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

[SunnyDey]

We are staying at the Swan & Dolphin for a convention my DH has to attend from November 13-18. We are going down there early to get in some park time with DH before he attends the conference. We were planning on staying at the Swan & Dolpin that Friday-Sunday before the conference, but it is sold out. We will probably end up staying at one of the Disney moderate resorts since I have a discount code, and there is still availability. Does anyone know if Disney will transfer our bags over to the Swan & Dolphin? I know it isn't a Disney property, but wondered if they ever did this as a courtesy. If so, how do you go about arranging it? If not, does anyone know an easy way to get our bags to the Dolphin? Lugging them on the buses is an option, I am sure, but it doesn't sound fun.

 

[ScoJo15]

We are staying at the Swan & Dolphin for a convention my DH has to attend from November 13-18. We are going down there early to get in some park time with DH before he attends the conference. We were planning on staying at the Swan & Dolpin that Friday-Sunday before the conference, but it is sold out. We will probably end up staying at one of the Disney moderate resorts since I have a discount code, and there is still availability. Does anyone know if Disney will transfer our bags over to the Swan & Dolphin? I know it isn't a Disney property, but wondered if they ever did this as a courtesy. If so, how do you go about arranging it? If not, does anyone know an easy way to get our bags to the Dolphin? Lugging them on the buses is an option, I am sure, but it doesn't sound fun.

According to a cast member info guide (from a different site):

Luggage transportation is complimentary between all resorts and hotels on Disney property, both Disney owned and official hotels. For the safety of all of our Guests and Cast, Disney does not allow Guests to transport luggage on Walt Disney World Motorcoaches.

So I believe you'll have no problem with bell services getting your luggage from the Disney moderate to the Swan/Dolphin. Probably best to confirm this with the moderate once you choose it just so you'll have a solid answer.

And remember if they do transfer luggage, it's usually not available at your destination resort until after 2pm/3pm.

The best bet if you don't use this service is to take a taxi and move the luggage that way.

Hope this helps

 

[SunnyDey]

According to a cast member info guide (from a different site):

Luggage transportation is complimentary between all resorts and hotels on Disney property, both Disney owned and official hotels. For the safety of all of our Guests and Cast, Disney does not allow Guests to transport luggage on Walt Disney World Motorcoaches.

So I believe you'll have no problem with bell services getting your luggage from the Disney moderate to the Swan/Dolphin. Probably best to confirm this with the moderate once you choose it just so you'll have a solid answer.

And remember if they do transfer luggage, it's usually not available at your destination resort until after 2pm/3pm.

The best bet if you don't use this service is to take a taxi and move the luggage that way.

Hope this helps

Thank you! We will ask about the luggage transfer, and if for some reason, it does not work out we will go the taxi route.

 

[nessz79]

Thanks for posting the review, ScoJo15!

 

[cuddlykp]

I don't really get to pick a 'view' with the rate I book (I don't think, at least), which is the "TROOPS" rate, since I'm in the Air Force. I was more interested in getting a particular room type (deluxe alcove) vs. view.

geez, you would think someone who is fighting for your country (I'm Canadian, as to why I say your) would get a decent room!

This is why I will pay extra for an upgrade, I don't care if it costs more!

 

[cuddlykp]

I just booked the Dolphin at the 159 rate (for limited view/no balcony) for a total of 1336 for 7 nights. I think this is a great deal. My question is, would you pay an extra $50 a night for a resort view w balcony? I really would like a balcony since we have 2 kids. I can call and change it, not sure what to do. We are starwood preferred plus so it is possible (but not guarenteed) that we can get upgraded. WWYD?

Yep I definitely would! I always live by the "you get what you pay for" rule.

 

[macbitt]

I've been planning a Disney trip for Feb 4-11, staying at the Dolphin. I had been holding off on booking a room since the post rates were $199 and I know rates dropped as low as $129 for the end of summer, so I figured a rate drop would come as we got closer to the date given our dates are during value season.

Doing my semi-regular rate check my heart fell when both the Dolphin and Swan came up as unavailable for my dates. Turns out Feb 8-9 are both sold out at the Dolphin. A Google search found several conventions going on that week at the resort.

I called Starwood customer service and had a rep who was fantastic. The bad news is this rooms are gone, though she agreed with my thinking that there is a chance of cancelations opening those date up briefly. The good news is she worked with me and got me booked for the available nights I wanted at good rates (averages out to the same $199 rate I was trying to avoid), given they are refundable rates compared to the discount non-refundable rates I usually do.

So lesson learned: value season doesn't guarantee discount because conventions like value season, too. Book early, book often

I do have a question for the Swan & Dolphin vets. Has anyone else had a similar experience, and if so were you able to secure rooms eventually? Any tricks other than religiously checking the web site for availability?

I'll be looking at alternatives, of course. With the Disney hotel discount recently announced I can get a nice room at the Wilderness Lodge for a few bucks less than what the Dolphin + airport transportation will cost me. The Starwood points still make Dolphin a better deal for me, but at least I'm not out in the cold.

My dates are fairly inflexible for this trip because it is a surprise (that's right, I can't even vent to her) anniversary trip and our anniversary is on the 8th, one of the nights sold out.

 

[vicb]

geez, you would think someone who is fighting for your country (I'm Canadian, as to why I say your) would get a decent room!

This is why I will pay extra for an upgrade, I don't care if it costs more!

Agree on both points.

Thanks for posting the review, ScoJo15!

