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

[Aliceacc]

I'm working on planning a trip for summer 2012.

We're a family of 5. My son is too big for a cot.

As teachers, the Swan and Dolphin offer an amazing deal. It would mean giving up a meal plan, but most certainly is worth considering.

My question (well, THIS question anyway) is this: what accomodations exist at the Swan/Dophin for larger families? Would we just get connecting rooms? or would a suite of some sort make better sense? Has anyone here taken advantage of the teacher discount-- do you know whether they have a discount of some sort on the suites?

Anyone want to give me any ideas?

I keep saying we'll just SAVE and go to the Poly. Then I think of $385 a night (NOW, before this summer's rate increases) and the Swan/Dolphin discount keeps calling my name.

Thanks so much for any guidance you can offer!!

 

[mikegood2]

I'm working on planning a trip for summer 2012.

We're a family of 5. My son is too big for a cot.

As teachers, the Swan and Dolphin offer an amazing deal. It would mean giving up a meal plan, but most certainly is worth considering.

My question (well, THIS question anyway) is this: what accomodations exist at the Swan/Dophin for larger families? Would we just get connecting rooms? or would a suite of some sort make better sense? Has anyone here taken advantage of the teacher discount-- do you know whether they have a discount of some sort on the suites?

Anyone want to give me any ideas?

I keep saying we'll just SAVE and go to the Poly. Then I think of $385 a night (NOW, before this summer's rate increases) and the Swan/Dolphin discount keeps calling my name.

Thanks so much for any guidance you can offer!!

Hey Aliceacc,

We were in a similar situation as you are. We have a party of 5, 3 adults and 2 children (4-1/2 and 1-1/2) and were planning on getting 2 adjoining rooms. When I called the s/d to check on availability of their stay connected offer, they suggested an executive suite. After a little more looking around we ended up selecting a Dolphin executive suite, with a teachers discount for $309 a night (pre tax). Our trip is scheduled for June 15 - 22.

The suites basically have a 480+ Square foot parlor area, with wet bar, sico (murphy) bed, sleeper sofa, etc., 2 bathrooms and an attached standard room. The suites vary from the Swan and the Dolphin. Here's some more info on the executive suites. TaraPA, posted photos, from a trip she just got back from, of a Swan executive suite two pages back if you want to take a look.

Also, it never hurts to call back multiple times if your looking to book. Prices can very from call to call.

 

[Aliceacc]

Hey Aliceacc,

We were in a similar situation as you are. We have a party of 5, 3 adults and 2 children (4-1/2 and 1-1/2) and were planning on getting 2 adjoining rooms. When I called the s/d to check on availability of their stay connected offer, they suggested an executive suite. After a little more looking around we ended up selecting a Dolphin executive suite, with a teachers discount for $309 a night (pre tax). Our trip is scheduled for June 15 - 22.

The suites basically have a 480+ Square foot parlor area, with wet bar, sico (murphy) bed, sleeper sofa, etc., 2 bathrooms and an attached standard room. The suites vary from the Swan and the Dolphin. Here's some more info on the executive suites. TaraPA, posted photos, from a trip she just got back from, of a Swan executive suite two pages back if you want to take a look.

Also, it never hurts to call back multiple times if your looking to book. Prices can very from call to call.

Hmmmm.....

A Garden room at the Contemporary would be $285 in August (Of course, I'm pricing for this year, since rates aren't out for next year.)

I wonder if the Executive Suite deal would be cheaper during Disney's Value Season?

I'm still a million miles away from booking.

Thanks for the food for thought! Have a marvelous trip!!

 

[Aliceacc]

Wow, those pictures are fabulous!!!

So, Swan and Dophin people, a few more questions (Yeah, I'm sure they've already been answered-- sorry!!!!)

-Which do you prefer: Swan or Dolphin, and why?
- Do you mind the whole "no transportation to the front of Epcot"thing? We're rope drop people, who want to get out TestTrack fastpasses then get to Soarin' ASAP. Is it a pain to enter through the international gateway?

- How far a walk is it to Epcot?

-Tell me about the pool.

This is something I want to explore.

 

[LexiC123]

Hmmmm.....

