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

[lizabu]

Another transportation question, and which hotel... Sorry guys. We are a family of 3 (1 adult 2 children) and are considering the Dolphin/Swan for an upcoming stay. We only need transportation one way to the airport (we will arrive at Disney via family). So... taxi? Town car? Mears? Renting a car is not an option. So, which is the cheapest/best alternative? Also, is there a significant difference between the hotels? We will be spending our days at the parks, but might have a little time for relaxing/pool time (weather probably won't cooperate, but you never know). We already love the Boardwalk area and can happily spend hours there and eat there, but it would be nice to have food options on our way out or in the hotel. Also we have food allergies and restrictions, and need to work around that. So any input would be appreciated!!!

The Grotto pool is slightly closer to the Dolphin also the Dolphin has most of the restaurants and the laundry. That said we usually pick the Swan for the bed size and walk over. They're both great properties. The swan is much smaller than the Dolphin too.

Just back from the Dolphin and I wanted to share a very surprising Wine deal at the Dolphin Lobby Bar. This is the bar that's on the Lobby level, at the top of the escalator. On our second night there, we noticed a large sign facing the lobby from the bar, advertising their Wine special for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5-7pm. They may call it Social Hour. The Sheraton Hotels have partnered with the Wine Spectator, who rates wines, and they are offering 10 -12 different wines rated at 89+ on that list. For just $5, you get 2- 2oz pours of red or white wines from the top rated list, or if you happen to like one wine over the others, they'll give you 1- 4 oz pour for $5. Also, they serve the wine in gorgeous long stemmed wine glasses that just makes the experience that much better. I have to say, we loved it so much, that we went all three nights, and tasted everything on the special menu, and then walked over to Epcot for the FOOD and Wine Festival. Great fun, and an unexpected budget deal. The bar tender told us this is a Nationwide special at most Sheraton Hotels.

This sounds fun. Thanks for sharing.

 

[LovintheLodge]

Checked into the Swan today. We booked and received a boardwalk view balcony room...just a beautiful view. We would have seen the Illuminations high fireworks but were still walking back from the Food & Wine festival. Saw Sugar Ray last night and Edwin McCain tonight. We have magic bands due to our first night at the YC. The weather is just gorgeous here the last two days.

Kerry

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[NBCGal]

Can't wait until later this month to arrive at the Swan for our annual trip. I was hoping that Fastpass+ would be rolled out to Swan & Dolphin guests by now, but no such luck.

 

[nancy drew]

Thanks for all of the advice!!

Has anyone used a rollaway bed in their room at the Dolphin? Also what is the difference between the "Traditional Room" the "Resort Room" and the "Epcot Room"? Is one more spacious than the other? TR costs less than the others with my discount, but I can't figure out what we will be missing if we go with that.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Thanks for all of the advice!! Has anyone used a rollaway bed in their room at the Dolphin? Also what is the difference between the "Traditional Room" the "Resort Room" and the "Epcot Room"? Is one more spacious than the other? TR costs less than the others with my discount, but I can't figure out what we will be missing if we go with that.

It's the view that is the difference. Generally, TR does not have a desirable view.

 

[NancyIL]

If you really want to see IllumiNations - see them from inside Epcot! For me - the music is a large part of the enjoyment, and you can't hear that from inside a hotel room - no matter how good the view.

 

[nancy drew]

It's the view that is the difference. Generally, TR does not have a desirable view.

Good to know! Thanks!

 

[ammouse]

A taxi is about $52.00 plus tip
Fl Tours town car is $70 plus tip
Tiffany town car is $65 plus tip

The biggest difference between the S/D is the Swan has 2 queen beds while the Dolphin has 2 doubles.

Picabu, which is cafeteria like, is located in the Dolphin and is a family favorite. There are, I believe 17 different restaurants between the 2 from $$ to $$$$$.

If you think you're leaning this way, join the Starwood Preferred club. You can get better views sometimes at no extra charge.

We've always had wonderful stays at both.

We go with our daughter and grandson. Last time we stayed at the swan. And this time we stayed at the dolphin.
The swan is probably a little nicer but has more of a conference feel as guess is the best way to put it.
We liked the atmosphere of the dolphin. More kids, more vacationing people, easier access the restaurants, pools, boats to Epcot and Hollywood studios.

