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

[LexiC123]

So we are staying at the Dolphin on our next trip . We normally stay at Pop, but after walking around on our last trip, dh and I loved the idea of being able to walk to DHS and Epcot. I priced out YC/BC and Dolphin and with the nursing discount, dh said we could stay at the Dolphin.

Having always stayed in "Disney" resorts I have a few questions:

1. Is there a coffee pot in the room? If not, is there a decent place to get coffee? Do they use the same nasty coffee as the rest of Disney?
Yes, there are coffee pots in the room...with Starbucks coffee!
There are also lids for the cups, if you want to take your beverage with you.

2. Reading through the last 10 pages or so, someone mentioned refillable mugs. Are these the different than the refillable mugs at Pop?
The S/D mugs are different, in that they are not adorned with Disney characters and can only be refilled on the premises of the Swan and Dolphin.

Here's a photo:

3. Any specific room requests? We will just be paying for a regular room, not preferred views or balcony.
I would just ask for the best room they have available. If you're celebrating something special, definitely mention that...historically, they've been very good about upgrading rooms, upon availability. Other than that, I think requesting a room on a high floor in the center part of the building might lessen the chances of a less-than-desirable view.

4. Will I miss the *Disney* feeling of staying at Pop?
You didn't mention if you were traveling with children or not, but the S/D definitely has a more adult feel to it than Pop. There are no hidden Mickeys in the bedspreads or Disney soaps in the bathroom. That said, there are tons of childrens activities around the resort, and the gift shops in both hotels carry Disney merchandise. And the Disney TV information station is also carried by the hotels...with Stacey in all her glory!

5. How are the buses to MK and AK?
Personally, I think they're very good...they run frequently, averaging 15 min to the MK and 20 min to AK...and I've never had a problem getting on during the day. The route usually goes Boardwalk-Swan-Dolphin.

6. What would be the preferred way to get from MCO to the hotel. I know we won't be able to use ME. Cab? Mears? Car service?
Mears is a good option, and the most economical. I believe it's $21 each way, $34 round trip. A town car is also a good option for a family...averaging $104 R/T, plus tip. That also includes meeting you in the airport, luggage assistance and a grocery stop.

TIA, can't wait for our next trip and our first stay at the Dolphin .

Emily

Hi Emily...welcome to the thread! I answered your questions, in red, above.

If you have a chance, flip your way back through the pages on this thread and I think you'll get an idea of why we're such fans of the S/D. The first page also has lots of great info.

Happy planning!

 

[NancyC1000]

Thank you for posting a picture of the refillable mug! Going next month to the Dolphin and can't wait. Thanks Again!

 

[diskids2]

Are you speaking of the West Elevators?- I usually stay on the West side and that is one of our many reasons why the elevators take you straight down to Picabu's!

Dan GREAT photos - I will be just missing you on your next trip!

Yes...I finally got information on them about a page back. I can see why that would be a reason to request the west wing. The PP also said the central elevator bank was right there as well.

 

[cuddlykp]

Has anyone had trouble getting reservations at The Garden Grove for breakfast? I am trying to book for November and no luck. I was usuing the open table site. Maybe I should just call the hotel directly?

 

[LexiC123]

Has anyone had trouble getting reservations at The Garden Grove for breakfast? I am trying to book for November and no luck. I was usuing the open table site. Maybe I should just call the hotel directly?

Why don't you try booking it online, on the WDW Dining Site.

 

[cuddlykp]

I did try booking it online at WDWDining and it said no available tables. Like I said they don't take reservations for breakfast only dinner. I called them directly and that's what they told me.

I just wish instead of saying "no available tables" they put "no reservations needed", would make so much more sense!

 

[Lex33]

Just returned from a 7 1/2 day stay at the Dolphin. We left early because of Irene. Fortunately, we will be getting a refund for the last day even though we left at 4:00. Anyway, here are my thoughts and observations:

The complex is very large. If you prefer to be closer to the pool, ask for a room in the west wing. Our first room was in the east wing with a resort view (from an upgrade,) but the room and the refrigerator had a really foul odor. Lost my view when we switched, but I liked the west wing better. The room itself was fine. Space is a little tight if you plan on spending a lot of time in your room. A bonus is having the sink separate from the shower area. Starbucks coffee and a few tea bags are provided with a small hot pot. Wasted on me since I don't drink either. It would be nice if the frig was a little bigger.

The pool area is great. Get there early if you want to be in the shade. Plenty of towels available, too and please when it starts to thunder and lightening don't tell your kids that the safest place to be is in the pool because it can't hurt you. Yes, that did happen.

Don't forget your AAA card to get 20% off at the dining locations. We used it quite a few times at Picabu and Fountains. IMO Picabu is just okay. Nothing fancy. Suitable for salads which are very large and grab and go items. Not too crazy about the service charge, though. Exactly what is the premise behind the charge? The ice cream is tasty! I used a restaurant.com certificate one night at the Garden Grill. I'm not sure I would return again. It was fun to see Goofy and Pluto. They visited our table a few times because the restaurant was empty. The "free" water bottles came in very handy. It was nice not to have to buy water in the parks.

