outside room entrances. We have now been at the Dolphin six times and won't stay anywhere else! The Friendship boats are so relaxing and we can also walk to Epcot, HS, and Boardwalk.

Hope you'll give the Dolphin a try!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I'm in totaly agreement. We just came back from the Dolphin, the 5 of us in an alcove room, and it was fabulous. Will definitely stay here again. The amount of $$ we saved paid for some fabulous meals at Chefs de France and Via Napoli, and Sci Fi Theatre.

Time is money, and being at the mercy of a bus (after a long day) is not optimal. Loved the boats and the walk. A very intimate feel vs. a third world urban vibe.

 

[chan3bbb]

I returned from 8 nights at the Swan yesterday, and it was great- as always. I am very happy to be a GOLD Starwood member, because my "gold amenity" was free internet - saving me the $17 + tax/day resort fee. .

Love being Gold Starwood . That is a big savings!

Another benefit of the Dolphin: you actually accrue points and are rewarded for your loyalty. Meaning: more free nights in the future! Hello, Disney? **cricket, cricket**

 

[bas71873]

OK. So since I can't make up my mind and I still have time to decide because I'm waiting for Airtran to release their flights so I can compare to Jetblue and then book (therefore my dates might shift a bit), can someone pro & con the Swan vs. the Dolphin for me?

I'm pretty sure that if we stay Dolphin (where I"m booked right now with a AAA rate), I'm going to end up with a rollaway bed because of the double beds. So why not book at Swan where there are queens (DD and I share a bed when we travel because DH and I are used to a king and don't do well in smaller beds together. I value a good night's sleep )?

Does it really matter, Swan v. Dolphin or will I be happy at either. DH tells me just to quit stressing and book whatever I want.

 

[Mouseteacher]

There was something else new, I think. In the past, I have posted instructions here from the S/D engineering folks as to how to bypass the default settings on the thermostats for cooling/heating. On this trip, and I think the one in Dec also, I noticed that the thermostat stayed at whatever temperature and fan setting you set it at, rather than returning to the default after a short period (unless bypassed in the past).

With that the case, we found that it was wise to set the thermostat a bit higher when we left the rooms in the AM so as to not waste energy. Upon returning to the rooms, if we wanted it a bit cooler, the system brought the temperature down quite rapidly.

It was great to see you again too, Caroline. Natalie, Jeremy and Christopher enjoyed meeting you also. And that bug you sent me in the email was great, will have to show Christopher. And our server, your friend (Debra?) was so nice also.

Yes it is, Karen. Hope to meet you some day too.

Dan- you need to make another trip to Boston. I missed meeting you at the last Dis meet when you came to Boston.

 

[SwirlyGirly]

Hi! I have yet another quick question. Can the weekend, character breakfast buffet be booked or is it walk in only? Thanks!

 

[bas71873]

The AAA room discount & the AAA resort credit rate are the exact same, so I'm curious what the "credit" is since it does not specify. Any idea?

 

[LexiC123]

The AAA room discount & the AAA resort credit rate are the exact same, so I'm curious what the "credit" is since it does not specify. Any idea?

It's a $50 resort credit towards food, beverages or recreational activities.

 

[bas71873]

It's a $50 resort credit towards food, beverages or recreational activities.

Thanks!

 

[NancyIL]

OK. So since I can't make up my mind and I still have time to decide because I'm waiting for Airtran to release their flights so I can compare to Jetblue and then book (therefore my dates might shift a bit), can someone pro & con the Swan vs. the Dolphin for me?

I'm pretty sure that if we stay Dolphin (where I"m booked right now with a AAA rate), I'm going to end up with a rollaway bed because of the double beds. So why not book at Swan where there are queens (DD and I share a bed when we travel because DH and I are used to a king and don't do well in smaller beds together. I value a good night's sleep )?

Does it really matter, Swan v. Dolphin or will I be happy at either. DH tells me just to quit stressing and book whatever I want.

I prefer the Swan due to its smaller size, slightly closer proximity to the Boardwalk, sink inside and outside the bathroom, and the bus stops there before the Dolphin. However, there are more casual dining options at the Dolphin, as well as the laundry room, arcade, and fitness center. It has a "wow" lobby, although as my DH says - you don't sleep in the lobby!

 

[patty57]

Because I simply can't seem to stop checking rates, I just looked at rates for my May 1-8 trip at the Dolphin. Both the nurse and AAA rates have dropped again. It isn't better than what I have, but better than what has been advertised for the past month or so. Anyone who is currently looking, or booked, might want to take a look at rates. Happy bargain hunting everyone.

 

[Dan Murphy]

....Does it really matter, Swan v. Dolphin or will I be happy at either. DH tells me just to quit stressing and book whatever I want.

It is one of those things, six to one, half dozen to another. Many here like the Swan better, me included, others like the Dolphin better.

The Swan has, from my perspective, a better bed situation, multiple vanities (nice for family getting ready in the morning), is smaller and laid out on one floor for the common areas. Plus I know a lot of the staff there, LOL.

The Dolphin on the other hand, has more of the restaurants, including Picabu, the 24 hour venue, the laundry and arcade. The fitness center is a bit larger than the one at the Swan. The lobby area, up one story, reached by escalator, is huge and pretty, compared to the Swan's smaller, more sedate lobby. I like to visit it at Christmas time, very pretty.

The pool area, shared by both resorts, is equidistant from both.

Dan- you need to make another trip to Boston. I missed meeting you at the last Dis meet when you came to Boston. ��

Not sure when I will be in Boston again, that was my only time there. But, maybe some day.

Hi! I have yet another quick question. Can the weekend, character breakfast buffet be booked or is it walk in only? Thanks!

It can be booked ahead of time, on the Disney dining website, Disney phone or through the Swan itself.

