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

[TaraPA]

Hi gang! Checking out of The Dolphin in 3 hours, it's been downright freezing here (44 & pouring one evening - fun fun!) but I hear I'm heading home to PA with a lot of snow on the ground. I haven't run into Gail (paras4ri) yet but will be hanging around the hotel this morning. Will update tonight or tomorrow.

 

[SingingMom]

Hi gang! Checking out of The Dolphin in 3 hours, it's been downright freezing here (44 & pouring one evening - fun fun!) but I hear I'm heading home to PA with a lot of snow on the ground. I haven't run into Gail (paras4ri) yet but will be hanging around the hotel this morning. Will update tonight or tomorrow.

Sorry the weather hasn't cooperated for you but I hope you had fun anyway! Looking forward to your update.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

thank you everyone. I have to cancel our May trip and trying to reschedule it for the first week of December.

I'm sorry to hear you wont' be going in May. But at least you get to rebook for later in the year. And for the holidays too!

 

[TaraPA]

We're back from another wonderful stay at S/D. It feels like "home" more & more each time! I'm exhausted but wanted to mention that the Dolphin is not totally refurbished yet - I had thought I read that it was. Our first room was an SPG upgrade to 7023 East Wing with Epcot fireworks view & balcony. Killer views but an old room - and NO Heavenly beds!!! Honestly I would have traded the view for a Heavenly bed! Old peach & teal decor, worn carpets, large clunker TV, old thermostat, worn bathroom, etc. But overall it was just fine.

We had to change rooms halfway through our stay because we had a split rate. I was told originally that we could stay in the same room for the whole stay, but this was not the case. We got the call as we were out the door to the parks one morning that we had to pack up because the room type they upgraded us too was sold out & they needed it by 11am. It's not as easy as it looks to pack up 4 people in a timely manner! We were moved to 6077 East Wing, Boardwalk view with balcony - and it was a refurbed room - with newer decor & best of all Heavenly beds!! It was a great room & right by the East Wing elevators. They called us (in the parks) around 2pm that our room was ready & to come move our own luggage to the new room. DH nicely explained that they had already interrupted our morning & we lost over an hour of park time packing, for an SPG Gold member could they please move the lugagge for us? They said no! I thought this was odd. DH spoke to a manager who finally agreed to take care of it. That was the only glitch of the stay. Everything else was top notch as usual. We had a weather delay flying down, we didn't check in til 1am & they were just as nice then as they are during the day. Believe it or not we weren't the only people checking in at that hour!

So much more to say, but I'm beat & have to get grumpy kids to finish homework & to bed. Hopefully I will upload pics tomorrow & can post some here for everyone.

 

[Needafix]

TaraPA - thanks for the update. WoW - I just can't even believe they wouldn't switch your bags. That seems to go against everything I've always believed in S/D. I'm shocked. Glad that was your only hitch though. I can't believe all the rooms haven't been upgraded though. I thought they started that the last time I was there 5 years ago! I didn't get a heavenly bed then, but I'm soooo looking forward to hopefully getting one in July.

 

[lissiesmum]

hello everyone! Fellow teacher here and just got back from an amazing theme park view stay at the Poly! We visited the Swan/Dolphin on our vacation and I really like the area and I love the idea of a discounted rate for teachers!

Of course, now that this trip ended two days ago, I'm ready to plan for my next vacation! I was wondering if there's a time you have to call to receive your teacher discount? Or do you just mention when you book your resevations that you're a teacher?

Also, I noticed on the first page that you can request certain views. We are spoiled by fireworks every evening and would love a fireworks view room. How likely are you to get this request, and if you don't get your request met, is there an area either on property or at the surrounding Epcot resorts where you can see Illuminations without having to actually go to Epcot? Are the views better from the Swan or Dolphin? Are both resorts fairly the same? Do you prefer one over the other???

Also, what's the best/cheapest way to get to the Swan/Dolphin from the airport?

Thanks for your help, and I look forward to learning more from y'all!

