The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ September 2010 ~ Please read post #1

[haleofafamily]

Did you try using a different promo code (or no promo code) - or - try day by day - sometimes if you put in your arrival date & departure date, and only one day is unavailable, it will come up saying the whole stay is.

If it's still coming up as sold out, keep trying. I had 2 days of a previous trip that were sold out for months, and after diligent checking, they opened up about 2 months out!

Thanks for the tip. I hadn't thought of thought.

For reservations during that time there are rooms at the Dolphin but not with a discount. There is nothing available at the Swan.

 

[Rich_NY]

Our first trip next week, YAY......is there places to lounge in the shade while sitting by the pools at the Dolphin? Thanks!

 

[msvlg]

I am contemplating booking a 2 bedroom executive suite at the Dolphin for our next vacation,April 2012. There will be 6 of us. I want to be near food options & pool so from what I read the west side is the side I should request. I would also like a balcony-can anyone tell me what the views are like from the executive suites on the west side? Does anyone have any pictures to share? Do these rooms face the pool or a theme park, lake or just other buildings, etc.? I am booking soon so any advice would be greatly appreciated.I would really like some type of water view (willing to pay for it).What should I request? THANKS!

Anyone? Really need advice, have never stayed at Dolphin!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Anyone? Really need advice, have never stayed at Dolphin!

I know!! I'm waiting too since we were wondering the exact same thing Hopefully someone can help us

 

[TaraPA]

There are very few Executive Suites so I don't think anyone is really sure exactly where they're located. Ours at The Swan was in the corner of the building, facing the backside of BW, but just a view of the landscaping.

You are correct though, that to be closest to food, pool, etc. you should request the West Wing of The Dolphin. I have no idea if there even are Executive Suites on or near the West Wing.

Mike -where was yours again?

 

[lovingthemouse]

Having never stayed in the west wing, I can't help with that part of your question. As to shady spots around the pools - if you sit over by the grotto waterfall pool, there are a number of shady locations.
Food is located in the central section of the Dolphin - whichever restaurant you select. There is a poolside grille next to the lap pool.
Hope this helps. We have stayed at the Dolphin for the past 10 yrs on the teacher's discount and love it!! Hope you enjoy it too.

 

[TaraPA]

There are very few Executive Suites so I don't think anyone is really sure exactly where they're located. Ours at The Swan was in the corner of the building, facing the backside of BW, but just a view of the landscaping.

You are correct though, that to be closest to food, pool, etc. you should request the West Wing of The Dolphin. I have no idea if there even are Executive Suites on or near the West Wing.

Mike -where was yours again?

 

[mikegood2]

There are very few Executive Suites so I don't think anyone is really sure exactly where they're located. Ours at The Swan was in the corner of the building, facing the backside of BW, but just a view of the landscaping.

You are correct though, that to be closest to food, pool, etc. you should request the West Wing of The Dolphin. I have no idea if there even are Executive Suites on or near the West Wing.

Mike -where was yours again?

We used the east wing elevators near the Mandara Spa. They were corner rooms located on the first floor with a view (at the correct location) of the boat dock. The walk to the board was not to bad, but I still wish we could have gotten into the building at the far east part of the building. Probably would have saved us 2 or 3 minutes on our walk. The one advantage of the first floor is not having to use the elevators if we wanted to use the boats or walk to Epcot.

Also agree that there are not many executive suites, and I think most, if not all of them are located in corners. Some photos room/location. Whatever you may miss out for a view is more than made out in the quality of the room. Here are some photos of the suite and photos of the bedroom.

 

[P13]

I have a few questions I am hoping someone can answer:

Anyone know how much milk is in picabu & how big it is? We will probably have to take DD & DF cereal & milk in the mornings, thought it might be better to get a quart of milk from the 'pantry'. Can we get paper bowels & spoons?

Also, how long does it take to get to Animal Kingdom & Magic Kingdom from the hotel?

