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

[NancyIL]

So after years of reading the arguments both for and against the Swalphin, I decided to take a different approach in my review of our experience last weekend. Call it "Here's what I've read on the DIS about the Swan and Dolphin."

Love it - thanks!!!

 

[LexiC123]

So after years of reading the arguments both for and against the Swalphin, I decided to take a different approach in my review of our experience last weekend. Call it "Here's what I've read on the DIS about the Swan and Dolphin."

I think you've pretty much summed up the way the regulars of this thread feel. The S/D are not without their flaws, but the bottom line is that they're an incredible value when compared to deluxe Disney properties.

Well done....dude.

 

[NancyIL]

When it comes to the LOOKS of the Swan/Dolphin - I think they are quite attractive. Personally, I think the Contemporary and the Poly are U G L Y!

 

[jnfr2424]

So after years of reading the arguments both for and against the Swalphin, I decided to take a different approach in my review of our experience last weekend. Call it "Here's what I've read on the DIS about the Swan and Dolphin."

Great review
I never knew people complained about seeing the hotel from Epcot
So do they close their eyes when on EE or CiF too?

 

[deej696]

Great review
I never knew people complained about seeing the hotel from Epcot
So do they close their eyes when on EE or CiF too?

Of all the ones I listed, that's the one that stuck out the most in my mind having read around here. Truth be told, I had never noticed it before I came to the DIS. Now every time I'm in World Showcase I think about it

 

[Dan Murphy]

Nice, succinct review, Deej.

 

[almcg]

That's a great review and just makes me all the more excited for our stay at the Dolphin in July

 

[SideshowBob]

Great review
I never knew people complained about seeing the hotel from Epcot
So do they close their eyes when on EE or CiF too?

Too funny ... and as only building (Dolphin) that can be seen from all four theme parks, they can grouse from many angles.

 

[NancyIL]

I've heard people say that the Swan and Dolphin don't fit in with the theming of the other Epcot resorts. Too bad...the Swan and Dolphin were there first!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Too funny ... and as only building (Dolphin) that can be seen from all four theme parks, they can grouse from many angles.

I like that, I always know which way to go to get 'home'.

 

[NancyIL]

I like that, I always know which way to go to get 'home'.

Especially when driving along WDW's crazy roads!

 

[LBYC-19]

I'm happy to report yet another memorable stay at the Dolphin for our first mother/daughter Food and Wine Festival trip. We booked very late (our own fault) and finally rooms opened up after being told both Swan/Dolphin were booked solid over Veteran's weekend. We transferred over from CSR, and our luggage arrived as promised by 1 p.m. The front desk staff could not have been more pleasant. We were surprised to receive a room upgrade (Starwood) especially since we were grateful enough to even have a room. I had requested a low floor on the West side (our usual), and we were initially assigned the East Side. I politely asked if anything was available on the west side (not requesting any specific view), but the west side is so convenient to everything..lobby, exits, pool, restaurants, busses/boats.. and at that point we would have taken the dreaded "parking lot" view. We ended up on the 11th floor with the most incredible lakeside view (facing the Swan and walkway to the boats).

Every staff member went above and beyond to please. We opted for the green choice for Starwood points, but Housekeeping glady provided us w/extra towels, coffee, etc. We never waited long for boats and busses. The Cabana pool bar staff were so friendly and accommodating (take out menu was delicious, which we brought back to our room while getting ready to go out for the night).

There were no holiday decorations up yet at the Swan/Dolphin or Boardwalk. The Grand Floridian ginger bread house is a must-see visit! Osborne Family Christmas Lights at the Studios is truly amazing. Jelly Rolls is always a barrel of fun. The MK is newly decorated for Christmas along with thematic music. The characters at Animal Kingdom were dressed in Santa attire. I only used my refillable mug once for iced tea, but they didn't question whether the beverage in it was hot or cold.

Food and Wine Festival did not dissapoint once again. The parks were extremely crowded. My nephew works for Disney and said he hasn't seen the MK that packed since the 4th of July. It was also "Jersey week". Every tip we had ever read re: arriving at openings rang true. Because this was a last minute trip, we had no dining reservations. We didn't need them at the Boardwalk's Big River Grille- great food.

We took a Mears cab to the airport ($60) which afforded us extra time to enjoy our final day there as it had no other resort stops. I'll be happy to answer any questions!

 

[SingingMom]

S/D do not have ME nor do they have a shuttle service. We have used a town car service for all our stays at S/D. I love that that the driver is waiting for you and takes you right to your resort. No stops at other resorts.

....and don't forget the sign with your name on it ! so "VIP"!

Note to tea drinkers: Dolphin's standard in-room teabags are Tazo Earl Grey and Wild Sweet Orange. Swan's standard in-room teabags are Tazo Awake and Calm. And even if you use bottled water in the in-room coffeemakers, the residual coffee flavor always permeates into the tea. Blech.