 

[Needafix]

hello everyone! Fellow teacher here and just got back from an amazing theme park view stay at the Poly! We visited the Swan/Dolphin on our vacation and I really like the area and I love the idea of a discounted rate for teachers!

Of course, now that this trip ended two days ago, I'm ready to plan for my next vacation! I was wondering if there's a time you have to call to receive your teacher discount? Or do you just mention when you book your resevations that you're a teacher?

Also, I noticed on the first page that you can request certain views. We are spoiled by fireworks every evening and would love a fireworks view room. How likely are you to get this request, and if you don't get your request met, is there an area either on property or at the surrounding Epcot resorts where you can see Illuminations without having to actually go to Epcot? Are the views better from the Swan or Dolphin? Are both resorts fairly the same? Do you prefer one over the other???

Also, what's the best/cheapest way to get to the Swan/Dolphin from the airport?

Thanks for your help, and I look forward to learning more from y'all!

So many fun questions to answer. I'm jealous about your stay at Poly - that's my favorite resort/view, but for the price, there's no way I can justify it when I can have the Dolphin.

1. You can call any time and ask for the teacher discount. I got mine for my July trip on their website, but you often have a lot more luck if you call them directly. Make sure you call S/D and not Westin. I've been forwarded to Westin several times. If they don't have the rooms/discounts you're looking for, you can often get them if you call back closer to your date. They often block out a bunch of rooms for conventions, then open them up as the date gets closer and they realize they no longer need them. Someone mentioned that they open rooms up on Fridays, so that's the best day to call.

2. I've always gotten the view I've requested and often gotten an even better one. Most times I've booked standard room and every time I've gotten a fabulous view. If you don't get the view you want, there are many beautiful places along the BW where you can view Illuminations. Pretty much any place along the BW you will get a fabulous view of the higher up fireworks.

3. I personally feel the Dolphin views are better because you are often up higher. Swan is a smaller, quieter resort. That's part of the reason I prefer Dolphin. They are both fabulous resorts, but I like the atmosphere, lobby (check out the shooting stars in the first part of the lobby) and views better at Dolphin. Laundry facilities and Picabu's (their quick service) are in Dolphin. No quick serve at Swan. I also really like the Dolphin restaurant next to the pool. That being said, if I couldn't stay at Dolphin, I'd take Swan w/o a moments hesitation.

We are a family of 5, so I've found the cheapest way to get to S/D is FL Tours. They are a sponsor on these boards and cost $124 + trip, roundtrip for a van. It's even cheaper if you have less people and they can take a towncar. I"ve also heard it's pretty cheap to take a taxi both ways.

Did I answer everything? Anything else?

 

[SingingMom]

We are a family of 5, so I've found the cheapest way to get to S/D is FL Tours. They are a sponsor on these boards and cost $124 + trip, roundtrip for a van. It's even cheaper if you have less people and they can take a towncar. I"ve also heard it's pretty cheap to take a taxi both ways.

Did I answer everything? Anything else?

I think Mears might even be cheaper, but I'm not sure. We always take town car... I'm the goof that loves the limo driver holding up my name on the piece of paper.

 

[Needafix]

I think Mears might even be cheaper, but I'm not sure. We always take town car... I'm the goof that loves the limo driver holding up my name on the piece of paper.

Thanks, I'll definitely check Mears out also.

 

[lissiesmum]

Thanks for all the info, needafix! Yes, we were definitely spoiled staying at the Poly, and it's normally something I could never afford. I booked it with the 4/3 deal, and then got some extra money for Christmas and I knew I would never have the opportunity again and so glad I was able to do it at least once...if only the weather had cooperated! We had that gorgeous pool and landscaping, and we only swam once!

We will be traveling on April vacation next year so the S/D pool looks like a great one to enjoy in some nice warm weather! I loved the friendship launches, and the boardwalk seems like such a nice area to walk around at night. My DD wants to try the CR next year, because we're all about the fireworks, so that's why I was hoping to get a room with a view of Illuminations The CR is so expensive, but if I can get another deal like this year, it might be a possibility, but if there are no good offers for 2011, we're going to definitely give the S/D a try!

