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

[jnfr2424]

Has anyone heard anymore information about this years Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic? I know the dates but I was looking to find out about the seminars they are offering this year.

 

[Dan Murphy]

The resort fee was recently increased to $12.....

I guess I just got under the wire; I was paying $10 as recently as this past Tuesday.

Hey Dan, how was your trip? Hope you enjoyed your visit.

Trip was great, Mike, thanks for asking. The resort is as nice as always. Food was great, amenities, all the staff. Could not have asked for better. It was hot though, very hot. And on my Dec trip late last year, it was very cold, LOL.

 

[TaraPA]

Welcome back Dan, glad to hear you had another nice trip! Any new pics to post for us?

 

[mcever4]

So glad I found this thread! I am in the process of planning our May 2012 trip to Disney. I had planned on staying at POFQ, but prefer more of a deluxe resort. I have stayed at Disney properties several times, but never at the Swan or Dolphin. I like the transportation from the Swan and Dolphin to Epcot and HS and also the closeness to the Boardwalk. My question is, will I feel like I am at Disney at these resorts and get all the same benefits (other than the DP) that I would get at a Disney owned resort? The only thing that might prevent me from choosing the Swan or Dolphin is if Disney offered FREE DINING when we are planning to go! Our party will consist of me, DH, DD(3)at time of trip, and DS(15) at time of trip. Will this be a good resort for them as well? Thanks for any feedback!

Robin

 

[lovingthemouse]

One of these times Dan, we will be there at the same time again!!!!

A question about the resort fee, please. I have prepaid the Dolphin in order to get the $129. fee for our trip at the end of next week. Since it is prepaid, the resort fee should be the $10, correct? Did parking fees increase?

So looking forward to going back - especially after all your recent reports and pix.

 

[Disney grandma]

So glad I found this thread! I am in the process of planning our May 2012 trip to Disney. I had planned on staying at POFQ, but prefer more of a deluxe resort. I have stayed at Disney properties several times, but never at the Swan or Dolphin. I like the transportation from the Swan and Dolphin to Epcot and HS and also the closeness to the Boardwalk. My question is, will I feel like I am at Disney at these resorts and get all the same benefits (other than the DP) that I would get at a Disney owned resort? The only thing that might prevent me from choosing the Swan or Dolphin is if Disney offered FREE DINING when we are planning to go! Our party will consist of me, DH, DD(3)at time of trip, and DS(15) at time of trip. Will this be a good resort for them as well? Thanks for any feedback!

Robin

I think it will be a great resort for your family. Your children will love the beach and pool area. There is beach volleyball and a waterfall and slide in the pool. As far feeling like you are at a Disney resort, the boardwalk is right outside your door, as well as views of Epcot and HS. There is a themed Disney gift shop and a character breakfast at the Swan. Even without the dining plan, I would choose the Dolphin over a moderate.

 

[mikegood2]

So glad I found this thread! I am in the process of planning our May 2012 trip to Disney. I had planned on staying at POFQ, but prefer more of a deluxe resort. I have stayed at Disney properties several times, but never at the Swan or Dolphin. I like the transportation from the Swan and Dolphin to Epcot and HS and also the closeness to the Boardwalk. My question is, will I feel like I am at Disney at these resorts and get all the same benefits (other than the DP) that I would get at a Disney owned resort? The only thing that might prevent me from choosing the Swan or Dolphin is if Disney offered FREE DINING when we are planning to go! Our party will consist of me, DH, DD(3)at time of trip, and DS(15) at time of trip. Will this be a good resort for them as well? Thanks for any feedback!

Robin

Hey Robin, congrats on finding this thread. I found it in early January and have received allot of useful information from the people who help make this thread great. I have not stayed at the s/d,or any Disney Resort for that matter, but from everything I have learned on this thread I hope I can help answer a few of your questions.

