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

[KENNYBOT]

You should get the Starwood American Express card. Using points at the Swan is so easy and the fifth night is free. Much better deal than airline points. 10k points per night and no blackouts.

 

[ClareH37]

Thanks again everyone, feeling less twitchy now

 

[ascardino]

Leaving tomorrow for a stay at the Swan.

So excited and this will be our 3rd S/D stay in less than a year and so agree that you cannot beat the cost and that you get the best location and first rate accomodations. Like Kennybot we are DVC owners and stayed at SSR our trip last January, and everyone missed S/D so we are back.

It's been awhile since we have actually stayed at the Swan as the last couple of trips were at the Dolphin but we are still looking forward to it just the same.

I think I have to look into that Starwood Amex card!

 

[mikegood2]

First of all I'd like to thank everyone who have posted in this thead. I've found it very useful and hope some of you could answer a few questions for me.

Like ClareH37, I've read some of the negative reviews on tripfinder and have also gotten a little twitchy about the S/D (mostly about the musty/cleanliness of the rooms). Is this something I should be concerned about? Also, have most or all the rooms been upgraded over the last 2 years.

I'm planning on taking my trip this summer with my brother, sister-in-law and two nieces (4 and 1). They were nice enough to give me an early birthday present, 7 months early, and offered to pay for my room and passes, so I've been trying to find them some good deals on rooms, especially with this being their first trip with their daughters.

I would have never thought about going to a deluxe resort, but I happened to come across a deal on an executive suite at the Dolphin that would be cheaper than two standards at a moderate resort. Do you think that a executive suite is a better option than two standards rooms (it would be cheaper)? And/or would a moderate resort be a better options with my 2 nieces?

Lastly, is there anywhere you to find out what conventions will be taking place at the s/d during a given week?

Where hoping to finalize and book our trip in the next week, so any advice would be appreciated.

 

[rie'smom]

First of all I'd like to thank everyone who have posted in this thead. I've found it very useful and hope some of you could answer a few questions for me.

Like ClareH37, I've read some of the negative reviews on tripfinder and have also gotten a little twitchy about the S/D (mostly about the musty/cleanliness of the rooms). Is this something I should be concerned about? Also, have most or all the rooms been upgraded over the last 2 years.

I'm planning on taking my trip this summer with my brother, sister-in-law and two nieces (4 and 1). They were nice enough to give me an early birthday present, 7 months early, and offered to pay for my room and passes, so I've been trying to find them some good deals on rooms, especially with this being their first trip with their daughters.

I would have never thought about going to a deluxe resort, but I happened to come across a deal on an executive suite at the Dolphin that would be cheaper than two standards at a moderate resort. Do you think that a executive suite would be a better option than two standards rooms? And/or would a moderate resort be a better options with my 2 nieces?

Lastly, is there all anywhere you to find out what conventions will be taking place at the s/d during a given week?

Where hoping to finalize and book our trip in the next week, so any advice would be appreciated.

First, WELCOME!

We have never experienced musty damp rooms at either the Swan or the Dolphin and love both of these resorts!

The executive suite has 1 bd with either a king bed, 2 doubles(Dolphin) or 2 queens(Swan) and the living room area has a Murphy bed that folds out of the wall plus a sofa sleeper. It's lots of space.

That said, with this being their first trip and with your niece's ages, I would recommend staying at a Disney mod and I almost never advise a Disney resort over the Swan or Dolphin. The Disney resorts will have more Disney themeing ( naturally) as the S/D have none or very little and may appeal to your nieces more.

As for mod choices, our favorite is Coronado Springs. We love the theme, the landscaping-let's just say everything.

You may want to check into the Port Orleans mods- Riverside and French Quarter- as I understand one of them is being renovated and queen beds are being added. There's a thread dedicated and those posters could give you more info.

If you do decide to stay at either the S/D you won't be disappointed as they are fabulous. Just wanted to give you something to consider.

 

[mikegood2]

rie'smom, thanks for the advice. It looks like you and I were thinking along the same lines.

I think we were leaning towards the Coronado Springs, before I came across the deal for the S/D executive suite. I think the suite would probably be more comfortable for us as opposed to 2 standard rooms. The quality of the S/D rooms also appear nicer, but I agree the Disney themes of the Disney moderate resorts would be more appealing to my nieces.

The price for the executive suite actually came out cheaper per night than 2 standard rooms at a moderate resort, at least looking at the moderates pricing on the Disney site. This is what complicated our decision.

My brother and sister-in-law have both stayed at the Port Orleans 2 or 3 times over the years.

