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

[mikegood2]

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!

Sound like that is the better way to go.

We got a teachers discount rate of $309 for the executive suite, which ended up being cheaper than 2 separate rooms at a moderate resort. We still may have gone with one of the mods (girls might have liked the themes more), but when they couldn't guarantee adjoining rooms, we had to rule them out. Not sure why we didn't check about 2 adjoining rooms at the s/d? I think we just liked the idea of the suite better.

If your able to come across some photos of the executive suites, please post them. It would greatly be appreciated.

 

[ClareH37]

I'd be interested to know what the general feelings is (by those who have stayed at the Swan please) re. room 'quietness'. Whenever I've stayed at a Disney resort the walls have always been, or at least appeared to be, so thin as I often have heard what's going on in the room next door

Then of course there's the running down the hallways, etc. (sorry, don't mean to offend anyone but it's just something I've always encountered).

I'd had a little resort tweak as I've managed to get a discount (and free dining via the UK) for the Beach Club, but am still having a few days at the end of my trip at the Swan as those beds just keep calling my name lol I'm also thinking that I'll do my main park time whilst at the BC and use the Swan purely for relaxing.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I find the resort to be exceptionally quiet. Never hear anything.

 

[PolyAddict]

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.

Thanks-is the AAA rate 187 without tax and resort fee? Also is it a $50 per night credit or total of $5o?

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.

I was afraid of 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!

 

[Ramsfan28]

I'd be interested to know what the general feelings is (by those who have stayed at the Swan please) re. room 'quietness'. Whenever I've stayed at a Disney resort the walls have always been, or at least appeared to be, so thin as I often have heard what's going on in the room next door

Then of course there's the running down the hallways, etc. (sorry, don't mean to offend anyone but it's just something I've always encountered).

I'd had a little resort tweak as I've managed to get a discount (and free dining via the UK) for the Beach Club, but am still having a few days at the end of my trip at the Swan as those beds just keep calling my name lol I'm also thinking that I'll do my main park time whilst at the BC and use the Swan purely for relaxing.

Never had a noise issue at the Swan. I would say there are less families at the Swan than a typical Disney resort so that might be the reason it is a bit more quiet.

 

[TaraPA]

I've also never had any noise issues from Swan or Dolphin.

Ok to those of you that posted prices for the Executive Suites.....I might have misunderstood - were you quoted a rate for the 1BR Executive Suite and then they turned it into a 2BR by adding another room for $119 with the Stay Connected promo? I'm wondering if I should call back & check if that's possible for my March 2BR Executive Suite ressie. I got $540/nt (607.50 after taxes) for the 2BR. I have already called back once seeing if there were any better rates - they could go to $538/nt but that was it. (I took it - $2/nt is $2/nt!!) I didn't ask about the Stay Connected Promo - but they had quoted me $345/nt for the 1BR Executive Suite - so add the $119 stay connected & we're at $464 - much lower than the $538 rate I have. Unless I'm reading the posts wrong & you got the Stay Connected rate on a regular room, not the Executive Suite.

 

[Shock13]

Can someone tell me about the sofa beds? Are they comfortable? My 13 yr old nephew will be sleeping on one for a week and I just wanted to get a heads up.
Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

My daughter, 24 at the time, slept on one for 4 days on a dad daughter trip 6 years ago. She said it was great.

 

[Shock13]

Thank you Dan!

 

[Phlip]

I've also never had any noise issues from Swan or Dolphin.

Ok to those of you that posted prices for the Executive Suites.....I might have misunderstood - were you quoted a rate for the 1BR Executive Suite and then they turned it into a 2BR by adding another room for $119 with the Stay Connected promo? I'm wondering if I should call back & check if that's possible for my March 2BR Executive Suite ressie. I got $540/nt (607.50 after taxes) for the 2BR. I have already called back once seeing if there were any better rates - they could go to $538/nt but that was it. (I took it - $2/nt is $2/nt!!) I didn't ask about the Stay Connected Promo - but they had quoted me $345/nt for the 1BR Executive Suite - so add the $119 stay connected & we're at $464 - much lower than the $538 rate I have. Unless I'm reading the posts wrong & you got the Stay Connected rate on a regular room, not the Executive Suite.