As far as benefits go I think the only things you will miss is ME (plan on spending $120-$150 for transportation), free dinning, the ability to use your room key to charge items at the parks, and maybe a few of the added touches like your towels shaped like Mickey. You also may miss some of that Disney feel and theme that some of the Disney resorts offer, but I think most that stay at the s/d repeatedly do not feel that way. You also have a $12 a day resort fee but that will give you gym access, internet access and two bottles of water a day.

Benifits for the s/d:

• Cost: because they are competing against the Disney properties, you will get more bang for your buck
• Discounts: Special discounts for teachers, nurses, military or SPG members. Also some of the restaurants offer AAA discounts or you can get coupons from restaurants.com
• Rooms: Larger rooms with Heavenly beds. Also have affordable suite options
• Location: 15 minute walk to Epcot

I'm going with my brother, sister-in-law and 2 nieces (4-1/2 and 1 1/2). My brother and sil have stayed at PO a few times, it will be my nieces first visit, and I have not been back for 22 years. When we couldn't be guaranteed adjoining rooms at any of the Disney resorts the s/d was an easy choice. We ended up with an executive suite for $309 a night with a teaches discount. Two rooms at any of the moderate resorts would have run us $400+ and wouldn't be as convenient as a suite.

If you visit Disney on a semi-regualarly you could possibly do a split stay. They way you could book a few nights at a resort you are familiar with but also give the s/d a try

 

[mikegood2]

My ticker just reminded me that my vacation is exactly 1 month away.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome back Dan, glad to hear you had another nice trip! Any new pics to post for us?

Thanks, Tara.

I will. I took another nice walking stroll around the property, lots of good shots, I think.

One of these times Dan, we will be there at the same time again!!!!

A question about the resort fee, please. I have prepaid the Dolphin in order to get the $129. fee for our trip at the end of next week. Since it is prepaid, the resort fee should be the $10, correct? Did parking fees increase?

So looking forward to going back - especially after all your recent reports and pix.

We will for sure, Caroline.

Not sure about the resort fee. As I said, I paid $10, plus tax. Not sure when it became $12 plus, if before or during my visit.

I did pay $11 plus tax for parking.

Current fees referenced here.......

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

http://www.swandolphin.com/feedback/transportation.html

 

[mikegood2]

Hey Dan, slightly off topic but do you bring a tripod with you? If you do, what kind do you use and how do you pack it (carryon/checked).

 

[SingingMom]

11/15 is the sold out night. I am so hoping it opens up because that is the week we are looking to go. Good question you have though....I imagine their "walk" hotel would be the Swan but I could be wrong. How long ago did you book? I have only been trying the past few weeks but I am sure it will be much closer before a room opens up for me

Keep trying. I have had dates open up numerous times!

I am planning on my WDW vacation from November 6 to 12 this year.
Looking to stay at either Dolphin or Swan but not sure what's better for my situation. Hope you can help.
My wife and I are taking our kids with us 8 and 16.

What's better for us. Swan or Dolphin?

What is the best way to book for best discount. Online or telephone.


Thanks

I would stay at the Dolphin with an 8 and 16 year old. More options for food and kid-type entertainment - the grotto pool area has dj and pool games during peak times, etc.
Personally, I call the hotel directly for my reservations. I like to "talk it over" with a "live" person.

I'm having Dolphin withdrawal this year! After five Junes in a row at the Dolphin, we are skipping Disney this year.
Celebrating our 25th anniversary, so cruising to Bermuda instead. I am a little worried that I won't like this cruise line as much as 10 years ago on the Disney Magic, and I hope I don't miss my "heavenly bed" and my espresso martini on the comfy couches in the Dolphin lobby!!

 

[roydavid7771]

Well folks...

It's official, just booked our room at the Swan from October 8th-13th using points we received from having our reception at a Westin. Still have to figure out where we want to stay for the two remaining days we're planning on being there, but at least we can officially say "We're going to Disney World!"

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hey Dan, slightly off topic but do you bring a tripod with you? If you do, what kind do you use and how do you pack it (carryon/checked).

Hi Mike.

