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

[TaraPA]

I read on the sticky that you can get Disney Tickets at the Dolphin.
Does anyone know if this is regular price or discounted rate?
Am I better off buying online somewhere?

Tickets purchased at Swan or Dolphin are regular Disney price. They have an actual Disney Ticket Desk to purchase them at.

 

[Tess]

Hello,

If we get to S/D and our room isn't ready....can bell services refrigerate any food that is perishable? We are planning on stopping at the grocery store on our way from the airport to S/D.

Thank you!!

They offered to do that for us. We had grocery items when we checked in and the bell services attendant told us he would take care of refrigerating it. We didn't get the opportunity to test it though since our room was ready before he could stow our items.

 

[N_Phoenix]

Tickets purchased at Swan or Dolphin are regular Disney price. They have an actual Disney Ticket Desk to purchase them at.

If I remember correctly, since this is a Disney desk you can't charge them to your room/hotel.

 

[jnfr2424]

We will be checking into a 1 Br Exec Suite this Friday night. Do you have any pictures of the room? Was the the King Murphy bed comfortable? We are planning to put our kids in the 2 double beds and take the King for ourselves
We got a AAA rate of $302 plus tax & resort fee

That's the same rate we had it for and I booked it way back in March I will post a picture of the Murphy Bed later this evening And yes the king size bed is a heavenly bed my family wanted to take it home!
Have a great time

Does anyone know the dates for the food and wine classic for next year (2012). We went on Sat night this year and even though they had to move it inside we had a great time. I am anxious to plan for next year. Thanks for any info.

we have been both years and was told its always Columbus Day weekend (Friday and Saturday) I book the room for next year the day I leave so I am already booked for next year!

 

[Tess]

I book the room for next year the day I leave so I am already booked for next year!

I wish we would have done that before we left. We came home and tried to book and Dolphin continues to show no availability from 9/29-10/6/12. The Swan is available, but the rates are a good bit higher than we paid this year at Dolphin.

 

[TaraPA]

Here is the pic of our parlor room with the Murphy Bed from our Executive Suite. According to all the info compiled on this thread, all of the suites are set up a little differently from one another, and the configuration of sleeping arrangements can vary.

 

[Northwoods]

Here is the pic of our parlor room with the Murphy Bed from our Executive Suite. According to all the info compiled on this thread, all of the suites are set up a little differently from one another, and the configuration of sleeping arrangements can vary.

Thanks!

 

[jnfr2424]

Here's the king size Murphy Bed in the Parlor
Our room looked just like Tara's picture just no dining table

 

[Aliceacc]

OK, so here's the story:

I'm giving some thought to changing our reservations from the Beach Club to the Swan/Dolphin. I haven't said anything to my husband or the kids yet; I want to do my research first.

The Beach Club, for 7 nights with no discount, would run $2920 for one room.
Swan/Dolphin, with the teacher discount, would run $1988 for two rooms
(the family suites at All Star Music would run $1453 )

I haven't looked into the suites yet, though I suspect they would run more than 2 rooms.

My kids will be disappointed to miss Stormalong bay, but the pool at the Swan/Dolphin looks really nice too. And I'm not sure I want to pay an extra $700 for a difference in pools.

How long is the walk to Epcot? And how's bus service in general?
Which of the two-- Swan or Dolphin-- do you prefer? Why?

Any other tidbits you want to throw into the mix?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Distances and times...

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

Bus service is great, never a problem on many trips.

I prefer the Swan, smaller, quieter. With kids though, the Dolphin may be better. More of the things are there, larger resort. 24 hour Picabu, ice cream restaurant, laundry. Pool is equidistant to both hotels.

You will love it. So will the kids. The pool is fabulous.

 

[LexiC123]

OK, so here's the story:

I'm giving some thought to changing our reservations from the Beach Club to the Swan/Dolphin. I haven't said anything to my husband or the kids yet; I want to do my research first.

The Beach Club, for 7 nights with no discount, would run $2920 for one room.
Swan/Dolphin, with the teacher discount, would run $1988 for two rooms
(the family suites at All Star Music would run $1453 )

I haven't looked into the suites yet, though I suspect they would run more than 2 rooms.

My kids will be disappointed to miss Stormalong bay, but the pool at the Swan/Dolphin looks really nice too. And I'm not sure I want to pay an extra $700 for a difference in pools.

How long is the walk to Epcot? And how's bus service in general?
Which of the two-- Swan or Dolphin-- do you prefer? Why?

Any other tidbits you want to throw into the mix?

That's a huge difference in price! I think you'd have to be spending a whole lotta time at the pool to make that worthwhile.

Hope you don't mind a re-run...here's the answer to a similar question from earlier this year:

Wow, those pictures are fabulous!!!

So, Swan and Dophin people, a few more questions (Yeah, I'm sure they've already been answered-- sorry!!!!)

-Which do you prefer: Swan or Dolphin, and why?
- Do you mind the whole "no transportation to the front of Epcot"thing? We're rope drop people, who want to get out TestTrack fastpasses then get to Soarin' ASAP. Is it a pain to enter through the international gateway?

