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

[Beka]

Thanks for the reply!

I know I'm in the minority but I really don't like the Shine by Bliss products - I much preferred it when they used Bath & Body Works Cocunut Lime Verbena!!!

I would miss that too!

 

[followthatmouse]

Hey, all.

I have a couple of (probably silly) questions about the Mandara Spa. How far ahead should I book a manicure? We are SPG members, is the card accepted at the Spa? I appreciate that while the hotel may be Starwood, the Spa is most likely a private franchise.

Thank you for considering silly questions.

 

[TaraPA]

Hey, all.

I have a couple of (probably silly) questions about the Mandara Spa. How far ahead should I book a manicure? We are SPG members, is the card accepted at the Spa? I appreciate that while the hotel may be Starwood, the Spa is most likely a private franchise.

Thank you for considering silly questions.

Your question isn't silly at all - I've never used the Mandara Spa but would love to know the answer to the question myself!

And Nancy & Dan - I think I still have some of the old oatmeal soap -in the peach & light blue wrapper...man that must be OLD! I'm guessing from my 2000 Swan trip!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Just 2 days ago, I opened my last bar of oatmeal soap, and use it sparingly. I had just finished one of the glycerin bars - kind of peach color. My late dh loved their soaps!
Still have a bunch of shampoos, conditioners and body lotions in the peach and bluish/green wrappers/bottles.
My last trip was last May, and my daughters got the soaps first!! Honestly can't remember what kind they were either.

Can't believe you guys brought up the oatmeal soap - love it!!

 

[SingingMom]

The Bliss products are ok, but I miss my Bath & Body Works "coconut lime verbena!!"

And I even have a leftover "mickey" soap from 1996 (DD's first trip!)

 

[NancyIL]

And Nancy & Dan - I think I still have some of the old oatmeal soap -in the peach & light blue wrapper...man that must be OLD! I'm guessing from my 2000 Swan trip!

I still have some bars of oatmeal soap, but the scent disappeared long ago!

 

[vicb]

I honestly don't know what I'd do - I think I'd book the upgrade unless it's a totally budget trip!

Hey Tara, just curious if you remember the room number on that infamous bad view room... just so I can be forewarned at check in ???

 

[Tess]

Swan and Dolphin might see a whole new clientele if Disney's latest survey is any indication of its future direction in marketing. I wonder how it would affect the S&D and DTD Hotels with respect to EMH and or dining reservations.

BTW, I would have preferred the B&BW toiletries to the Bliss.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Tess- thanks so much for providing the info on the new survey; like you I find it disturbing on many levels, but it sure makes me glad we're trying out the Dolphin on our next trip- because apparently I might be getting used to it...

 

[TaraPA]

Hey Tara, just curious if you remember the room number on that infamous bad view room... just so I can be forewarned at check in ???

I have no idea - sorry!! It was in the wing facing YC if that helps at all.

 

[AggieTexan]

Tess- thanks so much for providing the info on the new survey; like you I find it disturbing on many levels, but it sure makes me glad we're trying out the Dolphin on our next trip- because apparently I might be getting used to it...

I'm too much of a control freak to allow Disney pick my resort. I don't take guarantees on a cruise, and I wouldn't take a guarantee on a Disney resort!

I guess what I struggle with is WDW's price structure. Even if you take out the convenience factor, their pricing without a discount is just !!! I could barely pick my jaw up off the floor when I took everything else but room off my original BWI reservation and realized just how much I would be paying for the privilege of staying in a Disney Deluxe resort. If I'm going to pay $500 a night, I expect some SERIOUS luxury to go along with the pricetag! By switching to the Dolphin, I'm saving enough to pay for ALL our food and probably a good part of our tickets.

At some point, Disney's going to find that they've priced themselves out of the market without offering discounts. I'm sure they've done their research, but it seems to me they would do better (and probably cut down on cancellations) with a lower price structure and not discounting.

 

[sewer]

Swan and Dolphin might see a whole new clientele if Disney's latest survey is any indication of its future direction in marketing. I wonder how it would affect the S&D and DTD Hotels with respect to EMH and or dining reservations.

BTW, I would have preferred the B&BW toiletries to the Bliss.

Gads if that's the way Disney wants to do business I think they will drive people away!

 

[lissiesmum]

happy weekend, everyone Our trip is two months away now and we can't be more excited! I was wondering if I should purchase park tickets before we leave from a Disney Store, or can you purchase them at the lobby? We'll need seven day passes with a park hopper. Also, I was wondering what you need to show at the parks to get into the EMH?

So now that we're getting closer, I'd love to hear your favorite things to do around the resort (including the surrounding areas), and things that your children like to do and see? We spend a lot of time around the resort and I'd love some tips

 

[GinCar]

happy weekend, everyone Our trip is two months away now and we can't be more excited! I was wondering if I should purchase park tickets before we leave from a Disney Store, or can you purchase them at the lobby? We'll need seven day passes with a park hopper.