I use a Gorillapod, the SLR version.......

http://joby.com/gorillapod

I have taken it to the parks, just put it in my regular bag. I don't take it too often though. It works great. As for the plane, I put it in checked luggage.

Discounts if interested.....

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

 

[vicb]

I had to make an adjustment in our April 2012 trip by a couple of days and I decided to upgrade to a "resort view" over "limited view". The total extra cost was $165 over 6 nights. Some of those "limited view" room photos turned me off, not just the dumpster one but the ones of air conditioning units and the like. Used AAA rate of $224 per night.

Looking forward to first time staying at Dolphin even if it is going to be Easter week

 

[LexiC123]

Just came across a really good discount code for the folks who are planning to travel between May 17, 2011 and August 31, 2011: LINK HERE

The discount is on Travelocity...save 20% using Promo Code AMEX20H. It's good on all Travelocity "GoodBuy" hotels, which includes the Swan and Dolphin, as well as all of the Disney-owned resorts.

Here are the terms:

~Must be booked by May 31, 2011
~Qualifying purchase must be made with a valid American Express Card.
~Qualifying purchase means a three-night or longer GoodBuy Hotel stay which is offered on the Site during the Promotion Period.
~GoodBuy Hotel purchase requires a minimum spend of $800.​

Unfortunately, I can't take advantage of the promo, since I'm traveling in October, but just for fun, I priced out some August dates. Travelocity is offering the same Sunsational rates offered on the S/D site...6th night free + $100 food & beverage credit. With the additional 20% savings, a 6-night stay works out to $112/night! *This is inclusive of taxes, but not including the $12 per night resort fee.*

Here's the math:
Room: Traditional Room with 2 Double Beds Non Smoking (2 Adults)
6 Nights:
Sat, Aug 20.....$149.00
Sun, Aug 21.....$149.00
Mon, Aug 22.....$149.00
Tue, Aug 23.....$149.00
Wed, Aug 24.....$149.00
Thu, Aug 25.....FREE

Sum of Nightly Rates:.........................$745.00
Tax Recovery Charge & Service Fees:..+ $95.00

Total Before Savings:.........................$840.00
Less Promotional Code Savings............$168.00

Total for 1 Room:..............................$672.00

PS - just want to point out that this is a pre-paid, non-refundable rate. And in reading the Travelocity fine print, it's noted that "GoodBuy reservations are generally ineligible for hotel award points or airline mileage."

Still, it's an awesome rate. Hope someone can take advantage of it!

 

[TinkerBe11]

I am thinking about visiting the Mandara Spa on my next trip. Has anyone been there? Any services that can be recommended? Thanks!

 

[Beka]

I am thinking about visiting the Mandara Spa on my next trip. Has anyone been there? Any services that can be recommended? Thanks!

DH & I went in October. I had a facial (was in my 1st trimester so no massage allowed) & he had a massage. Both were great & we'd recommend either service.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Just came across a really good discount code for the folks who are planning to travel between May 17, 2011 and August 31, 2011.

The discount is on Travelocity...save 20% using Promo Code AMX20H. It's good on all Travelocity "GoodBuy" hotels, which includes the Swan and Dolphin, as well as all of the Disney-owned resorts.

Thanks!!! I just tried it, and it's saying "the promotional code you entered does not exist." Any idea why? Thanks again!!

 

[LexiC123]

Thanks!!! I just tried it, and it's saying "the promotional code you entered does not exist." Any idea why? Thanks again!!

Hmmm...maybe you have to link to it through the email I received from the American Express Network.

Try this link: http://ebm.email.amexnetwork.com/c/...Zi/doc.html?t_params=EMAIL=tnotti%40ymail.com

 

[SRUAlmn]

Hmmm...maybe you have to link to it through the email I received from the American Express Network.

Try this link: http://ebm.email.amexnetwork.com/c/...Zi/doc.html?t_params=EMAIL=tnotti%40ymail.com

Nope...hmm? It took me to all the same pages I went to before (after the inital AmEx page.) Not sure why, but I'll keep trying and searching. Thanks