The gym is also very nice. Not your typical hotel gym with only 2 or 3 pieces of equipment. I am assuming that the Swan gym is also very nice.

Commuting to the parks was very manageable. We did a combination of walking, bus, ferry and driving. I have to say though, I prefer driving over taking the bus. Disney shuttles are not for me. The Dolphin is a perfect location if you are going to spend time at Epcot or HS. It is very hot though, walking in August.

Sad to say, I did do laundry once. Very clean laundry room close to the gym with lots of machines. $2 each for the washer and dryer and $1 for detergent. I thought that was very reasonable. I was done in the hour while I was at the gym.

Self parking is a bit of a hike from the rooms, but for me having a car is still worth it.

Before we left, I was concerned about the conference that was at the Swan while we were there, but I never saw any really crowded areas.

Would I stay at the Dolphin again? Probably, if I could get a great rate like I did this time. I booked through Travelocity for the first time with my Amex card. With the refunded night and resort/parking fee it was $825. The rate came with a $100 resort credit. I chose not to have the room cleaned every day which gave me $5 off a food purchase or 500 SPG points. I chose the food credit since it will take me a long time to accrue enough points for hotel stays. The hotel applied the unused credit to the resort fee.

All in all, very fun trip and good memories. Maybe next time I will try the Swan.

Any questions?

 

[Rora]

Hi there! Does anyone know if there are any conferences/events to be aware of at the Swan/Dolphin around Christmas time?

I'm trying to help my DCousin plan her wedding for December 22, 2012 and we wanted to find out if there could be any potential schedule conflicts with conferences, etc.

TIA!

 

[chell]

Hi there! Does anyone know if there are any conferences/events to be aware of at the Swan/Dolphin around Christmas time?

I'm trying to help my DCousin plan her wedding for December 22, 2012 and we wanted to find out if there could be any potential schedule conflicts with conferences, etc.

TIA!

What a wonderful time and place to get married!

I've been wondering where you can find the info for conferences and events too.

 

[NancyC1000]

Just returned from a 7 1/2 day stay at the Dolphin. We left early because of Irene. Fortunately, we will be getting a refund for the last day even though we left at 4:00. Anyway, here are my thoughts and observations:

The complex is very large. If you prefer to be closer to the pool, ask for a room in the west wing. Our first room was in the east wing with a resort view (from an upgrade,) but the room and the refrigerator had a really foul odor. Lost my view when we switched, but I liked the west wing better. The room itself was fine. Space is a little tight if you plan on spending a lot of time in your room. A bonus is having the sink separate from the shower area. Starbucks coffee and a few tea bags are provided with a small hot pot. Wasted on me since I don't drink either. It would be nice if the frig was a little bigger.

The pool area is great. Get there early if you want to be in the shade. Plenty of towels available, too and please when it starts to thunder and lightening don't tell your kids that the safest place to be is in the pool because it can't hurt you. Yes, that did happen.

Don't forget your AAA card to get 20% off at the dining locations. We used it quite a few times at Picabu and Fountains. IMO Picabu is just okay. Nothing fancy. Suitable for salads which are very large and grab and go items. Not too crazy about the service charge, though. Exactly what is the premise behind the charge? The ice cream is tasty! I used a restaurant.com certificate one night at the Garden Grill. I'm not sure I would return again. It was fun to see Goofy and Pluto. They visited our table a few times because the restaurant was empty. The "free" water bottles came in very handy. It was nice not to have to buy water in the parks.

The gym is also very nice. Not your typical hotel gym with only 2 or 3 pieces of equipment. I am assuming that the Swan gym is also very nice.

Commuting to the parks was very manageable. We did a combination of walking, bus, ferry and driving. I have to say though, I prefer driving over taking the bus. Disney shuttles are not for me. The Dolphin is a perfect location if you are going to spend time at Epcot or HS. It is very hot though, walking in August.

Sad to say, I did do laundry once. Very clean laundry room close to the gym with lots of machines. $2 each for the washer and dryer and $1 for detergent. I thought that was very reasonable. I was done in the hour while I was at the gym.

Self parking is a bit of a hike from the rooms, but for me having a car is still worth it.

Before we left, I was concerned about the conference that was at the Swan while we were there, but I never saw any really crowded areas.

Would I stay at the Dolphin again? Probably, if I could get a great rate like I did this time. I booked through Travelocity for the first time with my Amex card. With the refunded night and resort/parking fee it was $825. The rate came with a $100 resort credit. I chose not to have the room cleaned every day which gave me $5 off a food purchase or 500 SPG points. I chose the food credit since it will take me a long time to accrue enough points for hotel stays. The hotel applied the unused credit to the resort fee.

All in all, very fun trip and good memories. Maybe next time I will try the Swan.

Any questions?

Thanks for all the information. It has been two years since we stayed at the Dolphin and I forgot about a lot of things and your post was very helpful. I am glad you enjoyed your stay. I think you got a GREAT rate and I agree with you about the laundry room, it is very clean. I do have one question about the AAA 20% discount at Picabu, do you know is that discount just for food or can you use it on non-food items?