Hi Tara--
Checking my notes from my convo with the S/D reservation dude.....

1 bedroom Executive suite $302.15 with a AAA discount (this is w/o tax, fee)-only for up to 5 people. Adding the second bedroom (we are party of 7) under the stay connected rate of 119.00 plus taxes resort fee (only one with the suite) brings the total to $485.04 per night. I asked him several times if the $485.04 was all inclusive, with tax, fee etc. and he said yes. So--I would call back and see what they can do. Do you have AAA? My rates for (current ressie 2 standard connecting rooms) mid June are 152.15 AAA rate for the one room with a stay connected rate of 119.00 for the connecting room plus tax and resort fee (x2). Brings the total to 325.05 with taxes and resort fees, avg $162.50 per night per room.
Let us know what you find....
Phlip

 

[ClareH37]

Thanks Dan, Greg and Tara

 

[mikegood2]

I've also never had any noise issues from Swan or Dolphin.

Ok to those of you that posted prices for the Executive Suites.....I might have misunderstood - were you quoted a rate for the 1BR Executive Suite and then they turned it into a 2BR by adding another room for $119 with the Stay Connected promo? I'm wondering if I should call back & check if that's possible for my March 2BR Executive Suite ressie. I got $540/nt (607.50 after taxes) for the 2BR. I have already called back once seeing if there were any better rates - they could go to $538/nt but that was it. (I took it - $2/nt is $2/nt!!) I didn't ask about the Stay Connected Promo - but they had quoted me $345/nt for the 1BR Executive Suite - so add the $119 stay connected & we're at $464 - much lower than the $538 rate I have. Unless I'm reading the posts wrong & you got the Stay Connected rate on a regular room, not the Executive Suite.

In our case we got a 1BR Executive suite and never asked or had a need for a second. We are using the 2 double bed room for two adults and 2 children, I get the sico/murphy bed (King) in the suite area. We were quoted a price on $309 (add $30 a night with taxes) for June 15-22 with a teachers discount.

It is possible that the stay connected deal is not available for the time (or even a day) you are trying to book. I initially called the s/d asking about 2 standard rooms with the stay connected, but the deal was not available for June 21-28. Instead they offered the Executive suite deal at $359 a night, or $329 a night if we went a week earlier.

When we called a week later those dates were not available, but they were if we moved them up a day (quoted $309). We ultimately chose June 15-22 (W-W), because plane tickets for a Monday to Monday were $50+ more per person. Also, the airport on a monday are more crowded, and it is the first time the girls have flown.

If its possible for you to play around with you trip dates a few days either way, you may get a better deal. Or, call in a few days and they may quote you a better price.

Also, slightly off topic but has anyone flown AirTran Airways, and if so how are they? We can get tickets on them for about $80 a ticket less an the moment.

 

[SingingMom]

I just want to add that the CMs at the front desk have always been incredible also! (actually, as has every CM I have ever encountered at both Swan & Dolphin)

One more thing....debating to eat at Il Mulino....can you tell me the good, the bad and the ugly on the place? Thx!

Can someone tell me about the sofa beds? Are they comfortable? My 13 yr old nephew will be sleeping on one for a week and I just wanted to get a heads up.
Thanks!

Happy New Year, Everyone! My email notification wasn't working, so I had a lot to catch up on!

Just wanted to add my 2 cents on the wonderful customer service at the Dolphin. We've always had great service in checking in / checking out, conceirge questions answered, and housekeeping.

Il Mulino was DELICIOUS! We would highly recommend it - and we are "Italian Food Snobs".