If we do decide on the Coronado Springs, do you have a suggestion for which of the three themes might be a better choice. Better location, nicer, closer to the Disney Busses, etc.

Again, thanks for the advice, I think I have something to talk to them about tonight.

 

[twooley2]

For anyone looking I just ran across the Dolphin on travelocity in July for 107.00 a night. Not sure how long it will be there as its 3:15 Central time here

 

[LexiC123]

For anyone looking I just ran across the Dolphin on travelocity in July for 107.00 a night. Not sure how long it will be there as its 3:15 Central time here

That's a great price. And it looks like the low rates continue into September, for both the Dolphin ($101.40/night) and the Swan ($113.40/night).

I haven't been able to find any decent rates at all for the S/D for October, so I might just have to bite the bullet and go for September again. I guess the heat and humidity isn't too high a price to pay for excellent hotel rates and low crowd levels.

It looks like Travelocity has a nice deal going on with park passes, as well. They have a Buy 3-Get 4 Free promotion tied into the hotel reservation. So, a 7-day Park Hopper with this promotion would be $296.07...a savings of $24.50 from the full price 7-day Park Hopper from Disney ($320.57).

I'm just not sure I want to give up control of my reservation to Travelocity...

<----- Notorious mind changer, LOL.

 

[NancyIL]

I would call the Swan/Dolphin directly and tell them you could book on Travelocity for $107/night, but would prefer to book directly with the hotel. Hopefully they will match that price.

 

[TaraPA]

welcome mikegood2!

I agree with everything rie'smom has said. Your nieces will fall in love with the Disney theming at Disney resort, however if they've never been to one before, they might not realize that S/D isn't a Disney Resort!

You asked about conventions - S/D are convention hotels & they are scheduled 24/7, 365 days a year at both resorts. There are no lists of what conventions are there at any given time, but if you go, go knowing that they are often full to capcacity with conventioners. Just be aware that Coronado Springs is also a convention resort. That being said, however, I've stayed 4 times at S/D and once at CS (most while DH was there for a convention) and never felt like conventioners were taking over. There's always a ton of vacationing families there as well. So don't let the fact that all 3 are convention resorts scare you away!

 

[LexiC123]

I would call the Swan/Dolphin directly and tell them you could book on Travelocity for $107/night, but would prefer to book directly with the hotel. Hopefully they will match that price.

Thanks, Nancy...I'll give that a try.

Just as soon as I convince my husband that all that sweating is good for us!

 

[rie'smom]

rie'smom, thanks for the advice. It looks like you and I were thinking along the same lines.

I think we were leaning towards the Coronado Springs, before I came across the deal for the S/D executive suite. I think the suite would probably be more comfortable for us as opposed to 2 standard rooms. The quality of the S/D rooms also appear nicer, but I agree the Disney themes of the Disney moderate resorts would be more appealing to my nieces.

The price for the executive suite actually came out cheaper per night than 2 standard rooms at a moderate resort, at least looking at the moderates pricing on the Disney site. This is what complicated our decision.

My brother and sister-in-law have both stayed at the Port Orleans 2 or 3 times over the years.

If we do decide on the Coronado Springs, do you have a suggestion for which of the three themes might be a better choice. Better location, nicer, closer to the Disney Busses, etc.

Again, thanks for the advice, I think I have something to talk to them about tonight.

You're welcome!

We like Cabanas 8a or 8b and Casitas 4 or 5. Cabanas 9a and 9b are nice but those are being bumped up in price because they're considered premium rooms. Check out mousesavers.com for discounts. If you subscribe, they send out notices on the 15th of new deals. They will also send out notices if a special discount becomes available.

If you do decide on CSR, book ASAP because it sells out quickly for some dates because it is, in my opinion and that of others, the closest to a deluxe out of the mods.

After a few more posts anywhere on the DIS, you can send private messages. I'd be happy to give you more info. since this is the S/D thread. Just click under my user name and choose send rie'smom a private message.

 

[cjsm&d]

rie'smom, thanks for the advice. It looks like you and I were thinking along the same lines.

I think we were leaning towards the Coronado Springs, before I came across the deal for the S/D executive suite. I think the suite would probably be more comfortable for us as opposed to 2 standard rooms. The quality of the S/D rooms also appear nicer, but I agree the Disney themes of the Disney moderate resorts would be more appealing to my nieces.

The price for the executive suite actually came out cheaper per night than 2 standard rooms at a moderate resort, at least looking at the moderates pricing on the Disney site. This is what complicated our decision.

My brother and sister-in-law have both stayed at the Port Orleans 2 or 3 times over the years.