I tried looking these things up & couldn't find the answer. Thanks so much!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

As for AK and MK travel, about 15 minutes after a bus picks you up. The wait for a bus could be 1 second to maybe 10 minutes or so.

 

[P13]

As for AK and MK travel, about 15 minutes after a bus picks you up. The wait for a bus could be 1 second to maybe 10 minutes or so.

Thanks!! Just trying to plan how early we have to DD & DF up in the morning!

 

[Music City Mama]

Our first trip next week, YAY......is there places to lounge in the shade while sitting by the pools at the Dolphin? Thanks!

There are umbrellas between several of the lounge chairs.

I have a few questions I am hoping someone can answer:

Anyone know how much milk is in picabu & how big it is? We will probably have to take DD & DF cereal & milk in the mornings, thought it might be better to get a quart of milk from the 'pantry'. Can we get paper bowels & spoons?

Also, how long does it take to get to Animal Kingdom & Magic Kingdom from the hotel?

I tried looking these things up & couldn't find the answer. Thanks so much!!

We bought a quart of milk from Picabu -- can't remember how much it cost, but I think around $3.00. I don't think you can get paper bowls, but you should be able to get plastic spoons from down there (we just brought our own). One thing that worked out well for us was getting those individual cereal bowls at the store that leave room to put milk in, so you just use that as the bowl.

 

[P13]

There are umbrellas between several of the lounge chairs.



We bought a quart of milk from Picabu -- can't remember how much it cost, but I think around $3.00. I don't think you can get paper bowls, but you should be able to get plastic spoons from down there (we just brought our own). One thing that worked out well for us was getting those individual cereal bowls at the store that leave room to put milk in, so you just use that as the bowl.

I saw the pantry is charging $3,too... either way will work! Ok, I'll just bring our own bowls..we are flying so the bowels should be do-able! Thanks for the info

 

[buckeev]

SWAN-n-DOLPHIN...SNAGGED an Alcove room/suite for December!
Kids will be SOOO excited! (I am fer sure!)
Please..somebody tell me the walk to DHS is a "fairly easy" walk.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sounds good, buckeev, and welcome to the dis.

Just under a mile, about 20 minutes. I always take the boat.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

 

[tinkerszs]

Just returned and I will have to say our room at the Dolphin was FANTASTIC! The hotel was wonderful!

 

[TaraPA]

SWAN-n-DOLPHIN...SNAGGED an Alcove room/suite for December!
Kids will be SOOO excited! (I am fer sure!)
Please..somebody tell me the walk to DHS is a "fairly easy" walk.

If you're used to walking it's a fine walk. 20 -25 min. If you have little ones that don' tlike to walk, or if it's a blazing hot day (shouldn't be when you're going), I'd re-think doing it.

 

[SingingMom]

I am wondering the same thing. I have been looking at Febuary but can't get any rooms to come up...wonder if there is a big convention or something...love the Swan.

Keep calling - it is amazing how many time rooms have "opened up"! Good luck!

SWAN-n-DOLPHIN...SNAGGED an Alcove room/suite for December!
Kids will be SOOO excited! (I am fer sure!)
Please..somebody tell me the walk to DHS is a "fairly easy" walk.

If you're used to walking it's a fine walk. 20 -25 min. If you have little ones that don' tlike to walk, or if it's a blazing hot day (shouldn't be when you're going), I'd re-think doing it.

I don't like the walk to/from the studios. lol I DO like the walk to/from Epcot. I'm with Tara, I'd consider taking the Friendship boats to the Studios....

 

[mikegood2]

I also agree with Tara and singing mom. Because the boats from the s/d take you directly to Hollywood Studios and are the first drop off from the studios, I don't see any advantage walking to/from the studios (unless you really enjoy walking).

Now I did enjoy the walk to Epcot, and that is what we did most of the time. If the boats were directly to/from Epcot we may have taken them more, but in most cases walking is the faster route.

 

[Ramsfan28]

Our first trip next week, YAY......is there places to lounge in the shade while sitting by the pools at the Dolphin? Thanks!

There are plenty of places and a few hammocks.