Agree with this as well. The review and photos were great. I would be very happy to get that room on my trip as I have also booked a king, resort view.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Yep I definitely would! I always live by the "you get what you pay for" rule.

I hear you. Do any of the balcony rooms have a horrible view???

 

[disadventurer]

Yes, the resort and parking fees are separate. The resort fee is $12/day and I believe the parking fee is $11/day for self-park and $18/day for valet, but we never rent a car, so can't say from personal experience.

Some room numbers and corresponding views can be found on the previous page, and also on the Swan/Dolphin Picture Thread. Of course, the views depend on what category room you've booked...a resort view with balcony will be in one of the 'wings' of the Dolphin and your view will be of other parts of the Dolphin and/or looking across at the Swan.

As for a humid room, obviously it happens occasionally. My only suggestion is to let the hotel know immediately if you're unhappy with the room. Check the A/C, the bathroom, dresser drawers, closet, safe, bedding. If it's not to your liking, it's been my experience that they will do everything they can to accommodate your requests.

Thanks for the view information--we're very excited and really look forward to something different this time. Really appreciate the heads up

 

[disadventurer]

No car, no parking fee. But here are the fees if one does park.....

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

Thanks so much for the transportation link. Great info.

Also, nice photos found by clicking on your ticker--thanks for sharing

In addition, my DD19 goes to school out in Aurora. First time ever been to that part of the country. She loves it and loves the Chicago area. Definitely different than Connecticut--fun downtown. Have to challenge my DH to a game of mini-golf downtown--looks like a fun time!!

Thanks again.

 

[diskids2]

I just booked the Dolphin at the 159 rate (for limited view/no balcony) for a total of 1336 for 7 nights. I think this is a great deal. My question is, would you pay an extra $50 a night for a resort view w balcony? I really would like a balcony since we have 2 kids. I can call and change it, not sure what to do. We are starwood preferred plus so it is possible (but not guarenteed) that we can get upgraded. WWYD?

We pay extra for the Alcove rooms which give us more room. One time, I paid for the balcony Epcot view. We watched Illuminations once during the visit and I don't think I went out on the balcony once after that.

But that is me and my family.....if you think you will use the view and/or balcony, then I would upgrade ahead of time as you might not get upgraded when you arrive. If it's not that big of a deal to you, then I'd take a chance on the upgrade.

Have a great trip!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I just booked the Dolphin at the 159 rate (for limited view/no balcony) for a total of 1336 for 7 nights. I think this is a great deal. My question is, would you pay an extra $50 a night for a resort view w balcony? I really would like a balcony since we have 2 kids. I can call and change it, not sure what to do. We are starwood preferred plus so it is possible (but not guarenteed) that we can get upgraded. WWYD?

Also keep in mind the balconies are very small. I would say maybe 3 or 4 feet by maybe 6 or 7 feet. Barely enough room to stand on with the two small chairs and small table that are usually on them.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Also keep in mind the balconies are very small. I would say maybe 3 or 4 feet by maybe 6 or 7 feet. Barely enough room to stand on with the two small chairs and small table that are usually on them.

Are they like the Wilderness Lodge balconies? Does anyone know?

If you don't have a balcony do you have a window that you cab open for freah air???

Thanks!

 

[hotmailop963]

MOM POPPINS，Thanks for the new thread！ it's really useful for many people.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Well, the thought of no balcony really started to bother me so I upgraded to Balcony w/Resort View! It costs more but I am happy with the decision. I think I would feel claustrophobic w/o a balcony. I need to be able to check the weather and I need to escape out to the balcony with my coffee in the morning and at night when the kids are sleeping I am excited now!

 

[collins316]

If you don't have a balcony do you have a window that you cab open for freah air???

Thanks!

My recent room, king bed, had the couch blocking the window. So we couldnt stand directly at the window to look out, unless we kneeled on the couch. No windows that could open.

 

[jnfr2424]

We checked in today in an Executive Suite I requested a high floor- we are on the 4th floor west wing the parlor has a Murphy bed and sofa and mini bar area plus we have an attached 2 double bed room I'll post pics later we are on our way to MNSSHP

 

[SingingMom]

We pay extra for the Alcove rooms which give us more room. One time, I paid for the balcony Epcot view. We watched Illuminations once during the visit and I don't think I went out on the balcony once after that.

But that is me and my family.....if you think you will use the view and/or balcony, then I would upgrade ahead of time as you might not get upgraded when you arrive. If it's not that big of a deal to you, then I'd take a chance on the upgrade.

Have a great trip!

Also keep in mind the balconies are very small. I would say maybe 3 or 4 feet by maybe 6 or 7 feet. Barely enough room to stand on with the two small chairs and small table that are usually on them.

Well, the thought of no balcony really started to bother me so I upgraded to Balcony w/Resort View! It costs more but I am happy with the decision. I think I would feel claustrophobic w/o a balcony. I need to be able to check the weather and I need to escape out to the balcony with my coffee in the morning and at night when the kids are sleeping I am excited now!

Yep, that's me! I'm one of those people that really enjoys having the balcony... I sit out there in the morning with my cup of tea and book while I wait for my slowpoke DH and DD to get ready..

 

[Mouseteacher]

Yep, that's me! I'm one of those people that really enjoys having the balcony... I sit out there in the morning with my cup of tea and book while I wait for my slowpoke DH and DD to get ready..

Yep! That's me, too, Singing Mom. We love having a balcony. I use it more than DH but he enjoys it. So, I don't take the chance of an upgrade and reserve a balcony room.