I have an AP, but I buy my DH's ticket from Undergroundtourist through the mousesavers link. They will save you a few dollars.

Last year, I bought 4 tickets through them. The tickets come quickly. The price you see on their site includes taxes and shipping.

Have fun planning your trip!

 

[TaraPA]

lissiesmum - I second what the above poster stated - I always order our tickets beforehand from Undercover Tourist - they're cheaper than WDW prices & extremely reliable & legitimate. Their prices include all taxes and S&H, the prices on the WDW site do not. If you get the Mousesavers newsletter you can get them even cheaper if you order through the special link. You can usually save anywhere from $10-$30 per ticket ordering through UT. This year I'm getting my 1st AP since I'll be there 3-4 times within 12 months...and I'll get DH & the kids convention tickets (a little cheaper than UT). But any other time I'ev always used UT!

If you decide to wait, yes you can get them inside S/D. For EMH you just show your S/D room key.

My boys, now 10 & 13, have been going to S/D since the little guy was 7 weeks old. They've also stayed at WDW value, mod & deluxe resorts, and they request S/D every time. The Grotto Pool area is fabulous. They used to rent paddle boats there but I thought I read somewhere that they stopped doing that. We also love to just walk down to The Boardwalk if we don't want to head to a park. They have great performers in the evenings (not sure if it's every evening or just weekends) - things for kids like magicians. Even my 13-yr-old loves to watch the performers while we get some snacks from the pizza window, the hot dog cart or the bakery. There is face painting & surrey bike rentals on The Boardwalk as well (and a HUGE gift shop!). There is a mini golf place that you can walk to from S/D if you like that. We've never had enough time to fit that in.

If your kids like arcades, there is one in The Dolphin. If they do pin trading, there is a nice pin trading board in the gift shop at The Dolphin.

If your kids like to walk, you can walk the loop from S/D past The Boardwalk, on to BC & YC. There is a great ice cream shop over at BC (Beaches & Cream) if you want to stop for some. Or you could even take the Friendship Boat loop (that also goes to Epcot & DHS) to see the sights. There is also great ice cream (and burgers & shakes) right inside The Dolphin at The Fountain.

Have fun!

 

[TikiGoddess07]

We are staying at the Dolphin for four nights in July. This will be our first stay there, thanks to a great teacher rate. I've booked a limited view room.

Is there anything online that lists/shows the room numbers in the hotel? Or where the limited view rooms are located? I'm trying to figure out what to request -- so far I've only thought of "upper floors", "quiet", and mentioning that my husband and I are celebrating ten years of marriage -- hoping for an upgrade.

Kathy

 

[vicb]

We are staying at the Dolphin for four nights in July. This will be our first stay there, thanks to a great teacher rate. I've booked a limited view room.

Is there anything online that lists/shows the room numbers in the hotel? Or where the limited view rooms are located? I'm trying to figure out what to request -- so far I've only thought of "upper floors", "quiet", and mentioning that my husband and I are celebrating ten years of marriage -- hoping for an upgrade.

Kathy

I would be interested in this too. I looked for a room number map but couldn't find one.

 

[TaraPA]

A few years back someone was compiling a list of all room numbers at S/D to make a master list, but I don't think anything ever came of it. I've never seen a map or room list anywhere on The DIS for S/D. I know my dumpster view was facing YC, and the entire wing had the same view, but I just can't remember what floor or section it was in.

 

[Elissajoy]

We are staying at the Dolphin for the first time in July, 7 nights. I got the teacher rate of $199/night resort view w/balcony. On-line, I requested a deluxe alove room. Not two days later I got a nice phone call from the Dolphin explaining that alcove rooms do not have balconies. I kept the resort w/ balcony view. I am very impressed by everything Dolphin !! I cannot wait for this trip !!!

 

[TiffanyA]

Hi All!

First thread and of course it is because it is I am staying for the first time at the Dolphin resort in July of 2011 (seems a few others are too!).

I love Disney like most here and truly think it is the happiest place on earth. I am the child of annual passholders who has fond fond memories of the parks (EPCOT is my personal favorite).

I booked a phenomenal rate for a 2 bedroom executive suite - $415 a night + tax using the Florida resident discount. I was floored because my family and I called several times and got different prices. Same discount, go figure.

Anyway, my question is that the ressie specifies a lake view. As I have never been to Dolphin per se, but have been to EPCOT more times than I can count on my fingers, I suspect that probably means a view of Crescent Lake. However, does anyone have a diagram of the hotel and could maybe point out where the executive suites are located? Is it at the corners? I found a vague answer that says they are located in the fingers of the resort but have absolutely no clue what that might mean.