I hear ya, ImprovGal! Seems like you can never get the "coffee" taste out of a coffee pot. (that's why I love my Keurig at home! ) I usually get a cup of tea to go at Boardwalk Bakery or Picabu's.

Too funny ... and as only building (Dolphin) that can be seen from all four theme parks, they can grouse from many angles.

Hi SideshowBob!!!! Long time no see!!! (been busy with my COLLEGE daughter this year!) I LOVE that I can see the Dolphin from all the parks!!!!!

I like that, I always know which way to go to get 'home'.

I'm with you, Dan!

 

[Cfosterlv]

Dolphin Resort Fans do you know the hours for the Alamo Rental Car Desk for the month of December?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Alamo desk

Phone:
(888)826-6893 ext:MAIN
(407)934-4930 ext:LOCAL
Fax:
(407)934-4366

Hours of Operation:
Sun-Sat: 08:00 am 04:00 pm

 

[DoBug]

Hello Swan and Dolphin fans,

We will be at the Swan for the first time in 28 days! I am very excited to stay there. I have a couple questions

I am still a bit confused about the dining options - we will be looking for quick breakfasts but more than just a pastry on most days. And then maybe a nicer, more relaxed breakfast one or two days. Does Picabu cook things like eggs to order? Not sure what the heck a buffeteria is - LOL. Also Fresh looks good but how long does is take to get breakfast there? We will be trying to hit rope drop most days.

For the more relaxed morning we are looking at Garden Grove on a weekday which I believe does not take reservations? I think the restaurant looks cool but is there a better option in walking distance? Would like to make use of our AAA discount too.

Very excited to hit Bluezoo one night and may try some rescheduling to get either Shulas or Il Mulino. May also try the Fountain for a lunch or Kimonos for a late snack.

And most importantly will I get to see Stacey?

thanks

 

[SingingMom]

Hello Swan and Dolphin fans,

We will be at the Swan for the first time in 28 days! I am very excited to stay there. I have a couple questions

I am still a bit confused about the dining options - we will be looking for quick breakfasts but more than just a pastry on most days. And then maybe a nicer, more relaxed breakfast one or two days. Does Picabu cook things like eggs to order? Not sure what the heck a buffeteria is - LOL. Also Fresh looks good but how long does is take to get breakfast there? We will be trying to hit rope drop most days.

For the more relaxed morning we are looking at Garden Grove on a weekday which I believe does not take reservations? I think the restaurant looks cool but is there a better option in walking distance? Would like to make use of our AAA discount too.

Very excited to hit Bluezoo one night and may try some rescheduling to get either Shulas or Il Mulino. May also try the Fountain for a lunch or Kimonos for a late snack.

And most importantly will I get to see Stacey?

thanks

Fresh is very good for breakfast, but we only go on our "relaxed mode" days. lol It's not the place to be, in my opinion, for a quick breakfast when you are looking to be at the rope drop. Those type of days seem to work better with "to go" from Java Bar in the Swan, Lobby Bar in the Dolphin, or Boardwalk Bakery if you are walking to Epcot.

As an Italian restaurant snob I highly recommend Il Mulino. We really enjoyed it. Shulas is very similiar to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. It was good, but I enjoyed Il Mulino much better.

A "buffeteria" is a cafeteria style set up - you walk through with your tray and pick and choose from premade items and freshly made items that you pick from a server on the other side of the glass. Some decent items.

 

[jnfr2424]

and yes will be able to see STACEY!!!!


Have a GREAT time!!

 

[DoBug]

Fresh is very good for breakfast, but we only go on our "relaxed mode" days. lol It's not the place to be, in my opinion, for a quick breakfast when you are looking to be at the rope drop. Those type of days seem to work better with "to go" from Java Bar in the Swan, Lobby Bar in the Dolphin, or Boardwalk Bakery if you are walking to Epcot.

As an Italian restaurant snob I highly recommend Il Mulino. We really enjoyed it. Shulas is very similiar to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. It was good, but I enjoyed Il Mulino much better.

A "buffeteria" is a cafeteria style set up - you walk through with your tray and pick and choose from premade items and freshly made items that you pick from a server on the other side of the glass. Some decent items.

Thank you for your suggestions. I was thinking of checking out Boardwalk bakery - we will have a couple Epcot mornings. Do the Java or Lobby bar have any hot items - like a breakfast sandwich? DS9 (and me too) will do better with a little protein on a full morning of touring. I am pretty sure we'll try Picabu also.

I think Il Mulino looks great. I appreciate a great steak but steak houses, including Shula's, are a dime a dozen here in the midwest, so I'd rather try something else on vacation. Also DS will be much happier with a plate of sphaghetti (wow I think I forgot how to spell) than anything at Shulas

 

[DoBug]

and yes will be able to see STACEY!!!!


Have a GREAT time!!

Thank you - I am sure we will. You must be packing for your next trip as you type - haha!

Well, who can say its not a Disney hotel if Stacey is there!