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

[MOM POPPINS]

I don't know if you can get at GAC at International Gateway... but yes you can go to Guest Relations by Spaceship Earth and get one.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

International Gateway Guest Relations

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1784335&referrerid=93883

 

[Blondie]

Just back from the glorious Dolphin! It was supposed to be a live trip report, but our laptop picked up a virus along the way, so it had to wait until we got home!

Here's the thread w/photos:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38647378#post38647378

 

[Blondie]

Hello---we are going to be at the Swan in early April, and I had a couple of questions about how the boat works to EPCOT.

1. Can you get in at rope drop from the International Gateway? Or do you have to be at the front of the park?

2. After Illuminations, how crowded are the boats for getting back to the Swan?

Thanks!
K.

How crowded are the boats? Put it this way, it's quicker to walk! Even the boat captains will tell you that!

 

[RaySharpton]

Just back from the glorious Dolphin! It was supposed to be a live trip report, but our laptop picked up a virus along the way, so it had to wait until we got home!

Here's the thread w/photos:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38647378#post38647378

I just saw your pictures, Blondie.

They are all beautiful, thanks for posting them.

 

[jlcd]

When booking a standard view room at the Dolphin is there anything I can request in hopes of getting a "good" standard view and location? I am not expecting miracles, just hoping to avoid a view of a dumpster etc. TIA!

 

[NOLA_Tink]

Is Magic Express offered for Swan/Dolphin? I don't think it is, but I'm not 100% sure. Thanks!

 

[jnfr2424]

Is Magic Express offered for Swan/Dolphin? I don't think it is, but I'm not 100% sure. Thanks!

No it is not offered

 

[lissiesmum]

Hi guys! I'm under six months now! I was wondering if kids can make sandcastles on the beach? I know you can't swim in the water, but can they fill up pails with water?

Also, my DD cannot swim quite yet and needs one of those belts with the two square floats attached to swim...are these allowed in the pools?

Lastly, if you want to eat at the signature restaurants within the Swan/Dolphin, can you generally walk up, or do we need reservations? (we'll be there Easter week). Thanks in advance

 

[NOLA_Tink]

No it is not offered

Thank you!!!

 

[ireland_nicole]

what's a limited view at the Dolphin?

 

[lissiesmum]

well, now that our trip is getting closer, I'm thinking of more questions, this time about transportation.

We were planning on doing a limo service, but are having to cut some corners and are thinking of doing Mears...for those of you who have taken the Mears shuttle to the Dolphin, I was wondering how long you have to wait for one to arrive at the airport, and how does the dropoff process go? Do they pick up only guests staying in the Dolphin/Swan area, or will they pick up everyone, including people staying by Universal Studios? What is the longest time it took you to get to the S/D from the airport?

Also, I was wondering if you could tell me about the direction of the friendship boats to/from Epcot and DHS, and what order do they pick us up? I have the same question about the bus transportation...I know we share with YC/BC and BW/BWV, but wondering where they pick up first and drop off first? Do you have to often wait for another bus because it's already full before they get to the Dolphin?

Thanks for all your help, I'm sure this is not the last of my queries! :

 

[lissiesmum]

ok, I have another question...if the Dolphin won't transfer our luggage to the AKL for the tail end of our stay, will they hold our stuff for us somewhere while we visit a park before we come back to get our things and grab a taxi to transfer?

 

[Dan Murphy]

......Lastly, if you want to eat at the signature restaurants within the Swan/Dolphin, can you generally walk up, or do we need reservations? (we'll be there Easter week). Thanks in advance

I would suggest reservations, especially for that week.

.......could tell me about the direction of the friendship boats to/from Epcot and DHS, and what order do they pick us up? I have the same question about the bus transportation...I know we share with YC/BC and BW/BWV, but wondering where they pick up first and drop off first? Do you have to often wait for another bus because it's already full before they get to the Dolphin?

Thanks for all your help, I'm sure this is not the last of my queries! :

Boats run from DHS>S/D>Y&BC>BW>Epcot, and then back Epcot>BW>Y&BC>S/D>DHS

I most often stay at the Swan, which is is bus picked up prior to the Dolphin. I have never seen it as too crowded to pick up Dolphin guests. As far as sharing, I have seen it where bus is only for the Swan (rare), only Swan and Dolphin (somewhat rare), Swan Dolphin and Y&BC, as well as Swan Dolphin, Y&BC, and BW.

 

[Dan Murphy]

ok, I have another question...if the Dolphin won't transfer our luggage to the AKL for the tail end of our stay, will they hold our stuff for us somewhere while we visit a park before we come back to get our things and grab a taxi to transfer?

They will do either, transfer or hold.

 

[RachelTori]

well, now that our trip is getting closer, I'm thinking of more questions, this time about transportation.

We were planning on doing a limo service, but are having to cut some corners and are thinking of doing Mears...for those of you who have taken the Mears shuttle to the Dolphin, I was wondering how long you have to wait for one to arrive at the airport, and how does the dropoff process go? Do they pick up only guests staying in the Dolphin/Swan area, or will they pick up everyone, including people staying by Universal Studios? What is the longest time it took you to get to the S/D from the airport?

You can prepay for the shuttle (airport to Swan/Dolphin) on the Mears website. The cost was $20/pp one way or $36/pp round trip (at least that's what it was last month when my daughter took it). You give them your approx arrival time so they know when to expect you. Print the voucher which has the confirmation number and bring it to the Mears counter at MCO. (that's in the same area of Magical Express, by the rental car counters).

My DD only had a carry-on, but if you checked luggage with the airline, you'll need to go to baggage claim first. My DD was in one of the 15-passenger Mears vans and this particular one stopped at Swan, then Dolphin. It took her approx 45 mins from the time she checked in at the Mears counter until I was meeting her at the Dolphin entrance.

HTHs!

 

[lissiesmum]

Thanks for the great info, Dan and Racheltori! Just what I was looking for

 

[physicalt104]

We watched the Swan and Dolphin being built, and wondered why anyone wanting to stay on-property would book there. HOWEVER, our travel agent friend got us an amazing deal at the Swan this past August, and we loved every minute!!! (Imagine our surprise ) Since our children are now older teens, we didn't mind the more grown-up resort feeling. They loved the restaurants, the beautiful waterfall pool, sleek pool bar, larger rooms and COMFY beds .
Go figure-

 

[FloFlo71]

when I check the rate online for the Dolphin for next Aug the government rate is $153 plus taxes is this the same for the teachers rate? Will this come down at all for the teachers rate for next Aug?

Thanks

 

[RachelTori]

Don't forget "Trick or Treat" today until 7pm.

I just booked a reservation for next week and got 10% off my rate!! Too bad it's only a 1-night res and at the Teacher rate, but I loved saving the additional 10%!!!

(and this stay will keep me at Gold for next year so I'm doubly happy!!! )