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

[mhowens]

Hi! Long time reader on here but first post! You guys are great, so much knowledge on these boards!!

I just booked the Executive Suite for one night (Oct. 6). got a rate of $314 (is that good?). Bummed it is only for one night but family has a timeshare in the area and we also stay there for free. Turns out we needed one more night in this trip and decided to stay on property. Dolphin has been a dream of mine since visiting there in the late 90's while my dad was at a conference.

So here is my question, the reservation says we have a lake view, do all standard view rooms say that? Since we are only there one night I am not too concerned about the view we will be at Epcot that night enjoying F&WF but I would prefer to not be overlooking the dumpsters...any suggestions on room request?

Thanks guys!

 

[Lex33]

Murphy's Law-

I just booked my week at the Dolphin and wouldn't you know the RCI request that was "virtually impossible," had a match today.

Am I crazy to choose a room at the Dolphin over a 2BR at OKW? I know it is much more space, but how much space do 3 females needs? We travel very light.

The RCI match wasn't perfect. I would still need to reserve a night at OKW at the end of the week for $200-$450, depending on what units are available. (I wouldn't move to another resort.)

I think the location of the Dolphin is much better than OKW, but the thought of in-room laundry and a full size refrigerator are appealing.

I'm not factoring in the cost because I think in the end the cash spent will be pretty close.

WWYD?

 

[RachelTori]

Murphy's Law-

I just booked my week at the Dolphin and wouldn't you know the RCI request that was "virtually impossible," had a match today.

Am I crazy to choose a room at the Dolphin over a 2BR at OKW? I know it is much more space, but how much space do 3 females needs? We travel very light.

The RCI match wasn't perfect. I would still need to reserve a night at OKW at the end of the week for $200-$450, depending on what units are available. (I wouldn't move to another resort.)

I think the location of the Dolphin is much better than OKW, but the thought of in-room laundry and a full size refrigerator are appealing.

I'm not factoring in the cost because I think in the end the cash spent will be pretty close.

WWYD?

I love OKW, and I enjoy having the washer/dryer -- refrigerator, not so much since I'm not cooking!! (all I need is a mini-fridge and I'm happy!). The resort is beautiful, but you always need to use bus or car to get to any of the parks.

For me, location (and the fact that I love the Dolphin - and Swan!) wins!!


Oh, could you tell me your secret to traveling "light"? I still can't figure that out!! LOL

 

[son3disfan]

Hi! Long time reader on here but first post! You guys are great, so much knowledge on these boards!!

I just booked the Executive Suite for one night (Oct. 6). got a rate of $314 (is that good?). Bummed it is only for one night but family has a timeshare in the area and we also stay there for free. Turns out we needed one more night in this trip and decided to stay on property. Dolphin has been a dream of mine since visiting there in the late 90's while my dad was at a conference.

So here is my question, the reservation says we have a lake view, do all standard view rooms say that? Since we are only there one night I am not too concerned about the view we will be at Epcot that night enjoying F&WF but I would prefer to not be overlooking the dumpsters...any suggestions on room request?

Thanks guys!

Ok, so $314 is an awesome rate....seeing as I am paying $349.
But , again, you are going on off season, and I am spring break-peak time.

I went ahead and called for another quote...just in case.
Totally different rates ( yet again???)
Why do the rates change daily???

This sales agent said the AAA rate was $10 less then the teacher rate, and that the dolphin is less then he swan.( exactly opposite from what the original booking agent told me)
He quoted me $379 for the executive, and $339 for the alcove.
Weird. I got $ 349 a few weeks ago.
I guess I should be happy.

I assume there are only so many bookings they will do with the teacher rate?
That's why the price keeps changing?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sorry, but one more question...the guy I spoke with at soutwest told me the $10pp was for round trip..is this not the case?? TIA...I'm freakin' out a bit at the moment!!!

What is pp $10 charge for?

....that the dolphin is less then he swan.( exactly opposite from what the original booking agent told me)....

The Swan is typically always more expensive than the Dolphin for a comparable room.

 

[TaraPA]

Murphy's Law-

I just booked my week at the Dolphin and wouldn't you know the RCI request that was "virtually impossible," had a match today.

Am I crazy to choose a room at the Dolphin over a 2BR at OKW? I know it is much more space, but how much space do 3 females needs? We travel very light.

The RCI match wasn't perfect. I would still need to reserve a night at OKW at the end of the week for $200-$450, depending on what units are available. (I wouldn't move to another resort.)

I think the location of the Dolphin is much better than OKW, but the thought of in-room laundry and a full size refrigerator are appealing.

I'm not factoring in the cost because I think in the end the cash spent will be pretty close.

WWYD?

Hmmm thid is a tough one. This is exactly what I'm considering if we have more ladies go on our trip in November- stay at Dolphin Exec Suite with no in-room laundry, kitchen or ME, or move to much larger OKW with those ammenities.