 

[madelyn]

Thanks CindyPA! Ended up signing up for the cruise after we realized Disney would no longer be sailing out of Galveston (about a 4 hours drive from us). Our kids are now 14, 11 and 6 and we might have waited to long to cruise Disney because our 14 year old is complaining about the cruise. Not sure if he thinks he has "outgrown" Disney (although he still likes the parks) or he's scared about the idea of being without internet and out of touch from his friends! Where do you like to eat at the Dolphin? Stayed there almost 10 years ago. Just remember getting stuff from the cafeteria and hubby and I did dine at Bluezoo.

Try calling 888-828-8850. That is the dedicated reservation line for the Swalphin. Thomas in particular has always been super helpful and friendly. We are going in June and I cannot wait! We stayed at BWI last year and just kept gravitating over to the Dolphin to eat. Thought it was so pretty and rates so much more reasonable, so we booked it for this year.

Good luck and hope your cruise is wonderful! That is something we would like to do one day when kids are a little older.

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks CindyPA! Ended up signing up for the cruise after we realized Disney would no longer be sailing out of Galveston (about a 4 hours drive from us). Our kids are now 14, 11 and 6 and we might have waited to long to cruise Disney because our 14 year old is complaining about the cruise. Not sure if he thinks he has "outgrown" Disney (although he still likes the parks) or he's scared about the idea of being without internet and out of touch from his friends! Where do you like to eat at the Dolphin? Stayed there almost 10 years ago. Just remember getting stuff from the cafeteria and hubby and I did dine at Bluezoo.

We love Il Mulino at the Swan. Just a stroll across the way. ;-). I am very particular when it comes to Italian food, growing up with the "real thing" all my life. We really enjoy it. Shula's is good too, but if you have Ruth's Chris, it is pretty much the same thing.

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[SingingMom]

OK. So since I can't make up my mind and I still have time to decide because I'm waiting for Airtran to release their flights so I can compare to Jetblue and then book (therefore my dates might shift a bit), can someone pro & con the Swan vs. the Dolphin for me?

I'm pretty sure that if we stay Dolphin (where I"m booked right now with a AAA rate), I'm going to end up with a rollaway bed because of the double beds. So why not book at Swan where there are queens (DD and I share a bed when we travel because DH and I are used to a king and don't do well in smaller beds together. I value a good night's sleep )?

Does it really matter, Swan v. Dolphin or will I be happy at either. DH tells me just to quit stressing and book whatever I want.

As Nancy is the unofficial spokesperson for the Swan , I will chime in as the unofficial cheerleader for the Dolphin! LOLOLOL

We prefer the Dolphin because of the hustle & bustle atmosphere. We like that Picabu is 24 hours, the Cabana Bar and Grotto Pool area is closer, and the lobby is beautiful. We enjoy having a nightcap and people watching sitting in the lobby's comfy couches. Usually there is a piano player and sometimes a singer. It is a nice wind down after a hectic park day.

My take is that the Swan is suited for a romantic, quiet stay, and the Dolphin is more boisterous. But, again, personal opinion! Either choice gives you options to enjoy both resorts!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[NancyIL]

As Nancy is the unofficial spokesperson for the Swan , I will chime in as the unofficial cheerleader for the Dolphin! LOLOLOL

Dan is the much more articulate "unofficial spokesperson" for the Swan, but I'm sure I love the Swan as much as he does.

 

[Flews]

Just got back from another great stay at the Swan. Facilities and service excellent as always. Kids spent a lot of time in the pools this time - our 5-year-olds literally learned to swim during this stay. Swan & *wood arranged a nice 'surprise' for the kids birthday.

For us, the location simply can't beat for any price.

Cheers,

 

[kreckl]

We are considering a split stay in Sept. We would either start or end with a few days at either the Swan or Dolphin ( 2 adults, one 10 yr old). We stayed at the BWV last year and were not impressed, but loved the location.
Considering that you can't do ME to/from the airport ( and a Mears quote is $60+), and there is a resort fee, and no possibility of free dining- would you do it?
Swan or Dolphin?
Thanks in advance!

 

[robinbutterfly]

We are considering a split stay in Sept. We would either start or end with a few days at either the Swan or Dolphin ( 2 adults, one 10 yr old). We stayed at the BWV last year and were not impressed, but loved the location.
Considering that you can't do ME to/from the airport ( and a Mears quote is $60+), and there is a resort fee, and no possibility of free dining- would you do it?
Swan or Dolphin?
Thanks in advance!

HANDS DOWN...YES!!
The location alone sells me on Swan Dolphin! We stayed at Swan last year and are staying at Dolphin this upcoming trip. I loved Swan. THe only reason we chose Dolphin this time is because it was cheaper.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Dan is the much more articulate "unofficial spokesperson" for the Swan, but I'm sure I love the Swan as much as he does.

Another unofficial cheerleader for the Swan checking in. My reasons are well said by Nancy.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Thanks CindyPA! Ended up signing up for the cruise after we realized Disney would no longer be sailing out of Galveston (about a 4 hours drive from us). Our kids are now 14, 11 and 6 and we might have waited to long to cruise Disney because our 14 year old is complaining about the cruise. Not sure if he thinks he has "outgrown" Disney (although he still likes the parks) or he's scared about the idea of being without internet and out of touch from his friends! Where do you like to eat at the Dolphin? Stayed there almost 10 years ago. Just remember getting stuff from the cafeteria and hubby and I did dine at Bluezoo.

A little off topic here but we just did our first Disney cruise last month and it was beyond great!!!! Your son will love it I am sure-the teens have tons of stuff to do and pretty much roam the ship together. It was way different from parks but incredible experience in its own way. Being disconnected from the real world was wonderful.