 

[bumblebt5]

Hi! Everyone here has posted such great information! I've spent WAY too much time reading it all! My DH and I will be staying at the Swan from 9/17-9/23 - it will be our first Disney trip together (I haven't been since I was 9, and that was...awhile ago) and our first time at the Swan. We have a traditional room w/ limited view booked right now.

I've read many posts on here about how good S/D cast members are about upgrading rooms. Will they upgrade you automatically (if it's available) or do you have to ask? I'm a huge pansy about asking for stuff like that. I never know how to ask it without sounding like a jerk.

 

[LexiC123]

Hi! Everyone here has posted such great information! I've spent WAY too much time reading it all! My DH and I will be staying at the Swan from 9/17-9/23 - it will be our first Disney trip together (I haven't been since I was 9, and that was...awhile ago) and our first time at the Swan. We have a traditional room w/ limited view booked right now.

I've read many posts on here about how good S/D cast members are about upgrading rooms. Will they upgrade you automatically (if it's available) or do you have to ask? I'm a huge pansy about asking for stuff like that. I never know how to ask it without sounding like a jerk.

There's no such thing as spending too much time reading about Disney, LOL. Welcome to the thread, and to the DISboards, bumblebt5!

September is historically a slow month, so there should be decent availability for an upgraded room. If you're not comfortable asking for an upgrade in person, at check-in, you can try emailing them before your trip. Mention how excited you are about staying at the Swan for the first time, that you haven't been to Disney in X number of years and that whatever consideration they could give to assigning you an extra-special room would be greatly appreciated.

There's no guarantees, of course, but if the rooms are available, most likely you'll get a response a few days before you go, as to whether or not your room has been upgraded.

Info@swandolphin.com is the email address I usually use.

Best of luck getting your requests!

 

[cuddlykp]

Hey bumblebt5, I am a huge pansy about asking for stuff as well, lol. But I am going to take a chance and ask for a certain room number before we go in November. You know what they say, the worse anyone can say is no so ask away!

Have a great trip!

 

[twinkletoes919]

Hi everyone! This is our first time ever staying at S/D. We are a family of 5 adults and i called reservation line to see what they may have other then 1 room with a rollaway. They offered us a hospitality suite for 324.00 a night. Has anyone ever stayed in one or have any good info about this. Just trying to make the right choice. Thanks for any help you may have. Any pictures would be awesome!

 

[roydavid7771]

Hey Folks,

Anyone know if there are any conferences or conventions going on from October 10th-15th? I have a deluxe alcove booked at the Swan for then, and I just want to know if there's a chance I may be able to upgrade when I check in. I am an SPG Gold member, and I wouldn't ask for an upgrade if I wasn't prepared to pay for it. Just would like to know if there's going to be availability then. Have a great holiday!

 

[saxman]

What a wonderful time and place to get married!

I've been wondering where you can find the info for conferences and events too.

I've looked and looked but I can't find conference schedules anywhere. Please, someone that's smarter than me tell me where to find this info.

 

[Tltorrez]

I've looked and looked but I can't find conference schedules anywhere. Please, someone that's smarter than me tell me where to find this info.

EasyWDW has it but I don't know how far out it goes.

 

[NancyC1000]

Hey Folks,

Anyone know if there are any conferences or conventions going on from October 10th-15th? I have a deluxe alcove booked at the Swan for then, and I just want to know if there's a chance I may be able to upgrade when I check in. I am an SPG Gold member, and I wouldn't ask for an upgrade if I wasn't prepared to pay for it. Just would like to know if there's going to be availability then. Have a great holiday!

The Gartner Conference is October 16-20. They use the S/D, YC/BC and Boardwalk for rooms and their meeting rooms/seminars/booth displays in the past have been at the Dolphin and BC. I have not been to this conference in several years, so this information may have changed. Hope this helps.

 

[bumblebt5]

There's no such thing as spending too much time reading about Disney, LOL. Welcome to the thread, and to the DISboards, bumblebt5!

September is historically a slow month, so there should be decent availability for an upgraded room. If you're not comfortable asking for an upgrade in person, at check-in, you can try emailing them before your trip. Mention how excited you are about staying at the Swan for the first time, that you haven't been to Disney in X number of years and that whatever consideration they could give to assigning you an extra-special room would be greatly appreciated.

There's no guarantees, of course, but if the rooms are available, most likely you'll get a response a few days before you go, as to whether or not your room has been upgraded.

Best of luck getting your requests!

How did I forget about email?! That's a great idea. I just emailed them, so we'll see what happens! Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi! Everyone here has posted such great information! I've spent WAY too much time reading it all! My DH and I will be staying at the Swan from 9/17-9/23 - it will be our first Disney trip together (I haven't been since I was 9, and that was...awhile ago) and our first time at the Swan. We have a traditional room w/ limited view booked right now.

I've read many posts on here about how good S/D cast members are about upgrading rooms. Will they upgrade you automatically (if it's available) or do you have to ask? I'm a huge pansy about asking for stuff like that. I never know how to ask it without sounding like a jerk.

Welcome to the dis, bumblebt5.

You can also do requests here.......

http://www.swandolphinconcierge.com/public/login.cfm