If we do decide on the Coronado Springs, do you have a suggestion for which of the three themes might be a better choice. Better location, nicer, closer to the Disney Busses, etc.

Again, thanks for the advice, I think I have something to talk to them about tonight.

We're doing 2 nights at CSR in Feb (we stayed there last Feb) before 5 nights at the Swan (Nurse rate!). We loved Cabanas 8A! Bus stop right behind the building and it is the closest building to the main pool! The walk to the main building is just a nice (for us) 6 minute stroll over the bridge!

Have fun!

 

[Tess]

That's a great price. And it looks like the low rates continue into September, for both the Dolphin ($101.40/night) and the Swan ($113.40/night).

I haven't been able to find any decent rates at all for the S/D for October, so I might just have to bite the bullet and go for September again. I guess the heat and humidity isn't too high a price to pay for excellent hotel rates and low crowd levels.

It looks like Travelocity has a nice deal going on with park passes, as well. They have a Buy 3-Get 4 Free promotion tied into the hotel reservation. So, a 7-day Park Hopper with this promotion would be $296.07...a savings of $24.50 from the full price 7-day Park Hopper from Disney ($320.57).

I'm just not sure I want to give up control of my reservation to Travelocity...

<----- Notorious mind changer, LOL.

Thanks, Nancy...I'll give that a try.

Just as soon as I convince my husband that all that sweating is good for us!

We have a decent passholder's rate for Dolphin from 9/30-10/8/11. King bed, resort view for $165 p/n plus an add on room for $119 p/n. While it certainly isn't as great as $107 p/n mentioned above, it beats the heck out of the prices at YC/BC/BWI for those dates.

 

[mikegood2]

You're welcome!

We like Cabanas 8a or 8b and Casitas 4 or 5. Cabanas 9a and 9b are nice but those are being bumped up in price because they're considered premium rooms. Check out mousesavers.com for discounts. If you subscribe, they send out notices on the 15th of new deals. They will also send out notices if a special discount becomes available.

If you do decide on CSR, book ASAP because it sells out quickly for some dates because it is, in my opinion and that of others, the closest to a deluxe out of the mods.

After a few more posts anywhere on the DIS, you can send private messages. I'd be happy to give you more info. since this is the S/D thread. Just click under my user name and choose send rie'smom a private message.

Thank you all for giving me some advice.

I think I will put together a list of pros and cons for both resorts tonight. Hopefully I can talk it over with them tonight and come up with an answer in a few days.

If you don't mind, I've got two more questions for you:
1) Do most of the resorts offer no charge for canceling/changing reservations? And if so, would it make more sense to lock in a date now?

2) We are going for a week, currently thinking Tuesday to Tuesday (hoping for better airfare then). Does this sound like a good idea, or is their a better day to go/leave.

Thanks

 

[mikegood2]

welcome mikegood2!

I agree with everything rie'smom has said. Your nieces will fall in love with the Disney theming at Disney resort, however if they've never been to one before, they might not realize that S/D isn't a Disney Resort!

You asked about conventions - S/D are convention hotels & they are scheduled 24/7, 365 days a year at both resorts. There are no lists of what conventions are there at any given time, but if you go, go knowing that they are often full to capcacity with conventioners. Just be aware that Coronado Springs is also a convention resort. That being said, however, I've stayed 4 times at S/D and once at CS (most while DH was there for a convention) and never felt like conventioners were taking over. There's always a ton of vacationing families there as well. So don't let the fact that all 3 are convention resorts scare you away!

Thanks TaraPA,

Have been doing some research, and am aware that S/D isn't a Disney Resort and because of this, we would have to pay for a shuttle to the resort. I'm also aware that CS is also a convention hotel. Not very cosearned about that but, though having an idea of what conventions were going on could be useful.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome to the DIS, mikegood2.

 

[Shock13]

Currently I have the POP booked because it was to be just me and my nephew (13). But my mom has decided to join us and now I am thinking about upgrading to the Dolphin for the extra room and location since Epcot is our favorite park.
With a teacher's rate the price is $500 more than my current rate at POP.
Is the Dolphin worth it?
Any opinions would be welcomed.
Thanks.

 

[chum]

With a teacher's rate the price is $500 more than my current rate at POP.
Is the Dolphin worth it?

$500 is a good bit of money so I would hold on to it.
The Swan/Dolphin resorts are great and their location, restaurants and services are hard to beat.

 

[mikegood2]

Welcome to the DIS, mikegood2.

Thanks Dan. I've only been here for a day, but am glad I joined. People seem very nice and helpful.

I see you live in the Chicago area. I live near Rockford and my brother lives in the suburbs.