- How far a walk is it to Epcot?

-Tell me about the pool.

This is something I want to explore.

I like the Swan, because I like that it's smaller, and quicker to get around. The general consensus is that families, for the most part, prefer the Dolphin, because it's a little more lively, and because of its close proximity to the grotto and kiddie pool, the arcade, laundry, and the quick service food option (Picabu's).

Room-wise, the Swan's standard rooms are slightly bigger than the Dolphin's. The Swan has two queen beds; the Dolphin double beds. But they seem to be a bit larger than your standard double bed, so the difference between the two bed sizes is not that great. Also, the Swan has a Hollywood bath...a second sink/vanity in the bathroom itself, along with a sink/vanity outside the bathroom. The Dolphin only has the one sink/vanity, outside the bathroom.

Of course, the rooms differences won't really matter if you're in a suite...

Re: rope drop, for the most part, when we've headed to Epcot early, the CMs have allowed the crowds to enter through International Gateway, walk through England and Canada in WS, and into the rose gardens that are along the pathway between WS and FW. It might take you a little bit longer to get to Test Track, but you'll only be seconds behind the crowds heading to Soarin'. Again, that has been my experience, when we travel in September...it could be different for people who go at other times of the year.

The walk to Epcot is 15-20 mins, tops. Then again, I walk slow, LOL.

Here's the dish on the pools, which I shamelessly cut and pasted from the first page of this thread..

There are 5 pools:
~ a grotto pool with tropical waterfall and water slide
~ two lap pools, one closer to the Dolphin, the other nearer to the Swan
~ a spring pool
~ a kiddie pool

There are also four whirlpools. Always good to know!

There are two poolside restaurants, which can be found near the Dolphin and Swan lap pools, respectively.

Activities include:
~ Water volleyball
~ Electric boat rentals
~ Staff supervised pool games
~ Two sand volleyball courts
~ Basketball hoops
~ Ping Pong Tables
~ Giant Checkers Game

You can rent/buy the following at the Cabana Beach Hut, located by the Dolphin Spring Pool:

Tube and raft rentals
Electric boat rentals
Skin care products
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Complimentary life vests
Beach towels (Can be checked out with your room key)
Volleyballs (Available in the Health Clubs)
Basketballs (Available in the Health Clubs)
Note: All Sporting Equipment is available in Health Club(s).

Oh...and did I mention the hammocks?

They really are great properties. I can't believe it took me as long as it did to realize that. But now I'm hooked!

PS- the walk to Epcot is approx 10-15 minutes, depending on how fast you walk. I've found the bus service to be good...it usually stops at the Boardwalk first, then Swan, then Dolphin. Takes approx 10-15 mins to the MK, 20 to AK. The bus to DTD...not so great. Takes about an hour, stopping at Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Yacht, Beach and Typhoon Lagoon! On the bright side, it's a good way to squeeze in a nap!

Oh, and two more big plusses: Starbucks in the room, and the Heavenly beds.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[NancyC1000]

OK, so here's the story:

I'm giving some thought to changing our reservations from the Beach Club to the Swan/Dolphin. I haven't said anything to my husband or the kids yet; I want to do my research first.

The Beach Club, for 7 nights with no discount, would run $2920 for one room.
Swan/Dolphin, with the teacher discount, would run $1988 for two rooms
(the family suites at All Star Music would run $1453 )

I haven't looked into the suites yet, though I suspect they would run more than 2 rooms.

My kids will be disappointed to miss Stormalong bay, but the pool at the Swan/Dolphin looks really nice too. And I'm not sure I want to pay an extra $700 for a difference in pools.

How long is the walk to Epcot? And how's bus service in general?
Which of the two-- Swan or Dolphin-- do you prefer? Why?

Any other tidbits you want to throw into the mix?

We love the BC and I could not tear my kids away from SAB when we have stayed there in the past so I know how you feel. We also really love the Dolphin and my kids now love the Grotto pool. Years ago when I started pricing out the difference between the BC and the S/D (i qualify for teacher's rate) I just could not justify the pretty huge difference in price between the two and we have been staying at the Dolphin for about 10 years and have never looked backed! You get the same Epcot location at the S/D as you would at the YC/BC. Also, the S/D has a basketball court and volleyball court and the pool at the Dolphin has a slide. The Swan pool is more of a lap pool. We prefer the Dolphin over the Swan but would gladly stay at the Swan any time - we usually end up getting a slightly better rate at the Dolphin. Hope this helps.

 

[diskids2]

I was in the same boat...reluctance to switch to S/D over a Disney hotel for the same reasons...kids, pool, disney feel, conventions, etc. I finally made the switch due to the huge price difference (we qualify for a gov't rate). We have stayed at the Dolphin many many times since then. You really won't be sorry. Good luck with your decision.

