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

[JimmyV]

If you do take the boat back to the S/D from Epcot, get off at the first stop (Boardwalk) and walk from there. It is a nice walk and much faster than staying on the boat as the boat goes from BW over to Y/BC and then to S/D. By walking from the BW, you will get to the boat dock at the S/D just about the time the boat is unloading passengers at the Y/BC.

As far as walking all the way from Epcot, as far as timing is concerned, if there is a boat at, or arriving at the International Gateway boat dock as you exit the park turnstiles, it is just as fast to take the boat. If there is no boat, or if the line is so long that you will miss the boat that is boarding, it is faster to walk all the way back. Of course, after a long day at Epcot, you may not want to walk back.

Oh. And one last thing. If you are at the Dolphin, don't be tempted to take the zig-zag sidewalk from the Dolphin over to the Y/BC or on your way to Epcot. It is actually much shorter to walk straight over toward the Swan and enter the Boardwalk over by Jelly Rolls. That zig-zag sidewalk is worse than useless.

 

[Ramsfan28]

I know what the standard benefits are my question was is it worth how the S&D treats their platnium guests for this.

You can expect a room upgrade but to what type of room can't be known until you arrive.

They should give you a suite but what type of suite depends what other (cash paying) guests have booked.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I know what the standard benefits are my question was is it worth how the S&D treats their platnium guests for this.

Only change in recent years is a suite upgrade is not guaranteed. Other than that, the stated benefits are available there. If you are staying at S/D, you do not have to ask or do anything to get Plat treatment, you just get it.

 

[mikegood2]

I can't imagine how it would take 45 min to get from Dolphin to Epcot gates. 10-15 minutes, I'd say, and that's at a regular pace. Definitely faster to walk to Epcot than to take the boat. If I remember correctly, it's the last stop on the way from Epcot to S/D, and the 1st hotel the boat hits on the way to Epcot (meaning 2 other stops on the way). We (DH & I) didn't walk to DHS, since the boat ride was direct from the S/D (meaning no stops), & usually my morning sickness just wasn't going to allow more walking than necessary. We never had an issue catching a bus from the Dolphin. I don't think we waited for more than 15 minutes & there were usually no more than a handful of people on the bus when we got on. IF you have a smartphone, there's an app that gives you an estimate on travel times.
http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/twiz.aspx

HTH!

Thanks to all that responded to my question.

I think I came across one or two places that said it was close to a 45 minute walk, which didn't sound right to me. With the nieces I think I'll figure it will take 15-20 minutes.

Also, we will probably head back to the hotel around lunch most days so the girls can go down for a nap (maybe the adults also )

 

[mikegood2]

If you do take the boat back to the S/D from Epcot, get off at the first stop (Boardwalk) and walk from there. It is a nice walk and much faster than staying on the boat as the boat goes from BW over to Y/BC and then to S/D. By walking from the BW, you will get to the boat dock at the S/D just about the time the boat is unloading passengers at the Y/BC.

As far as walking all the way from Epcot, as far as timing is concerned, if there is a boat at, or arriving at the International Gateway boat dock as you exit the park turnstiles, it is just as fast to take the boat. If there is no boat, or if the line is so long that you will miss the boat that is boarding, it is faster to walk all the way back. Of course, after a long day at Epcot, you may not want to walk back.

Oh. And one last thing. If you are at the Dolphin, don't be tempted to take the zig-zag sidewalk from the Dolphin over to the Y/BC or on your way to Epcot. It is actually much shorter to walk straight over toward the Swan and enter the Boardwalk over by Jelly Rolls. That zig-zag sidewalk is worse than useless.

Thanks JimmyV, this is the type of info I find very useful. Hopefully others also find the information useful.

 

[mikegood2]

FYI, we will be at the Dolphin at the same time as you. We are there from June 16-23. Our last trip we stayed at the Swan and the location is what brought us back. It was very hot and humid on our last stay in June 09. We always took the boat to DHS but to EPCOT we walked more often than took the boat. The walk to EPCOT took about 10 min. I think that the walk to DHS would have been brutal in that summer heat. It was really enjoyable to walk back from EPCOT past the Boardwalk in the evenings.

Glad to see someone else from the forums is going the same time. Hopefully that means that nicer weather is twice as likely. I know that wishful thinking but you never know.

 

[PolyAddict]

Does anyone know the rack rates? I am interested in the 50% percent off special. Has anyone gotten these rates?

thanks

 

[lissiesmum]

Thanks JimmyV for all the great info!