Now I know the YC/BC has a campfire and movies at night...can you attend these, or is it just for resort guests? And singingmom, I cracked up with your remark about the guy holding up your name....too funny! Could you PM me the name of a good towncar service?

I am also considering possibly renting a car...is it a ten dollar charge to park in addition to a ten dollar resort fee?

 

[SingingMom]

And singingmom, I cracked up with your remark about the guy holding up your name....too funny! Could you PM me the name of a good towncar service?

I am also considering possibly renting a car...is it a ten dollar charge to park in addition to a ten dollar resort fee?

I sent you a message with the service we use...

$10 parking a day is in addition to the $10 resort fee.

 

[Needafix]

Thanks for all the info, needafix! Yes, we were definitely spoiled staying at the Poly, and it's normally something I could never afford. I booked it with the 4/3 deal, and then got some extra money for Christmas and I knew I would never have the opportunity again and so glad I was able to do it at least once...if only the weather had cooperated! We had that gorgeous pool and landscaping, and we only swam once!

We will be traveling on April vacation next year so the S/D pool looks like a great one to enjoy in some nice warm weather! I loved the friendship launches, and the boardwalk seems like such a nice area to walk around at night. My DD wants to try the CR next year, because we're all about the fireworks, so that's why I was hoping to get a room with a view of Illuminations The CR is so expensive, but if I can get another deal like this year, it might be a possibility, but if there are no good offers for 2011, we're going to definitely give the S/D a try!

Now I know the YC/BC has a campfire and movies at night...can you attend these, or is it just for resort guests? And singingmom, I cracked up with your remark about the guy holding up your name....too funny! Could you PM me the name of a good towncar service?

I am also considering possibly renting a car...is it a ten dollar charge to park in addition to a ten dollar resort fee?

I'm fairly certain anyone can go to the campfire/movies at night.

Yeah, I can see why kids want to stay at CR, mine did too, but once we started staying at Dolphin or even any of the Epcot resorts, that's now their fav. spot. I forget how old your kids are, but my kids have more freedoms at BW to roam a bit and stay within my sight. This year they're all teens and getting almost complete freedom to wander Epcot/DHS and BW (maybe more, I'll see when we get there), so they are really psyched to be at Epcot resort.

 

[TaraPA]

Just one note about requesting views....The Dolphin has paid categories for each view - standard, limited, resort & fireworks (might be more, not sure)...when I called to request a view on DH's corporate rate room I was told I could not request a view when paying for a standard room category. To request any type of view I had to pay for that category upgrade. Maybe I just got a grumpy CM that day, but I do see their point. If you want it, pay for it LOL!! If you're a Starwood member you will get an upgrade if one is available. Be forewarned though that the Dolphin is often sold out for conferences -I found that out one year when looking at the dumpsters from my room, no other room was available!

I forgot, I said I'd report back on taxi fees. The sign at the taxi stand at MCO says "Epcot Area Resorts $55, MK Resorts $66" however it was $63 each way to the Dolphin. There are a few tolls so I'm guessing those were'nt included on that sign. I got pixie dust & on the way there -a man offered to share a cab with us because it was almost 1am & a line 20 deep for taxis at MCO. His stop was 2nd & his company was paying for the cab, so he insisted we ride for free. YAY $63 pixie dust for mommy!!

 

[Needafix]

Yeah, I would have figured you'd have to pay extra for the views.

I'm surprised the taxi cost that much - thanks for the info. Way to go getting a free trip.

I can barely get any work done with my trip only about 2 weeks away.

 

[TaraPA]

Yeah, I would have figured you'd have to pay extra for the views.

I'm surprised the taxi cost that much - thanks for the info. Way to go getting a free trip.

I can barely get any work done with my trip only about 2 weeks away.

