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

[haPevraftr]

haPevraftr - if you're going in April this year & then again next April - if it's within 12 months would you consider an Annual Pass? If you'll take both trips within 12 months it will be cheaper than a small pass for this year's trip plus a 10-day NE pass for next year. Just a thought.


Thanks for looking out for me. We actually added No Expiration WPF&M to our 8 day tix that we bought during the Buy 4/Get 3 a few years ago. I was one of the lucky ones that was able to get the NE option added at the 5 day rate rather than the 8 day before they figured it out and closed the "loophole" on the 3 free days. We only used 5 park days and 1 WP at the time. Last year and this year we have just milked it and done a park and WP over a weekend on the way to the beach for the week. For that reason, we actually don't need to purchase tix this year.

 

[lovingthemouse]

I've never needed to ask this before, but when I go in May, my friend will be renting an ECV for the parks.
1. Is there a charge for valet handicapped parking at the Dolphin?
2. For those of you who have had this experience - are scooters difficult to assemble/disassemble?
3. Are the room doorways wide enough to accomodate the scooters. Their width is 22" - not sure of the doorway width.
Thanks.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi Caroline.

Not sure about 1. I think they may waive the additional charge for the valet, but charge for the regular parking?

As for 2 and 3, they come assembled, and do fit through the doors. To disassemble and reassemble, not sure either, I did not put in the car, just used the buses, boats, monorail. You might ask on the disABILITIES board here.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hey Dan, thanks for your info. The ECV will surely make it so much easier to get around. Another friend recommended a scooter rental co in Orlando.
I had rented a mid-size car for the trip as it seemed less expensive than a limo, but it may not be big enough to accomodate the scooter. Need to re-think this. Thanks again. Caroline

 

[The Pluto People]

Thanks for all the info and the congrats! We stayed at the Dolphin several times many years ago when Sideshow Bob first came on the scene. I think he was the one who started giving the great teacher/nurse/AP discounts at the Swan and Dolphin - which made those great hotels more affordable. We LOVE the Dolphin and cannot wait to return! Thanks again!

 

[Poppins2010]

I will be staying at the Dolphin for the first time in a couple of weeks. What is the best way to get to Epcot for the parks early morning hours? Is walking (and entering through the world showcase) possible? Or is there transportation early enough to get you there at opening? Would a taxi be a better idea. Thanks for the help on this.

 

[SingingMom]

I will be staying at the Dolphin for the first time in a couple of weeks. What is the best way to get to Epcot for the parks early morning hours? Is walking (and entering through the world showcase) possible? Or is there transportation early enough to get you there at opening? Would a taxi be a better idea. Thanks for the help on this.

The walk is a little long but very pleasant, especially in the morning, unless it is brutally hot. The boat launches start early too. Unless you are REALLY anxious about getting there, I wouldn't bother with a taxi. We've always strolled the Boardwalk, stopped at the bakery, and entered through the World Showcase and walked to Future World in time.

 

[mikegood2]

I will be staying at the Dolphin for the first time in a couple of weeks. What is the best way to get to Epcot for the parks early morning hours? Is walking (and entering through the world showcase) possible? Or is there transportation early enough to get you there at opening? Would a taxi be a better idea. Thanks for the help on this.

I have not stayed at the S/D yet (going in mid-June), but from what I have read I would agree with SingingMom. Unless you can directly get on a boat, it sounds like walking is the way to go. I came across this map yesterday http://www.stitchkingdom.com/maps/index.php?showmap=14 than you might find useful. Also, if you are able too, download Google Earth and type in Epcot center for your location. If you zoom in all the way you can actually view the area from ground level. Its really neat way to view Disney World. I actually used it to do a virtual walk from the s/d to Epcot's International Gateway.

For anyone who has done the walk before, is their any advantage walking the boardwalk route or walking the Yacht and Beach Club path to get to Epcot's International Gateway?

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

 

[MinnieVanMom]

What is the order for the boat pick up to the Studios? I am thinking boardwalk, YC and BC then Swan and Dolphin being last.

Mom has a scooter and we need to make sure we can get her on a boat. Going over to Boardwalk would be a good option to make sure she can get on.

 

[Elissajoy]

We will be staying at the Dolphin in July 2011, never stayed before, very excited ! We stayed at the Boardwalk 2 years ago. I did the same thing that mikegood2 did, I used Google earth to see the actual walkway to Epcot, so very cool !! The walk to Epcot's International Gateway was so wonderful. We went in July and I get hot (sweat) very easily.

