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

[Mackie Mouse]

Hi Mackie Mouse! Yes we've also come in on an early flight around 11am & had them hold our luggage while we went to the parks, because it was too early to check in.

Have fun with all your planning!

Hey is anyone going to be there in March? I have 2 ressies in March, one at Swan, one at Dolphin, and it would be nice to say hello to some fellow DIS-ers!

That's great to know, Tara I hadn't even thought of this until just now, but our plan is to get in nice and early and then take some time to enjoy the parks and/or DTD. The luggage issue hadn't even occurred to me because in the past we've used Magical Express to get everything to the room...not the case this time!

BTW, we are not too far from you geographically - we're outside Philly in King of Prussia. Also, though I grew up in Jersey, my parents live in the Lehigh Valley (Macungie)! March is never a possibility for us due to my job, but hopefully you'll be able to find some DISers and have fun. I believe that technically there is a meetup thread for every month, though I'm not sure how successful they all are as you have DISers all over the resort all month long and haven't really used one before.

 

[TaraPA]

That's great to know, Tara I hadn't even thought of this until just now, but our plan is to get in nice and early and then take some time to enjoy the parks and/or DTD. The luggage issue hadn't even occurred to me because in the past we've used Magical Express to get everything to the room...not the case this time!

BTW, we are not too far from you geographically - we're outside Philly in King of Prussia. Also, though I grew up in Jersey, my parents live in the Lehigh Valley (Macungie)! March is never a possibility for us due to my job, but hopefully you'll be able to find some DISers and have fun. I believe that technically there is a meetup thread for every month, though I'm not sure how successful they all are as you have DISers all over the resort all month long and haven't really used one before.

Small world - my parents live in Macungie too - in a 55+ community & they love it! I'm about 35-40 min. north of KOP - and just 10 min. west of the NJ border (between P-burg & Milford). DH works in Newtown Square, south of KOP.

My 1st trip in March is actually with the greatest bunch of ladies - we all met here on the DIS about 5 years ago. We're all from PA & go to WDW once or twice a year together! The 2nd trip (just 7 days after the 1st one ends!) is with the family. DH is at The Dolphin for a conference so we thought we'd tag along & let his company pay for the room!

 

[Mackie Mouse]

Small world - my parents live in Macungie too - in a 55+ community & they love it! I'm about 35-40 min. north of KOP - and just 10 min. west of the NJ border (between P-burg & Milford). DH works in Newtown Square, south of KOP.

My 1st trip in March is actually with the greatest bunch of ladies - we all met here on the DIS about 5 years ago. We're all from PA & go to WDW once or twice a year together! The 2nd trip (just 7 days after the 1st one ends!) is with the family. DH is at The Dolphin for a conference so we thought we'd tag along & let his company pay for the room!

I am PMing you....I am pretty sure our parents are neighbors! Talk about a small world!!

 

[mikegood2]

mikegood2 - absolutely they will hold your luggage for you if you have a later flight. We've done this many times. If you're not going to a park there's always DTD, or the mini golf place across from The Swan. If you don't have a lot of time, The Grotto Pool is a great place to relax & have a drink or snack, or take a stroll on The Boardwalk. If you like to walk, you could walk the loop around The Boardwalk, past BC & YC & back to S/D. Personally, I'd be stoping at Beaches & Cream at BC for some ice cream on that walk!

Thanks TaraPA, thought they did, but wanted to make sure. More info I can use to try to convince my brother into the 5:10 pm flight. It's funny I was also thinking DTD and mini golf were the best choices. I'm leaning towards mini golf, because I have memories of playing it anytime we visited my grandparent in Florida when I was a kid. Also, my niece has never played before, so it would be kinda nice to keep my Florida mini golf tradition alive.

As said before, I fly out of Milwaukee and my flight to MCO is always early AM, flight home is always late. Gives me 2 extra days there. And if you make make AT reservations now and prices drop, you get a credit. I just got a $30 credit a few days ago on my departure flight that I made some weeks ago.

Thanks Dan, I agree with the get there early, leave later technique. It's my brother that I need to convince. He doesn't like either time, but thinks the earlier time will be better for the girls. I see it as 8 hours lost at Disney World. Also, I have no problem using Milwaukee but know that my brother wouldn't.

How does the AT reservation credit work? Will they automatically do it, or would I just keep tracks of the prices and contact them if they drop? Also, how do you get your tickets? Throught AT site or one of the online travel sites?

 

[rgrutland]

Hi all! I just booked the Dolphin for Spring Break...I know I am crazy for going to WDW during spring break, but I am just going to go with an open mind and not feel pressed to ride on every ride...

So I have a question, is there anywhere in the hotel where they have microwaves for use to hotel guests? A lot of the Disney resorts have a microwave for use in the eateries, but I haven't seen anything about the Dolphin. I don't know if I would be able to bring a small one for use in my room, probably not so I am trying to figure out an alternative!!

Thank you!!

 

[blondietink]

Yes, they will hold your luggage for you with no problem.

 

[Dan Murphy]

.....Thanks Dan, I agree with the get there early, leave later technique. It's my brother that I need to convince. He doesn't like either time, but thinks the earlier time will be better for the girls. I see it as 8 hours lost at Disney World. Also, I have no problem using Milwaukee but know that my brother wouldn't.