A Garden room at the Contemporary would be $285 in August (Of course, I'm pricing for this year, since rates aren't out for next year.)

I wonder if the Executive Suite deal would be cheaper during Disney's Value Season?

I'm still a million miles away from booking.

Thanks for the food for thought! Have a marvelous trip!!

Hey there from a fellow Long Islander!

I just plugged in some random August dates with the AAA rate, which is usually in the ballpark of the teacher discount, and came up with a rate of $287.10 for an Executive Suite at the Dolphin...$332.99 with taxes and fees. Comparable in price to the Contemporary, but you'll have a lot more room and two bathrooms.

 

[LexiC123]

Wow, those pictures are fabulous!!!

So, Swan and Dophin people, a few more questions (Yeah, I'm sure they've already been answered-- sorry!!!!)

-Which do you prefer: Swan or Dolphin, and why?
- Do you mind the whole "no transportation to the front of Epcot"thing? We're rope drop people, who want to get out TestTrack fastpasses then get to Soarin' ASAP. Is it a pain to enter through the international gateway?

- How far a walk is it to Epcot?

-Tell me about the pool.

This is something I want to explore.

I like the Swan, because I like that it's smaller, and quicker to get around. The general consensus is that families, for the most part, prefer the Dolphin, because it's a little more lively, and because of its close proximity to the grotto and kiddie pool, the arcade, laundry, and the quick service food option (Picabu's).

Room-wise, the Swan's standard rooms are slightly bigger than the Dolphin's. The Swan has two queen beds; the Dolphin double beds. But they seem to be a bit larger than your standard double bed, so the difference between the two bed sizes is not that great. Also, the Swan has a Hollywood bath...a second sink/vanity in the bathroom itself, along with a sink/vanity outside the bathroom. The Dolphin only has the one sink/vanity, outside the bathroom.

Of course, the rooms differences won't really matter if you're in a suite...

Re: rope drop, for the most part, when we've headed to Epcot early, the CMs have allowed the crowds to enter through International Gateway, walk through England and Canada in WS, and into the rose gardens that are along the pathway between WS and FW. It might take you a little bit longer to get to Test Track, but you'll only be seconds behind the crowds heading to Soarin'. Again, that has been my experience, when we travel in September...it could be different for people who go at other times of the year.

The walk to Epcot is 15-20 mins, tops. Then again, I walk slow, LOL.

Here's the dish on the pools, which I shamelessly cut and pasted from the first page of this thread..

There are 5 pools:
~ a grotto pool with tropical waterfall and water slide
~ two lap pools, one closer to the Dolphin, the other nearer to the Swan
~ a spring pool
~ a kiddie pool

There are also four whirlpools. Always good to know!

There are two poolside restaurants, which can be found near the Dolphin and Swan lap pools, respectively.

Activities include:
~ Water volleyball
~ Electric boat rentals
~ Staff supervised pool games
~ Two sand volleyball courts
~ Basketball hoops
~ Ping Pong Tables
~ Giant Checkers Game

You can rent/buy the following at the Cabana Beach Hut, located by the Dolphin Spring Pool:

Tube and raft rentals
Electric boat rentals
Skin care products
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Complimentary life vests
Beach towels (Can be checked out with your room key)
Volleyballs (Available in the Health Clubs)
Basketballs (Available in the Health Clubs)
Note: All Sporting Equipment is available in Health Club(s).

Oh...and did I mention the hammocks?

They really are great properties. I can't believe it took me as long as it did to realize that. But now I'm hooked!

 

[lissiesmum]

I was just looking at random to see if there were any rooms left during our vacation week and I noticed the rates have gone up since I booked. I have a great discount with my teacher discount, plus the trick or treat discount I got on top of that. If the rates go up, do you pay what they are now, or what you were quoted when you made your reservation?

 

[SRUAlmn]

This is all such great info! We just recently started researching the Swan and Dolphin a little more. We stayed at the BWI 2 summers ago and are totally in love with that area, but our wallets can't afford it this year. The Swan and Dolphin seem like a perfect way to stay deluxe for a better price and in a great area!