 

[gumbo1009]

OK, so here's the story:

I'm giving some thought to changing our reservations from the Beach Club to the Swan/Dolphin. I haven't said anything to my husband or the kids yet; I want to do my research first.

The Beach Club, for 7 nights with no discount, would run $2920 for one room.
Swan/Dolphin, with the teacher discount, would run $1988 for two rooms
(the family suites at All Star Music would run $1453 )

BTW, instead of assuming the teacher rate is the best rate, do try Orbitz for the S/D - I got a great rate ($95/night), topping all the discounted rates I had heard about. Orbitz may not *always* have the better rate, but it can't hurt to check!

 

[sarmat1]

I see that there are easy walks from S/D to both Epcot and DHS. My question is for MK. If somebody didn't want to wait for bus, is it possible to walk to Epcot Intl Gateway and then to the Epcot/MK monorail and hop the monorail to MK? I'm not looking to go into Epcot (no park hoppers), just around it to get to the monorail at the front entrance. Would seem like total distance is about a mile which is around a 25 minute total walk from hotel if allowed. Can it be done without entering Epcot?

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I see that there are easy walks from S/D to both Epcot and DHS. My question is for MK. If somebody didn't want to wait for bus, is it possible to walk to Epcot Intl Gateway and then to the Epcot/MK monorail and hop the monorail to MK? I'm not looking to go into Epcot (no park hoppers), just around it to get to the monorail at the front entrance. Would seem like total distance is about a mile which is around a 25 minute total walk from hotel if allowed. Can it be done without entering Epcot?

No. Going through the IG requires a walk through the park to the front where the monorail is, so park hoppers would be needed. There is not another way to the "front" of EPCOT from the EPCOT resorts.

Great thread everyone! I am contemplating a stay at the Dolphin in June if the AP rates for YC/BC aren't competitive. Swan/Dolphin's rack rate is WAY better than rack at YC/BC. Just hope we don't miss SAB too much

 

[jnfr2424]

No. Going through the IG requires a walk through the park to the front where the monorail is, so park hoppers would be needed. There is not another way to the "front" of EPCOT from the EPCOT resorts.

Great thread everyone! I am contemplating a stay at the Dolphin in June if the AP rates for YC/BC aren't competitive. Swan/Dolphin's rack rate is WAY better than rack at YC/BC. Just hope we don't miss SAB too much

FYI call Swan/Dolphin for their AP rates (1/2 off rack rates) as well its not online you have to call and mention you are an AP holder

 

[Aliceacc]

OK, some more questions to throw into the mix:

1. I think I read somewhere that my Dolphin deposit is non-refundable. Is that true?

2. I spoke to the Dolphin yesterday and got a great rate on their Deluxe Alcove. It sleeps 6. Is the Deluxe alcove at the Swan as big?

According to the numbers I got yesterday, I can save $900 by switching my room from BC to the Swan-- and get a bigger room. Pull out the money I'll have to spend to get from MCO to the resort, and it's still a nice chunk of money.

My husband is inclined to just leave our reservations at the BC. I keep saying to myself: "But it's NINE HUNDRED DOLLARS more!!!!"


I really do want to thank you guys for your patience and information. I sincerely appreciate it.

 

[LexiC123]

OK, some more questions to throw into the mix:

1. I think I read somewhere that my Dolphin deposit is non-refundable. Is that true?

2. I spoke to the Dolphin yesterday and got a great rate on their Deluxe Alcove. It sleeps 6. Is the Deluxe alcove at the Swan as big?

According to the numbers I got yesterday, I can save $900 by switching my room from BC to the Swan-- and get a bigger room. Pull out the money I'll have to spend to get from MCO to the resort, and it's still a nice chunk of money.

My husband is inclined to just leave our reservations at the BC. I keep saying to myself: "But it's NINE HUNDRED DOLLARS more!!!!"


I really do want to thank you guys for your patience and information. I sincerely appreciate it.

Good mornng, Aliceacc...

Only some rates are non-refundable. For example, right now there's Sunsational Savings promotion offered on the S/D offers page that has to be fully pre-paid and there's a one night penalty if you cancel. Other rates - like the Starpicks rates offered on the SPG website - are also fully prepaid and are completely non-refundable.

But the other discounts - AAA, teachers, nurses, government, military - only require a one night deposit and are fully refundable.

I haven't stayed in a Dolphin alcove room, but I have stayed in a Swan deluxe alcove. There was lots of space...besides the sleeping area, there was a sitting area with the desk and a table for four. The configuration we had was one king bed and a sleeper sofa, so it only slept 4. Perhaps other configurations have 2 queen beds and the sleeper sofa, which would accommodate 6 people. I guess you'd have to clarify that with reservations when booking.

I could see not wanting to change if the difference was just a few dollars a night, but $900 will cover several park hopper passes, or lots and lots of meals. Definitely something to consider!

 

[nancy drew]

I read elsewhere that the Swan/Dolphin do not use Magical Express bus service to/from the airport. Do they have their own shuttle? What is the cost of transportation to the Swan from the airport? Thanks!