I hear the sofa beds are comfortable - unfortunately, our DD won't give up her "heavenly bed" for anything!!

This is the first year that we won't be going in June after FIVE straight years. High school graduation present will be a trip to London and/or Paris this year. (if it were my choice, I'd be back at the Dolphin, sipping my espresso martini....)

 

[TaraPA]

Thanks Phlip & MikeGood2 for your info on the Exceutive Suites. I am going to call shortly. If they track how many times the guest calls on a ressie I wll soon be tagged a nuisance - I must have called 5 times already checking different promos, and to change the names onthe ressie, or to ask questions!

Mike - you asked about Airtran. They are the only airline to offer direct flights from our small airport in PA to MCO so we use them all the time. They're a no-frills airline - you get what you pay for, and you pay fees for any extras - picking your seats, checked bags, etc. but their prices can't be beat. I just got tickets for mid-March -$62 each way, total with taxes of $145 round trip. The major carriers, which each have a stop & layover, want over $225 RT for the same flight. We've used them a few times & I have no complaints about them. Just don't go into it expecting first class service, snacks, pillows & blankets, etc. They do offer free wifi on their flights if that's of interest to you.

 

[mikegood2]

Thanks Phlip & MikeGood2 for your info on the Exceutive Suites. I am going to call shortly. If they track how many times the guest calls on a ressie I wll soon be tagged a nuisance - I must have called 5 times already checking different promos, and to change the names onthe ressie, or to ask questions!

Mike - you asked about Airtran. They are the only airline to offer direct flights from our small airport in PA to MCO so we use them all the time. They're a no-frills airline - you get what you pay for, and you pay fees for any extras - picking your seats, checked bags, etc. but their prices can't be beat. I just got tickets for mid-March -$62 each way, total with taxes of $145 round trip. The major carriers, which each have a stop & layover, want over $225 RT for the same flight. We've used them a few times & I have no complaints about them. Just don't go into it expecting first class service, snacks, pillows & blankets, etc. They do offer free wifi on their flights if that's of interest to you.

Thanks TaraPA,

I noticed that they don't fly out of O'hare, but Midway (the other Chicagoland airport), but I have no problem with that. I think the other airlines are a little over $300 roundtrip, AirTran comes in at low to mid $200's. My brother has flown out of both airports for work so that is no problem.

This vacation is strange for me because I don't think I'll end up making any reservations. I think I'm better of letting them buy the plane tickets for all of us (less hassle?) and pay them after they get them. I have input on our decisions, but ultimately it's their decision that counts in the end.

 

[Dan Murphy]

AirTran is great!!! Check flying out of Milwaukee, unless you are from southside of Chicago or further south. I am in a NW suburb, very close to O'Hare, and have been using Milwaukee for 13 years now. Check the transportation board on the DIS< lots of AirTran threads there.

 

[sewer]

We would have taken AirTran from Ohio but it is about an hour and a half from home and after vacation I would find myself asleep at the wheel on the way home!

 

[mikegood2]

AirTran is great!!! Check flying out of Milwaukee, unless you are from southside of Chicago or further south. I am in a NW suburb, very close to O'Hare, and have been using Milwaukee for 13 years now. Check the transportation board on the DIS< lots of AirTran threads there.

Thanks Dan,

I'll look into AirTrans more. If I go through Midway, I'd save about $80 a ticket compared to other airlines from O'Hare. I'm basically between both airports (near Wisconsin border) so I've used both airports, depending on price. I looked at the cost/option and think O'hare or Midway work better for the days we need. Most of the Mil flights are not non-stop. Also, knowing my brother he will want to go from a Chicago airport. He lives less than 1/2 hour from O'hare.

Btw, I looked at the photos from your photo thread, very nice shots. I like how you frame a lot of them, especially your use of objects/rails in the foreground. I'm sure the parks do not allow tripods, but do they allow monopods?

 

[saxman]

oops

 

[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.

Any suggestions?