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

[SwanDolphin]

I had seen that dining at Shula's entitled diners to two complimentary hours at Camp Dolphin, but had missed that bluezoo and Il Mulino were included.
Maybe a dumb question, but do these complimentary hours include complimentary dining for the child?
We already have reservations for bluezoo for our upcoming trip, but if Camp Dolphin will feed DD (for free?) while we dine that would be awesome!

It does include complimentary dining for the child if they arrive before 6:45pm, as we take them to Picabu’s at 7pm. Choice of Chicken Fingers, Mac n’ Cheese, Hamburger/Cheeseburger, or Hot Dog served with French Fries…then a scoop of ice cream from the Fountain.

Have a great day.

 

[ms*mountaineer]

Should I request anything in particular for my standard room? Close to the elevator or close to the pool? A particular view?

 

[Music City Mama]

The dinner is included in the price for Camp Dolphin, and if you're only leaving them for 2 hours, and you get 2 hours free, then yes, they get a 'free' meal.

We tipped them - probably rather generously since we didn't have to pay the full fee. Although I must say, the fee for CD isn't unreasonable for a few hours of child-less-ness - even without the 2 hours free.

True, but with more than one kid, it does add up. I think it's fantastic that they offer this, although, to be honest, we'll probably only have them there for the 2 hours. I'm more than happy to tip, though.

It does include complimentary dining for the child if they arrive before 6:45pm, as we take them to Picabu’s at 7pm. Choice of Chicken Fingers, Mac n’ Cheese, Hamburger/Cheeseburger, or Hot Dog served with French Fries…then a scoop of ice cream from the Fountain.

Have a great day.

I take it from your response and signature block that you work for the S/D? Thank you for the information regarding the time and food!

 

[SideshowBob]

Hello Ray, Nancy (Cate), Dan and Singing Mom!

By all means would be great to cross paths whilst in the neighborhood.

Weather getting a tad cooler, and the nights very nice now!

 

[paras4ri]

Hello Ray, Nancy (Cate), Dan and Singing Mom!

By all means would be great to cross paths whilst in the neighborhood.

Weather getting a tad cooler, and the nights very nice now!

We'll be in the neighborhood too - but only one night - 12/4. I know I'm missing Nancy but maybe will cross paths with Ray and SSB!

Glad to hear weather is getting cooler - just not too cool. Last February's weather was as cold as here New England and we didn't get any time at our beloved Grotto Pool.

Here's some pictures from our cold, but wonderful stay.

Views from our balcony.

Grotto pool.

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

Jnfr and RachelTori, love the room view pics! Hope I am lucky enough to have a great view too!

We'll be at the Dolphin 12/13 - 12/19. Would love to meet up. Pulled out my planning book and I see we will be at O lights on 12/14 so heading back to the Dolphin after that. 12/15, we have ressies at Garden Grove for the BBQ @ 5:30 and doing Epcot EMH later that night. Looks like the 13th, we will be heading back to MK in the evening since they are open late. A meet at the tree sounds great! I think 12/16 evening is free for us...possibly DTD but may save that for the evening of the 19th. I hope I get to meet up with some of you!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Thanks! I'm not going to worry about the Bluezoo reservations then until much closer to our actual trip. I'm not that over-protective, but is it concerning at all being taken from the controlled environment of Camp Dolphin to another area where they're mixing with the general public? My younger one has a peanut allergy, so he can't just have anything to eat either (particularly when it comes to sweets).



Thanks for the information. So, what makes CD so great that your dd likes it over other kids' clubs? I did know that about the 2 hours free at CD!! Do you tip the kids' club like you would a sitter?

Hi again!

How old is your child? That might be a deciding factor for myself (of course you could always go after 7:30 ish after they eat and then it will be a non issue.) The last time DD went to Camp Dolphin, we arrived when they were already seated at Picabu, so I walked her over myself after checking her in at CD. That might make you feel more comfortable, too. Picabu is only a short little walk to CD.

Ok, I just asked my DD why she likes CD best. Depending on your child's age, you may or may not like this answer! She said it is not as "little kiddish" (her words, LOL) as the other kid clubs. She really likes the Wii (she does not have one at home). Again, I do love Miss Thelma who works there, also.

