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

[lizabu]

I'm new to this thread, just looking to see info on the Swan, we might stay there but I don't want to pay the "resort" fee because we wouldn't need to use those services, and I could care less if I get the two bottles of water. Can you "avoid" these fees if you won't use them?

The only thing you can opt out of is the weekday newspaper delivery. It will save you $0.50/day.

Can you charge everything back to your room when you are within the resort (restaurants/shops/spa services/etc)? I know you can't charge tickets and anything from outside of the Swan/Dolphin, but was wondering if there are limitations from within the property. Thanks!

I charged back food in any Swan/Dolphin outlet. I never tried to charge back gift shop purchases but I'd imagine you can.

 

[SRUAlmn]

There will be 8 of us so we will be getting connecting rooms as well

Thanks!

Have you looked into the Stay Connected rate? It gives you additional rooms at a deeply discounted rate. Just call and ask for Stay Connected and they can figure it all out for you. We're using it to add a room to a grand suite

ETA: Along those same lines....have you looked into suites? We were originally going to need 2-3 rooms and were going to use the Stay Connected rate. The grand suite is saving us a LOT and we get a living room and dining room in addition to our 3 sleeping areas and 3 bathrooms

 

[lissiesmum]

Hey Dolphin fans

We're one week away, and I can't wait!!!

My BF and I are thinking of going to Epcot just the two of us one night for a few hours. We were wondering if someone could tell us about Camp Dolphin, specific activities they do, and if your kids enjoyed their time there...I've never left my DD before, and want to make sure it will be fun for her while we have some alone time Also, is it necessary for reservations now, or can we call when we get there?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://www.swandolphin.com/kids/campdolphin.html

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2542979

https://www.google.com/search?sourc...d463be09dc681c&biw=1280&bih=709&pf=p&pdl=3000

 

[lissiesmum]

http://www.swandolphin.com/kids/campdolphin.html

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2542979

https://www.google.com/search?sourc...d463be09dc681c&biw=1280&bih=709&pf=p&pdl=3000

Thanks, Dan! I knew you'd know some good links!

 

[TaraPA]

Can anyone tell me what the average rate is in November? We have stayed here many times last time being this past September (end) and we got a rate of $129 a night! Now I know it won't be that cheap but right now the lowest I am finding is $188 before fees and taxes.

There will be 8 of us so we will be getting connecting rooms as well

Thanks!

It's so hard to determine an "avergae" rate for S/D since they don't use a "season" rate grid like Disney resorts. I've seen rates anywhere from $149-$279 for any date of the year. I think $188 is a good rate & would book it, they're very good about applying a lower rate if you see one.

I also strongly suggest calling & getting rates on a suite. They are HUGE and should be less than 2-3 rooms that you'll need for 8 people.

Can you charge everything back to your room when you are within the resort (restaurants/shops/spa services/etc)? I know you can't charge tickets and anything from outside of the Swan/Dolphin, but was wondering if there are limitations from within the property. Thanks!

Like someone else said, I'm positive I've charged food back to the room, not so sure on gift shops. I think I did charge back to the room in the candy store & the Disney gift shop, but can't be positive.

 

[teacher31]

I'm already booked for May 26 - June 5, but have been checking to see if there is a lower price. The hotel is completely booked for June 3 - June 5. Haven't been there when it's been that crowded before. Anyone experience the hotel when it is completely booked?

 

[TaraPA]

I've been there twice that the hotel was completely booked. It didn't seem crowded at all. Since S/D are primarily convention resorts, most people are in their sessions until dinner time. On one trip the pool area was crowded right after dinner, but in the mornings it was desserted.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Just made a reservation for Fresh breakfast for our June trip. After looking at the menu we are excited for some of the healthier options, and Starbucks coffee!

 

[denvergirl]

I'm already booked for May 26 - June 5, but have been checking to see if there is a lower price. The hotel is completely booked for June 3 - June 5. Haven't been there when it's been that crowded before. Anyone experience the hotel when it is completely booked?