I saw a PP post different rates for teachers. My whole family is actually made up of teachers, but I haven't found where you can search dates and room categories with the teacher rate. I've only found a chart that lists a general $159, $169, $179, etc... depending on the month of the year. I did, however, research some of the other deals available on the website now and they seemed to be better deals than the teacher rate for the summer. Is that the case? Thanks

 

[LexiC123]

I was just looking at random to see if there were any rooms left during our vacation week and I noticed the rates have gone up since I booked. I have a great discount with my teacher discount, plus the trick or treat discount I got on top of that. If the rates go up, do you pay what they are now, or what you were quoted when you made your reservation?

Rest easy...as long as you've made a deposit on the room you have booked, you're locked into that rate.

 

[LexiC123]

This is all such great info! We just recently started researching the Swan and Dolphin a little more. We stayed at the BWI 2 summers ago and are totally in love with that area, but our wallets can't afford it this year. The Swan and Dolphin seem like a perfect way to stay deluxe for a better price and in a great area!

I saw a PP post different rates for teachers. My whole family is actually made up of teachers, but I haven't found where you can search dates and room categories with the teacher rate. I've only found a chart that lists a general $159, $169, $179, etc... depending on the month of the year. I did, however, research some of the other deals available on the website now and they seemed to be better deals than the teacher rate for the summer. Is that the case? Thanks

I'm pretty sure you have to call for the teacher rate, although it might be similar to the government rate that is available on the S/D websites. In general, those rates are much better than the standard rates the property offers, but from time-to-time, there are other discounts out there that are even better than the teacher/government rate.

Two years ago, for example, I had a AAA rate of $99/night at the Dolphin. Last year, I was lucky enough to find a $116/night rate for the Swan. So far this year, the best I can do for late October is a AAA rate of $161 at the Swan...which is $61/night cheaper than the 40% off rate I have booked at the BC, but not as good as I'd hoped it would be.

You really need to keep checking back...the S/D frequently comes out with great specials, especially when you're 30-45 days out from your reservation. At least they have in the past. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will again, this year.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Thank you so much! I'll check the government rates on the website to get a general idea and I'll keep checking back again and again!! I have no life, so I can do that

 

[Dan Murphy]

Make sure to check the rates in the banner ad at top of forum......

http://www.swandolphin.com/offers/

And the newsletter.

http://www.swandolphin.com/signup/index.html

The recipe club always has great deals.

 

[Shercara]

HI Everyone!

We are 180 Days out TODAY for my 50th Birthday - just Hubby and Me - Trip to WDW!!!!

We booked our Swan Ressie through Starwoods - from 9/14 - 9/20

I wanted to book all my ADR today - but when calling WDW DINE - I am told my ressie is not in their system - and I could only book ADRs for 9/14 - and I will have to call back each day to make the other days ressies.

I even tried to book my ressie for 9/14 on line and it won't let me.

I understand I booked through SPG - and even though the WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN is on Disney property - they are NOT one in the same, and their systems are not linked - BUT - It would be NICE if SPG could figure out a way to get our SPG ressie into the WDW system so it would be recognized.

I can't believe no one else has had this experience or complaint - the CMs I spoke to at WDW and the concierge at S/D were VERY nice and tried to help, but it was like this is the first time anyone has every had this issue?????

Any comments/help/tips - ??? I really want to book the Calif Grill on the 15th and hope the ressies aren't taken by folks that are staying "on property" and beat me to it! LOL!!

Thanks,
Sherri

 

[RachelTori]

Sherri: Sorry, there is no way around it (at least that I've found ) but if it's any consolation, you are going at a "quieter" time and I don't think you'll have any problems booking CA Grill. Recently, I've been able to book it at around 3 months out (and during a historically busy time - Spring Break!!). I'd suggest getting online first thing the morning you are able to book for that day and you should be fine.

 

[LexiC123]

HI Everyone!

We are 180 Days out TODAY for my 50th Birthday - just Hubby and Me - Trip to WDW!!!!

We booked our Swan Ressie through Starwoods - from 9/14 - 9/20

I wanted to book all my ADR today - but when calling WDW DINE - I am told my ressie is not in their system - and I could only book ADRs for 9/14 - and I will have to call back each day to make the other days ressies.

I even tried to book my ressie for 9/14 on line and it won't let me.