About the tipping...I will say that CD was the only kids club that I felt *pressure* to tip. They point it out on the form when you sign your child out. When I get the free child care, I do feel like a tip is warranted. I am pretty tip conscious myself (I always overtip at restaurants, I used to be a waitress) but I do have a problem tipping a paid position. At the Disney Kids Clubs, I never tipped. I cant recall seeing a line for the "tip" when I signed DD out of the Disney kids clubs, but maybe I am wrong....I can't remember because it has been a long time since she stayed at a WDW kids club. I didn't tip when my DD did the pirate cruise...maybe I should have, but I don't think so. I just think of the kids club as another activity that I am paying for.

Oh, another thing I want to mention about the CD. I discussed with them the "adult entree= 2 free hours" thing. See, DH and I love to have a few cocktails and order 3 or 4 appetizers and maybe a salad and eat that as dinner. Between our drinks and the food, it easily totals more than if someone ordered a chicken entree and a glass of water...ya know? That's what we were planning on doing this past May, getting apps and drinks. I just feel there should be a dollar amount you must meet to get the free kids club for your child. They kind of agreed, and I could tell if we came back with a big bill, they would give us the 2 hours free...but when we got to BZ we decided to "go for it" and got the Chef's tasting menu which was $85 per person, not counting our booze! It was really really good, and I highly recommend it!

have fun!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

It does include complimentary dining for the child if they arrive before 6:45pm, as we take them to Picabu’s at 7pm. Choice of Chicken Fingers, Mac n’ Cheese, Hamburger/Cheeseburger, or Hot Dog served with French Fries…then a scoop of ice cream from the Fountain.

Have a great day.

*gasp* do you know miss thelma!? Tell her we love her!

 

[NJMermaid]

I hope I am not repeating anything but, did you guys see this:?
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Walt-Disney-World-Swan-and-iw-3844525080.html?x=0&.v=1

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL--(Marketwire - 10/18/10) - Guests looking for Disney vacation specials can take advantage of frighteningly good deals at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel on Oct. 31. On that day only, those who call the hotel's reservation line and say "Trick or Treat" will receive one of several special offers good for any stay through Dec. 23, 2010.

The offers are randomly selected and include:

Complimentary room upgrades
Free breakfast for two in either Fresh or Picabu restaurants at the hotel
One night of free milk and cookies at turndown
$100 credit toward dinner for two at any of the hotel's 17 restaurants and lounges
Free children's souvenir cup with unlimited drink refills
Additional 10 percent off the room rate
Only one offer will be awarded per reservation. Guests must call on Oct. 31 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at 1-800-227-1500.

I have a reservation for Thanksgiving time, I will call on Halloween just to see what they say.

 

[chell]

Wishing I was at the Swan right now...

 

[Dan Murphy]

Great to see you again, Chell. Hope all is well.

 

[mydisneyobsession]

I have a reservation for Thanksgiving time, I will call on Halloween just to see what they say.

I plan to do the same for our Thanksgiving reservation! I think it's such a fun promotion, and I look forward to taking part in it.

 

[chell]

Great to see you again, Chell. Hope all is well.

Thanks Dan! Wish we were going to be there with you in December. Hope you are well also.

 

[Music City Mama]

Hi again!

How old is your child? That might be a deciding factor for myself (of course you could always go after 7:30 ish after they eat and then it will be a non issue.) The last time DD went to Camp Dolphin, we arrived when they were already seated at Picabu, so I walked her over myself after checking her in at CD. That might make you feel more comfortable, too. Picabu is only a short little walk to CD.

I've got 2 kids -- by the time we go, they'll be 8 and 4.

Ok, I just asked my DD why she likes CD best. Depending on your child's age, you may or may not like this answer! She said it is not as "little kiddish" (her words, LOL) as the other kid clubs. She really likes the Wii (she does not have one at home). Again, I do love Miss Thelma who works there, also.

I'm sure that will make my older DS happy (and of course, the little one wants to do whatever big brother is doing).

