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

[debdreamsofdis]

Hi Dan
Teacher rate for the Dolphin premium studio is $249 for our dates in October. Considering we were looking at Boardwalk rack rate for $390, that's not too bad!

What is the room occupancy for a premium studio and are these rooms considered Conierge level? Thanks!

 

[Ello Poppet]

Hi thanks in advance. Where do you feel that you get the best rate at the Swan and Dolphin?

 

[Dan Murphy]

What is the room occupancy for a premium studio and are these rooms considered Conierge level? Thanks!

Do not know the occupancy question, but the concierge, or club, as S/D called it, is no longer available. They eliminated it, maybe 4 or so years ago.

 

[Needafix]

Hi thanks in advance. Where do you feel that you get the best rate at the Swan and Dolphin?

Although I think it's just a matter of availability and once again calling them directly, I seem to find the cheaper rooms at the Dolphin. Maybe because the Dolphin has double beds as opposed the the Queen beds at Swan? I've never noticed a difference in bed size (many say the difference is miniscule and not the same as standard double beds), maybe it's because Dolphin has soooo many more rooms. Maybe it's all in my head because I prefer the Dolphin so I don't often check prices at Swan.

Tinkerbellie16 - - congrats! I woke up this morning realizing I'm teetering on the verge of single digits - 13 days for me!

 

[jeanylaser]

does anyone stayed in the Dolphin or swan before?

 

[Needafix]

does anyone stayed in the Dolphin or swan before?

Most people on this thread have stayed there several times? Why? Do you have questions? If so, this is definitely the place to be. Most questions about S/D can be answered by reading the first two postings on this thread.

 

[Dan Murphy]

does anyone stayed in the Dolphin or swan before?

Many, or most, on this thread, have stayed at S/D before.

Here are several of your questions from the previous S/D thread....

http://www.disboards.com/search.php?searchid=8777878

Most of those answering those questions are still here on this current thread.


Good to see you again, Jeany.

 

[polyforme]

Hi everyone!!!
We have been many times to Disney but this will be our 1st stay at the Dolphin. Just a couple of questions if you don't mind. We booked a premium studio from Dec. 25th-31st at $249/night. I thought that was good considering the time we are going but what do all of you think? Is it typical of them to raise their rates at Christmas time?
They said the only view those rooms offer is a resort view. Does that mean looking at the Swan or possibly the Boardwalk? Any suggestions on location of room. We have 3 children so i would like something with easy access to amenities but a view would be nice too.
I know Disney will be packed at Christmas but is the S/D usually really crowded as well?
Is the weather at that time just hit or miss if it will be nice enough to go swimming?
Sorry- I guess I got carried away with the questions but am very excited to go and can't wait to do more planning.
Thanks-Kathy

 

[Needafix]

Hi everyone!!!
We have been many times to Disney but this will be our 1st stay at the Dolphin. Just a couple of questions if you don't mind. We booked a premium studio from Dec. 25th-31st at $249/night. I thought that was good considering the time we are going but what do all of you think? Is it typical of them to raise their rates at Christmas time?
They said the only view those rooms offer is a resort view. Does that mean looking at the Swan or possibly the Boardwalk? Any suggestions on location of room. We have 3 children so i would like something with easy access to amenities but a view would be nice too.
I know Disney will be packed at Christmas but is the S/D usually really crowded as well?
Is the weather at that time just hit or miss if it will be nice enough to go swimming?
Sorry- I guess I got carried away with the questions but am very excited to go and can't wait to do more planning.
Thanks-Kathy

That isn't getting carried away, but even if it was, I wouldn't blame you at all. I always get carried away with anything Disney and Dolphin. Personally, I think that's an amazing rate, especially that time of year. That's the same rate I was offered for our standard room with resort view in March and that's with the teachers discount. We turned it down b/c there are 5 of us and I got the same rate at BC with a daybed. I don't know how you'd be able to get anything close to that at any other resort, even if it wasn't Christmas break. I'd be super psyched if I were you. You'll love the Dolphin. It's my second favorite resort at Disney, only after Poly.

I've always had fabulous views when I had resort views. I believe it could be either - Swan or BW, but I always got BW. As far as getting around, I think the Dolphin is very easy because it's more vertical than horizontal and everything's in one building instead of huge sprawling piece of property with buildings scattered.