 

[nyc2theworld]

Does anyone know the rack rates? I am interested in the 50% percent off special. Has anyone gotten these rates?

thanks

Rack rate for the Swan is about 375 (at least June 1-6th). Currently I have a AAA rate of 187 that also gives me a 50.00 resort credit. I've called the hotel asked about the 50% of with 1000SPG points, the Annual Passholder discount, the allears discount (this was actually suggested by the person on the phone) and the 187 rate plus the 50.00 resort credit was as low as the Swan was going.

I would expect the dolphin to be about 5-10 less/night.

 

[TaraPA]

Does anyone know the rack rates? I am interested in the 50% percent off special. Has anyone gotten these rates?

thanks

I don't know them specifically, but I do remember that when I called for the 50% off rack rate special last spring, it was still more expensive than any other deals. One room at The Dolphin I was asking about was $475 rack rate, but I don't recall which category or view it was. The AAA rate for that same room was $179 so we went with that.

 

[RachelTori]

I don't know them specifically, but I do remember that when I called for the 50% off rack rate special last spring, it was still more expensive than any other deals. One room at The Dolphin I was asking about was $475 rack rate, but I don't recall which category or view it was. The AAA rate for that same room was $179 so we went with that.

Same here. When I've called about the 50% off rack for Swan/Dolphin, I've been given an outrageously high rack rate that I've never seen anywhere!! So 50% off the rate quoted was still way higher than most rates I can find online!

 

[saxman]

I posted this earlier on the general resort board and realized that it was better to post it here.

Alright all you Swan and Dolphin pros, we are seriously considering staying here for our next trip. Please help with building and room recommendations.
1. We will stay 5 nights with two children (3 & 9).
2. We will also be getting a standard view room (however, would you
recommend a "good" standard view room with a descent view?).
3. We will be walking and/or using the water taxi to DHS & Epcot.
4. We will have our own car.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Music City Mama]

Question for any the frequent s/d visitors.

What suggestions or advice do you have for get to the 4 main Disney locations quicker? For example is boat or bus a better option for some, or can catching the bus from the Swan, or catching the bus/boat somewhere from the boardwalk be faster?

Also, how long of a walk is it from the Dolphin to Epcott? I've seen ranges from 10-45 minutes. And how about walking to Hollywood Studios.

We will be at the Dolphin from June 15-22, with a party of 3 adults and two girls (4-1/2, 1-1/2). For the girls we will probably bring/rent a sit/stand stroller. We will also have a hopper pass, if that makes any difference.

I know the time of year or time of day can make a difference, just looking for advice/suggestions from people who have stayed before.

FYI, we will be at the Dolphin at the same time as you. We are there from June 16-23. Our last trip we stayed at the Swan and the location is what brought us back. It was very hot and humid on our last stay in June 09. We always took the boat to DHS but to EPCOT we walked more often than took the boat. The walk to EPCOT took about 10 min. I think that the walk to DHS would have been brutal in that summer heat. It was really enjoyable to walk back from EPCOT past the Boardwalk in the evenings.

I'll be there from 6/10 - 6/18.

Another random question . . . What are the laundry facilities at the Dolphin like? Really crowded? Enough washers/dryers?

 

[TaraPA]

Very large laundry room & I've always been in there alone. I think there are 4 washers & 8 dryers...or maybe reverse that...I've never had to wait. There is a large folding table/area and a TV as well.

 

[mikegood2]

I'll be there from 6/10 - 6/18.

Another random question . . . What are the laundry facilities at the Dolphin like? Really crowded? Enough washers/dryers?

Nice to see that 3 people from this thead have overlaping vacations. Will be interesting to see if that number can go up.

Here is a link to photos of the s/d that people posted
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715731. Don't have time to find the page at the moment, but someone posted a photo or two of the laundry facilities. As a bonus you also get to see some nice photos of the resort.

 

[Phlip]

Nice to see that 3 people from this thead have overlaping vacations. Will be interesting to see if that number can go up.

Here is a link to photos of the s/d that people posted
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715731. Don't have time to find the page at the moment, but someone posted a photo or two of the laundry facilities. As a bonus you also get to see some nice photos of the resort.

Howdy! June 18--25 here. Currently I have a AAA rate of 152.15 for the Dolphin, with another room using the stay connected rate of 119.00. It averages out to be about 165.00 with taxes (and I think resort fee for both rooms) I'm thinking about going for an Executive suite, 2 bedroom. Rate I was quoted is about the same as what I have plus one more room with the stay connected rate-only with one resort fee.
Can't wait!

 

[Phlip]

Question for any the frequent s/d visitors.

What suggestions or advice do you have for get to the 4 main Disney locations quicker? For example is boat or bus a better option for some, or can catching the bus from the Swan, or catching the bus/boat somewhere from the boardwalk be faster?