About the tipping...I will say that CD was the only kids club that I felt *pressure* to tip. They point it out on the form when you sign your child out. When I get the free child care, I do feel like a tip is warranted. I am pretty tip conscious myself (I always overtip at restaurants, I used to be a waitress) but I do have a problem tipping a paid position. At the Disney Kids Clubs, I never tipped. I cant recall seeing a line for the "tip" when I signed DD out of the Disney kids clubs, but maybe I am wrong....I can't remember because it has been a long time since she stayed at a WDW kids club. I didn't tip when my DD did the pirate cruise...maybe I should have, but I don't think so. I just think of the kids club as another activity that I am paying for.

For free child care (and a free meal for them), I definitely have no problem tipping!

Oh, another thing I want to mention about the CD. I discussed with them the "adult entree= 2 free hours" thing. See, DH and I love to have a few cocktails and order 3 or 4 appetizers and maybe a salad and eat that as dinner. Between our drinks and the food, it easily totals more than if someone ordered a chicken entree and a glass of water...ya know? That's what we were planning on doing this past May, getting apps and drinks. I just feel there should be a dollar amount you must meet to get the free kids club for your child. They kind of agreed, and I could tell if we came back with a big bill, they would give us the 2 hours free...but when we got to BZ we decided to "go for it" and got the Chef's tasting menu which was $85 per person, not counting our booze! It was really really good, and I highly recommend it!

Yeah, I agree, it should be based on a dollar amount, not the entree thing.

have fun!

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond to my questions!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Always glad to talk about Disney! Happy planning!

 

[becky11]

Curious if anyone knows if you can book a 2-bed room with 4 adults and one child.

My sisters are coming down for my birthday next month and I'm planning on booking at either one. DD can sleep in the bed with DH & I and my sisters can share the other bed, but that's only if they will allow me to book such a roon.

 

[rafiki]

We've been to all levels of Disney hotels, but we've never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin. But we are considering them for a short trip the first week of January, rather than a moderate. I would appreciate any answers anyone has to a few questions.

Does anyone know when the discounts for Jan. 2011 will come out? What have the discounts typically been for AAA, govt, etc?

After a brief review of this thread, the differences between the two appear to bed size (queens in Swan and doubles in Dolphin) and location with respect to the parks. Any other important differences? Why do you prefer one over the other?

I thought I saw that one or both has a Starbucks? True?

TIA.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Beware! You will become addicted to the Swalphin!

I am sure many here can give you more detailed answers. I just want to mention a few things...

I think the distance to the parks is negligible. I would not make that a deciding factor. The Swan is a wee but closer to MGM/The Boardwalk area, Dolphin a tiny bit closer to Y&BC area and Epcot. But really...not enough to make a difference.

I personally prefer the Dolphin to the Swan. I like the hustle and bustle of the lobby. I truly thought I would like the Swan better, due to the bed suze and also I felt like it might seem more intimate...but I do prefer the Dolphin. Since the Dolphin is cheaper (by just a bit) it is a no brainer for me. However, if they were the same price, I would have no issues staying at the Swan again.

I know Picabu at the Dolphin serves Starbucks...and I I know they have Starbucks coffee in their rooms, also. Funny, I don't like Starbucks coffee! I mean, sure I like their lattes or whatever, but as for straight up coffee...it tastes burnt to me. I found out at the little bar in the Dolphin lobby they do NOT sell Starbucks coffee, so that's where I will get my coffee from now on!

Swan may have Starbucks also, I just can't say for sure. It's been awhile since we stayed there.

You really cannot go wrong either way! Happy planning!

 

[MrsDef]

Is anyone platinum with Starwood?
I want to book a suite of some kind for thanksgiving 2011. I think we get an upgrade due to status, but I didn't know if it mattered at the Swan/Dolphin.

Not sure what kind of room to book- I want a seperate sleeping area so we can put the kids down and still watch tv. What is the cheapest suite? Then I will just hope for an upgrade.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

I was platinum Starwood for many years, when we stayed at the Dolphin a lot. We always booked a regular room and we were upgraded to a Jr. suite on each visit. The layout for the junior suite is a king bed in one room a living room with a murphy bed in the other room. It worked out very well for us.