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

[becky11]

Hi there-few questions for you seasoned SD folks-
What's the best way to drive to the Dolphin from MCO? I always get turned around and end up going out the opposite from my directions!
What do you do if someone (DH) in your party snores? Hope for a balcony upgrade and make the offending party sleep out there? LOL
Thanks for all the advice, really appreciate it!
Phlip

Because I absolutely LOATHE I-4, *I* would take the south exit from MCO and take FL-417W and follow the signs to Epcot, and once on property, you'll follow the signs for Epcot resorts.

FL-417W is a toll road, and a pretty high toll road at that, but it's MUCH less traffic and in my opinion, WAY less confusing.

 

[AggieTexan]

It looks like DH and I won't be staying at the Dolphin in June after all. Our TA managed to upgrade us at the Boardwalk and get the 30% discount last week, so we're going to go ahead and stay there...I figure if the Disney discounts are drying up it my be my only opportunity! With the discount and being able to do the DDxDP, the two resorts were within less than $200 of each other by the time I figured in resort fees, food (signature restaurants) and taxes.

I'll still keep an eye on this thread, because with the teacher discount, I have a feeling the Dolphin will be in my future plans!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hi Belle - we will be at the Dolphin about the same time as you and also got the $129 rate. Over the months, since originally booking in Nov, and through the great posts from others, I was able to reduce our rate 3 times - teacher rate of $179 and Star Wars promotion rate of $149 (thanks Tara) and now the $129. Tara was correct, we just got lucky!!!
I hope you have a magical stay.

This will be the 10th yr staying at the Swan/Dolphin. Love it.

 

[SRUAlmn]

It looks like DH and I won't be staying at the Dolphin in June after all. Our TA managed to upgrade us at the Boardwalk and get the 30% discount last week, so we're going to go ahead and stay there...I figure if the Disney discounts are drying up it my be my only opportunity! With the discount and being able to do the DDxDP, the two resorts were within less than $200 of each other by the time I figured in resort fees, food (signature restaurants) and taxes.
I'll still keep an eye on this thread, because with the teacher discount, I have a feeling the Dolphin will be in my future plans!

That's what got us thinking otherwise too! The resort fees, parking fees, etc... I know it's still cheaper, but not as MUCH cheaper as I originally thought now that the Deluxes are 30% off.

 

[Dan Murphy]

It looks like DH and I won't be staying at the Dolphin in June after all. Our TA managed to upgrade us at the Boardwalk and get the 30% discount last week, so we're going to go ahead and stay there...I figure if the Disney discounts are drying up it my be my only opportunity! With the discount and being able to do the DDxDP, the two resorts were within less than $200 of each other by the time I figured in resort fees, food (signature restaurants) and taxes.

I'll still keep an eye on this thread, because with the teacher discount, I have a feeling the Dolphin will be in my future plans!

Don;t forget, if doing the S/D signature restaurants, either as a guest staying there, or visiting, try to use the TiW/AP discount or the www.restaurant.com discounts. If using the latter, make sure to do a Google search for further discounts on the GC price, typically 50-80%.

 

[PolyAddict]

For those of you with the $129 rate...

Where can i find that?

We check in May 29th with AAA rate of $169 (i think).

thanks

 

[PrincessMi517]

For those of you with the $129 rate...

Where can i find that?

We check in May 29th with AAA rate of $169 (i think).

thanks

Check travelocity, i booked mine last week Sunday, but i know it was for a limited time only. i check in 5/18 to 5/22

Are you a florida resident if so rates are 149 currently for Florida residents. However i know space is extremely limited in May according to some posters many days in May are sold out.

 

[PrincessMi517]

Don;t forget, if doing the S/D signature restaurants, either as a guest staying there, or visiting, try to use the TiW/AP discount If using the latter, make sure to do a Google search for further discounts on the GC price, typically 50-80%.

WOW THIS IS GREAT. I love this site and did not even think to check for Hotel Restaurants we are not getting the meal plan so this will def save us some money.


THANKS AGAIN!

 

[PolyAddict]

Check travelocity, i booked mine last week Sunday, but i know it was for a limited time only. i check in 5/18 to 5/22

Are you a florida resident if so rates are 149 currently for Florida residents. However i know space is extremely limited in May according to some posters many days in May are sold out.

thanks i will check it out..no sadly i don't live in Florida.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Current www.restaurant.com discounts codes


http://www.retailmenot.com/view/restaurant.com

 

[teacher31]

For those of you with the $129 rate...

Where can i find that?

We check in May 29th with AAA rate of $169 (i think).

thanks

I got the 129 rate. I saw it on the Sheraton site. I would suggest calling and ask for the pre-paid in full rate and specifically tell them you heard about the 129. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[lovingthemouse]

I also got the $129 rate - it was listed as a limited time offer, and when i checked back the other day, it was no longer offered on the Starwood Hotels site, but was still on Travelocity. Have not looked today.
Good luck to you.


Just checked Kayak - they still have the $129 rate for the Dolphin!!!!

 

[roydavid7771]

Here's a question.....do either the Swan or Dolphin have something equivalent to club level?

 

[lovingthemouse]

The Dolphin did, but I don't think they do any more.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Here's a question.....do either the Swan or Dolphin have something equivalent to club level?

Actually both did, but neither have club any longer.

 

[chell]

I'm actually going back on Easter! I originally booked 8 nights to get every last day out of my annual pass. Then I booked a cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale that departs midway through my WDW trip, so now I'll be at the Swan only 3 nights. I don't plan on returning again until December, but you never know.

Will you be there in May, Dan?

I'm there April 23-30. Maybe we'll run into each other! Well, I'm actually only at the Swan the 29th, but I'll be at the Boardwalk Villas until then.

 

[chell]

Current www.restaurant.com discounts codes


http://www.retailmenot.com/view/restaurant.com

Did you buy any Restaurant.com certificates? I did when they were $2 each. I've got them for Il Mulino, Garden Grove & Blue Zoo. I'll be having Easter Dinner with my family at Il Mulino. Then I'm going back one night with just my mom.

 

[PolyAddict]

I got the 129 rate. I saw it on the Sheraton site. I would suggest calling and ask for the pre-paid in full rate and specifically tell them you heard about the 129. Good luck and keep us posted!

I also got the $129 rate - it was listed as a limited time offer, and when i checked back the other day, it was no longer offered on the Starwood Hotels site, but was still on Travelocity. Have not looked today.
Good luck to you.


Just checked Kayak - they still have the $129 rate for the Dolphin!!!!

Thanks so much..still looking...

 

[Dan Murphy]

I'm there April 23-30. Maybe we'll run into each other! Well, I'm actually only at the Swan the 29th, but I'll be at the Boardwalk Villas until then.

Looks like I will miss you by a few days, Chell.

Did you buy any Restaurant.com certificates? I did when they were $2 each. I've got them for Il Mulino, Garden Grove & Blue Zoo. I'll be having Easter Dinner with my family at Il Mulino. Then I'm going back one night with just my mom.

Yes, I did, for each of the signatures, plus House of Blues also.

Have a great trip.

 

[cassiek]

going in 1 month exactly!!!

We are staying in the dolphin. Will probably do a lot of quick service there. Any recommendations in regards to the restaurants or selections? We will do one adult nite at Blue Zoo while DS in in the kids club.

Also how is the coffee they provide in the room? Sometimes I think the coffee packets for hotels make coffee flavored water rather than coffee! Need a good cup first thing in the am to get to rope drop!! Also, has anyone asked for an extra coffee maker in a standard room? DH will be much more tolerant of getting up for rope drop if I already have his coffee made!!

thanks to everyone for all your good advice!