I understand I booked through SPG - and even though the WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN is on Disney property - they are NOT one in the same, and their systems are not linked - BUT - It would be NICE if SPG could figure out a way to get our SPG ressie into the WDW system so it would be recognized.

I can't believe no one else has had this experience or complaint - the CMs I spoke to at WDW and the concierge at S/D were VERY nice and tried to help, but it was like this is the first time anyone has every had this issue?????

Any comments/help/tips - ??? I really want to book the Calif Grill on the 15th and hope the ressies aren't taken by folks that are staying "on property" and beat me to it! LOL!!

Thanks,
Sherri

How exciting! I celebrated my 50th at the Swan last year (mine is Sept. 18th), and it was absolutely wonderful. Be sure to let them know what you're celebrating, because you might just find a little special something in your room at some point.

It's true that guests of the S/D are not eligible for the 180+10 benefit when booking ADRs - you have to either call/go on line each day, or wait until it's 180 days from the last day of your trip.

You should, however, be able to go on line today and book a restaurant. I just booked a reservation at the Flying Fish (which I will now go back and cancel) for September 14th, and my trip isn't until the end of October. You might have experienced a technical glitch, because it did take me two tries to put the reservation through.

Also, even if you can't get a reservation on the 15th on your first try, keep checking back, as people change their minds and cancel all the time.

Best of luck to you...and Happy Birthday!

 

[kevallen]

Thanks for the link to the newsletter! I didn't know that existed!

 

[lissiesmum]

Rest easy...as long as you've made a deposit on the room you have booked, you're locked into that rate.

Thank you so much I'm go glad!

 

[jnfr2424]

I just got off the phone with the Dolphin.... We are going in October for Halloween and F&W (as well as the one at S & D)
We had a family meeting and instead of doing a split stay at BLT and Dolphin we are all staying at the Dolphin for the week.(yay!!) Now in all the years we have been staying at the Dolphin, we are going to be staying in an Grand Suite!
Ok I need help from my Swan/Dolphin family where are these rooms located and should I be requesting to stay in a certain area? The rep was very vague on the phone stating that there might be a balcony (I prefer a balcony as I sit in the morning with tea and my iPad or laptop indulging in the surroundings!!!) Does anyone have picutres of what these rooms look like as the website was too generic for me! I also had a choice of an Executive what is the difference?
I might need a quick trip or something before October because the sheer excitement is enough to hurt me!


Sidebar: TaraPA I just saw your photos- and that was an Executive suite correct?

Jenn

 

[lissiesmum]

I keep checking the swandolphin website to see what Easter activities they will have around the resort and they haven't posted anything, so I called today and got some great information! The festivities will begin on Friday and go all the way through Sunday night: Here's some of the highlights: Campfire on the beach with smores kits nightly, glow in the dark easter egg hunt on Friday night, then two beach easter egg hunts on Easter Sunday, Easter bunny will deliver a basket to your room, glow in the dark volleyball, and of course pool activities, hair wraps/braids, arts and crafts, etc. 33 more days to go! If anyone wants specific days and times of the event, I'll be happy to post with more info.

 

[kevallen]

I just got off the phone with the Dolphin.... We are going in October for Halloween and F&W (as well as the one at S & D)
We had a family meeting and instead of doing a split stay at BLT and Dolphin we are all staying at the Dolphin for the week.(yay!!) Now in all the years we have been staying at the Dolphin, we are going to be staying in an Grand Suite!
Ok I need help from my Swan/Dolphin family where are these rooms located and should I be requesting to stay in a certain area? The rep was very vague on the phone stating that there might be a balcony (I prefer a balcony as I sit in the morning with tea and my iPad or laptop indulging in the surroundings!!!) Does anyone have picutres of what these rooms look like as the website was too generic for me! I also had a choice of an Executive what is the difference?
I might need a quick trip or something before October because the sheer excitement is enough to hurt me!


Sidebar: TaraPA I just saw your photos- and that was an Executive suite correct?

Jenn

What are the Food and Wine activities at the Swan and Dolphin? This is the first I've heard of it and I'm excited because we're going to be there during the F & W festival and staying at the Dolphin!