I can barely get anything done either just being back! Hey you're in the LV area, correct? Im off to work now, Yankee Candle at The Promenade - stop by & say hello sometime - but excited to be picking up my pictures at CVS on the way. I must be nuts, I paid $49 to have them printed overnight. That's where my cab pixie dust went towards LOL!!!!

 

[Needafix]

I can barely get anything done either just being back! Hey you're in the LV area, correct? Im off to work now, Yankee Candle at The Promenade - stop by & say hello sometime - but excited to be picking up my pictures at CVS on the way. I must be nuts, I paid $49 to have them printed overnight. That's where my cab pixie dust went towards LOL!!!!

Too funny, I'll definitely stop in some time since lately I'm there several times/week.

Can't wait to see what I'm like after I get back. The high from being there in March and the high from going back in July. I still can't believe I'm able to get 2 trips in, when it's been 5 years since my last visit!!!

I'd spend $49 in a heartbeat for the pics. I'm still willing to spend $124 to take the van to get us there a couple minutes earlier and have an extra hour at the end of the stay. I've already bought two books and subscribed to Mikes touring guide - as if I couldn't figure my way around without them?!?!?

 

[paras4ri]

Hi gang! Checking out of The Dolphin in 3 hours, it's been downright freezing here (44 & pouring one evening - fun fun!) but I hear I'm heading home to PA with a lot of snow on the ground. I haven't run into Gail (paras4ri) yet but will be hanging around the hotel this morning. Will update tonight or tomorrow.

We had another wonderful stay at the Dolphin and am sorry we never crossed paths with Tara and her family. It was definately cold, especially at night, so we really didn't get to enjoy our balcony as much as we usually do. We also didn't get to use the pools and the Cabana Bar was closed. We were in the far west wong and we could see the Swan and the Boardwalk from our room. I hope to have pictures posted by the weekend. Our room was renovated so we had the flat screen tv and that definately added space on the dresser. We needed a rollaway since we flew this trip and couldn't bring our usual air mattress - it fit nicely between the sliding door and the dresser and we still had lots of room to walk around. Housekeeping was great.....drinks at the lobby were great...the front desk was great helping us find safety pins as my family ran in the 5K and needed to pin on their race numbers. We really enjoyed our stay and can't wait to plan another visit.

 

[SingingMom]

.....drinks at the lobby were great....

But, GAIL! The most important question.....
Did you have an ESPRESSO MARTINI in the LOBBY BAR?!

 

[Julylady]

Hi All:

I just booked a week stay at the Swan yesterday for October/Food and Wine festival. We have annual passes and thought we would wait for an AP discount, but saw a great AAA rate on line yesterday and just decided to book it. Last year was the first time we went to the F/W festival and by the time we booked, all the Boardwalk area resorts were filled to capacity. We are very excited about staying on the Boardwalk!

Some questions:

1. Has anybody ever stayed using the AAA Free Breakfast code? Does that include the breakfast buffet or just a voucher for $10 off your meal? Any details?

2. Are all the rooms at the Swan recently renovated? Any areas to avoid?

3. I see that the laundry facilities are located at the Dolphin. Does the Swan have laundry service? Is it affordable? I think we are going to try to use carry ons only to avoid airline luggage fees.

4. For the past several trips, we have used Magical Express. I understand our options for transportation are Mears, private hire car, or taxi. Any pros or cons for one way over another?

5. Can you do online check in prior to arrival? If yes, does that hurt your chances for an upgrade? (I am a preferred guest member).

Anything else I need to know?

Donna

 

[SingingMom]

4. For the past several trips, we have used Magical Express. I understand our options for transportation are Mears, private hire car, or taxi. Any pros or cons for one way over another?

Private hired car (town car, limo) means the ride is only for your party, so you have no extra stops like with Mears. It also means you can usually schedule a "grocery stop" if you'd like.

(...AND the driver is waiting for you, holding your name on the card... silly inside joke ... for some reason that just thrills me. it means VACATION HAS BEGUN! ...)