The *NEW* SWAN & DOLPHIN RESORT Thread ~ April 2009 ~ Please read Post #1!

[mamagoose]

I was trying to find out the same thing (about the size of the mini-fridge). I found out that, for a one-time $20 fee, the Dolphin will clear out the mini-bar so it can be used as a mini-fridge during the guest's stay.

Someone on here posted last week that the Dolphin is replacing the minibar with fridges in June. Anyone else know anything about this?

 

[SingingMom]

I was trying to find out the same thing (about the size of the mini-fridge). I found out that, for a one-time $20 fee, the Dolphin will clear out the mini-bar so it can be used as a mini-fridge during the guest's stay. Is it big enough to hold a half-gallon (or better yet, a gallon) of milk, a quart of OJ, a couple of packages of sliced turkey meat (for sandwiches), some veggies (like a tomato and cucumber and a bag of lettuce) and some muffins and pastries?

On a related note, I understand there is some sort of mini-mart or store at Picabu downstairs. Do they sell gallons (or half gallons of milk), OJ, turkey meat, etc.? If so, it is much more expensive than ordering through gardengrocer.com?

From previous posters, I get the impression the mini bar is not cold enough to store milk, cold cuts, etc. Picabu sells milk, but I don't remember seeing anything larger than a quart.

 

[catsrule]

Pics of Dolphin studio room...we stayed here from May 16 - 25.

 

[FINFAN]

MariJo, that room is AWESOME! Did you book it or was it a huge *SCORE* upgrade? what wing, and how was your view? Man, with 2 teens , that is the size room we need for sleeping arangements. Bet you had an awesome time! Thanks for posting, maybe out this on the resorts picture thread too, folks will love to see it!

 

[catsrule]

MariJo, that room is AWESOME! Did you book it or was it a huge *SCORE* upgrade? what wing, and how was your view? Man, with 2 teens , that is the size room we need for sleeping arangements. Bet you had an awesome time! Thanks for posting, maybe out this on the resorts picture thread too, folks will love to see it!

We had a view of the TOT, it was great. If you click onto the link in my signature, there are more pics there, not labeled though as I am too lazy to do that. I have more pics, those are just some of them I got up. I asked about it and they gave it to me as a huge upgrade, it was great. It rained all week and is raining again, more rain on this trip than all the other previous 20 something trips combined. Still had a good time, just didn't get to hit TL or BB as much as I wanted to, only went once to TL.
Coming home on Memorial day.

 

[chell]

I have no personal experience with that, Diane, but have read here multiple times that they will do that for you.

Nancy, Pam, Mom, thanks for good wishes.

Nancy, nothing planned firm as of now, but hoping for a Dec trip.

What dates are you looking at in December Dan? We will be there the Dec. 12 - 19. I'm SUPER excited because this is the first trip with my nephews. Sadly they've been a few times without me, but finally I get to go with them. If you are there when we are I hope we can meet up again! I'd love for you to meet Larry!

 

[chell]

Someone on here posted last week that the Dolphin is replacing the minibar with fridges in June. Anyone else know anything about this?

SSB knows what he's talking about. I'm sure he'll let us know if he hears of any updates or delays.

 

[alliecats]

We last went to WDW in 2004...and stayed onsite for the first time at the Swan. Now I can't imagine staying anywhere else. Does Swan ever offer a discount other than the ESUM EFALL ones at the beginning of this thread? Rack rate is way too pricey but we don't qualify for teacher/army; etc discounts.

Any input welcome. I would just so love to stay here again--to my mind it was perfect!!

 

[chell]

We last went to WDW in 2004...and stayed onsite for the first time at the Swan. Now I can't imagine staying anywhere else. Does Swan ever offer a discount other than the ESUM EFALL ones at the beginning of this thread? Rack rate is way too pricey but we don't qualify for teacher/army; etc discounts.

Any input welcome. I would just so love to stay here again--to my mind it was perfect!!

One way to receive some discounts is to sign up for the Monthly Recipe Club. Right now they offer 50% off rack rate. Now I don't know what kind of a deal that is, but it might be worth checking into.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I was trying to find out the same thing (about the size of the mini-fridge). I found out that, for a one-time $20 fee, the Dolphin will clear out the mini-bar so it can be used as a mini-fridge during the guest's stay. Is it big enough to hold a half-gallon (or better yet, a gallon) of milk, a quart of OJ, a couple of packages of sliced turkey meat (for sandwiches), some veggies (like a tomato and cucumber and a bag of lettuce) and some muffins and pastries?

On a related note, I understand there is some sort of mini-mart or store at Picabu downstairs. Do they sell gallons (or half gallons of milk), OJ, turkey meat, etc.? If so, it is much more expensive than ordering through gardengrocer.com?

Any time I have had the mini-bar (before the mini-fridge), I just called housekeeping and told them I was emptying all or part of it and that all the contents would be replaced before my departure....never a charge. I also left a note by the items stating the same.

The mini-fridge is decent size, I think it would be big enough to hold a few quarts of milk/OJ, I would shy away from half gallons, and certainly gallons. I do not know the prices, I did not order anything. I just put my own items in there, pop, a package of bagels, water.

