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

[hrt2hrtmomdeb]

THis thread is coming in handy tonight! Made a reservation 5 minutes ago for a 10 day stay leaving in 2 days!!! We've never been to the dolphin before but couldn't pass up the nurses rate for this last minute trip!

 

[Dan Murphy]

THis thread is coming in handy tonight! Made a reservation 5 minutes ago for a 10 day stay leaving in 2 days!!! We've never been to the dolphin before but couldn't pass up the nurses rate for this last minute trip!

You'll love it, have a great trip.

 

[SingingMom]

You'll love it, have a great trip.

Oh yes, you will love it!!

Just returned a few weeks ago from Disneyland Paris with DD20. Disneyland Hotel was lovely & staying right IN the park was a treat. But, I must say, we still prefer the Dolphin! Can't wait to return in January for our 7th Dolphin stay!

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

 

[Suvadoo]

Hi,

I was looking at Dolphin reviews on trip advisor and some people were complaining about a $ 4 fee that was tacked on to their Picabu bill. Does anyone know about this? I know about the daily resort fee and the parking fees, but I would also like to know about other hidden fees before deciding to stay there. Are there additional dining fees?

 

[MermaidMommy]

According to wdwmagic.com, Swan and Dolphin will start testing FP+ from November 4-January 12. S&D guests will not receive Magic Bands and cannot make advance FP+ reservations - they will have to go to the service centers in the park to make reservations for that day. Here's the text:

http://m.wdwmagic.com/other/mymagic...-world-swan-and-dolphin-hotels-this-month.htm

FastPass+ will begin testing this month for the first time with guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Guests arriving between November 4 2013 and January 12 2014 will be eligible for the FastPass+ testing. Unlike guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, guests taking part in this test will not have access to MagicBands, and will not be able to make advance FastPass+ reservations. Instead, guests will need to visit a MyMagic+ service center at a park, where they can then make FastPass+ selections for that day and park. This is the first time that FastPass+ has been tested with guests staying at a non Walt Disney World resort hotel.

 

[Dan Murphy]

There is a 13% 'service charge' in Picabu purchases. I personally think it is fine for when dining there, as I tip there like any restaurant, and many people do not, thereby 'penalizing' the employees who work there. I do not agree that it is proper for Picabu 'store' purchases or necessarily so for carry outs (though I normally tip employees for carry out most places also, though not 15-20%).

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just saw that also, MM, good news they are on their way.

 

[SingingMom]

According to wdwmagic.com, Swan and Dolphin will start testing FP+ from November 4-January 12. S&D guests will not receive Magic Bands and cannot make advance FP+ reservations - they will have to go to the service centers in the park to make reservations for that day. Here's the text: http://m.wdwmagic.com/other/mymagicplus/news/01nov2013-fastpass-testing-to-begin-at-the-walt-disney-world-swan-and-dolphin-hotels-this-month.htm FastPass+ will begin testing this month for the first time with guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Guests arriving between November 4 2013 and January 12 2014 will be eligible for the FastPass+ testing. Unlike guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, guests taking part in this test will not have access to MagicBands, and will not be able to make advance FastPass+ reservations. Instead, guests will need to visit a MyMagic+ service center at a park, where they can then make FastPass+ selections for that day and park. This is the first time that FastPass+ has been tested with guests staying at a non Walt Disney World resort hotel.

I better re-read this! We arrive at our beloved Dolphin January 7. I haven't bought park tickets yet because of all the testing etc. I thought we'd wait until we get to the Dolphin desk, or should I get them through AAA and just figure it out when we get there? I'm so confused. Lol

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

 

[robinbutterfly]

Ok the people at swan aren't very helpful how this is going to happen. It sounds like we cannot make a reservation ahead of time but actually have to go to the park to make the fast pass plus reservation is this correct?

 

[hsmamato2]

so...FP+ is for staying here? or do you need specific tickets?

 

[ckelly14]

I assume you will use RFID tickets to access FP+ terminals in the parks. I'm wondering if we're looking at the future of FP+ access for off site guests?

 

[dansdad]

Ok the people at swan aren't very helpful how this is going to happen. It sounds like we cannot make a reservation ahead of time but actually have to go to the park to make the fast pass plus reservation is this correct?

Yup, just like the above post stated.

 

[dansdad]

I better re-read this! We arrive at our beloved Dolphin January 7. I haven't bought park tickets yet because of all the testing etc. I thought we'd wait until we get to the Dolphin desk, or should I get them through AAA and just figure it out when we get there? I'm so confused. Lol

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

No need to buy them ahead of time because as the post states, you won't be able to make FP+ reservations ahead of time. You will make them at the park for that day.

 

[dansdad]

so...FP+ is for staying here?

Yep.

or do you need specific tickets?

Nope.

 

[robinbutterfly]

Yup, just like the above post stated.

So what makes that a fastpass plus? Most fp are gone the day of! I am not seeing the benefit here!

 

[ckelly14]

Not much eh? I wonder if you can do same day with the app so at least it saves you from running like a nut at rope drop...

 

[dansdad]

So what makes that a fastpass plus? Most fp are gone the day of! I am not seeing the benefit here!

I'm guessing one benefit is not having to run to the actual attraction. You can enter the park, find a kiosk and make your reservation. And you can make your 3 FP+ reservations at one time instead of one at a time like regular FP.

 

[lizabu]

As long as the regular FP is still running FP+ reservations are a bonus. I hope they don't take regular FP out too soon.

 

[robinbutterfly]

I'm guessing one benefit is not having to run to the actual attraction. You can enter the park, find a kiosk and make your reservation. And you can make your 3 FP+ reservations at one time instead of one at a time like regular FP.

I am not taking a chance with that! We are still running straight to Toy Story Mania!

 

[luvallprincesses]

I'm guessing one benefit is not having to run to the actual attraction. You can enter the park, find a kiosk and make your reservation. And you can make your 3 FP+ reservations at one time instead of one at a time like regular FP.

Wondering what the lines will be like at the kiosks? Will there now be a run to them like the TSM run? Not enough to make me keep my Dolphin ressie over my BC ressie that costs the same. But we're going Jan 18...just after this testing phase.