Also, how long of a walk is it from the Dolphin to Epcott? I've seen ranges from 10-45 minutes. And how about walking to Hollywood Studios.

We will be at the Dolphin from June 15-22, with a party of 3 adults and two girls (4-1/2, 1-1/2). For the girls we will probably bring/rent a sit/stand stroller. We will also have a hopper pass, if that makes any difference.

I know the time of year or time of day can make a difference, just looking for advice/suggestions from people who have stayed before.

Hey Mike--
Just a suggestion-I've always found it way better to take my stroller rather than rent. We would just wheel it down the jetway and gate check it. Also, with kids the ages you will be traveling with, I would take 2 strollers. That way the four year old can sack out too, plus you will have more room in the stroller for all the junk you need to pack around with two little kids--water, snacks etc.
Have fun!

 

[Music City Mama]

Very large laundry room & I've always been in there alone. I think there are 4 washers & 8 dryers...or maybe reverse that...I've never had to wait. There is a large folding table/area and a TV as well.

Thanks! We're actually going to visit my parents (2 hours away) in the middle of our trip . . . debating if it would be rude to bring my laundry there . . .

Nice to see that 3 people from this thead have overlaping vacations. Will be interesting to see if that number can go up.

Here is a link to photos of the s/d that people posted
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715731. Don't have time to find the page at the moment, but someone posted a photo or two of the laundry facilities. As a bonus you also get to see some nice photos of the resort.

Good to know there is a photo in there -- when I have time, I'll go through the thread.

 

[mikegood2]

Howdy! June 18--25 here. Currently I have a AAA rate of 152.15 for the Dolphin, with another room using the stay connected rate of 119.00. It averages out to be about 165.00 with taxes (and I think resort fee for both rooms) I'm thinking about going for an Executive suite, 2 bedroom. Rate I was quoted is about the same as what I have plus one more room with the stay connected rate-only with one resort fee.
Can't wait!

Looks like were up to 4 groups overlapping now

I initially called the s/d to find out about the stay connected plan, but they weren't available for the week we were originally planning, but they suggested the suite and I liked that idea better. I think it depends on how many are going in your group, but I think the suite is probably a better option. The suite does have a king sized Sico/Murphy (my) bed, and more walking around room.

The only thing I am slightly nervous about with the executive suite is that I haven't been able to find any photos of what they look like exactly. I know the website has a floor plan, which is nice, but actually photos would be better.

Hey Mike--
Just a suggestion-I've always found it way better to take my stroller rather than rent. We would just wheel it down the jetway and gate check it. Also, with kids the ages you will be traveling with, I would take 2 strollers. That way the four year old can sack out too, plus you will have more room in the stroller for all the junk you need to pack around with two little kids--water, snacks etc.
Have fun!

I think my brother and sister-in-law are planning on bringing a stroller and leaning at bringing their sit stand, but they haven't made up their minds yet. I think they like the idea of having only one stroller (albeit larger) stroller to move around with, but again they can always change their minds.

I just realized last weekend that I am actually the "5th wheel" in our group They have been great at getting my input and are excited that I am excited about the trip, but ultimately, most of the decisions are up to them.

 

[Phlip]

Looks like were up to 4 groups overlapping now

I initially called the s/d to find out about the stay connected plan, but they weren't available for the week we were originally planning, but they suggested the suite and I liked that idea better. I think it depends on how many are going in your group, but I think the suite is probably a better option. The suite does have a king sized Sico/Murphy (my) bed, and more walking around room.

The only thing I am slightly nervous about with the executive suite is that I haven't been able to find any photos of what they look like exactly. I know the website has a floor plan, which is nice, but actually photos would be better.




I think my brother and sister-in-law are planning on bringing a stroller and leaning at bringing their sit stand, but they haven't made up their minds yet. I think they like the idea of having only one stroller (albeit larger) stroller to move around with, but again they can always change their minds.

I just realized last weekend that I am actually the "5th wheel" in our group They have been great at getting my input and are excited that I am excited about the trip, but ultimately, most of the decisions are up to them.

I just got off the phone with the S/D--they have a max of 5 for the one bedroom exec. suite and we are a party of 7. They did quote me a AAA rate for the one bedroom and then added the second bedroom with the stay connected rate of 119.00. It averages out (we are splitting the cost with another family) about $77.00 more per night than if we were to keep the ressie at 2 standard rooms. I'm going to go with the 2 standards, and who knows, maybe I'll get a resort view comp upgrade when I get there??

I must've seen photos somewhere----I'll have a look see and post if I find any.
Happy Planning!