I would expect everything to be crowded that time of year, including Dolphin. I've never been during Christmas break, but would love to and I'm always looking at posts about Christmas week. Of course it could be hit or miss, but it seems they often have good weather that time of year and it gets progressively worse toward end of Jan, early Feb. Many, many people say it's plenty warm to swim during Christmas break, but I'm sure you'll hear from others who have more experience.

Congrats and have a great time planning!

 

[Poly-Anna]

We actually just booked the premium suite for Easter weekend and got it for $259 with the teacher's rate (we had originally had an executive suite for $309 booked, but there's only going to be 3 of us instead of more so we didn't need the extra space). I've stayed at the Swan before and loved it so I'm really looking forward to the Dolphin. Plus the rate at the YC/BC was double the Dolphin's for just a standard GV room ($495 per night), so the rate we got can't be beat!

I've been to WDW in early December and it can still be warm enough mid-day to use the pools. It can get chilly at night though and pants and sweatshirts are a must. My sister was there this past Christmas til just after New Year's and the parks were doable even though they were busy. She was at MK on New Year's Day and because it was colder than usual the crowds were non-existent. Have a great time!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Polyforme~ Yes, Christmas break weather can be hit or miss. I went 12/26 through 1/1 about 10 years ago. The weather was really cold! I remember wishing I had my winter coat and gloves. I resorted to layering sweatshirts. It finally "warmed" up New Year's Eve Day to a "balmy" 60 degrees.

So, you just never know what you can get. Keep checking the 5 day forecast as you get close to your departure.

With that said, time in Disney is better than time at home in winter no matter what the temps are.

 

[FINFAN]

Hi everyone!!!
We have been many times to Disney but this will be our 1st stay at the Dolphin. Just a couple of questions if you don't mind. We booked a premium studio from Dec. 25th-31st at $249/night. I thought that was good considering the time we are going but what do all of you think? Is it typical of them to raise their rates at Christmas time?
They said the only view those rooms offer is a resort view. Does that mean looking at the Swan or possibly the Boardwalk? Any suggestions on location of room. We have 3 children so i would like something with easy access to amenities but a view would be nice too.
I know Disney will be packed at Christmas but is the S/D usually really crowded as well?
Is the weather at that time just hit or miss if it will be nice enough to go swimming?
Sorry- I guess I got carried away with the questions but am very excited to go and can't wait to do more planning.
Thanks-Kathy

GREAT rate....to be at the Dolphin during Christmas week ia a wise, WISE decision! NYE crowds are massive and you will have the advantage of walking back to your room, the awesome suite you booked you can enjoy 2 parks that way so easily! The Dolphin is top notch, but the location of the property is the icing on the cake. The weather will be hit or miss, so just pack accordingly. Your kids are going to really like to Grotto pool if it is warm enough and the S/D always has Holiday activities for the kids, scavenger hunts for candy canes around the pool, cookie decorating, those are some examples. Not sure since it is technically after Christmas what all will still be going on, but I am sure fun stuff. Picabu is open 24/7 so even tho the parks have very late nights , you can grab something to eat when you get back if you are hungry. We are booked for this June at the Dolphin, I sure wish our budget allowed the suite, would love to try it...we are a family of 4, but have 2 teens so more space and 3 beds is always appreciated. For now we have regular room and a roll-a-way...kids have to take turns on who misses out on the heavenly bed 'cause I'M sure not giving it up!

 

[dolphins-54]

I've read through the past 20 or so pages and haven't found the answer to this, so I wanted to ask if a college teacher qualifies for this rate? My in laws are thinking of joining us for our trip and my father in law is a college teacher. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Mouseteacher]

I believe it does qualify. However, to be sure call the S/D to confirm.

 

[polyforme]

That isn't getting carried away, but even if it was, I wouldn't blame you at all. I always get carried away with anything Disney and Dolphin. Personally, I think that's an amazing rate, especially that time of year. That's the same rate I was offered for our standard room with resort view in March and that's with the teachers discount. We turned it down b/c there are 5 of us and I got the same rate at BC with a daybed. I don't know how you'd be able to get anything close to that at any other resort, even if it wasn't Christmas break. I'd be super psyched if I were you. You'll love the Dolphin. It's my second favorite resort at Disney, only after Poly.

