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

[simonmunro]

I haven't been in several years but went sooooo many times while my son was growing up! I think there is an olympic type lap pool, the awesome grotto pool you see in all the photos, a tiny tot pool, and a 3 1/2 or 4 ft. Grade school type pool. All are near but with plenty of space. Seems like lifeguards were there til 10 or something then at your own risk.

 

[Music City Mama]

Is there a place that has tons of pool pictures? Is there a main pool with life guards? I thought there were several pools but how many have life guards? Is it good for young children? Is there a zero entry part? I simple slide or is it extreme? Thanks!

There is a S/D thread in the "Resorts Photos" subforum of this Resorts forum. You should be able to find pics there and on the swananddolphin.com website.

Basically, there is a lap pool at the Swan and a lap pool at the Dolphin. There is the large grotto pool (waterfall) -- a good-sized 3-4 foot pool next to the grotto pool -- it doesn't connect, but it's adjacent (I spent more time here because of my kids). A small kiddie/baby pool and several hot tubs. No zero entry. The only life guards are at the top of the slide and at the bottom of the slide (on chairs). The slide isn't steep at all, but it does loop around inside of the rocks (tunnel).

 

[Music City Mama]

Here is the view from my room on the 9th floor west:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...OaNHLloD28-HA/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/

I think you should be able to click on it to see the picture -- having a hard time posting it directly on here. Any tips? I'm using a Mac (and I'm used to using a PC -- and my pics are hosted on Shutterfly vs. PhotoBucket).

 

[kentburns]

I have a few questions... we will be at the dolphin 7/27-8/3/11 to celebrate our 19th anniversary. (honeymooned at Disney 19 years a go) That being said, I was wondering how I can add our celebration to our reservation? I booked through southwest vacations. Also, can we use our SPG points for food at the resort?
Another questions off subject...can't seem to figure out how to subscribe to a thread...used to be able to do on the thread tab, but the only options on the tab are to email or print the thread??
TIA

What a coincidence, my wife and I are going to Dolphin to celebrate our 19th anniversary in July and we had our honeymoon at WDW 19 years ago.

 

[permavac]

1. Laundry takes tokens -- there is a token machine in the laundry room. It only accepts bills ($1 and $5), but 1 token = 1 quarter. So $2 will get you 8 tokens -- which is how much it costs to do a load in the washer or dryer. Not sure why it just doesn't take quarters. I guess so you can use any extra tokens in the game room?

2a. Not sure about the tea -- don't drink it.
2b. In the room, they have powdered creamer -- at Picabu, they have the little tiny liquid creamer containers (took some up to the room because DH really likes the liquid stuff -- also took some Splenda for me since they only have sugar and Sweet 'n Low in the room).
2c. I doubt you'd get 20% off on the mug -- my only basis for saying this is because at Picabu, AAA members get 20% off of food items from the cafeteria line -- not pre-packaged food items or non-food items in the store. So, I can only assume the DVC discount would work the same.
2d. I didn't have the mug, but I did observe, and it really would not be an issue to fill up down there. Not a madhouse at all.

Thanks so much for answering my questions! I will plan on bringing singles and fives instead of the quarters. I will bring my own cream - glad I found out ahead of time! I think I'll give the mug a try and keep my fingers crossed it's still easy access while I'm there. Thanks again for the help!

Anyone know if the iced tea available at Picabu is Peak tea? Thanks in advance!

Terri

 

[P13]

What a coincidence, my wife and I are going to Dolphin to celebrate our 19th anniversary in July and we had our honeymoon at WDW 19 years ago.

Our anniversary is 8/1 This will be a 'bit' different than our honeymoon our DD (almost 16) & her friend will be with us this time around.
Hope you two have a wonderful time!!