The walk was perfect and I did not sweat or get tired out ! That entrance to World Showcase was obviously less crowded and that made it even better ! Walking by the Boardwalk is nice b/c you pass all the shops and a beautiful (wedding?)pavilion. Walking by the Yacht & Beach Club is nice too, so you can walk either way and enjoy what each hotel's outside area has to offer. Have fun !!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Bing is excellent also.

http://www.bing.com/maps/explore/?org=aj#/dk1jovbsxjgjv0qy

Boat order is...

Studios>S/D>Y&BC>BW>IG and reverse from IG

Boats accommodate scooter just fine.

 

[mikegood2]

We will be staying at the Dolphin in July 2011, never stayed before, very excited ! We stayed at the Boardwalk 2 years ago. I did the same thing that mikegood2 did, I used Google earth to see the actual walkway to Epcot, so very cool !! The walk to Epcot's International Gateway was so wonderful. We went in July and I get hot (sweat) very easily.

The walk was perfect and I did not sweat or get tired out ! That entrance to World Showcase was obviously less crowded and that made it even better ! Walking by the Boardwalk is nice b/c you pass all the shops and a beautiful (wedding?)pavilion. Walking by the Yacht & Beach Club is nice too, so you can walk either way and enjoy what each hotel's outside area has to offer. Have fun !!!

Thanks Elissajoy, think the walk will be nice in the morning or later at night

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

Bing is excellent also.

http://www.bing.com/maps/explore/?org=aj#/dk1jovbsxjgjv0qy

Boat order is...

Studios>S/D>Y&BC>BW>IG and reverse from IG

Thanks for the info Dan, more items to add to my list of info to view

Btw how much snow did you end up with yesterday? We ended up with 14" to 16".

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Just bumping to put us back on page one.

I still hope to find out the boat pick up order for the studios please.

 

[LexiC123]

Just bumping to put us back on page one.

I still hope to find out the boat pick up order for the studios please.

Hi, Minnie Van Mom...

Going to the Studios, it's just the reverse of going to Epcot:

Epcot...Boardwalk...Yacht & Beach...Swan/Dolphin...Hollywood Studios

 

[Dan Murphy]

Bing is excellent also.

http://www.bing.com/maps/explore/?org=aj#/dk1jovbsxjgjv0qy

Boat order is...

Studios>S/D>Y&BC>BW>IG and reverse from IG

Boats accommodate scooter just fine.

Just bumping to put us back on page one.

I still hope to find out the boat pick up order for the studios please.

Here it is again.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks Elissajoy, think the walk will be nice in the morning or later at night




Thanks for the info Dan, more items to add to my list of info to view

Btw how much snow did you end up with yesterday? We ended up with 14" to 16".

We got 22" where I am, official was 20.2".

You might enjoy this.......

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2649521

 

[vicb]

Advice Please...

the rates have dropped for my dates so I want to book tonight. What is the difference between "limited view" and "resort view" ? Staying at Dolphin is a bit of a stretch for us for this trip we are planning, we could stay at the downtown Hilton on points and have emh privilages but really would prefer the Dolphin location. The cost difference is $30 per night.

How bad would limited view be???

 

[RachelTori]

We got 22" where I am, official was 20.2".

You might enjoy this.......

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2649521

Poor Mickey! (though the white stuff sure looks pretty! )

Thanks for the laugh this morning, Dan, as I finish packing for my 1pm flight to Orlando today! No Dolphin this trip - that will be July & Oct! (AKV & POFQ this trip)

 

[TaraPA]

Advice Please...

the rates have dropped for my dates so I want to book tonight. What is the difference between "limited view" and "resort view" ? Staying at Dolphin is a bit of a stretch for us for this trip we are planning, we could stay at the downtown Hilton on points and have emh privilages but really would prefer the Dolphin location. The cost difference is $30 per night.

How bad would limited view be???

Limited View is a the standard, basic-view room. We've had a view of the dumpsters (that pic has become infamous on the "Worst Room View" thread!), some people have gotten views of the parking lot or other parts of the resort grounds. Resort view is an upgraded view-which you pay more for - views of other areas of the resort, or the Boardwalk area. We've had some great views in this category. The little picture under my signature was taken from a Resort View category room.

There are EMH priveleges at Swan & Dolphin, just like at the DTD Hilton.

Good luck making your decision. For me $30 a night more would be worth it to stay at S/D for the location alone, but everyone has their own preferences. Also - if you book & your S/D rate goes even lower, you can call & they will adjust the rate for you. Their customer service is top notch & they have always been great about taking care of that for me.