Location speaks volumes. I prefer the Epcot Resort area over any other area (including MK/monorail resorts)...for me that almost makes up for no in-room laundry & no ME. However, 3 adults in 1 regular room at S/D would be tight for me personally. I love to have space to spread out, and at OKW you will get that.

Ok I haven't answered your question, or even figured out what I'd do in that situation...just had to talk out loud I guess!

 

[MinnieMommy]

First time staying at the Swan.
The description of our booked room says Deluxe, Resort View With Balcony.
Is there any chance that this will give us a view of the Epcot fireworks?
Also, we are SPG members, if I ask for an upgrade at check-in (no expectations), what should I ask for... a higher floor? better view?

 

[MOM POPPINS]

We have stayed at OKW twice and both times I just felt to far away from it all.. I don't know what it is, the rooms are huge but to me location location location .. being so close to the Boardwalk, Epcot and MGM to me is priceless!!!

 

[Lex33]

Update:

I think I am leaning towards the Dolphin. I think I prefer the better location. Last August we stayed in the FW Cabins. Wasn't too impressed with much other than the boat ride to MK.

It will be me and 2 girls, not adult women, so I think the space will be okay.

I just can't believe that I am actually giving up a 2Br. Those are very rare...
Now if the Boardwalk Villas come through I may have to switch.

OT: Why do the pools at the Dolphin close so early? 9:00 seems early to me. The lap pool was a big hit with my DD.

 

[Minnie]

Am I crazy to choose a room at the Dolphin over a 2BR at OKW? I know it is much more space, but how much space do 3 females needs? We travel very light.

IMO as much as I love the location of the Epcot resorts..... you'd be completely nuts to give up the 2BR at OKW for a single room at the Dolphin. We were lucky enough to have a wonderful member here on the Dis give us a great rate on the remaining days of their week's reservation.

It was the most relaxing wonderful trip we've ever had. The separate bedrooms, whirlpool tub, walk in shower, living room, multiple tvs, and a huge balcony more than make up for the location.

WWID??? I'd grab the 2BR at OKW and never look back

 

[P13]

What is pp $10 charge for?

The Swan is typically always more expensive than the Dolphin for a comparable room.

for the early bird ck in for Soutwest!! Decided not to do it & trust my sister to check us in online....hope she doesn't forget

 

[MinnieMommy]

Does anyone have experience with the SPG Kids pass(dining plan)?

 

[NancyIL]

for the early bird ck in for Soutwest!! Decided not to do it & trust my sister to check us in online....hope she doesn't forget

The Swan and Dolphin lobbies have computers for airline check-in.

 

[P13]

The Swan and Dolphin lobbies have computers for airline check-in.

Someone else on here told me that,too...the only problem is our flight leaves @ 9:40am on Wednesday...didn't want to wait around until 9:40am on Tuesday (our last day at the park) to ck in. Hoping my Sister won't forget!!

 

[NancyIL]

Someone else on here told me that,too...the only problem is our flight leaves @ 9:40am on Wednesday...didn't want to wait around until 9:40am on Tuesday (our last day at the park) to ck in. Hoping my Sister won't forget!!

I have also read that you can go to Guest Services at a theme park and do online check-in. However, if your sister is reliable - stick with your plan to have her do it for you.

 

[msvlg]

As Singing Mom would say...My Seven-Peat!!!

Hi TARAPA,
I read your posts on your stay in a 2 bedroom executive suiteat the Swan and I was was hoping you could give me some information. I booked a 2 bedroom exec suite at the Swan for Spring break, 8 nights, cost with taxes and fees $609per night (teacher discount) -seems high. but lower than rack rate at Disney for two mods. There will be 6 of us, so the extra space will be nice. I inquired about the Dolphin and it was a little cheaper, but the suites at Dolphin do not have balconies and my husband really looks forward to sitting out there. I saw your pictures-were you on the west side? How long did it take to get to the grotto pool and Picabu? I will have three children with me, ages 9, 9 and 3 so I'd like to be as close to the pool as possible. The CM told me that we will have a lake view. Is it a hassle to get from Swan to Dolphin for the childrens activites? I wish the suites there had balconies. We travel to Disney every year, but we have always stayed at the other disney resorts, so Swan and Dolphin are completely new to me. I need a suite or two rooms and it seems more cost effective to stay at one of the S/D resorts. Did you like your suite at the Swan? For 609. a night I want a nice view,and to close as possible to grotto pool, access to Dolphin and bus stop. We are grandparents traveling without the parents so shortcuts in regard to walking are always helpful. Any advice you could give this newcomer would be greatly appreciated-Thank you!

 

[SingingMom]

As Singing Mom would say...My Seven-Peat!!!

any -peat at the S/D is a thumbs up in my book!

I love OKW, and I enjoy having the washer/dryer -- refrigerator, not so much since I'm not cooking!! (all I need is a mini-fridge and I'm happy!). The resort is beautiful, but you always need to use bus or car to get to any of the parks.