I've always had fabulous views when I had resort views. I believe it could be either - Swan or BW, but I always got BW. As far as getting around, I think the Dolphin is very easy because it's more vertical than horizontal and everything's in one building instead of huge sprawling piece of property with buildings scattered.

I would expect everything to be crowded that time of year, including Dolphin. I've never been during Christmas break, but would love to and I'm always looking at posts about Christmas week. Of course it could be hit or miss, but it seems they often have good weather that time of year and it gets progressively worse toward end of Jan, early Feb. Many, many people say it's plenty warm to swim during Christmas break, but I'm sure you'll hear from others who have more experience.

Congrats and have a great time planning!

Thanks for answering all of my questions!!! I really appreciate it! I am glad to know I got a good deal.

 

[polyforme]

We actually just booked the premium suite for Easter weekend and got it for $259 with the teacher's rate (we had originally had an executive suite for $309 booked, but there's only going to be 3 of us instead of more so we didn't need the extra space). I've stayed at the Swan before and loved it so I'm really looking forward to the Dolphin. Plus the rate at the YC/BC was double the Dolphin's for just a standard GV room ($495 per night), so the rate we got can't be beat!

I've been to WDW in early December and it can still be warm enough mid-day to use the pools. It can get chilly at night though and pants and sweatshirts are a must. My sister was there this past Christmas til just after New Year's and the parks were doable even though they were busy. She was at MK on New Year's Day and because it was colder than usual the crowds were non-existent. Have a great time!

Sounds like you'll have lots of fun!! Is the premium suite the studio suite? Have a great time and thanks for responding.

 

[polyforme]

Polyforme~ Yes, Christmas break weather can be hit or miss. I went 12/26 through 1/1 about 10 years ago. The weather was really cold! I remember wishing I had my winter coat and gloves. I resorted to layering sweatshirts. It finally "warmed" up New Year's Eve Day to a "balmy" 60 degrees.

So, you just never know what you can get. Keep checking the 5 day forecast as you get close to your departure.

With that said, time in Disney is better than time at home in winter no matter what the temps are.

Thanks so much-I will make sure I bring some coats etc.. and your right, it could be freezing and we would still have a blast!!

 

[polyforme]

GREAT rate....to be at the Dolphin during Christmas week ia a wise, WISE decision! NYE crowds are massive and you will have the advantage of walking back to your room, the awesome suite you booked you can enjoy 2 parks that way so easily! The Dolphin is top notch, but the location of the property is the icing on the cake. The weather will be hit or miss, so just pack accordingly. Your kids are going to really like to Grotto pool if it is warm enough and the S/D always has Holiday activities for the kids, scavenger hunts for candy canes around the pool, cookie decorating, those are some examples. Not sure since it is technically after Christmas what all will still be going on, but I am sure fun stuff. Picabu is open 24/7 so even tho the parks have very late nights , you can grab something to eat when you get back if you are hungry. We are booked for this June at the Dolphin, I sure wish our budget allowed the suite, would love to try it...we are a family of 4, but have 2 teens so more space and 3 beds is always appreciated. For now we have regular room and a roll-a-way...kids have to take turns on who misses out on the heavenly bed 'cause I'M sure not giving it up!

Thanks FINFAN!!! It sounds like the Dolphin is lots of fun. I know it is easy to get to mgm and epcot and you have to take a bus to AK but would you walk through epcot to the monorail to go to MK to avoid the buses. We don't mind long walks and will have the hopper pass but does that seem logical to you?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have always taken the bus to MK. It is a very long walk from the S/D to the Epcot monorail and then you would also have to change monorails at the TTA. Bus is so much easier, and quicker.

 

[TaraPA]

I have to agree with Dan Murphy. While it certainly is do-able, and I've done it, it takes SO much more time to walk to Epcot, walk through Epcot, hop on the monorail, change monorails, walk from monorail to MK & then in to MK. It took us roughly an hour last time we did this. The bus from Dolphin to MK goes straight to MK - no other stops - you will be door-to-door in less than 15 minutes. Last week we didn't wait more than 5 min. for a bus to MK or AK from The Dolphin.

We usually only do this if we have one last attraction or food stop to make in Epcot on our way to MK. But if you're absolutely opposed to taking the bus, then it's an alternative to that.