You can call the hotel and ask what conventions are scheduled for that time. If it is booked from a convention the elevators will be super busy in the morning, lunch and 5pm. They may have the pools closed for evening events and the restaurants will be busier. However, most convention people will wait until arrival or just before to book a ressie. Late night hallway noise could be more than usual (depending on the convention). If you're driving, the parking lot could be really full. IMO, full from convention is better than other people on vacation. . .bus/boat lines won't be crazy and after 8am the restaurants & pools will be wide open. Either way, the hotels are huge and spead out so you shouldn't feel too cramped. Have a great trip!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just made a reservation for Fresh breakfast for our June trip. After looking at the menu we are excited for some of the healthier options, and Starbucks coffee!

Fresh is great, you'll have a wonderful meal.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Fresh is great, you'll have a wonderful meal.

Thanks!!! and thanks for the 20% off with AAA tip!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Said it a number of times - FRESH is the best!! Truly excellent choices, awesome waitstaff whom we have gotten to know quite well over the years, and they do offer the AAA discount.

As an aside, we have charged both meals and gift shop in the hotel to our room. Look forward to returning in a few months.

Teacher31 - our trips will overlap - truly hope you have a magical time.

 

[SRUAlmn]

I see on the S&D concierge site where you can make advanced reservations for Shula's, Bluezoo, Il Mulino, and Fresh. I've also seen that you can make reservations for Garden Grove on the Disney site. So what about the other restaurants? Are they walk up only?

Kimonos?
The Fountain?

I have Restaurant.com certificates for Kimonos, so I definitely want to be sure we get in there

Thanks!

 

[lovingthemouse]

I have never been to Kimonos, so I can't answer for that, but have been to the The Fountain( too many times for ice cream), and I have never seen anything about reservations. The Fountains is located just outside FRESH. They have a sit-down area for sandwiches, big booths, tables and high tables with stools, and an awesome ice cream take-out counter to the right of the seating area.

 

[OKW Lover]

We love the Fountain for their burgers and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. Oh, and the onion rings!

For our money, this place is head and shoulders above Beaches and Cream.

 

[NancyIL]

We love the Fountain for their burgers and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. Oh, and the onion rings!

For our money, this place is head and shoulders above Beaches and Cream.

My brother lives an hour from WDW, and he meets me for burgers at Beaches and Cream every time I visit. I've never had a burger at the Fountain, but I had a BLT there that must've had a half-pound of bacon! I agree that the ice cream creations at the Fountain are delish, and I ought to eat there more often to earn more SPG points!

 

[OKW Lover]

My brother lives an hour from WDW, and he meets me for burgers at Beaches and Cream every time I visit. I've never had a burger at the Fountain, but I had a BLT there that must've had a half-pound of bacon! I agree that the ice cream creations at the Fountain are delish, and I ought to eat there more often to earn more SPG points!

We were real fans of the B&C burgers - They were a must-do for our visits. But friends kept saying that we needed to try the Fountain burgers and one day the line at B&C was just too long to wait. Quick walk over to the Fountain and no wait. The burger there was so much better than B&C that we switched our allegiance.

If you're not staying at the Swolphin, how do you earn SPG points at the Fountain? I'm a SPG Gold member but it never occurred to me that I could get points for eating there unless I did a room charge.

 

[Dan Murphy]

We love the Fountain for their burgers and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. Oh, and the onion rings!

For our money, this place is head and shoulders above Beaches and Cream.

I often get a chicken Caesar salad, excellent!!

.....If you're not staying at the Swolphin, how do you earn SPG points at the Fountain? I'm a SPG Gold member but it never occurred to me that I could get points for eating there unless I did a room charge.

I would charge to my SPG AMEX card, along with using my AAA card for 20% discount.

 

[RachelTori]

I would charge to my SPG AMEX card, along with using my AAA card for 20% discount.

Same here! I love my SPG Amex!