For me, location (and the fact that I love the Dolphin - and Swan!) wins!!


Oh, could you tell me your secret to traveling "light"? I still can't figure that out!! LOL

Oooo.... OKW just seems so far away...
We went to a "Breakfast with Winnie the Pooh" many moons ago - it felt like it took FOREVER to get there and back. As a matter of fact, a very sweet bus driver took us from Magic Kingdom, even though he was putting his "out of service" sign on.

We have stayed at OKW twice and both times I just felt to far away from it all.. I don't know what it is, the rooms are huge but to me location location location .. being so close to the Boardwalk, Epcot and MGM to me is priceless!!!

Totally agree with you, one "mom to another".

Update:

I think I am leaning towards the Dolphin. I think I prefer the better location. Last August we stayed in the FW Cabins. Wasn't too impressed with much other than the boat ride to MK.

It will be me and 2 girls, not adult women, so I think the space will be okay.

I just can't believe that I am actually giving up a 2Br. Those are very rare...
Now if the Boardwalk Villas come through I may have to switch.

OT: Why do the pools at the Dolphin close so early? 9:00 seems early to me. The lap pool was a big hit with my DD.

Pool hours are posted, but not strictly enforced. Front desk has told us numerous times you can 'swin at your own risk" whenever you want, as long as you are not disrupting guests. My guess is they "reserve the right" to ask you to leave at any time after the posted times. We have "dipped" at 10 pm, after returning from a hot day in the parks.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi TARAPA,
I read your posts on your stay in a 2 bedroom executive suiteat the Swan and I was was hoping you could give me some information. I booked a 2 bedroom exec suite at the Swan for Spring break, 8 nights, cost with taxes and fees $609per night (teacher discount) -seems high. but lower than rack rate at Disney for two mods. There will be 6 of us, so the extra space will be nice. I inquired about the Dolphin and it was a little cheaper, but the suites at Dolphin do not have balconies and my husband really looks forward to sitting out there. I saw your pictures-were you on the west side? How long did it take to get to the grotto pool and Picabu? I will have three children with me, ages 9, 9 and 3 so I'd like to be as close to the pool as possible. The CM told me that we will have a lake view. Is it a hassle to get from Swan to Dolphin for the childrens activites? I wish the suites there had balconies. We travel to Disney every year, but we have always stayed at the other disney resorts, so Swan and Dolphin are completely new to me. I need a suite or two rooms and it seems more cost effective to stay at one of the S/D resorts. Did you like your suite at the Swan? For 609. a night I want a nice view,and to close as possible to grotto pool, access to Dolphin and bus stop. We are grandparents traveling without the parents so shortcuts in regard to walking are always helpful. Any advice you could give this newcomer would be greatly appreciated-Thank you!

Not Tara, but a few responses.

To walk from the S to the D takes about 3 minutes, it is across the walkway between the two. Once inside the D, it is about another minute walk to Picabu. From the S to the pool area, about 5 minutes. Same as many places if staying in the D, maybe shorter for some rooms even. Keep in mind that the balconies are very small, barely room for a couple small chairs.

 

[msvlg]

Not Tara, but a few responses.

To walk from the S to the D takes about 3 minutes, it is across the walkway between the two. Once inside the D, it is about another minute walk to Picabu. From the S to the pool area, about 5 minutes. Same as many places if staying in the D, maybe shorter for some rooms even. Keep in mind that the balconies are very small, barely room for a couple small chairs.

Thank you for your feedback. I called the reservation number today to inquire about an error on my reservation and when I asked about the location of the suites with balconies at the Swan the CM told me that I would not be guaranteed a suite with one. I nicely told the CM the reason I booked the Swan over the Dolphin was so that I could have a balcony as the cost was several hundred dollars more. He said they still couldn't guarantee it-so I switched to the Dolphin. I requested the west side. I wonder if i should have booked two resort rooms with balconies instead of the 2 bedroom suite. The price for the suite is only 9.00 more. Do first floor rooms open to a patio?

 

[TaraPA]

Hi msvlg!

In our 2BR Exec Suite at The Swan I think only 1 of the rooms had a balcony - the king bedroom. We were on the east side, facing The Boardwalk. We were very close to the exit that went right out to the Friendship boats and The Dolphin. It only took a minute to get over to D.

BUT - I see you switched to The Dolphin. You will love the space in a suite over 2 rooms. I know square footage-wise, the Exec Suites at D are smaller than the ones at S (480 sq feet vs. 600 sq feet) - honestly the parlor room of ours at S was HUGE. We were 5 adults & never once felt like we were in each other's space.

I've stopped trying to figure out the configuration of any suite at S/D - what they show on their website as far as floorplans has been different from what they tell me when I call, and even different from people's postings & pictures on here! I also gave up trying to figure out where in the buildings they are. I do believe the 2BR Exec Suites are in the corners - but not sure how many they have, and if they are on east & west sides.