Pics of Dolphin studio room...we stayed here from May 16 - 25......

Looks great MJ, nice to see you again. Hope you and Perry are enjoying yourselves, I know you always do.

What dates are you looking at in December Dan? We will be there the Dec. 12 - 19. I'm SUPER excited because this is the first trip with my nephews. Sadly they've been a few times without me, but finally I get to go with them. If you are there when we are I hope we can meet up again! I'd love for you to meet Larry!

Hi Michelle. I don't have any dates as of yet, but thinking probably earlier than that , if I make it. It would be great to see you again, and meet Larry too. We'll see as the months go by.

 

[FINFAN]

We last went to WDW in 2004...and stayed onsite for the first time at the Swan. Now I can't imagine staying anywhere else. Does Swan ever offer a discount other than the ESUM EFALL ones at the beginning of this thread? Rack rate is way too pricey but we don't qualify for teacher/army; etc discounts.

Any input welcome. I would just so love to stay here again--to my mind it was perfect!!

You can try the Entertainment book, ALLEARS code (allears.net), AAA, and keep an eye on Expedia and Travelzoo. If you happen to be there for your birthday(or someone in your party) you can book a minimum 3 night stay and get the birthday night free, yes, the recipe club...what dates are you looking for? Join SPG (Starwood Preffered and you get an automatic 1 class upgrade if available SPG.com)
So happy to hear you like it so much, and the location on TOP of the resort!


Pam

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just found this link, some good information in it. Some certainly duplicated in this thread for sure, but maybe some new stuff too. When Mom returns, maybe can be added to OP.


http://www.diz-abled.com/Disney-Resources/Articles/Swan-Dolphin-Resorts.htm

 

[FINFAN]

WOW MaryJo, what a SWEEEEEET upgrade! Imagine that, with all the rain you maybe got to spend more time enjoying the suite! Sorry your water park plans didn't pan out, but hoepfully for your next trip. Have a safe return and thanks for taking the time to post during your trip.


Pam

 

[FINFAN]

Hey Dan! I hope if the timingis right you can get to the World in December.....we are hoping to be there 12/17-12/27...booked the Dolphin and also got a code for FD at CSR....so having a tough time deciding. We love the Dolphin and the location and DS is for sure an "interior hallway" kinda guy, but DD is a "Free Dinng Plan" kinda girl, I am a "best deal I can get for the best of it all" kinda mom...lol....DH, he decides when we can go.
Sure wish we were able to look at earlier December, darn school always getting in the way, plus, DH's schedule this time!
Hope the situation for Vince and his wife is improving little by little, and the babies on the way! How are you feeling? NO more ER trips right?

 

[catsrule]

Hi Dan.

Thanks, Pam.

 

[TaraPA]

Just got a promo email directly from The Swan....great offer if you need these dates!

Rooms at the Swan
starting at $119* on the following dates:

June 5 - 22, 2009
July 5 - 25, 2009
August 7 - 14, 2009
August 19 - September 9, 2009
September 17 - 22, 2009

Upgrades may be available for an additional fee:
Resort View - add $35
Resort View Balcony - add $65
Pool View w/ Balcony - add $75
Boardwalk View w/Balcony - add $75


Call today & use promo WOW119. Must be booked by June 3rd.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hey Dan! I hope if the timingis right you can get to the World in December.....we are hoping to be there 12/17-12/27...booked the Dolphin and also got a code for FD at CSR....so having a tough time deciding. We love the Dolphin and the location and DS is for sure an "interior hallway" kinda guy, but DD is a "Free Dinng Plan" kinda girl, I am a "best deal I can get for the best of it all" kinda mom...lol....DH, he decides when we can go.
Sure wish we were able to look at earlier December, darn school always getting in the way, plus, DH's schedule this time!
Hope the situation for Vince and his wife is improving little by little, and the babies on the way! How are you feeling? NO more ER trips right?

Thanks for your thoughts, Pam.

I am feeling a lot better, no more heart episodes nor ER trips.

 

[ashleyrm]

Just got a promo email directly from The Swan....great offer if you need these dates!

Rooms at the Swan
starting at $119* on the following dates:

June 5 - 22, 2009
July 5 - 25, 2009
August 7 - 14, 2009
August 19 - September 9, 2009
September 17 - 22, 2009

Upgrades may be available for an additional fee:
Resort View - add $35
Resort View Balcony - add $65
Pool View w/ Balcony - add $75
Boardwalk View w/Balcony - add $75


Call today & use promo WOW119. Must be booked by June 3rd.

I got the offer as well. Have never stayed at the Swan, but may consider it for that price...

 

[Braque]

The Swan at $119 is a great rate We were able to modify our reservation from the Teacher's rate of $149 and save $240! Yea!
Great surprise for Memorial Day!

Every little upgrade to the room was listed as additional money tho', probably impossible to score a complimentary room upgrade at check-in - but you never know!

 

[Steven41782]

We're moving over to the Swan Happy Memorial Day! We just saved 200$$$$ !!!!