How does the AT reservation credit work? Will they automatically do it, or would I just keep tracks of the prices and contact them if they drop? Also, how do you get your tickets? Throught AT site or one of the online travel sites?

How about if you use the more desirable Milwaukee and your brother uses the less desirable Midway?

AT does not automatically do it. Just check your fare as often as you want. If it is lower, call them, let them know the current fare is less that your booked fare. They will put the difference into a credit account, good for one year. If you have reserved seats, remind them so you don't lose them in the credit procedure.

I always get tickets on the airline site. Let's me do things like the above. If through a TA or travel site, I would imagine you would have one big headache, if even possible.

 

[TaraPA]

rgrutland - I do not recall ever seeing a microwave for guest use at the S/D but it never hurts to call & ask.

I have a question for anyone that's been there recently - are the toiletries still Shine by Bliss?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Microwaves are not available for guest use. I called and asked about a month ago for somebody whom I was helping plan a trip there.

 

[NancyIL]

Hey is anyone going to be there in March? I have 2 ressies in March, one at Swan, one at Dolphin, and it would be nice to say hello to some fellow DIS-ers!

I'll be at the Swan March 3-9 with a friend after a Disney Dream cruise!

Are you the Tara who had the Universe of Energy meet last October? If so - I was there, but didn't know who I was supposed to be looking for, so went inside when the ride opened.

 

[TaraPA]

I'll be at the Swan March 3-9 with a friend after a Disney Dream cruise!

Are you the Tara who had the Universe of Energy meet last October? If so - I was there, but didn't know who I was supposed to be looking for, so went inside when the ride opened.

Oh my Lord Nancy YES that was me!! I was with the DIS girls on our fall trip - I will try & post a picture of us outside the ride waiting for the meet (that fell apart!)

I don't arrive until 3/12 so we will miss each other!

 

[mikegood2]

How about if you use the more desirable Milwaukee and your brother uses the less desirable Midway?

AT does not automatically do it. Just check your fare as often as you want. If it is lower, call them, let them know the current fare is less that your booked fare. They will put the difference into a credit account, good for one year. If you have reserved seats, remind them so you don't lose them in the credit procedure.

I always get tickets on the airline site. Let's me do things like the above. If through a TA or travel site, I would imagine you would have one big headache, if even possible.

Still an option, but I think it would be easier if we all went together. Also, last time I checked the flights from Milwaukee were running around $100 more per person. I gotta talk to my brother tonight or tomorrow, and I think I may have enough info to persuade him into the later flight.

Thanks for the info about the credit, will keep an eye on the prices after we book. When you say they will put the difference into a credit account, good for one year, do you mean credit for a future flight, or refund you the money for that flight?

 

[Beka]

I have a question for anyone that's been there recently - are the toiletries still Shine by Bliss?

It was in October. Brought back plenty

 

[NancyIL]

Oh my Lord Nancy YES that was me!! I was with the DIS girls on our fall trip - I will try & post a picture of us outside the ride waiting for the meet (that fell apart!)

I don't arrive until 3/12 so we will miss each other!

Too bad I will just miss you...again!

 

[Dan Murphy]

......When you say they will put the difference into a credit account, good for one year, do you mean credit for a future flight, or refund you the money for that flight?

You wind up with a credit balance in your AT account online. You can use for future flights, seating, baggage, upgrades, whatever. No refunds, only credits.

 

[funforfive]

I was just able to add the first day of our vacation to my Dolphin resort stay Now a few questions...I have a car booked for the day we check out to the end of our trip, how much is a cab/car to get us to the Dolphin from the airport?? I could book a rental for the entire time we're there for about $50 more, but then I have to pay parking at the resort.

Second...I asked about the fridge...the reservation agent said it was empty(not minibar for purchase) is this right??..I've read different things. She also said a rollaway was no charge since it was for a child...Is this right??

It's 9 degrees outside here...Dreaming of warm weather

 

[TaraPA]

Yay FunForFive!

I almost always use a cab to/from S/D and MCO. It's $65 one way.

The fridges are definitely empty. They used to be pre-filled as a mini-bar type option where you had to pay housekeeping to empty it for personal use. That has been discontinued.

I don't know the answer to the rollaway question. I requested a rollaway for a 2BR Executive Suite at The Swan & they said it was $25 a night - they didn't even ask if it was for an adult or child. If you have the name of the person you spoke with take it with you. If they charge you for the rollaway tell them that you were told otherwise by XYZ & I'm sure they will be able to help you.

It's going down to 10 degrees here tonight with wind chills below zero....I feel your pain!

 

[TaraPA]

It was in October. Brought back plenty

Thanks for the reply!

I know I'm in the minority but I really don't like the Shine by Bliss products - I much preferred it when they used Bath & Body Works Cocunut Lime Verbena!!!

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks for the reply!

I know I'm in the minority but I really don't like the Shine by Bliss products - I much preferred it when they used Bath & Body Works Cocunut Lime Verbena!!!

Same here, and I still miss the almond bar soap from before B&BW .

 

[Dan Murphy]

I miss the oatmeal ones.