 

[kentburns]

Ours is 8/15. We have a 16 and 14 year old. And the neat thing is, they will be at church camp, and DW and I will be at WDW without the kids this time. DD is not pleased with this, but we've taken them 5 times. DS is cool with it. Have fun

 

[cleophus12]

Thanks so much for your prompt reply about the a/c override. It worked perfectly and our room is a comfortable 63 degrees when we return after a 97 degree day in the parks.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks so much for your prompt reply about the a/c override. It worked perfectly and our room is a comfortable 63 degrees when we return after a 97 degree day in the parks.

 

[P13]

Ours is 8/15. We have a 16 and 14 year old. And the neat thing is, they will be at church camp, and DW and I will be at WDW without the kids this time. DD is not pleased with this, but we've taken them 5 times. DS is cool with it. Have fun

 

[macbitt]

Starwood is doing a Starpicks promotion at many properties, including Swan and Dolphin. For the next six weeks Dolphin is as low as $119/night, Swan $139/night.

starpicks.com

Just find the resorts on the Starpicks page and it'll enter the promo code for you, then tell you if your stay qualifies. If you are already booked and your stay would qualify then call Starwood to see if they can apply it to your reservation. No guarantee but doesn't hurt to ask.

There are restrictions so check out the Terms and Conditions section. The biggies are:

- Must book by Friday.
- Only for stays over the next 6 weeks.
- Doesn't include resort fee, parking, etc.
- Advance payment, non-refundable.

 

[MichiganMomto4]

Quick question I cant find the answer to: Does anyone know if there is a microwave in the Executive Suite at the Dolphin??

 

[Dan Murphy]

Starwood is doing a Starpicks promotion at many properties, including Swan and Dolphin. For the next six weeks Dolphin is as low as $119/night, Swan $139/night.

starpicks.com

Just find the resorts on the Starpicks page and it'll enter the promo code for you, then tell you if your stay qualifies. If you are already booked and your stay would qualify then call Starwood to see if they can apply it to your reservation. No guarantee but doesn't hurt to ask.

There are restrictions so check out the Terms and Conditions section. The biggies are:

- Must book by Friday.
- Only for stays over the next 6 weeks.
- Doesn't include resort fee, parking, etc.
- Advance payment, non-refundable.

Great rates, here is a working link...

http://www.starwoodpromos.com/starpicks/?EM=VTY_CORP_STARPICKS_STARPICKSNAD

And welcome to the dis, macbitt. After 10 posts you can do links.

 

[TaraPA]

Quick question I cant find the answer to: Does anyone know if there is a microwave in the Executive Suite at the Dolphin??

I'm guessing no. There wasn't one in our Executive Suite at The Swan & when I asked about one they said they are not available.

Isn't Mike in a Dolphin Executive Suite right now? MIKE?!?!?!?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I was told no microwaves in any guest rooms or suites in either hotel.

 

[Phlip]

Can I just say that I will never ever stay at a different hotel when I go to WDW?? LOVE the Dolphin. Can't find anything negative to say about this hotel. The rate is great, food, crowd control, restaurants, all fab. I will never stay at a Disney resort again, I'm a Dolphin convert-

 

[MichiganMomto4]

Thanks, Dan and Tara. That's a bummer - we were hoping to save some money and heat up easy macs for the kids.

 

[TaraPA]

Can I just say that I will never ever stay at a different hotel when I go to WDW?? LOVE the Dolphin. Can't find anything negative to say about this hotel. The rate is great, food, crowd control, restaurants, all fab. I will never stay at a Disney resort again, I'm a Dolphin convert-

LOL. We've converted another one!

We stay onsite now & then, but honestly, I miss "home" S/D when I'm there!

 

[kekee]

Hi,

I am looking forward to my first stay at the Dolpin in August. I have booked an Epcot fireworks view room but I am now second guessing myself. I wonder if a resort view witha balcony would be just as nice. I think I may like to have the option of sitting out on a balcony in the am/pm. Anybody have an opinion between the two. I don't want to pay additional to get the Epcot fireworks w/balcony so my options are either Epcot fireworks view or Resort view with balcony.

 

[Disney grandma]

The fireworks view would only be for a short time each evening. A balcony you could enjoy anytime!