 

[nancy drew]

Last question...

Has anyone used a roll away bed in their room at the Dolphin? Just wondering how much space it takes up, whether there is an extra cost involved, etc.

 

[bas71873]

Last question...

Has anyone used a roll away bed in their room at the Dolphin? Just wondering how much space it takes up, whether there is an extra cost involved, etc.

Not sure about the space because this is our first stay, but I think I read that there is a $25/night fee for a rollaway. Ludicrous if you ask me, especially with the $20 resort fee.


ETA - I'm grumpy this morning so forgive the tone of my post.

 

[patty57]

Not sure about the space because this is our first stay, but I think I read that there is a $25/night fee for a rollaway. Ludicrous if you ask me, especially with the $20 resort fee.


ETA - I'm grumpy this morning so forgive the tone of my post.

No problem. Have some coffee, the world looks better after caffeine.

 

[BCVNovember]

Is it likely that the suites and alcove rooms are better maintained and serviced than the regular rooms at the Swan & Dolphin?

 

[Robbi]

Is it likely that the suites and alcove rooms are better maintained and serviced than the regular rooms at the Swan & Dolphin?

We've stayed in both regular rooms and suites at both the Swan and Dolphin. The rooms have always been spotless.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Checked into the Swan today. We booked and received a boardwalk view balcony room...just a beautiful view. We would have seen the Illuminations high fireworks but were still walking back from the Food & Wine festival. Saw Sugar Ray last night and Edwin McCain tonight. We have magic bands due to our first night at the YC. The weather is just gorgeous here the last two days.

Kerry

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

How are the MagicBands working now that you're at the Swan? We have a set that we used this past summer, and were thinking about trying to use them on our next trip. Can you use FP+ with them still?

 

[LovintheLodge]

How are the MagicBands working now that you're at the Swan? We have a set that we used this past summer, and were thinking about trying to use them on our next trip. Can you use FP+ with them still?

The Magic Bands worked well. The only thing is if you have any issues and have checked out of your Disney hotel at the time they may have some trouble linking information...but it eventually works out. Example - My husband lost his band during MNSSHP. We went to Guest Relations and they gave him a new one but it took awhile. We shouldn't have worn them that night since we went to the party directly from hotel. I guess it was just habit to have them on!

 

[ckelly14]

Were you able to make FP during your Swan stay, and what kind of tickets do you have? I have a split stay coming up and was wondering...

 

[LovintheLodge]

Were you able to make FP during your Swan stay, and what kind of tickets do you have? I have a split stay coming up and was wondering...

Yes we used FP+ for entire stay. We had 7 day park hoppers (purchased through UT). We spent first night at Yacht Club and next six at the Swan. We are leaving today...what a great trip! FP+ good but I just don't like to schedule that much ahead of time. Very good if you can stick to what you plan though plus you don't need to make the mad rush at opening to rides like Toy Story. Wifi worked well in the parks. You can change on the fly but availability tougher for headliners.

Kerry

 

[ckelly14]

Great info, thanks. We are planning a short stay "on-site" before moving to the Dolphin so I was hoping we could book FP. I just hope it stays this way!

 

[The Pluto People]

Hi folks! Can I have your opinion on the booking we have at the Dolphin? We have booked 6 FREE nights with points. We asked about an upgrade to an EPCOT view with balcony and were told it would be an extra (approximately) $100 per night. Does this seem really expensive? I know you can upgrade a free night booking with points but the hotel is sold out our first night. Any advice for us? Thanks!

 

[robinbutterfly]

Yes we used FP+ for entire stay. We had 7 day park hoppers (purchased through UT). We spent first night at Yacht Club and next six at the Swan. We are leaving today...what a great trip! FP+ good but I just don't like to schedule that much ahead of time. Very good if you can stick to what you plan though plus you don't need to make the mad rush at opening to rides like Toy Story. Wifi worked well in the parks. You can change on the fly but availability tougher for headliners. Kerry

How did you book the fp plus staying at swan?? It doesn't show up on my Disney experience!